How to Choose the Right Light Fixture

It's a common question... how do I choose the correct light fixture/chandelier? I am going to help you.

What size should I be looking for? And to be perfectly honest, often I just eyeball it. However, I know that many clients like to be more precise than that and need concrete directions on this subject.

What size do I need? If we are talking about the foyer, entryway, family room or bedroom - the easiest way to get an approximate height is to take your ceiling height and times it by 2.5. For instance, if your ceiling height is 10', you would take 10 x 2.5, which would be 25, so a light fixture about 25" tall is what you need to use as an approximate size. Really anywhere between 2.5 and 3 is good. So for 10' ceilings, a light fixture about 25" to 30" is a good place to start. Some light fixtures are very "airy" and are visually light, so in those cases you can even go on the larger size. As far as the width goes, take your room dimensions and multiply. For instance, if your room is 12' x 15' that is 12 plus 15 equals 27, so use 27" as your estimate.

What about over my kitchen table, dining room table or island? Where should I hang it? Hang your chandelier so that it's lowest point is 34"-36" from the top of the tabletop. If you want to place two smaller light fixtures over a long table or island, choose a diameter that is about one-third of the width of the table or island.

There are so many great sources and designs now. The right lighting can make a huge impact and give your room a whole new feel. It is amazing the personalities that light fixtures have these days! They are so fun!  So go ahead and replace that dated light fixture.... you will be glad you did. 

 

Just wallpaper it!

There's nothing better than getting in a new wallpaper book down at Barbara Stewart Interiors! I love looking through the books, seeing all the new designs, and checking out all the new patterns, colors and textures!

Here are some tips to help guide you through the process of selecting a new wallpaper...

* First of all, have a professional wallpaper hanger come over and measure to tell you how many rolls you will need. He will be the one hanging it, so you need to have him measure it. These guys (or ladies) have done this long enough, they know what to account for (windows, doors, sinks, etc) and they will also take into consideration the pattern repeat of the wallpaper you select. If your pattern has a large repeat, you will need more rolls. The last thing you want to do is run out of wallpaper. I think it is always a good idea to order one extra roll. You just never know!

* Determine how durable this paper needs to be. Is it going into a room that doesn't get much wear and tear like the dining room or guest bedroom? If so, you can use a more delicate material and texture. Or it is going into a bathroom, kids room or entertainment space that gets used everyday? In that case select one that will be able to be cleaned off with a damp sponge easily.

* Take a good look at the space! Bedrooms call for a serene and quiet pattern and softer shades that will create a restful feeling. You can go for bolder more colorful patterns if wallpapering kitchen, living area or entertainment space. Another thing to take into consideration is the size of the space. Smaller patterns work well when the area has lots of windows, doors and wall art - and you can use a larger pattern when you are able to see a large area of wall.

* Here are some ideas to inspire you to just wallpaper it!

The Joy of Rugs!

Rugs can make a huge impact in a room. Rugs add comfort, color, softness, and warmth to your house. How do you decide what size rug you need? There is not an exact science to this however, here are some good guidelines that might help you decide...

Bedrooms - Decide whether you want the rug to cover most of the floor or just an area of the room. Your bed can be sitting completely on the rug or you may just want the bottom feet of the bed on the rug. Another option for bedrooms is to use runners on either side of the bed. 

Dining rooms or Kitchen eating areas - Measure the length and width of your table. Don't forget to include the leaf if you use it frequently. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 24" - 30" of rug beyond the table on each side. You do not want your chair legs to be sitting off the rug. 

Living or Family Room - A good rule of thumb is to allow 12' - 18" of floor as a border around the rug; however in small rooms, you may want to leave less floor showing. If your room is really large and open, you may want to think about using two different, but related rugs, to anchor each seating area. Your rug should anchor your furniture. Your sofa back legs can be on or off the rug, Typically, an 8x10 rug brings together most furniture groupings nicely. 

It is a good idea to rotate rugs frequently but even more so in sunny summer months. Also rotating your rugs helps them to wear equally and balance any fading that might occur. 

I have collected some photos below that might inspire you to get a new rug! 

Sisal rugs are still a staple! Add a casual and rustic touch to high traffic areas. These Dash & Albert sisal rugs are known for being very durable perfect for sun porch, family room, foyers or dining rooms. 

Herringbone Woven Cotton Rug from Albert & Dash.

This rug comes in 9 color choices and it is a timeless classic.

Perfect way to perk up a bedroom, hallway, stairs, or family room! 

Aqua Herringbone

Coral Herringbone

Dash & Albert diamond patterned Indoor/outdoor. This is an eye-catching
geometric rug in washable, fade resistant polypropylene. The great thing about these is you just hose down and air dry - washable and bleachable!

Dash & Albert Natural Jute Woven Rug - a unique hand-braided weave.
These jute rugs come in 4 gorgeous natural colors! These look great in
bedrooms, foyers, living rooms & sunrooms.

Another Indoor/Outdoor Rug featuring a ripple like graphic pattern
in nature inspired hues (coral above, blue and tan below) all by Dash & Albert!

This vintage inspired Kalaty rug adds just the right amount of color to this neutral room!

Hand knotted Kalaty rug was inspired for casual homes and lifestyles,
this rug has an unique soft look and feel! 

The Ikat (pronounced e-kat) pattern is modern and fashionable.
This one from Kalaty portrays a vintage look. 

This rug from Company C has stripes with a dazzling array of colors. This photo
makes me want to reupholstered my dining chairs! This rug looks great as a runner too! 

This rug from Company C has flower and paisley forms in lemon,
coral and watermelon on an aqua background - notice the color
in this room comes from the pillows, rug and walls.

Tweedy - this rug is reminiscent of the iconic tweed jacket made famous by Coco Chanel in the 1950’s. This Company C rug is available in 6 beautiful colors including a neutral. 

This rug comes in inviting color palette of red or blue. The rug has been washed to give it a sun drenched patina. Another gorgeous rug from Company C!

 And don't forget rug pads!! Every rug needs a pad underneath to ensure safety and prevent slipping and friction against hardwood floors. Rug pads also increase the life of a rug - so you never want to go without one!