Image via: Fresh Idea Home

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Spring Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid

Using Dark Hues

Image via: Homedit

Spring is the season of color and brightness. One sure way to drive buyers away is by using dark colors. Choose nice pastels which are warm and inviting and avoid dark shades which shrink rooms. You’ll be amazed at what a new coat of paint can do to your home.

Using Too Much Furniture

The furniture you put in a room needs to fit the space. Don’t use a lot of furniture in a tiny living room, prospective buyers won’t have space to move around and will think you are limited for space. Keep in mind that the key purpose of furniture is to define rooms. Make sure that the furniture in your rooms does not block the flow of traffic.

Image via: Interior Ideas

Not Making Use of Natural Light

Buyers love natural light. Don’t block the path of light with heavy draperies or dark window treatments, use sheers or leave windows open if you can. If your home’s exterior is attractive, make the most of it. Open windows during the day and use large mirrors in rooms to accentuate the views.

Image via: Digsdigs

Decorating with Unbeleivable Artificial Flowers

Home sellers are divided into two categories: those that love fresh flowers and those that love artificial flowers. While fake flowers offer convenience and undying beauty, they can be a major turnoff for buyers. In spring, many flowers are in full bloom. Visit your local garden center and buy a bunch of flowers or a few plants. Many houseplants don’t require a lot of work.

Image via: Surfingbird

In this day and age when homebuyers have many options to choose from, staging a home is of utmost importance. However, be careful not to make these home staging mistakes which drive buyers away. Potential buyers want to picture themselves living in your home and it’s hard to do so when all they can see are glaring mistakes.

Are you trying to sell your home this season? Look to Stagetecture’s and the About.com – Home Staging tips.

A spacious home is something we all dream of. It’s what makes a house saleable. And it’s what makes a property worth investing in. But did you know that a few simple works of trickery could help you make your house look and feel a lot more spacious than it is? Here’s how.

When a home is cramped or cluttered, it can often make you feel uncomfortable, irritable and generally unorganized. Here are 5 great tricks to make the rooms in your house feel bigger.

Image via: Kay Wettstein von Westersheimb 

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1. Let the light in

Nothing is more flattering to a property than natural light. It’s the best form of light to have in your home and it can actually open up your rooms by giving them the appearance of being bigger. Floor space may be tight but if you can let in enough natural light, you can create an illusion that your room is more spacious than it is. So make the most of windows and choose curtains / blinds that do not obstruct the sunlight during the day.

2. Use mirrors in the home

If natural light is lacking, you can help to bounce the light around the room using the trick of mirrors. Not only can mirrors be used for practical reasons, but they can be key features in any room. For small spaces such as bathrooms and en suite bathrooms, choose illuminated mirrors for extra effect. (View a stylish collection online: Bathroom Cabinets UK – Illuminated Mirrors)

3. Paint with light colours –

When painting a room, it’s important to think about size and colour. Choosing light colours and neutral colours can actually make your walls and your entire room look larger. Dark colours may feel cosy and warm but they could actually make the rooms in your house look cramped.

Image via: Honky Architecture & Interior Design

4. Choose glass furniture –

If you feel that you’re running tight on floor space, glass furniture could do the trick in giving you the illusion that there’s more room. Glass coffee tables are very stylish and modern or you can opt for a glass dining set.

5. Display glass artwork –

Just like mirrors can reflect natural light around the room, so can glass artwork. This is a great way of making your rooms appear bigger whilst modernising your home. Glass artwork can be arranged on the walls or you can display a feature piece on your mantelpiece, on a shelf or on a table.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Interior lighting can make the difference between dark, cave-like rooms of years gone by and the bright, modern rooms we enjoy today. The right kind of lighting can drastically alter the feeling of a room and make it far more pleasant to spend time in. When you’re installing or replacing lighting, it’s good to know some basic facts about lighting to make smart decisions.

