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Want to incorporate modern decor into your home, but not sure where to start? Make your home more fashion forward with a few fresh ideas that will help create a look that is modern, yet comfortable and livable.

Keep it Simple, Not Cold
Modern decorating can often challenge homeowners. The clean lines, polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry can sometimes appear cold and uninviting. But that doesn’t mean you should stay away from modern pieces altogether.

Avoid going too over the top and slowly incorporate modern elements to keep your decor refined and elegant. You can start with a few room basics, such as minimalist chairs or tables, and then move on to accessories such as paintings for a fresh touch.

Another way to make your move toward modern is to replace faucets in the kitchen and bathroom with more geometric, clean styles. The new Level kitchen and bath collections from Moen meet the need for minimalist home styling. Sleek, contemporary lines and high-arc spouts coordinate beautifully with today’s modern interiors.

In the kitchen, the Level pull-down faucet makes performing everyday tasks – such as filling large pots, pitchers and vases in and around the sink — simple. In addition, new finishes such as the LifeShine Classic Stainless finish – a cool-grey hue – provide a warmer take on the contemporary design and also coordinate with stainless steel kitchen appliances, sinks and hardware.

The Level bath collection also makes a bold, modern statement with its tubular-shaped handle available in both a single-handle, single-hole mount (both 7-inch and 12-inch to accommodate vessel sink applications) as well as a two-handle widespread style.

It’s in the Details
Incorporating key pieces and paying close attention to detail will make your modern designs feel cohesive. Use metal accents throughout your home, like chrome, nickel or stainless steel, to add a contemporary touch. To make any room in your home more modern, consider adding customizable shelving from IKEA’s LAXVIK system, which features geometric styling and a cool metallic finish.

As a contrast to stark, metal accents, utilize more rugged wood in accessories such as photo and art frames or bar stools. When it comes to modern wood surfaces, contemporary designs bring out the extremes, featuring very light or very dark tones, so look for shades that complement the rest of your décor. As an ideal background for your modern elements, paint rooms in neutral colors to highlight your updates.

Shed Some Light
Lighting is extremely important in contemporary design, and is often seen as the key to illuminating the room’s design. When choosing lighting for your home, there are many new options available that provide interesting, clean lines.

Track lighting or floor lamps are popular in contemporary design and often employ metals or bold colors to reinforce the other metal accessories or splashes of color incorporated into the room. Pendant lighting is another great way to brighten your space and showcase your designs. Or try wall sconces with sharp lines in boxy patterns and shapes; you’ll increase the modern feel of the room and add soft lighting to complement the strong designs throughout the space.

Getting your home into the modern mix doesn’t have to be hard. Use these ideas to make your move toward modern today.

The real estate market may be in a slump, but not all industries having to do with the home are in trouble. Companies that specialize in remodeling and renovation, particularly in the area of outdoor living, are doing extremely well right now.

“People don’t want to lose money on their biggest investment so instead of moving, they’re improving their homes,” says Joe Rey-Barreau, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design and education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA). He says now that warmer weather has arrived, people are adding decks, patios, gazebos and outdoor kitchens to their homes, and they aren’t just planning to use them in the daytime.

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“The trend towards expanding outdoor living space has been growing for some time now,” says Richard Lentz, president of Lentz Landscape Lighting in Dallas, Texas. “In past years, our goal was focused on lighting the space and showing off the garden. Now we’re concentrating a lot more effort on finding innovative ways to light outdoor spaces so they can be used at night, much like they’re used during the day.”

Backyard decks no longer just have a small light near the door. Lentz says lighting designers are now installing down lights in trees and attaching them to chimneys to shine light down on the space. “We’re also putting in a lot of step lights to make the transition from the upper to lower level easier,” says Lentz, who adds that people no longer have to feel like they’re under a spotlight when they sit outside under the stars. “If there’s a tree nearby, we can shine light down from it. Attaching fixtures to a chimney is also a nice way to get light from above that feels like moonlight.”

And when it comes to lighting outdoor kitchens, innovation is key. “We do a lot of task lighting in the outdoor kitchen,” says Lentz. “We’ll utilize the arbors to hang task lighting over the sink, the grill and the table, for example, and put them on dimmers so when the light isn’t needed, it can be turned down.”

Lentz credits the recent innovations offered by various lighting manufacturers for making those projects possible. “Technology sure has come a long way in a short amount of time,” he says.

