One of my writing goals is to simplify the scientific and technical aspects of light into actionable advice, and the Don’t/Do This series is perhaps the most aligned with this purpose. The intent is to provide a simple list of strategies to utilize in a home, space by space, alongside pitfalls to avoid. Sounds easy, right? Working […]
Read More… from DON’T/DO THIS: Primary Bedrooms (Traditional)
Need to choose downlights for your home? I took a stab at simplifying the process (there are literally thousands of possibilities) in my latest Houzz.com article. Check it out by clicking the link below. Choose Downlight Fixtures by Answering These 5 Easy Questions […]
The Electrical Walk Through I’m grumpy this morning, and a little sad. I just saw another beautiful home under construction, and it was too late to save it from bad lighting. So be warned: while I try to keep most of my posts focused on the positive Gift of Light and the five promises that […]
I recently wrote an article for Houzz.com on how to make the outside of your home welcoming at night. It had been awhile since my article on downlights drew so many sharply divided comments, so I had grown complacent and used to the vanilla “great article” responses. Whoops. While many readers appreciated the article and the […]
Straight from the depths of the mind of a lighting designer, here comes another fascinating, edge-of-your-seat, page-turning buying guide for the most exciting of all light fixtures: under-cabinet LED tape light. Oh yeah! Buying LED tape light (those tiny flexible LED strips with adhesive backing) would be easier if it weren’t for the seemingly endless […]
While at a business lunch a few hours ago, I had to look up today’s sunset time so I could arrange to meet the client at the project site after dark to view the new lighting. My weather app told me 8:15. That’s good for tonight, as I won’t have to stay awake as long. […]
Experts tell me I should consider lighting as “the jewelry of the home.” This has always bothered me instinctually, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that I understood why. Jewelry is useless. Wait, wait, I am not advocating that we give up jewelry on our bodies and in our homes. I happen to […]
Let’s take a quick break from the philosophical and answer a very basic question: How do you choose light fixtures? The answer is different from room to room and from person to person, but here are a few tips to guide the process for your dining room. Step 1: Choose a Size Most online chandelier-sizing […]
So now you know- because I am certain you read all of my posts again and again until they are burned in memory- that we need light that helps us adapt to changes in tasks, times, eyes, and moods. Most of the time, I do not add any lights for changing. I add dimmers […]
If you’re looking to review the layers of light and apply them to your living room, my article on Houzz.com (link below) would be a good place to start. In addition to my oh-so-nifty sketch, you’ll find photographic examples of each layer from multiple projects in multiple styles. Enjoy! How to Light Your Living Room […]
My latest story published on Houzz.com (link below) features photos from Houzz’s deep archive of photos and a sketch that simplifies patio lighting into six ideas. Writing the articles is a fun challenge. How do I make lighting design digestible? Any suggestions you have are welcome. 🙂 6 Ideas for Lighting Your Patio […]