When it comes to setting the mood in a home, one of the key elements is lighting. You can have the perfect shade of paint, the best furnishings and all the best home décor. But when it comes down to it, lighting can make all the difference between a cold, harsh environment or a welcoming and soothing home.
If your home doesn't have a lot of windows, try placing mirrors strategically, to reflect the natural light that is available. A collection of mirrors (such as antique) can create a collage effect, with movement and of course, natural light. One large mirror can not only bring in a lot of natural light, but can also help in making a small room appear larger. To avoid a “sterile” look, try draping the frame with a flowered vine or even a fringed shawl. TIP: If you decide to use mirrors to bring in natural light, try NOT to put them directly opposite doorways. Some consider it bad chi which simply means the energy that is meant to be brought in and flowed throughout the area, will be immediately repelled back out.
In addition to mirrors, natural lighting can be reflected by placing reflective items throughout the room. This keeps energy flowing which is great for chi. Silver and chrome are ideal, but other metallic surfaces work well too. Items such as vases, picture frames, and sculptures reflect light and add a bit of glamor as well.
But what happens when the sun goes down? How do you create a homey environment without natural lighting? Artificial lighting of course! And while pretty much everyone has it, how it's used takes a little more planning. I use fluorescent lighting throughout most of my home. This has saved a LOT of money on the power bill but I was faced with the challenge of that harsh “office” feel. To create the warmth of tungsten lighting I changed my lampshades to a warm gold or other color that was complimentary to the room's theme. The glow that is cast is warm and soothing not to mention welcoming.
Lampshades aren't the only way to counter the harsh lighting of florescent lighting. If you have glass overhead globes, replace them with slightly creamy colored ones. There are even florescent bulbs that work with dimmers. For the bathroom, vanity bulbs are available frosted which makes the lighting just perfect for applying makeup. If you're in the market for lighting or anything that has to do with lighting, stop in and say hi to my friends at shoppremier.com. They are the end all and be all of lighting. From fixtures, to bulbs, to accessories, to parts, they have it. Everyone treats you like family and they're all pretty knowledgeable about lighting. If you'd rather shop in person, they have locations in Glendale, Tucson, Phoenix and they just opened a new store in Scottsdale. Stop by, check out their website or call.
Anyway, as usual, Ive included some pics. Hope you like them.
Namaste & God Bless,
Angelica
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