Rey-Barreau agrees. “Manufacturers realize there’s a growing market for outdoor fixtures and they have responded by stepping up to the challenge to develop chandeliers, table lamps and sconces that are rated for wet conditions so they can be safely installed outdoors,” he says.

Safety isn’t the only factor being considered by manufacturers. So is operating cost. Not so long ago, the U.S. government mandated that the lighting industry find ways to cut energy consumption of their products. Kichler Lighting of Cleveland, Ohio, responded by coming out with a line of outdoor fixtures that use highly efficient L.E.D. bulbs that require one-third the energy of incandescents.

“When people realize they can get the same light output, a nice comfortable color and reduce energy use by 75 percent, they are more than willing to make the change,” says Jeff Dross at Kichler Lighting.

There have been innovations in the area of lighting for curb appeal purposes as well. “Landscape lighting is about safety, security and aesthetics. As far as the latter goes, the key to success is being subtle. Less is always more,” says Monty Gilbertson, manager of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wisc.

Doug Prexta, who works for the landscape division of Cleveland, Ohio-based Hinckley Lighting confirms lighting the outdoors is a trend that’s here to stay. “Our business is way up in the landscape division because people are investing in their homes more and more,” he says.

Sick of those saggy silk drapes? Does the trendy color you painted your walls last year now look so “last year”? Your décor leaves you uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a bundle on a total redesign. The good news is you don’t need the skill – or budget – of a TV decorating diva to give your home a fresh new look. Small, inexpensive changes can make a dramatic difference.

Textured Bronze-Finish Table Lamp

Buy New: $39.99

Features:
• Textured bronze-finish lamp
• Fabric lamp shade
• Coordinates with other Textured Bronze-Finish lamps
• 3-way switch uses 100-watt bulb (not included)

Here are some ideas to transform your room for less than $100:

Lighten Up

The type and placement of lighting can completely change the look of a room and create different moods. Most of us stick with light fixtures that were in our homes when we bought them. Those aren’t always the most attractive or illuminating options.

Overhead lighting – the kind that comes installed in most new homes – can be great if you’re quilting, but might not set the mood for more relaxing moments. Supplement your overhead lighting with lamps strategically positioned around the room. Light cast from the side, rather than from above, will create a cozy, homey feel. Four $25 lamps purchased at a discount store can make your room feel like a million dollars.

Create with Color

Repainting in this season’s hot colors can give a room a contemporary, trendy look – even if you don’t update any of your furniture. Or, opt for more classic colors that will still be in style for years to come. Whatever color you choose, repainting is a powerful way to make a room feel fresh and new.

You don’t have to stop with simple painting. Many home improvement stores offer free classes on decorative painting techniques and the use of color. Total cost of doing a decorative sponge effect in your powder room? About $26 for a gallon of paint, and another $25 for sponges and paint trays.

Make it Better with Murals

Wallpapering an entire room is a big commitment, but you’re still not content with just repainting a room. You want something that’s going to make the décor pop – without busting your budget. Wallpaper murals are a great compromise. You can find images to match virtually any décor – from an underwater scene for a kid’s room to the view from the verandah of a Tuscan Villa for your kitchen.

Home improvement store Lowe’s carries a variety of these easy-to-install wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics, for less than $100. You can find a style and size to fit in nearly any room. To find a Lowe’s near you visit www.lowes.com.

Accessorize your Bath

Americans tend to spend their at-home hours in the kitchen. But the next-most-used room is the bath. If walking into your bathroom feels like walking into a bad thrift store – nothing matches and toiletries everywhere – it may be time to spend a few dollars and take control.

It’s easy and not costly to replace mismatched accessories such as toothbrush holders, cups and lotion dispensers with ones in the same design. Major retailers and home specialty stores carry a wide array of patterns to appeal to virtually every taste. A full set can easily be bought for less than $100.

If you’re willing to be a “big spender,” you can also pick up shower curtains and window treatments to compliment your new all-matching accessories.

Go Green and Get Moving

Nothing says “home” like green plants. You don’t need a green thumb to green up your living space. Opt for low-maintenance live varieties like a philodendron or pothos. Or, if you just can’t keep plants alive, consider artificial. Many modern artificial plants duplicate the look of life so well only the aphids who try to eat them can tell the difference.

