A Guide To Counter Lighting For Your Kitchen

If you’re just getting started with a kitchen remodeling or a few small updates, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Should the countertops be granite, quartz, Corian, Formica or wood? What about the flooring – tile, hardwood, or laminate? When you move onto lighting decisions (often one of the last considerations a homeowner makes), you may be ready to throw in the towel and go for anything your contractor recommends.

Hold that thought! Under cabinet lighting is poised to bring out the colors and details of your countertops and backsplash, complement your wall color, and add warm ambiance to the entire room. It’s not the type of decision you want to slough off. And besides, once you know a few basics, it’s an easy choice. Read through the two considerations below and you’ll be ready to choose kitchen undercabinet lights that are perfect for your home.

Fixture Styles. This determines how the light will be distributed on your counters. If you have little time and energy in your hands to consider one aspect of your under cabinet lighting, let this be your choice. Now, picture your ideal kitchen with your favorite appliances, cabinets, wall colors, and most importantly, beautiful lighting. Hone in on those countertops: Is the lighting concentrated in mini-spotlights along the counters, creating a dramatic effect? Or is it distributed evenly for a more subtle glow?

You are analyzing the difference between puck lights and linear lights. Puck lighting results in the spotlight effect that comes in the form of small, usually circular light fixtures that shine down in pools of light on the counters. Linear undercounter lights are the opposite, with long, slim, low-profile light fixtures that are meant to light in a uniform manner. You may also encounter light strips in your search for under cabinet lighting. These are similar to linear lights but often don’t have the glass diffuser. Therefore, you see a bit more of the individual light bulbs with light strips than you do with linear lights.

Light Source. Now that you have decided whether you will go for puck lights, linear light fixtures, or light strips, it’s time to pick out the light source. Options here are LED, xenon, and fluorescent. You may also find halogen and incandescent under counter lights, but those light sources give off so much heat that it’s better to avoid them. That heat output can do a number on perishable food items you are storing in the cupboards above the lights, or fruits and veggies sitting out on the counters below. Fluorescent light fixtures get a bad rap for light quality because the older styles do not render colors accurately and have, unfortunately, made their way as permanent staples in office lighting. Don’t let that fool you! Modern fluorescent lights are available in a variety of color temperatures and provide high-quality light output that flatters your countertops and your complexion. If you go with “warm white,” you’ll be surprised by how well it emulates incandescent light bulbs. You can also opt for “neutral white” or “cool white” if you’re not a fan of the yellowish shades. The best part about fluorescent under cabinet lighting is that it’s incredibly efficient.

Xenon is the light source that many people aren’t too familiar with. Here’s the scoop: Xenon is a type of incandescent lighting which simply uses a bit of xenon gas inside the glass envelope of the light bulb in order to lengthen it’s lifetime. This one’s a beautiful choice for under cabinet lighting as it gives off an attractive warm light and it’s fully dimmable. Xenon does produce some heat, however not as much as halogen or incandescent lights do. Still, if you’re looking for a light fixture that’s cool to the touch, avoid xenon lighting.

Finally, the pinnacle of energy efficiency: LED under cabinet lights. Yes, they’re a little more expensive to purchase but their lifetime is downright impressive. You won’t have to purchase replacement light bulbs for years with LEDs, hence you can save money for the rainy days. Most LEDs aren’t dimmable, but some light fixtures have two levels of brightness. Many LED under cabinet lights give off a brilliant white light while others have a few options for color temperature, similar to that of  the fluorescent lights described above.

About the Author

Emily Widle is a blogger for Pegasus Lighting, an online retailer that sells a variety of unique lighting products for your special needs, including puck and linear under cabinet lighting.

How To Remove Carpet Stains

Removing carpet stains can be a bit tricky. For different kinds of stain, there are various ways of getting rid of them.