There are three types of basic lighting: ambient, which is background lighting that keeps a room from being too dark in general, task lighting for close-up work or hobbies, and accent lighting to highlight important and unique features in your home. A mixture of these types of lighting is important to maintain in a well-lit home. Here are five tips on home interior lighting.

Image via: Bryant Hill

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1. Staircase lighting is important

Though often neglected and left to last on lists of new lights to purchase, staircases need to be well-lit for obvious reasons. They tend to be built in corners and have angles that make them hard to light, so spotlight lighting placed in the ceiling isn’t enough – angles block the light and you will block it when you stand between the spotlight and stairs. Directional lights on every few steps at floor-level will aim the light where it needs to go.

2. Spotlights can light up corners and features

If you have any architectural quirks to highlight in your home or want to brighten a corner, a spotlight is a good choice. They can be installed with a different switch so they aren’t on the same circuit as ceiling lights in your rooms. Periphery lights can be attached to a different circuit, and you can leave just the peripheral lights on when watching movies or for mood lighting.

Image via: Virtual Imaging Real Estate Photography

3. Kitchen lighting is important for safety

In the kitchen, you need to be able to chop vegetables safely but you don’t want to be blinded by reflections on shiny surfaces like pots and pans. An overhead light on a dimmer is a great choice so you can keep it soft or turn it up based on your activities such as cooking, homework, or eating. Lower sources can be installed near each work surface, and pendants and under-cabinet lights fill in missing spots.

4. Bathroom lighting covers different activities

In the bathroom, you will need lights around the mirror in order to apply makeup, shave, and do other closeup tasks, but these bright lights are overwhelming when you’re trying to relax and wash up in the bath. Use sidelights or sconces on either side of the mirror plus an overhead light, and consider softer sconce lights on the walls near the bath.

Image via: DKOR Interiors Inc.

5. Mix up the light in your living room

Most living areas have different seating areas that should be lit differently. Sofas can use swing-arm lights like libraries might have to provide reading light, and armchairs are usually bright enough with a nearby lamp. Of course, most living rooms require a lot of light in different areas and too many lampshades will make a room look funny. Make sure you choose the right lampshades to avoid this!

Interior lighting for your home can turn it from a frustrating, gloomy spot you leave as soon as possible in the morning to a place to relax and lounge on weekend mornings. If you find yourself squinting a lot in your house, it probably needs better lighting choices.

Anne McKenna has extensive experience in interior design. Her articles mainly appear in home design blogs. Visit the www.keslighting.co.uk site for more ideas.

For more lighting ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday and welcome to Stagetecture’s new look! Today I thought it only fitting to talk about beautifying your kitchen or bath can lights with new pendant lighting. In many homes can lights may not be lending enough light or you might prefer the upscale look of a pendant fixture. Today – get easy steps to switch out the old pendants and install modern pendant lighting.

Image via: Andrew Howard

Watch a video that shows you step by step how to change your lighting fixtures.

How to Convert a Can Light to a Pendant Light

Link to You Tube video –> How to Convert a Can light to a Pendant light

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Step by Step – How to Convert a Can Light to a Pendant Light

Thanks HGTV for this step by step guide on how to change out a recessed can light to a pendant lighting fixture.

Image via: ML Interior Design

Materials Needed:

recessed-fixture converter kit
small ceiling medallion
hanging light fixture
circuit tester
Phillips-head screwdriver
painter’s tape
ladder
Purchase a recessed-fixture converter kit, ceiling medallion and light fixture.

Directions:

1. Select Recessed Light to Convert

Choose a location to hang new light fixture. Turn off power for this location by switching off breaker.

2. Remove Recessed Fixture

Remove existing recessed fixture by twisting out light bulb, turning and removing casing and releasing clips that hold recessed light shell to socket. Leave existing socket in place.

3. Install Recessed Fixture Converter

Follow kit instructions to install converter. Use circuit tester to ensure power is off.

