http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/office-decor-and-plants.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/office-decor-and-plants.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:08:50 -0600
You have two choices when it comes to office decor. You can either choose man-made items to accentuate your working space or you can choose the beauty of nature through real life plants to liven up the room. Plants are versatile as they come in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, smells and environmental needs. The plants you choose for the office say a lot about what the company is about. Japanese shrubbery can represent a Zen like quality while medicinal plants represent healing. Others can simply be utilized as a treat for sore eyes.

Both the office workers and the clients coming into the space can feel at ease as they admire the natural beauty of the plant life around them. It can be exciting to see how plants are transformed from being merely a plant to a source of decoration in fun and creative ways. Plants can be arranged and placed in places where you normally wouldn't put a plant, which catches the viewer's attention and makes them think of the environment in a positive light. The plants can be used to greet clients as they enter the building or throughout the building itself to give a larger feel of nature and relaxation.

Pots and planters add to the office decor as you can play around with diverse styles, colors and sizes. The larger ones can make big impressions while the smaller ones can be multiplied and placed in various areas. Plants have a way of connecting one another as one must tend to the plant and care for it in order to remain healthy. In the process, office workers will benefit from having unique natural office decor in their work setting on a daily basis.


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Alberto Jimenez is a well known traveler and gardener from New Caledonia. He writes for several important newspaper about topics such as Plants in Australia, New Caledonia travel guides, office plants and several other topics which attract attention of many readers.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/how-to-approach-a-lighting-project.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/how-to-approach-a-lighting-project.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:10:49 -0600 When deciding to take on a lighting project, keep in mind that it does not start by simply picking out a light fixture. You should take the time to first ask yourself the following questions:

(1) What kind of lighting do I want?
(2) How do I want the space to look?
(3) Are there any special requirements that need to be addressed?
(4) What is the current level of lighting in the area? Is there daylight available?
(5) What mood am I trying to achieve?

Some places require a bright light that does not cast shadows like a closet, laundry room, or a workbench. Other areas such as living, dining and bedrooms should offer a little more drama and pizzazz. Keep these functional differences in mind when you go through the motions of determining what style of lighting will be required.
When you think about the lighting effect you are looking for, you should always consider how the various light sources will be layered. For instance, you'll typically want to have ambient lighting such as a ceiling light or floor lamp for general lighting while offering accent lighting on paintings, sculptures, etc. and finally focused lighting such as a table lamp. You don't want to leave one area of the room under illuminated, while another area blinds you. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and undo tiredness.

Once you've thought through the above mentioned issues and determined how you want the layering to work, the next step is choosing the fixtures and bulbs that fulfill your requirements. Every room should have a general or ambient light source. If you don't want to have a ceiling fixture, then a floor lamp that directs a wide angle of light up on your ceiling can provide a good source of general lighting. Keep in mind that the lighter the color of your ceiling, the more illumination you will get from this style of lighting. There is not rule that says you cannot have two floor lamps, however keep in mind the balance of the lighting in the room.

If you are working on a room that requires specialized areas for tasks such as reading a book, you will want to add a portable or table lamp. This will provide good lighting to a specific area while not overwhelming any other areas of the room. You may want to consider a 3-way lamp that allows you to vary the level of illumination. In this fashion, the lamp can double as accent lighting when on lower settings.

If you want to add accent lighting for specific areas of the room, then you will probably want to consider spot lights, shelf lighting, or even smaller table lamps and decor lamps.

There are some other points that you may want to keep in mind before making the final decision on your lighting fixtures:

(1) Is the fixture energy efficient?
(2) How durable is the fixture and what will the maintenance costs be?
(3) What is the availability of the fixture? Can you easily find it in stores and expect to have them available in the future?


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Stop by MyTableLamp.com today and shop through our wide selection of specialty lamps such as the tall slender appeal of buffet lamps.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/gift-wrap-the-luxury-of-silk-this-christmas.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/gift-wrap-the-luxury-of-silk-this-christmas.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:15:06 -0500 online shopping.

What could be more fun than lying snuggled in bed in the warmth and comfort of your home surfing the internet looking for unique and fun gifts for my loved ones. Yes, fun, unique and affordable gifts. One such thing that I have included in my list to buy for my friends and family is silk bedding. Pure silk bedding is a favorite with everyone. With the vast variety of products carried online there is something for everyone. A gift as unique as the unique recipient.