Here are a few tips on how to remove carpet stains:

• Treat the stain with table salt. One of the most effective ways of treating stains caused by fruits, juices, and wine is to treat the stain with table salt. Spread a small amount of salt on the stain because this will absorb the moisture and coloring on the carpet.
• Use a cleaning solution. The next step is to saturate the stain using a cleaning solution. After letting the salt stay for several minutes, spray the cleaning solution on the carpet and leave it on for several minutes. Use a brush to remove the stain from the carpet. Apply the spray again if necessary. Remove excess moisture with a rag or towel. Use a vacuum cleaner to dry the carpet.
• For water-soluble stains, use a cleaning solution. Simply mix ¼ teaspoon of nonbleach detergent with 32 ounces of water. You can also use white vinegar instead of the detergent. For other water-soluble stains which are hard to remove such as blood, mix one tablespoon of ammonia and one cup of water. However, this is not applicable for carpets made of wool.
• Use a paper towel to remove stains caused by oil, fat, and wax. Just put the paper towel above the carpet stain and then iron it. The stain from fat, wax, or oil would easily stick to the paper towel.
• Use rubbing alcohol to remove stains caused by paste or glue. For stains caused by glue, simply moisten a towel or cloth with rubbing alcohol and then press this on the stained portion of the carpet. Then, gently wipe this off and repeat the process until the stain is removed.
• Use ice to remove stains caused by chewing gum or wax. Get some ice cubes to cool the gum or wax. Once the stain is frozen, use a spoon or knife to remove the stain. You can blot the carpet with a towel or vacuum the broken pieces before they soften.
• Use a vinegar solution to remove stains caused by urine. First, use a damp cloth to absorb the urine. Then, mix one part of white vinegar with one part of water. Spray the mixture or blot it on the portion stained with urine. Then, put on a mixture of nonbleach detergent and water to clean the area.

So next time your carpet gets stained, there’s no need to worry. Using these tips, you can have them removed in no time.

For more tips, visit MyGetRidOfGuide.com, a website that can offer several solutions to your most unwanted problems.

 

How to Design Your Dream Green Kitchen

You might be hesitant to completely overhaul your kitchen for a number of reasons. For one thing, it will put the most popular room in your house out of commission for at least several weeks (more likely months). And in this economy it seems a bit ill-advised to undertake such an expensive project in home renovation (especially considering the state of the housing market and the poor odds of recouping costs on a sale in the near future). But even beyond that there are all kinds of environmental considerations to take into account. What happens to all the materials that get hauled away? Do they get recycled or receive a one-way ticket to the city dump? And no matter how you look at it, the materials you purchase to replace cabinets, counters, flooring, fixtures, and so on are going to have an impact. So how can you create the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of while still reducing your carbon footprint? Here are just a few design tips to help you out.

1. Hire a green designer. With the demand for environmentally sound products and services increasing every day, the green building industry has grown accordingly over the past several years. Eco-minded consumers like yourself now have many options when it comes to selecting contractors and designers that specialize in creating interior spaces that are geared towards greener living in every aspect of their inception. So rather than hiring a company that will do whatever they have to in order to cut their own costs (at the expense of the Earth) look for alternative service providers that share your sensibilities where the preservation of the planet is concerned.
2. Skip natural stone and wood. There is almost nothing worse you can do during the building process than choose newly manufactured wood and stone. Not only are you doing serious harm to our atmosphere by denuding the forests that supply our oxygen and reduce our carbon debt, but the mining and lumber industries are notorious for the massive pollution, waste, and overall damage to the landscape that is left in their wake. So take advantage of the many incredible faux options that are on the market these days or at least select sustainable materials like bamboo if you have to have everything new.
3. Look for reclaimed and recycled options. For the homeowner that is looking to go to green extremes during a kitchen remodel, reclaimed and recycled materials are a great option. You can find gorgeous hardwoods (complete with the luster of age) for flooring and cabinetry, natural stone like granite and marble for your counters, and even antique fixtures for your kitchen when you seek out vendors that deal in reclaimed items (and many offer refurbishing). You may also want to look into recycled glass counters or recycled wood cabinets, as well.
4. Reuse whenever possible. If your cabinets are in good condition (no sagging or structural issues) and they’re extremely functional, there’s no reason to replace them. You can easily upgrade through re-facing or adding paint, stain, or hardware. And if you already have energy-star appliances that are running efficiently, think about keeping them and possibly replacing just the panels to match your new kitchen décor.
5. Recycle your old kitchen. Everything from the fridge and freezer, to the cabinets and hardware, to the Venetian blinds can be donated to charitable organizations or sold off to vendors that specialize in refurbishing. So don’t hesitate to look into options that keep discarded items out of the landfill and help someone else to create their own dream green kitchen.

About the Author

Sarah Danielson is a freelance writer and part time student. In her spare time she likes to go hiking and help with an animal rescue out of Los Angeles, California.