Place tall palms next to chairs and windows to bring the outdoors inside. Smaller plants are marvelous accents for tables, shelves and windowsills. And a hanging basket with cascading leaves will add drama to large entryways.

Finally, don’t think you need to replace your furniture to make it work in your new room décor. Sometimes simply moving it around is enough to create a new effect that will please you and work well in your room.

(ARA) – The fabrics you pick for your upholstery pieces and the lighting fixtures you place overhead and at tabletop height can make a room sparkle or fall flat.

According to Candice Olson, celebrated interior designer and TV host, bringing the necessary ‘bling’ to a space demands two important decorating concepts — dramatically detailed or styled upholstery wrapped in a luminescent fiber and layered lighting featuring fixtures constructed of materials that play up the sparkle.

Olson often resorts to hi-sheen fabrics like chenille or silk, jewel-like materials and lots and lots of lighting to bring a space to life. She also adds special touches such as classic nail heads to accentuate upholstery profiles and several of her light fixtures employ mother of pearl and glass beads for sheer iridescence. With each room makeover, the designer asks herself, “Where is the sparkle?”

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Here, she begins with fabrics and focal points.

Fabric — drawing attention to the focal piece
Olson starts every renovation project from the focal point — whether it is re-designing a two-way fireplace or adding display wall shelving. Approaching décor in the same fashion, she determines which upholstery silhouette to accentuate. She recommends choosing a design detail on one or two pieces that you want to draw attention to, such as a dramatic rolled arm or multi-button tufts, and select fabrics with some sheen.

“You want to let the details sing in a luxuriously shiny fabric,” she says. Take the designer’s Pyper chair from her licensed upholstery collection for Norwalk Furniture. “The tufts are extremely sculptural,” she says, “a detail to enhance with a gold metallic paisley print or bronzy colored microfiber.” Adding to the appeal of Pyper are dressmaker details such as nail heads in antique brass or chrome.

To give the room added interest, Olson suggests incorporating contrasting elements throughout, like textured rather than shiny fabrics on the accompanying upholstery or a rugged coffee table or wall cabinet. “Contrast brings depth and balance to the décor,” she says. So, work off of the focal piece by adding glittery fabric and offset the ultra glamorous look with contrasting pieces of a matte or textured finish.

Olson does caution restraint, however. “You do not want every piece in the room to have some sort of shine to it,” she says. “It’s too much.” Pick and choose which upholstered piece to wrap in a luminescent fabric and let the lighting do the rest.”

Lighting — the most important element
The most important part of any renovation is lighting. According to Olson, without it, décor falls short of the sparkle factor, and the project budget is wasted. To determine the layout, Olson looks at the space from a theatrical standpoint — like a stage with a good lighting plan.

“Position recessed lighting to hit the folds of a drapery panel or the pin-cushioned seat back of a sofa,” says Olson. For tabletop lamps and wall sconces that add to the room’s glistening glamour, she favors fixtures that incorporate materials like Mother of Pearl and what could be beach glass.

Fixtures — that play up to the lighting
In her own licensed collection by AF Lighting, Olson takes traditional fixtures and incorporates reflective materials for signature sparkle.

Chandeliers, for example, feature a streamlined, simple design embellished with glass beads, polished silver or mirrored glass accents and chic silky shades. The designer’s Damask table lamp features an etched beach-glass like base with chrome accents, while a dramatic wall sconce is framed by a beveled mirror.

“Don’t be afraid to bring fixtures into your décor of contrasting materials,” says Olson. Equally brilliant and bright are fixtures constructed of unlikely combinations of sleek and not-so-sleek materials like Mother of Pearl, which has an iridescent color quality to it, with dark wood or leather. “It’s about playing up to the surrounding décor.”

Bulbs — which ones truly flatter
Halogen bulbs are the designer’s number one choice in overhead, or recessed, lighting. She places them at the perimeter of the wall to light up “things” rather than thin air. Also, Olson prefers “can” lights, but those on a “track” get the job done too.

“Halogen bulbs are my choice for the remainder of the light landscape,” she says. “They produce true colors and tend to be more flattering, giving off a natural white light.” The designer shies away from iridescent and incandescent light bulbs, believing they produce a yellow tint and often times make the décor look dull.

For more decorating tips that simply sparkle, or to find upholstery pieces and lighting fixtures by Candice Olson, visit www.norwalkfurniture.com and www.aflighting.com.