For the fabulous lady in your life you can choose from silk pillowcases, silk robes or silk sheets. A great favorite that always works are silk throws and silk blankets which can be used almost anywhere. For a special and romantic Christmas give silk sheets along with a silk robe or silk slip a shot. Not only will she love it but you will get to enjoy it too. For the man in your life pick from silk pillowcases which are great for the skin or a silk sheet set. The jetsetter in your life deserves nothing less than the silk travel kit which consists of a silk sheet, silk blanket and silk eyeshades. Why not travel in style and comfort

It doesn't matter where you travel where it is to the bright lights of a city or to the rugged interior of the wilds. A silk sleep sack is a perfect gift for both the urban man or the rugged outdoorsman. This silk sack is great for hotel rooms or for lining in a sleeping bag. There is something fun for everyone on your list. Check out the large offerings at www.silkbeddingandmore.com for some fun silk ideas for that very special man or woman in your life. Silk sleep sacks make great gifts even for children. Once they have been tucked in the silk sack the covers are not going anywhere. The silk sacks help children sleep better and keeps them covered the night through protected from cold spots.

With the advances in technology silk has become a very easy fabric to care for and the large production of silk fabrics also makes it very affordable to integrate silk bedding into your life style. However, this Christmas when shopping online be careful of picking the right online merchant and one who will deliver on time. For all your shopping needs you needn't look further, www.silkbeddingandmore.com will be your one stop shopping for all the wonderful people on your list. Celebrate this Christmas by wrapping the ones you love in the luxury of silk!


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Rashmi is the owner of Opera Glasses Online, your online store for a large variety of opera glasses, Silk Bedding and More, the silk bedding store which carries all kinds of silk bedding and all that is needed for the bedroom. http://www.silkbeddingandmore.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/green-ways-to-decorate-and-design-your-kitchen.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/green-ways-to-decorate-and-design-your-kitchen.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:04:20 -0500 kitchen design, especially since you can use a lot of energy through appliances that constantly run and water that regularly drips.

Here are several tips for each category in your kitchen so that you can choose a green decorating scheme based on your needs and budget.

Green Appliances and Water Saving Technology

Energy Star appliances are getting a lot of attention, and with today's range of options and price ranges, upgrading your older appliances for more energy efficient options is viable. Energy Star appliances use anywhere from 10 to 50 percent less energy.


Don't overlook your kitchen faucet as a potential source of water-conservation. Especially if your budget doesn't include new appliances, consider choosing a kitchen faucet with an aerator. You'll have the same water pressure with less volume. A recirculation pump will keep your hot water in your tap, meaning no running the water for up to a minute waiting for hot water.

Big-Ticket Items Going Green

Cabinets and countertops are seminal components that affect the look of your kitchen. If you are considering the possibility of refacing your current cabinets, one popular option is choosing a hardwood that wasn't finished with urea-formaldehyde, which emits harmful gasses. You can also choose green materials such as wheatboard that is finished with nontoxic products.

Recycled quartz countertops are the most popular green option, and are engineered by DuPont, CaesarStone, Silestone, Zodiaq and IceStone. These recycled quartz countertops are antimicrobial, mold and heat resistant. They offer a wide range of color options with good color depth and a hint of sparkle that will complement any kitchen.

Green Underfoot

If you are considering updating your kitchen flooring, before you go the laminate flooring route, do some research into green options such as cork flooring, linoleum and bamboo or reclaimed hardwood. Bamboo is popular because it's easily renewable and has been improved to be more durable as well as to stand up better to moisture. Cork is environmentally friendly and you'll have a many options for color, just make sure you like the texture and look before committing.

Because linoleum is made from linseed oil, rosin and wood flour, it's durable and environmentally friendly to produce. If you are set on tile, consider purchasing recycled tile that was well preserved, perhaps a terracotta for a warm, rustic look.

Don't Throw That Away!

Whether you are updating your entire kitchen or just several items, don't overlook how you dispose of the items you're replacing. After all, throwing your current appliances into the landfill won't justify buying Energy Star appliances. Instead, either sell or donate your used appliances (if in working condition). This way, someone else will reuse them and this will prevent them from clogging a landfill. The same goes for replacing cabinets and even countertops. If you're taking down your cabinets, take pictures first and try and sell the lot or donate to your local home improvement charity that will reuse your materials, such as Habitat for Humanity. This way, you'll have done your part for the environment.

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Bob Fischer writes in depth articles about contemporary kitchen designs and also covers a multitude of kitchen design ideas.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/picking-a-lighting-scheme-that-works-for-you-and-your-home.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/picking-a-lighting-scheme-that-works-for-you-and-your-home.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:27:51 -0500
Strangely, picking the correct lighting can be a lot more exciting and creative then you might think. All light is not created equal, just as all lighting fixtures are not cut from the same cloth. Besides a wide variety of wattage and bulb designs, there is style and elegance to decide, as even the type of light switches you have can change the way your room feels. There is a big difference between what dimmer and traditional switches can do for your living room or bedroom.