4. Prepare New Fixture

Prepare to hang new light fixture by connecting cap to fixture with chain link. Thread wires through fixture stem at cap and ceiling medallion center.

Image via: DIY Network

5. Connect Wiring

Join wires of the converter kit to corresponding wires of new fixture, following light fixture directions.

6. Test Connection

Install light bulb and switch on power at breaker to test that wiring has been connected properly. Confirm and switch off breaker.

7. Tape Ceiling Medallion

Attach ceiling medallion with clean-release tape. This temporarily secures medallion in place while finishing installation of fixture. Tip: Typically the hole left by a recessed fixture is larger than most caps, making necessary the use of a ceiling medallion to cover difference. A medallion is not needed if installing a ceiling-mount fixture.

8. Complete Installation of Fixture

Following directions for specific fixture used, complete installation and attach fixture cap flush to ceiling. Remove tape. Switch power on at circuit breaker.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

If there’s one room in the house where people should feel light and happy, it is the kitchen. That’s because it’s where a lot of family interaction takes place as meals are prepared and enjoyed on a daily basis. But if when you first purchased your home, the kitchen came with a decor that is a little on the darker side than you would have liked, you might have been unsure of how to brighten it up ; therefore, you left it looking that way for quite some time. However now, you might feel like it needs a bit of a change.

Image via: Melton Design Build

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Do you want some tips on how to bring some natural light into a dark kitchen? If so, we’ve enclosed five ideas for you below:

Paint it.

Color absorbs light and there are definitely certain colors that are best for your kitchen walls. Although some people might assume that shades of white are best, according to many interior designers, variations of yellow, blue and orange are wonderful colors that encourage natural light to shine through.

Put in a glass French door.

There is certainly no rule that says that your door has to be made of wood. Something else that you can do to let natural light in is to put in a glass French door. They can add a sense of sophistication to your kitchen, plus there are a variety of options to choose from. Another benefit of having a French door is that you can have security features built into it so that you can feel safe about having glass doors while you’re at work or away on vacation.

Install some sky lights.

If you don’t have many windows in your kitchen, another option to consider is having some skylights installed into your roof. Not only will they brighten up the space, but they can also help to naturally warm up your home, which can help to significantly reduce your monthly energy bills. Plus, there’s nothing like being able to look up on a clear night and see all of the stars shining through one of them.

Image via: Group 41 Inc.

Change your window treatments.

Sometimes, it’s the really little changes that can make a drastic difference. If you have curtains that are made of a dark and thick fabric or you have dark wooden blinds, then it can be pretty hard for the sun rays to get in. Whether you have an older home or you’re considering installing one of the latest flat pack kitchens that continue to be quite popular, consider changing your window treatments. If you want to continue using curtains, opt for using sheer fabrics of a lighter color. If you want more coverage, consider putting up some roller shades with a neutral or pastel hue.

Add some mirrors.

One tip that will not only accentuate the natural light in your kitchen, but can also make the room look much larger is to hang up a couple of mirrors. By placing them across from a window or where it can reflect a skylight, your kitchen will instantly look much brighter. The added bonus is that it will be for a fraction of the cost of all of the previous suggestions, which just might make it the best tip of all.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Do you want to make a quick enhancement in your home interior? There’s nothing more effective than adding a stylish chandelier on top. This decorative lighting fixture provides an attractive and elegant look in your home without doing much of the renovation.

Image via Dreamy Whites

There are so many designs that chandeliers can offer for your interior. Not only that it adds additional attraction but also improves the illumination of your home interior. Needless to say, the brightness that a chandelier illuminates to your home interior makes it more elegant and comfortable especially in the evening. With so many designs to choose from, you will never get enough in getting the best for your home interior.

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Black crystal chandeliers

This is perfect for people who wanted to have superb elegance with the reflections coming from the chandelier. It illuminates a shinning and the shimmering effect in your interior. The black crystal chandelier is great when paired with dark walls and red curtains.

