Lighting ideas/inside

Quart Jars!!!...

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The primary place to hang wall sconces in the bathroom is on either side of the bathroom vanity mirror, providing ideal lighting for the sink area. The American Lighting Association’s general rule is to mount them 65 to 70 inches from the floor, at about eye level. This allows light to fully illuminate your entire face without casting shadows. Ideally, the fixtures should be placed about 28 to 30 inches apart, but achieving this depends on the size of the room and configuration of the design. When installing fixtures above the mirror, the ideal height is about 78 inches.

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Light tubes are on the cheaper end of the spectrum, starting at a few hundred dollars with installation. The more complex and the more energy efficient and high quality the skylight, the more expensive it will be. Fixed and manually operable skylights with installation can cost a couple of thousand dollars each; automated systems can cost up to $5,000 installed

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A motion-activated porch light. You will never fumble in the dark for your keys again.

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Undercabinet lighting. I know this seems like no-brainer, but before I had it I never knew how useful it could be for task lighting and mood lighting. But spring for LEDs. We opted for fluorescent to save money, and we regret it.

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ired of clogging up counters with devices and marring backsplashes with outlets every few feet? Legrand’s undercabinet system puts outlets, speakers and an iPad holder in arm’s reach under upper cabinets. It’s a thoughtful solution to managing technology.

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How about a pop-out outlet with plugs on three sides, in the same space where you would usually get just two? Other receptacles offer USB connections, and all have clean, contemporary lines.

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If you don't like the way the TTDs look from the inside, you can always recess part of the ceiling and then install multiple ones, so that they go fairly unnoticed.

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Light from a skylight can be harsh, creating a spotlight effect and bringing as much heat into the house as light. Skylights also often require structural alterations to roof framing, and structural changes are never cheap. Instead of a skylight, consider a tubular daylighting device, shown here in cross section. Like Kalwall panels, the device fills a room with diffuse natural light. Though a 5,000- to 6,000-Kelvin bulb will supposedly reproduce natural light, there's nothing like the real thing. Even though the new bulbs out there use a lot less power than those Edison bulbs, there's no beating free light

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THIS IS SO CUTE! Task lighting wattage in the powder room. Task lights in powder rooms can have much less wattage (think 45-watt range), as this is not a space where anyone will be performing the morning ritual. Lower wattage provides a softer, relaxing ambience for guests.

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Tip: Putting task lighting on a dimmer will allow your eyes to adjust first thing in the morning; it will also help you wind down at night.

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Tip: Avoid adding a light above the mirror. That includes recessed lighting in the ceiling. “That would throw a strong light onto your forehead and cast deep shadows below your eyes, nose and chin,” Whitehead says. “Not only is this light ineffective for shaving or applying makeup, it can visually age you by 10 years. People should look their best when they look at their reflection.”

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he four types of light needed for the best bathroom atmosphere are task, accent, decorative and sparkle. Task Lighting This is the light by which you can best see yourself. “Proper task lighting at the mirror is important,” says lighting designer

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Think beyond can lights. Part of the ambience of the coffeehouse is soft lighting and unique fixtures. In this kitchen schoolhouse-style ceiling lights, swing-arm sconces and industrial pendant lights all add to the vintage modern style.

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Use dimmers for all your lighting. More important, create zones for your lighting so you can shut down an area that isn't in use. When possible, install lighting for a main seating area on one circuit and perimeter lights on another. When you shut down lighting on the periphery, you reduce the amount of light bouncing off the walls, allowing for maximum comfort and customization. Factor in age and health - as we get older...

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Use dimmers for all your lighting. More important, create zones for your lighting so you can shut down an area that isn't in use. When possible, install lighting for a main seating area on one circuit and perimeter lights on another. When you shut down lighting on the periphery, you reduce the amount of light bouncing off the walls, allowing for maximum comfort and customization. Factor in age and health - as we get older we can become more sensitive to light but also need more light to enable us to see fine details. Reading lamps are essential but tuning into sensitivities will help make the over all room more soothing.

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Add recessed lighting to any room that needs more lighting than is available from natural light sources. If you are budget conscious, consider halogen MR16 bulbs, which rule a large part of the market right now. If you are willing to spend more, try the low-voltage bulbs gaining momentum in residential projects. Use LEDs for a clean, white lighting option. Although the initial cost will be considerably higher, they can deliver lighting through a much smaller fixture and last a very long time.

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i like how the windows are located for the light and the porch roof helps deflect actual sun streaming into the room. Mirrors on opposite walls add additional light.

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lights on walls - on corner shelves - over island - UNDER island!

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lighting

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