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(ARA) - Homeowners are looking to do more with less as the average size of homes begins to stabilize. Industry experts are finding that dining rooms and other defined living areas are disappearing in favor of more open space or a series of smaller areas. As rooms shrink in size, homeowners are challenged with making an impression that doesn’t overwhelm their tightened space.

“Many homeowners don’t realize that smaller spaces really allow for some great design elements,” says Jeff Dross, senior product manager at Kichler Lighting. “The trick is decorating to scale, and when that is achieved successfully, rooms will actually appear bigger. Because lighting is often used to open up a room, lighting is a good place to start.”

Kichler Tannery Bronze Bristol Chandeliers Mid Sized
Features:
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• Extra Lead Wire: 102”
• Number of Bulbs: 5
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• Bulb Base: Candelabra

Good news is, there are several types of lighting products that offer big aesthetics in small packages.

Responding to the need for smaller product, Dross’ colleagues at Kichler found immediate success when they introduced the Chandelette, the industry’s first mini-chandelier, several years ago. With diameters ranging from 15 to 18 inches, homeowners told Kichler the Chandelettes were perfect additions to breakfast nooks, dinettes and other small spaces. Because they include all the detail found in a regular chandelier, aesthetics didn’t suffer.

With homeowners continuing to demand new solutions, Kichler recently took scaled-down design to the next level with an all-new product — the Pendalette. Mixing one part pendant with one part Chandelette, the Pendalette provides three different mounting options in one pendant-sized, three-light chandelier, no larger than 11 inches wide. To meet a variety of homeowner tastes, the Pendalette is available in seven different styles.

“The great thing about products like these, is that they not only fit perfectly in small spaces, but you can use two or three together to add a special dynamic over an island or as accents in larger areas,” adds Dross. “Plus, all of the Pendalettes and Chandelettes are part of complete lighting families, so a large chandelier in the foyer can match the Chandelette hung over the dinette or two Pendalettes paired over the bar.”

In addition to utilizing petite products like these, there are a variety of simple tricks and tips you should remember when trying to open up a small room, including:

* Pay attention to paint color and wall paper patterns. Opt for lighter colors and simple, clean designs. Dark colors and busy patterns tend to close in a room.

* Use area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. This breaks up a room and makes it appear longer.

* Don’t overwhelm the room with furniture. Pass up oversized chairs and opt for smaller pieces. Furniture with simple lines also tricks the eye and makes the room appear larger.

* Use smaller table lamps. Using a big table lamp on a small surface makes the room appear cluttered. Select a smaller version to add dimension. Kichler offers table lamps in a variety of sizes, many available with complementing accessories.

* In small kitchens and in rooms housing cabinets, use lighting above the cabinets to draw the eye to the wider, open spaces at the top of the room.

* Decorate simply. In small rooms, less is more. Too many wall and table decorations can overwhelm a room. One strategically placed piece of art can make a large impact.

* Brighten empty spaces. If there are coves in your ceiling, install products like Kichler’s Linear Lighting, which hides lighting components while brightening the space, making it appear wider and more open.

For more on the latest home décor tips and tricks and details on how to bring scaled-down lighting into your home, visit www.kichler.com or call (888) 659.8809 to find a Kichler dealer in your neighborhood.

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300 Watts Black Finish Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamp w/2-Way Switch

300 Watts Black Finish Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamp w/2-Way Switch

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(ARA) - Today’s design savvy consumers want their homes to be practical, modern and, most of all, fashionable. When they envision home improvements, they picture fresh paint, new furniture and decorative accessories. Lighting rarely makes the home improvement to-do list.

Residential lighting is often considered a basic necessity, so home owners do not think of it as a stylish home décor element. Yet lighting can be so much more than a simple ceiling fixture. Accent lights enhance your existing lighting while highlighting particular areas of your home. Under-the-cabinet lights illuminate counter spaces. Picture lights emphasize art and décor. Wall sconces provide a classic, decorative light source for dining areas, hallways and bathrooms.

A recent trend in home accent lighting is replacing ceiling fixtures and recessed cans with mini pendants. Ceiling fixtures usually brighten an entire room and cannot target specific areas that need light. Recessed cans provide inconspicuous light sources in the ceilings of many homes, but these practical lights lack style. Many decorative mini pendants feature designer bodies and colorful glass. Suspended by a cord, extension rod or chain, they direct light onto kitchen counters, islands, bars and nooks. By installing several mini pendants over one area, you can create a focal point and add dimension to your room.