Branch bronze shallow chandeliers

This type of chandelier provides a stunning look at your home interior. It is very elegant and stylish. The branch bronze shallow chandelier is great when you want to have a brilliant light coming from your chandelier. It is perfect for home interior that has wall colors like white, yellow and red.

Image via Sutton Suzuki Architects

Modern multiple light chandeliers

The modern multiple light chandeliers are best for high ceilings that can provide the space needed for its curves and angles. This type usually comes in huge sizes but there are several designs that can fit a limited space. You can choose from a variety of lighting fixtures that will match your home interior design or theme.

Take your time to explore and choose the right chandelier for your home interior. It is recommended to consider the dimension of your room, color scheme and theme of your interior.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Lighting fixtures are not only intended for better light distribution but also enhance the style of your home. If you look into your favorite hardware, you will see a lot of lighting fixtures to choose from. Just recently, Lee Broom has showcased his new concept in lighting fixture that will surely turn back time.

All images via

It is inspired from a simple crystal drink decanter which the bottom is cut off and edges are hand-polished and turned into a pendant fitting – light fitting. This idea was expounded and developed to combine the decorative and industrial looks of an excellent light fitting.

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Other great features of this product are:

Impeccable quality and craftsmanship

With crystal as a primary material, you can be assured of superb craftsmanship before the desired outcome is achieved.  In terms of quality, you will not have a problem with this because the crystals are made of a known and established British company. Working with crystal is only done by artists and skilled craftsmen. It cannot be done in massive production. This process alone is very remarkable and extraordinary.

Aesthetic and Stylish

Aside from the natural beauty of crystals, the presence of light further enhances the looks. The designer also ensures that it will have a retro look that shines in your home. Generally, crystals provide a great balance of light distribution that is perfect for lighting fixture.

High tolerance to heat

The designer made sure that the crystals are designed and processed in such a way that it can withstand the heat produced by the bulb. This is carefully done by a thorough study and several tests. It makes sure that the aesthetic and style do not compromise the effectiveness and efficiency.

Get hold of this lighting fixture and have a retro theme at home. This will certainly capture the elegance and sophistication that you want for a lighting fixture.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/inspiring-light-design-crystal-bulb-shop-by-designer-lee-broom/feed/ 0 35632 https://stagetecture.com/guest-blogger-choosing-the-right-light-fixtures-for-your-living-space/ https://stagetecture.com/guest-blogger-choosing-the-right-light-fixtures-for-your-living-space/#respond Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:11:52 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=35471 Guest Blogger #741, Entry #1738, October 19, 2012

Lighting is one of the most important features in a home, and it also has a huge impact on the mood of your living space. Many people spend thousands of pounds redesigning the interior of their house, but forget to apply their stylish techniques to their lighting, from fittings and light shades to switches. If you want to get the best out of the individual rooms in your house, you’re going to have to integrate your furniture design around your lighting – there’s no point in buying expensive sofas or ornaments if their features can’t be properly seen.

Ceiling Mount Fixtures

These types of fixtures are best used in places of work, like bedrooms, dining rooms and studies. They can also be used in hallways and staircases, as they illuminate the surround area well. Ceiling mount fixtures work well in low ceilings and semi-flushed or blurred lights are ideal for welcoming people into your home. If you’re going to be using light fixtures in your hallways, they should be placed every 7-9 feet to make sure the space is adequately lit.

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Chandeliers

These types of lighting fittings contain dozen of lamps and arrays of complex crystal and glass, illuminating a room through refracted light. The earliest chandeliers have dated back to medieval times, and they were purchased by the rich and powerful to express their wealth. In terms of interior design, chandeliers were used for decoration purposes instead of functional, however these days cheap and replica models are widely available.

Chandelier fittings add style and class to any room. They are great for foyers, hallways and dining room, and some newer designs even provide a variety of light settings to create a glowing atmosphere. If you’re going to buy a chandelier, make sure it has a dimmer setting to let you alter the light intensity and mood of your room.

