September 2017

Lighting
Décor
Designers advise the use of flowing drapes instead of blinds for window
treatments. The drapes tend to draw attention to vertical space, giving an
illusion of an expanded area. In addition, mirrors can be strategically placed in
small places to make the area seem larger. A common technique is to hang a
large mirror in a central location to create a focal point. To reflect light and add
a nice ambiance, place the mirror behind a light source, such as a candle or
pendant lamp. If possible, position a mirror across from a window so it reflects
a view and provides the illusion of having another window.
Rooms have vertical and horizontal
dimensions, and if a room has high ceilings,
use the extra space to decorate so that one’s
eyes are drawn upward. Floor-to-ceiling
drapes accomplish that goal. Another design
idea is filling a vertical space with small to
midsize artwork to make the room feel larger
than it is.
When it comes to color, neutral colors on
walls, floor, ceiling, and furniture upholstery
work the best. A palette of off-whites or
beiges will “expand” space, while soft hues
tend to illuminate a room by reflecting light.
In addition, a neutral palette provides instant
sophistication.
When furniture shopping, consider visual weight—a perceived heaviness
of an object that’s based on size, color, and design. Pick out pieces that
are lightweight, as heavier ones will seem to constrict a space. Opt for pale
colors over darker ones, and select pieces that have legs, while avoiding
those that are boxy. Glass coffee or end tables will take up less visual space
than wooden ones because they are see through. Any furnishings that don’t
obstruct a view make an area seem more open.
Homeowners get so focused on furnishing and fixtures they sometimes overlook the value of quality lighting, and how important it is
to create a sense of intimacy. Accent lighting, ambient lighting, decorative lighting, and task lighting are viable options.
The most popular are accent lighting and ambient lighting. The former includes recessed, adjustable lights directed to points of
interest, or under-cabinet lighting in a display case to highlight selected objects. The latter may be chandelier ceiling lights, wallmounted
fixtures, or portable lamps. A well-positioned ambient light controls glare and enables the use of energy-efficient solutions
with dimmers or three-way controls. P
Glossary of Terms
Are you confused about the alphabet soup
of letters following your designer’s name?
Here is a quick glossary of terms for the
most common certifications:
AKBD (Associate Kitchen & Bath
Designer) — must have a minimum of two
years experience and at least two years
of formal design education or 30 hours of
professional development from the National
Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) — must
have a minimum of seven years of kitchen
design experience and a minimum of four
years of design education or 60 hours of
NKBA development.
LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design, Accredited
Professional) —This is an internationally
recognized building certification system that
was founded by the U.S. Green Building
Council (USBGC) in 1993. Accredited
professional (AP) and Green Associate
LEED-accredited projects and earning
continuing education hours through the
USGBC.
CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist)
— Certification is earned through the National
Association of Home Builders, and these
specialists are well versed in universal design
principles and how to implement those in
the residential environment. The curriculum
teaches technical, business management,
customer service, and critical skills to help
(GA) certification is earned by working on modify homes for the aging-in-place.
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