Lighting
Use damp-rated fixtures outdoors. Recessed lighting fixtures in eaves or verandas also need damp-location ratings. Any outdoor lighting that will be exposed to rain, water spray or snow requires a wet-location rating to prevent water from damaging the bulb inside the light. Tip: If you are building a new home or doing a major renovation, take your home plans to a reputable lighting retailer and ask for a lighting plan. A detailed plan will make everything clear for your electrician and save you money in the long run. These lights seem about 2m apart
Create a focal point. Illuminating artwork with gimbal lights can create a focal point in a room. Gimbal fixtures rotate, revolve and swivel, so you can focus the light exactly where you want it. Tip: Gimbal lights are also perfect for task lighting. When installing a gimbal light above a reading spot, sit in the chair while the electrician positions the light to make sure your head and shoulders don't block the light.
Mix up your lighting in the bathroom. Getting the lighting in bathrooms working effectively can be tricky. Usually a mix of several types of lighting will give the best result. Recessed lighting works well when illuminating the vanity area. Try using at least two gimbal downlights, fitted close to the mirror. Space them so that the light output from one overlaps the other's. Tip: Lights exposed to moisture need to be rated accordingly. Make sure you're using bulbs that are damp rated.
Space your fixtures evenly. You now know your wattage and the number of can lights your room needs, but spacing them evenly is just as important. Measure at least 2 feet off all your walls onto the ceiling to start. Aim to divide your can lights around the room evenly and leave at least 2 feet between each fixture. Of course these are general guidelines, and you may need to do some tweaking depending on the space. Focus on balance and don't worry if you need to remove or add a can light to get it right.
Determine the right number of fixtures. Once you have the total number of watts you'll need, divide it by the wattage of the bulb you'd like to use. This will give you the total number of recessed fixtures you'll need in that space. For example: If your room needs 510 watts of total light, and you want to use 60-watt bulbs (the average wattage of a can lightbulb), eight or nine bulbs should sufficiently light the space. Tip: LED downlights are growing in popularity as an alternative to halogen globes. But the wattage can be confusing on LED bulbs. For example, an LED with a wattage of 5 to 8 is equivalent to a halogen wattage of 40 to 60. Comparison details are typically marked on the packaging.
Find your total wattage. Here's a handy formula to figure out how much light your room needs: Multiply the length of the room by the width to find the total area. Multiply the area by 1.5; this is the total wattage you'll need to light the room. For example: If your room is 17 feet wide and 20 feet long, the total area is 340 square feet. Multiply 340 by 1.5, and you'll get 510, so you'll need 510 watts of total light to efficiently light your room. Tip: When installing downlights in your kitchen, use a mix of wide-angle downlights for ambient lighting and narrow-beam downlights for task lighting over your stove, sink and counters.
Another important aspect of lighting a space for those with diminishing eyesight is visual cuing. Visual cuing provides an additional reference point for judging distance or depth when entering a space or approaching objects. The lighting at the base of these cabinets, or toe-kick lighting, contrasts well with the dark floor and midtone cabinetry, creating a readily visible contrast. But people will just think it's cool.
While increasing light levels is important, it is equally important to minimize glare. Use matte finishes to reduce light flares and glare. Honed countertops are important in reducing reflection and glare
Uplighting illuminates the recessed cove. Natural light pours through the window in the shower. Lighter colors on the walls and flooring help reflect light. Make sure to select a floor tile or material that is nonslip or honed to reduce the chances of slips and falls. The darker vanity and shower seat contrast with the light materials for visual cueing. Wall sconces even out the overall lighting and decrease shadows at the mirror.
Philips Hue Lightbulb Starter Pack - $199.95 » Available in the Apple Store, the Philips Hue LED three-bulb starter pack comes with three bulbs, a base station and an ethernet cable to connect them to the network. These bulbs are controlled using an app available for iOS and Android devices. Once you fire up the app, an auto locate feature finds the bulbs that are plugged in, and you can pair them, much as you might pair a Bluetooth headset to a phone.
Glass globes in a diner, it doesn't get more Fifties than this. Here's an excellent example of adding your own personal touch. Globes often come with a white or black cord; they don't have to stay that way. By winding rope around the existing cord, you can put a whole new textural stamp on the round wonders. The mashup of styles is a great fit for a rustic modern interior.
Q