Pendant Lighting

This type of lighting is very popular, as it can be used for general and personal illumination. Pendant lighting fixtures can come with globes or shades to avoid glare, and they are usually positioned over dining tables and countertops. Again, the use of dimmers with these light fittings is very popular.

Fluorescent Bulbs

_­These types of blubs come in a range of colour temperatures, and unlike incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights can be tailored to a household’s need. Furthermore, exposure to fluorescent or tube bulbs have been known to promote an improved circadian rhythm in adults.

Combining Light Sources

There are many more light fixture alternatives than the ones we have listed here, but if you find that none of these fittings suit your home, why not try combining light sources? Some homeowners like to continue the same interior design right the way through their home, however others like to spice things up, using different light fittings for different rooms. Style is in the eyes of the beholder, so don’t worry if you think that your light fittings don’t suit the designs of the rooms in your house – get some friends over and see what they think!

This guest submission was contributed by Lloyd on behalf of 2furnish.

Image sources: 1, 2

For more lighting ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Imagine a lighting fixture that you can use as a wall decor and table lamp shade – all in one design. This is made possible through the design created by  Lars Olav Dybdal and Wilhelm Grieg Teisner which they called Spiff Light. This lighting design makes it literally flexible and portable.

All images via

If you are running out of ideas to enhance your home interior, let lighting fixtures do the trick. Designers will definitely agree that proper lighting is very important to enhance and create an elegant style for your home.

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This makes the Spiff Light your perfect choice.

The Spiff Light fixture offers several features, some of these are:

2-in1 design

Having a stylish wall lighting fixture is good but if you can also use it as your table lamp shade is simply better. With Spiff Light, you can have these two designs in one. It is built to fit beautifully on your wall and on top of your table. It has a movable junction that you can adjust easily for your desired angle to suit your needs.

Durable

The Spiff Light is made of typical Nordic material – a sustainable oak. It provides a natural look of wood that is perfect for any theme you have at home. The oak is known for its toughness and stability. This is very durable and can sustain at any given condition.

Versatility

One of the best features that Spiff Light offers is its portability. Aside from hanging it on your wall or on top of your table, you can bring it anywhere at home like in your living room or patio. You can also bring your Spiff Light when you have outdoor activities like camping or just a backyard barbeque party.

The Spiff Light fixture will certainly provide great illumination and elegance for your home.

For more lighting ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Bathrooms are typically designed with minimal windows to gain privacy. But modern home architectures lay down some advantages of allowing natural light to pass through the bathroom. The natural light in the morning provides great rejuvenation in our body to get ready for the day ahead. Scientifically, the lack of exposure to sunlight is not good.

Lighting is crucial to how well your bathroom functions not just how good it looks.

Image via: Decor Pad

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Try these ways to bring natural light into your bathroom:

• Wash your windows more often because the dust the covers them prevents the natural light from coming in.
• To obtain visual privacy while admitting light, use frosted glass on your windows. It has the effect of rendering the glass translucent by scattering of light during transmission. It brings just enough natural light to warm up the space.
• Acquire light from adjoining spaces. Remove obstacles like interior walls so that one room can contribute to the lighting of other rooms. Increase transmittance through glass doors and windows. This technique will also allow your light to move from one room to another.
• Use mirrors to increase the sunlight in your bathroom. These reflect and bounce light around. Focus on where the light naturally strikes and place mirrors near those areas.
• Paint your bathroom walls in light colors. This will make the bathroom a lot larger and lights coming in are reflected.
• If you really want full access to the sky, add vaulted ceiling and/or a  skylight. It provides effective internal lighting, maximizes visual comfort and reduces energy use. A relaxing feeling to look up at the stars while enjoying a good steam.

Image via: Lookbook.Elledecor

Not only does natural light seem to put liveliness in you, it is also a basic human nutrient and is important for your health. The more natural light coming in, the happier and healthier you are. Of course, you also save considerable for electricity.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.