Many home improvement and lighting retailers offer mini pendants that include everything you need for installation. These fixtures sell for about $30 to $100. If you prefer something more customized, Westinghouse Lighting Corporation’s mini pendant kits allow you to add any 2 1/4 inch glass shade so you can design your new lighting fixture by choosing the color, shape and design of the glass. These kits retail for about $19.99.

Available in oil rubbed bronze, nickel, antique brass and white finishes, the Westinghouse mini pendant kits include a canopy, installation hardware, and a 50 inch adjustable cord that allows you to determine the pendant’s length. This cord lets you install several mini pendants at varying heights to create a designer look. The kits also contain a shade ring that simplifies glass installation by eliminating thumb screws. These mini pendants use one 60 watt standard base light bulb (not included).

Although Westinghouse offers an extensive selection of over 200 shades in a variety of designs, it’s easy to personalize the mini pendant kit with any 2 1/4 inch glass shade. The glass is significantly more affordable than a new lighting fixture, so if you tire of the mini pendant’s style simply replace the glass.

As the days of fall get shorter, brighten your home with the design and color of accent lights. A few accent lights can dramatically enhance your décor without breaking the bank on a major home makeover.

For more information about Westinghouse Lighting Corporation’s mini pendants, visit www.westinghouselighting.com/products_05.html, send an email to info@westinghouselighting.com, or call (888) 417-6222

(ARA) – Savvy homeowners are becoming master illusionists these days working with their smaller rooms to make them appear bigger and more spacious. Even a house with a maze of irregularly shaped rooms can be designed to enhance the flow from room-to-room giving the impression of more space. So instead of dismissing your smaller rooms, embrace them!

According to Chris Sy, from Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, smaller sized rooms can be useful and beautiful. “They make a house unique and with the right techniques, you can make the most of these areas. The goal is to create a room that you can use, is pleasing to the eye, and doesn’t feel cramped.”

Follow these tips to make the most of the smaller rooms in your home:

Walls
Paint the walls with lighter color paints to make a room seem bigger. Lighter colors also reflect the natural light and help to open the space. Consider lighter tones such as nudes and natural colors or use pastels such as powder blue or a light yellow.

Lighting
Lighting is an important element in small rooms. The room should be properly lit to expand the space. Consider replacing table and floor lamps with wall fixtures. If you cannot replace these items, look for ones that are space friendly and have small shades or no shades at all.

Floors
You may be surprised to learn that floors can make a world of difference in how large a room feels. Steer away from narrow floor boards. It may seem logical to use narrow boards in small rooms, but in actuality it makes the room appear busy and cluttered. Wide plank wood floors are great for smaller rooms because they are easy to keep clean and add visual character. Sy says, “Wider floor boards, some 8 to 10-inches, are being used in smaller rooms and they open up the space wonderfully. In older colonial homes, the widest boards were used on the second floor where many of the smaller rooms were located.”

Wide plank wood floors provide the simplicity that is needed in rooms with limited space. By eliminating the majority of seams in the floor and choosing a lighter color, the room will appear open and airy. “Look for boards with subtle grain patterns and fewer knots. At Carlisle, we suggest maple or eastern white pine because these woods have a less prominent grain,” adds Sy.

Furniture
Whether a small living room, bedroom, office or den, there will be various pieces of furniture you will need to make the room functional. When working with a smaller area, determine what you need and what you want. Only using key pieces of furniture will ensure that the room is functional, but not cluttered.

When purchasing furniture, think about pieces that can perform multiple tasks. For example, an end table that has drawers can double for storing small items. Consider smaller pieces to open up space, such as choosing a love seat over a couch. Another helpful tip is to think vertically. Shelving and other items that bring the eye upward make the room feel larger.

Décor
When decorating a smaller room, it’s best to keep things simple. Choose one or two pieces of art to display. On accessories such as pillows and drapes, choose fabrics that have minimal patterns or utilize solid colors. It’s important to decorate every room with your personal tastes in mind, but the general rule to follow is less is more. Add too many items in your small room and it will end up feeling even smaller.

From wide plank wood flooring to wall fixture lights, if you follow these simple guidelines you’ll be able to make your smaller rooms appear bigger and become your own master illusionist. For more information on flooring and style options, visit www.wideplankflooring.com or call (800) 595-9663.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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