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How to Decorate With Lighting

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It is not only cinematographers and lighting designers that can use lighting to enhance a room. You too can enhance your environment by using the same tricks that these professionals do to make a room look more dramatic, cozy or romantic.

If you are after a dramatic look then the key is to choose lamps that have light bulbs with a high strong beam and that can be directly focused to highlight only certain objects. Drama is created using light through contrasts so the idea is to not have too much ambient or “stray” light.

The best type of lighting to create dramatic effects is created with halogen bulbs. You can find all kinds of styles of halogen lighting online or in stores but the most versatile style will resemble an octopus with bulbs at the end of the arm. Usually these are made of bendable metal so you can angle three or more of the light sources wherever you want in the room. To create a dramatic effect, try aiming these bulbs so that they specifically highlight a display of flowers in a vase, a valued piece of freestanding art or a favorite photograph on the wall.

Another example of a very dramatic lamp is the style from the seventies that features a long wire arm that extends like a fishing pole with a globe shaped glass lampshade on the end. This is the ultimate in seventies retro right now and very much in fashion if you want to make a strong statement.

To create a cozier look you want to choose lighting that is smaller and that has large shades crouched over the bulb. This means choosing a more traditional lamp with a stem and that has a glass or paper shade.

Choosing lamps that have yellow or cream shades also helps add to create this cozy effect. Another good choice is a lamp with a Tiffany shade, which has colored panes of glass that spread a soft warm glow.

Japanese rice paper shades can create the effect that the “lights are turned down low.” The odd glowing shapes that this style of lamp, most commonly available at IKEA and Japanese shops also have a sensual flair.

You can also buy lamps that have bulbs shaped like candlesticks that are on dimmers and that can be adjusted to the quality of light that best suits you. Lamp shades that cast a pink or rose light are said to be the most flattering to aging humans. Another rule of thumb is that the broader or more conical the lamp shade shape is the softer and dimmer the light shed from it is said to be.

How to Decorate A Screen Porch

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All too often the screened porch is wasted because it is not set up as a pleasant living space. Instead it is used as a storage space that is crammed with junk.

If used correctly it can be treated like an extension of your living room. It can be a great place to entertain your guests. It can also be a stylish retreat just for you.

Your first step is to clear all clutter from the porch. Keep bikes, coats, gardening stuff and anything else in there somewhere else.

Then you need to look at the floor. Wood flooring is rustic and creates a look of timeless elegance. If real wood, like pine is too expensive then you might want to consider using laminate flooring. It is less expensive than wood and the installation process is simple.

If you want a floor that is easy to upkeep then try ceramic tile flooring on your porch. If the floor seems too cold you can also had a throw rug.

The porch furniture that you choose should depend on the ambiance you want to create. If you want a casual and relaxed look choose contemporary wicker and soft furniture with low side tables. If you plan to have meals out on the screened porch be sure to also include a glass covered or simple wood table. If the porch is small you can always bring in a folding table when needed.

If you want a more exotic effect add printed cushion covers or gaily printed fabrics. You could also add vases of flower, candles and a tinkling fountain.

You can also put a hammock or hanging swing on a porch. These swings are beautiful and come in many colors. They make your porch more attractive to relax in.

The lighting should also be relaxing. Wrought iron light fixtures create a beautiful rustic effect. Stained glass creates a soft diffused and colorful light.

Don’t forget to hang some art on your porch to make it look well decorated. Bronze or copper metal art looks right as do watercolors in summery colors like turquoise or orange.

Front porches are sunny, airy and usually warm. They are perfect for growing plants. If it receives sunlight for two to three hours consider creating a container garden.

Plants like roses, azaleas, paper whites, amaryllis and cyclamens grow well indoors.

You can also grow creeping varieties of plants like wisterias, periwinkle, bougainvillea, morning glory and climbing rose. The fragrance will make your porch an amazing place to be.