Great Ideas For Creating A Family-and-Entertainment-Friendly Backyard

As the summer months approach, many families and outdoor lovers alike have turned their thoughts towards imagining and creating the ideal family-friendly and entertainment-centric backyard space. While ideas on this subject are plentiful, it is also important to consider your budget when thinking of what your ideal backyard would encompass. After all, while creative ideas abound, so do their price tags.

Here are some great tips for making an entertainment-and-family-friendly backyard space a reality this summer:

• First, start with a plan. Your backyard is an extension of your home and as such, should be treated the same way as any other home improvement project. If you don’t do this, not only can your project become disorganized, but it can quickly get out of control and out of your budget. For help with organizing a plan, consider the following questions:
  • How often do you entertain?
  • How many people regularly use your backyard?
  • What are your “must-haves”?  (Outdoor kitchen, pool, landscaping, fireplace)
  • Do you want a place that accommodates eating outside?
  • Do children use the backyard?  If so, what are their ages and what would entertain them?
  • How much space do you have to work with?

• When considering a family-centric space that is kid-friendly, think about play options that also compliment your house. Instead of automatically buying a plastic playhouse for your children to play in which will become bleached by the sun, price out how much it would cost to actually build a playhouse from scratch. Not only would this be a great project to engage in with your children –provided they are old enough to help you– but a well-built playhouse could also add to the property value of your home should you decide to move.
• Another great tip if you want to have a kid-friendly backyard, but don’t want to have a slew of toys all over the place, is to consider installing a raised sandbox that can be converted to a vegetable garden once your children outgrow it.
• Next, when thinking about the “adult-centric” space of your entertainment-friendly backyard, it is easy to turn your thoughts to food and drinks. In recent years, the concept of an outdoor kitchen and fire pit has grown in popularity as must-haves in an entertainment-conscious backyard. What’s more is that an outdoor kitchen, while certainly an investment in your home, is a huge draw when it comes to resale price. The installation of an outdoor kitchen not only provides countless hours of enjoyment while you are still living in your house, but will also up the sale price of your property should you choose to move.

• When you start researching on outdoor kitchen or BBQ area, consider these items:
  • Do you want to promote a certain view in your backyard? For instance, do you live by a lake?
  • Where are your neighbors associated in terms of your house? Remember, grill smoke blows downwind.  Make sure you work to be a good neighbor to those who live around you.
  • Where is the existing shade in your backyard? Remember, outdoor cooking and entertaining usually takes place during the hot months of summer. You don’t want to be miserable and you don’t want your guests to roast, so make sure you plan for sun and shade.
  • How can your new outdoor kitchen benefit from your existing home utilities? Remember, you need electric and gas access to power your outdoor kitchen or grill island, therefore, work to keep the space close to your house and your existing utility lines. Doing this will also control the cost of the installation.

Finally, as you begin to design your family- and entertainment-friendly backyard, always remember to consider the same design principles in its creation as you would with your house.  The backyard is an extension of your home and therefore, should reflect your unique lifestyle choices.

This guest post is presented by Amande E. Clark, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Grammar Chic.

Does Your House Plan Leave A Green Footprint?

If you are looking to building a new home and excited to create something that leaves as little harm to the environment as possible, you need to start your planning with the house plan itself.

Having everything mapped out at the start, will allow you to streamline your energy efficiencies and allow you to create a home that is both practical and green all at the same time.

What You Need To Consider

When it comes looking at floor plans, there are a couple of key points that will drastically improve how green your home ends up:

1.  Are You Taking Advantage of The Elements?
   Depending on where you live, there are specific benefits of having certain parts of your house facing in specific directions. Which direction gets the most sun/shade? Where do your afternoon breezes come from? Knowing the answer to these questions allows you to mould your house plan to suit your environment.
2. Match Your Living Spaces with Your ClimateLarge open and free-flowing living areas can be amazing, but heating and cooling them can become quite expensive – both for yourself and the environment. While having big sliding doors and windows that allow cross breezes makes this style perfect for hotter locations, if you live in a colder climate that requires heating, smaller living areas where you can close off connecting rooms, will definitely use less heating.
3. Consider Your Materials
   The products that you build your house with obviously play a big role in energy efficiency. Make sure you research the products that your builder recommends, especially:
   • The Type of Insulation
   • Exterior Wall Material (Bricks, Fibre Cement, Blocks Timber)
   • Appliances (Is your toilet low flow? Are you using energy efficient shower heads? Do you have energy star appliances?)

   Make sure you think about these elements during the blueprint stage, as you do not want to be making changes later down the track.

