Let there be light...

Lighting is an important tool in your design collection. The way you incorporate lighting into your home affects the perception of any room. Lighting is also versatile. Using several strategies at once in a room allows you to turn any of them off, changing the look and feel with the flick of a switch. I think most people over look lighting when decorating their home, so here's a little Lighting 101 to get you in the know.

There are many types of lighting:
Ambient lighting (a hidden light source that washes the room with a glow). This creates very few shadows and tends to flatten a room. Japanese paper lanterns and wall sconces both produce ambient lighting. For temporary ambient effects, use a dimmer with your ordinary lighting. I'm a HUGE fan of the dimmer switch. We just put recessed lighting in my family room on a dimmer switch....LOVE IT! My kitchen and dining room are on a dimmer too. You won't regret it and it's easy to install yourself.

Accent lighting (provides interest to a room). This method of lighting interior design highlights and object or architectural feature. It makes a room POP.
Task lighting (highlights an area for daily activities such as reading, cooking, and sewing). The most boring in the lighting family...but vital I must say.

And last but not least....drum roll please.....the lighting we North westerners covet most.....Natural lighting (good ol' fashion sunshine) What else can I say?

Take a look at these beauties....
So adorably unique (okay it's from PB, so "unique" might be pushing it)
This is cute for the bathroom.
I want this for my dining room