Setting The Mood

Décor expert offers tips on how lighting can impact a room's mood

SOUTHBURY, CT (Wednesday, August 17, 2005) - There are some rooms that just feel comfortable. You can walk in and no matter what kind of day you've had, you instantly feel relaxed or energized - depending on your mood.

What is it about that room that gives that feeling of comfort?
According to Karen Powell, founder and CEO of Decor & You, a home-based interior decorating franchise, it may be all in the lighting.

"Lighting can help you set the mood and tone for a room. Before you make drastic changes with a can of paint or otherwise change a space, sometimes just simple tricks with lighting can make a huge difference," Powell explains.

One of Powell's suggestions is to use dimmer switches for dining and entertaining areas. Dimmers can give you a wide range of options with lighting and can be used with anything from chandeliers to track lighting to under-cabinet recessed lighting.

Great rooms - or areas that bring the food preparation space right into the entertaining space - are becoming more and more popular.
By using under-cabinet lighting or track lighting in the space, you can have either bright light needed for food preparation, or more ambient lighting that provides a warm glow around your counters while you're entertaining.

Chandeliers, Powell advises, are not just for the dining room or foyer anymore.

"Some of my clients love the idea of bringing the romance and elegance of a chandelier into the bedroom," Powell says.

Your bedroom is one area where you may want to have a variety of lighting options. Besides the overhead light, Powell also recommends having a reading light near each side of the bed, and also suggests using a floor lamp to offset a reading nook in a bedroom or study area.

Other rooms, like a bathroom or office, would serve you best with bright, natural light. The right light in an office can help you feel energetic and refreshed. Lighting that is too harsh can be bothersome, and you may find yourself gravitating towards a more comfortable room in the house to work.
"Take your cue from your natural responses to light," Powell suggests.

"A pair of well placed sconces or floor lamp can provide both flare and function, and make a statement as to what your style is," added Powell. "Lighting is a big decision. You may consider using a designer to walk through the functions of each room before you make of those lighting decisions."

For more information or to find out how lighting can make an impact on your home, visit www.decorandyou.com.

About Decor & You
Decor & You, a national interior decorating franchise with dozens of locations, offers comprehensive personalized service with a complete line of fine custom furniture, window and wall coverings, art and accessories for all budgets. Decor & You also offers free online courses from The Knowledge Center, combining decorating know-how with business savvy.

View all Decor & You Press Releases

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