4. What is Your Lighting Plan?And finally, now is the time to start thinking about how you will want the inside your house to look when it gets dark. Obviously you are going to want lights, but what type and how many? Ceiling lights have long been a large contributor to your power bill and it is not uncommon for main living areas to have 6-10 down lights in one room. The easiest way to go green when it comes to lighting is to use ‘energy efficient’ LED or CFL light bulbs. Not only to they use less electricity to run, but they last longer – which means less bulbs in our landfill.
5. Have You Thought About Solar?Probably the most important, and most expensive, change you need to consider when building a ‘green’ house is installing solar panels. Both general solar power and solar hot water drastically decrease your reliance on the power grid – and can save you a heap of money. The problem is the initial installation cost which can be quite steep, which is why a lot of average income earning people never get them installed.If you are stuck on the money problem, I would recommend going with the solar hot water option first, as hot water is a large proponent of your electricity bill each month and is definitely a great first step.

As you can see there are a lot of simple things you can do at the house design stage that will allow your house to leave a bigger green footprint.

Indoor Water Features Humidify Your Environment

There are many reasons to include indoor water features in your home or workplace. One reason you may not know is that features such as indoor fountains naturally work as humidifiers.

Why Use Indoor Water Features?

Many people purchase humidifier machines because of the health benefits they bring. Using indoor water features instead brings you all the benefits of humidifier machines, while also giving you the beauty, tranquility and relaxation that a fountain provides.

Indoor fountains are also much quieter, offering the soothing sound of flowing water as opposed to the humming and whirring of an electric machine. They also produce less moisture at one time than humidifiers do –too much moisture can lead to wood or carpeting in your house mildewing or rotting.

Benefits of Humidifying Your Environment

There are many health factors involved in humidifying your home or office environment. Indoor atmospheres are much drier than those of the natural outdoors. During colder months, you probably also use a heating system to circulate warm, dry air. An overly dry environment can lead to respiratory problems, compromise the immune system, and increase fatigue. It can also dry out your eyes, skin and hair, causing discomfort and negatively affecting your appearance.

Using indoor water features adds moisture to the air, making it fresher and easier to breathe. Humidified air improves overall respiratory function, thus strengthening your immune system and helping your body fight illness. It helps you feel more alert and energized, and helps your skin and hair stay vibrant and healthy.

Everyone in your home or workplace will benefit from the positive effects indoor fountains have on the atmosphere. Even indoor plants will be healthier; plants need moisture in the air as well as the soil in order to stay sprightly.

Ionic Balance

Another health benefit you get from using indoor water features instead of humidifiers is a better ionic balance. Electrical devices, such as televisions, stereos, and even the humidifiers themselves, emit positive ionic molecules, which is a main reason why indoor environments have an overly positive ionic balance. Positive ions are known to cause depression, deplete your energy, and lead to problems with circulation and respiratory function.

Flowing water, on the other hand, releases negative ions into the environment. Outdoor atmospheres, particularly those near bodies of water, naturally have high concentrations of negative ions. Indoor water features help create a healthier ionic balance in your home by releasing negative ionic molecules. This makes your indoor air fresher and easier to breathe, and fights the negative effects of the positive ions released by your electronics. You will find yourself with more energy, a stronger immune system, a better mood, and improved overall circulation and breathing.

Function Meets Style

Indoor water features are not only functional, they also improve the aesthetic appeal of your home or office. They bring life to any room and serve as a stunning and unique artistic feature. There is a seemingly endless array of styles and materials to choose from, so you can find something that is perfect for any interior design.

Types of indoor water features range from small, portable tabletop fountains to huge, cascading indoor wall fountains. Materials used to make them include stone, marble, copper, and stainless steel. You can incorporate painted artwork, an engraving of your business name or logo, or design elements such as lights, mirrors, candles, wood, or pebbles.

Indoor water features can be used in any room of the home or workplace. They can serve as a relaxing greeting at the end of a long day when placed in your entryway, or calm you during a meeting when used in the boardroom.

Whatever you choose, indoor water features bring many benefits.

Polly Godwin is the owner of IndoorFountains.com, a company specializing on indoor wall fountains as well as home and business décor.

