Tips and Tricks
Welcome! For nearly 10 years, I have had the pleasure of working with clients to design their homes and commercial spaces. Each project is a collaboration to create a space that is beautiful, functional, and tailored to the personality and style of the homeowner–or the vibe that the commercial space seeks to evoke. While working closely with clients, I’ve often been told that I am a great source of information. I share my knowledge freely as we work together on projects. Completing a project is often bittersweet, because as thrilled as I am to bring a vision to life for clients, it often means much less time spent with people that I’ve come to know, and love, over the course of a project. Recently, one such client asked me, “How am I going to get answers to all of my questions now?”. Immediately, I decided to do a monthly feature where I provide tips and tricks related to home design. As you read, please sit back, relax, and most importantly enjoy your space!
Light Fixture Hanging Made Simple: 6 Common Questions
The right lighting can add splendor, dimension, and interest to your space. Selecting lighting that complements the existing décor and enhances not only the illumination of a space, but the overall character and design is what I do at Atelier 616 Interiors. I work with clients to select the lighting that best serves their style, needs, and budget. Every so often a client from the past will call to ask me about hanging light fixtures. So, I figured, let me share some basics…
1. What size light fixture do I need for above my table?
The light fixture above your table should be approximately ½ the width or diameter of the table it rests above.
2. How big should the light fixture in my foyer be?
The light fixture at the entrance to your home is an opportunity to make a statement about your unique style. Any fixture should be at least 7’ from the floor to ensure solid clearance and keep the space airy. If there is a window above the door or a two-story foyer, center the fixture so it can be seen from outside.
3. How high above the table should my chandelier sit?
The bottom of the chandelier should sit approximately 32”-34” above the tabletop.
4. How many pendants do I hang over my island?
A group of pendants over an island makes a statement in any kitchen. Smaller sized fixtures are generally hung in odd numbered groupings, and larger pendants are hung in pairs. Remember, you should be able to see those standing around the island without the pendants in the way. Every kitchen is different so heights will vary, but pendants should typically be hung with the bottom of the fixture 28”-34” from the countertop.
5. How do I space sconces?
Sconces add wonderful layers of lighting to any space. Install the light source 66” from the floor and space them 6’-8’ apart. The exception is sconces on either side of a vanity; those should be approximately 36-40” from one another.
6. How high should my vanity light be?
A bath bar over a vanity should be a minimum of 24” wide and mounted 75-80” above the floor.
Remember, all measurements listed are simply guidelines. For best results, please give us a call to discuss your lighting needs and learn about our professional solutions!
6 Tips for Making Your Bedroom Your Sanctuary
Hopefully, your bedroom is a place of comfort that helps you achieve relaxation and drift into dreaming-day or night! While the rest of your home may be abuzz with activity, these easy steps will help you create a sanctuary for tranquility.
1. Make a statement with a light fixture or ceiling fan:
Whether you like a glam vibe or a rustic look, let your style shine through your light fixture or ceiling fan.
2. Make way on your nightstand:
Clear your night table and keep only essentials, alongside a meaningful photo or fresh flowers. I use low iron or back painted glass to top night tables. The glass protects wood surfaces and at the same time allows light to bounce a bit more. This reflectivity lends a softer mood and creates a more spacious feeling in any space.
3. Customize your headboard:
A custom upholstered headboard lets you highlight your style with gorgeous fabric, graceful lines, and even better- achieve the perfect scale with exact dimensions.
4. Create a cozy corner:
When you’d like to unwind, a comfortable chair is essential. If you have room to make the chair a recliner, then that’s just icing on the cake!
5. Use mirrors decoratively:
Get inspired and create a gallery of varied mirrors, or just explore an intriguing layout with a set of identical mirrors. Remember, the more light that reflects in a room, the airier and larger it feels.
6. Rugs make for a great start to your day:
A sumptuous area rug under the bed looks great and keeps your feet snug when you need to hit the ground running. You can also use plush runners on the sides of the bed, if you’d like to have the look of a large rug and stay on budget.
6 Tips for Setting up an Inspiring Home Office
Creating a home office that inspires and enables you to work effectively is easier than you think.
1. Dedicate a Space:
Whether your work area is a room or a table within a room, you need to have a dedicated workspace that allows you to focus on your daily tasks. Shop your home for pieces that can double as a desk, like in this photo where a kitchen worktable and bar stools are playing new roles.
2. Use Task Lighting:
Natural light is best, as we all love to soak up the sun! When the sun goes down, make sure that you have both an overhead and a specific task light. A task lamp will keep your eyes healthy and look great too!
3. Create a Wall Board:
Chalk, cork, or dry erase, whichever you choose, a board can help you stay on track. Post your child’s virtual learning schedule or a reminder to join a Zoom workout session! A paper schedule is a terrific visual reminder to supplement your digital calendar.
4. Sit Right:
You may not have the perfect ergonomic chair at home, but pillows and cushions can go a long way to enhancing your posture and ensuring your comfort.
5. Organize:
Keep papers tidy in a mail organizer, a folder, or a binder. At the end of each day, make sure you take a few minutes to file away papers and mail. You’ll love how you feel starting your day at an inviting desk.
6. Make it lovely:
A vibrant vase filled with fresh flowers, a framed photo from a fabulous trip, or a beautiful piece of pottery to corral your pens, stylus, and letter opener–all of these items can help you stay revitalized, and even better, organized.