Considerations When Selecting Eco-Friendly Appliances

There are a lot of steps you can take to make your household a little greener and reduce your carbon footprint on the home front. Many homeowners these days have set up recycling bins (even if their state does not require it), switched to energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and started purchasing eco-friendly home goods in an effort to curb personal pollution and waste. Some have even opted to drive electric vehicles and utilize solar panels or other forms of alternative energy in their homes. But when it comes to the many appliances you use on a day-to-day basis you might not really know how you can go about greening up the works. So here are just a few things to consider.

Anyone who has bought an appliance within the last decade has probably heard of Energy Star, the government-funded program geared towards helping homeowners to reduce their utility bills and their impact on the environment at the same time. You may be most familiar with the kitchen appliances that they rate, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves, just to name a few. Washer/dryer sets are also popular in the energy-star arena. But you may not know that they also deal in smaller appliances (coffee makers, toasters, etc.), electronics (computers, televisions, and telephones), lighting (the CFLs discussed earlier), HVAC systems, and even plumbing. Of course, we’re talking about appliances here, but it’s important to realize that conservation can occur in all areas of your home, and Energy Star may provide the solution.

As for appliances, there’s really no reason not to opt for energy-saving models if you’re looking to clean up your act. According to Energy Star reports, most homes can thank their appliances for about 13% of their total energy consumption. And considering that the average fridge eats up more than twice as much electricity as any other appliance, you may want to look at replacing it first, especially if you can only afford to upgrade one at a time.

But you may be hesitant to swap out your old appliances at all if they’re still working just fine. After all, are you really doing a good turn for the environment by sending your old appliances to the landfill? Will the amount of energy you save make up for this additional trash? There is probably a scientific way to determine whether the extra energy your old appliance uses is causing more or less damage than said fridge or toaster will in the landfill, but the average layperson probably has neither the time nor the inclination to figure it out. Instead, consider that your old appliance may be eligible for some amount of recycling. Any metal parts, in particular, can likely be recycled, while appliances that are still working can be donated for use by those less fortunate (at least it will keep them out of the landfill for a few more years).

And of course, you should look into the content of any new appliances you purchase to ensure that it will be easier to recycle down the road; seek out items made primarily from steel, which is always in high demand. Although you’ll have trouble finding appliances that were made with green materials or manufacturing processes (nothing like composite wood blinds or flooring in this industry), you can still take steps to ensure that you do less harm to the environment through the household items you use every day. And your best bet when it comes to appliances is to seek energy-efficient models that are made from recyclable materials.

About the Author

Sarah Danielson is a freelance writer and part time student. In her spare time she likes to go hiking and help with an animal rescue out of Los Angeles, California.

Color Design for 2012

Any Texas Longhorn fan would be excited to see more orange in their life, even if that orange shade happens to be called Tangerine Tango instead of Burnt Orange. Interior design color trends for 2012 are an intriguing combination of classic neutral colors (shades of gray, white, and tan), vibrant shades of orange (a la Tangerine Tango), and various shades of precious stones (turquoise, for example).

Owners of downtown Austin condos or home owners in any other city where trends reign supreme, have levels of options regarding how much remodeling and redecorating they want to do in order to remain trendy. From simple basic changes to changing everything about an entire room, these new colors are the key to a trendy look.

Basic Changes

Homeowners who follow trends are well aware that the trends change as often as teenage girls change clothes. Those choosing to remain trendy with the least amount of effort (and cost) should create a neutral base and accent with trendy colors. For example: a living room with eggshell walls, khaki seating, and black tables could be accented with Tangerine Tango lampshades, throw pillows, and candles; a bedroom with black and white designed walls and silvery fixtures might accent with turquoise linens. You can create a new look with just a few items and very little work simply by changing out your accent pieces.

Intermediate Changes

Other homeowners may desire a bit more change than just accents. They could look into purchasing some chairs or a rug that boasts the warm, vibrant colors of 2012. New artworks for the walls that contain the new colors of choice ties in the walls without requiring you to paint an entire room.

Change It All

And, there are always those who choose to go big or go home. In this case, they go big at home. They will gut a room and start from scratch: new paint, new rugs, new furniture, and new accents. Texasfans, get excited! This is when burnt orange comes into play for condos in downtown Austin. While Tangerine Tango may be the top color of 2012, all shades of orange are considered trendy. For an all out trendy room, consider using a variety of shades of orange rather than an overdose of one shade. Another option is to use a combination of the color trends for the new room. Flip the Basic Changes plan on its head. Make the furniture and the walls the bright warm colors, and the accents the classic white and khaki shades.

Looking to redecorate the kitchen instead of a living room? The same ideas apply. Accent with a bowl of tangerines or some ruby colored plums, change the dish towels, placemats, and napkins. Find a modern light fixture that has all the latest colors: neutrals, precious stones, and of course, oranges. Or if you’re feeling bold, trade out your appliances for those displaying the colors of 2012.

5 Ways To Save Money When Remodeling Your Kitchen

It’s time to make some improvements in your kitchen. However, you’re thinking about the costs of remodelling it. Remodelling can be a bit expensive, especially if you’re having a tight budget at home. But there are ways you can save money when you decide to have your kitchen improved. Sounds too good to be true? Here are five ways you can do it:

1. Plan ahead. Before you begin anything else, try to think of a plan on how you want to have your kitchen improved. Evaluate your current situation and think of the things which need to be improved. Ask yourself, “what are the most important aspects that I have to prioritize for remodelling my kitchen?” Then, make a list of the things you need to repair or remodel. This will keep you on the right track. When you plan, think of the items you need to buy and those you can simply reuse or get from other sources.
2. Set a budget and stick to it. After planning how you want your kitchen done, set a budget and be sure that you stick to it. Refer to the list of items that you made earlier and try to make a budget estimate for your expenses. If you think you don’t have enough money, try to think of alternative ways or simply disregard the items which are not really necessary. This will enable you to keep track of your money and avoid spending on things which are not really needed for your kitchen remodelling project. Remember, you don’t need to buy everything.
3. Do it yourself. If you really want to save more money in remodelling your kitchen, you can actually do it yourself instead of hiring people to do the work for you. Labor costs can be expensive but if you do it yourself and ask the help of some friends, you can definitely save more money. Just be prepared with the materials and supplies you need beforehand.
4. Re-use old furniture and materials. Instead of buying new furniture and materials for your kitchen, why not look around your home and simply reuse your existing furniture and supplies? This will make you save more money instead of buying everything new.
5. Buy cheaper supplies and materials. Another way you can save money when remodelling your kitchen is to purchase materials at a lower cost. You can avail of coupons and discounts on items or simply buy second hand furniture and materials which are still in good condition.

Remodelling your kitchen can be done at an affordable cost. You don’t need to use up your money for that alone. Invest wisely.

This is a guest post written by HowtoGetFinanced.com. Here, you will find all sorts of advice when it comes to your finances.

Basic Feng Shui Tips for Decorating a Condo

You just moved in to your Austin condo, and now you want to decorate the space. You want the feng shui of your new home to be calm and relaxing when you return after a hard day at the office. At its most basic, feng shui is what makes you feel good about being in a room. It will vary from person to person and home to home, but there are a few specific elements to consider as you begin.

Go With the Flow

If you were on the phone with an interior designer who asked you about the flow of your condo, how would you respond? When you think of the flow, think of standing at the entry and releasing gallons of water throughout the space. Would the water flow through the condo, or would it stop and pool before reaching every room? Would a piece of furniture hinder its path in any way? Think like water and then go with the flow when you position your furniture.

Intangibles

When you walk into a room, you most likely see the room in its entirety first. Are you overwhelmed by all that you see, or are you simply drawn in to the environment? A clutter free space is more relaxing for residents as well as their guests. Resist thinking that clutter is limited to items that need to be put away. Clutter may also consist of excessive, small decorations that cause observers’ eyes to bounce distractedly around the room.

Lighting

Do your rooms have natural light coming from a window or sky light, or will certain spaces require you to provide the lighting? Will this room be somewhere you want the energy from sunlight to flood in or the calm of mood lighting? How will the light impact you in various locations in the room? For example, will you have to squint while talking to someone across the space, or will certain spaces be too dim for entertaining guests? Use a combination of natural and artificial lighting to create the ambiance you desire.

Colors

Most people are familiar with the institutional feel associated with walking into a building with white walls, light tile, and bright fluorescent lights. It creates a hard, cold feeling. What colors are soothing to you? When you sit in a room that feels “homey”, what do you notice about the room? Are the walls tan or pale blue? Or are the colors primarily provided by art on the wall and furniture? What colors make you happy? What colors make you feel closed in or depressed? Perhaps you want a sleepier color in your bedroom and a happier color in your kitchen in order to represent the energy of each location. Don’t be afraid to try something new or observe elements in the homes of others.

Feng shui will vary among different condos Austin. However, it is a great place for condo owners to find any kind of creative décor they might desire in order to create the flow and ambiance most suitable for them.