When considering lighting for your house, there is one simple question you must ask yourself first: what are you looking to get out of your lights? Are you merely looking for a way to light your place, or is this about giving your room a certain feeling or mood? Some people might look towards simple lamps for their tables so that they can read when the sun goes down, or maybe some larger floor lighting fixtures to light up the room. Others might be thinking a little bigger with hanging light fixtures on the ceiling, or even bringing in someone to install new lighting into their ceiling. That kind of thing can change the entire feeling of a room.

Another key thing to think about when considering what kind of lighting to bring to your home is finding a fixture that will match your surrounding design and themes. For example, most people wouldn't put a giant brown light fixture into an all white room, or old style Victorian lamp into an ultra modern designed room. Same goes for installing lights into a ceiling as both design and wattage can redefine your room. Shadow's can either appear or disappear quickly thanks to the angles at which these lights are installed. Installing a dimmer switch could turn your living room from a dimly lit romance den for date night, into a bright and accessible area for a Monday Night football party the next.

Regardless of your wants and needs, picking home lighting designs and fixtures are a much more personal endeavor then one might originally think. The key is to just to take it slow and to think through it. Don't be afraid to try designs and bulbs out and be willing to change it if needed. That way you'll be happy with your final product.



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Author Kimberly Green has experience with interior decorating and specializes in residential home lighting

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/tweak-the-teak-patio-furniture.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/tweak-the-teak-patio-furniture.html Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:48:35 -0500 The teak tree is ready for harvesting when it reaches a height of about 150 feet and a diameter of around 3 to 5 feet, or about 50 - 60 years of age. If properly cared for it may produce a high timber yield of about 30 meters. One of the characteristics is a large leaf, about 12" and similar to a tobacco leaf.

Perhaps, the best thing about Teak patio furniture is the durability. Teak can withstand many weather conditions from the hot and humid temperatures of the tropics to the sleet and snow of northern climes. However, if you want to buy patio furniture that is going to last a lifetime, then Teak is your best investment. By investment, I mean that a nice set of teak patio furniture, one that you may use on your deck, patio, lanai, or terrace, will cost roughly about $3,000. And it will require maintenance in order to keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Tweaking as I sometimes call it, or caring for Teak patio furniture is fairly easy and depends on the desired effect you want your furniture to have as it ages. For example, if you like the natural look of this dense wood, then just let it sit out in the open air during season and, if you live in the north, you may wish to store it indoors or at least cover it during the winter months. The wood, if maintained this way, will age to a nice silvery gray color on it's own.
Should you wish your Teak patio furniture to keep it's original brown color, then simply rub teak oil on it about once a year. I live in Florida and have seen it age both ways. Depending on the surroundings, I really have no preference as I think both colors are naturally beautiful.

Joseph Swenarton
Artist, designer, and author
www.patiopizzaz.com


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Joseph Swenarton is an artist, designer, and author living and working in Naples, Florida. He recently was awarded 3 prizes in The American Art Awards International competition. Some of his work may be viewed at http://www.patiopizzaz.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/buying-authentic-persian-rugs-makes-sense.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/buying-authentic-persian-rugs-makes-sense.html Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:07:34 -0500
Authentic Persian rugs have many advantages. They are made of natural, organic wool. Therefore, Persian rugs possess all the qualities of the natural fiber they are made of.

Persian rugs will hardly stain, because wool has the ability to shed water, an important quality since the composition of stains is made mostly of water.

Persian rugs are static free and fire resistant since wool itself does not burn. Thanks to the protein in the wool, Persian rugs have this natural shine that will give warmth and brightness to any room. Wool is easy to clean because dust and dirt don't sink to the bottom unlike nylon or other synthetic fibers, but stay on the surface. This property of the wool is due to the way the fiber is naturally made. This quality of the wool also makes Persian carpets resilient to tear and wear, thus turning spending into investing.
Some other qualities of Persian rugs are that they are soft to touch and they feel great under your feet. It is very pleasant for children to crawl and lay down on them. Persian rugs are a great insulator. They are also practical and versatile and match any décor. Today, you can find many sizes and many styles in Persian Rugs that include from small to palace size rugs, including a styles that range from traditional to modern and contemporary, always keeping the quality and the beauty of the different designs and authenticity of the colors intact.

We invite you to visit to browse and take a look at all the intricate designs and vibrant colors of a Persian Rug. Their vibrant colors is not just the result of the quality of the dye used as we talked about at the beginning of this article, but also because of the quality the wool has to hold those colors, rendering them luminous and vivid.

Wool Persian Rugs are natural and made of 100% of renewable product and buying a Persian Wool Carpet will also benefit the local farmers that produce that special wool for your pleasure.

All this information does not come without a few words of caution. Persian Rugs are in general more expensive to buy. Considering all the benefits, they end up being much cheaper than the machine made synthetic carpet because with time, Persian Rugs become heirloom and you never get rid of them. They can also be a little bit more expensive to clean because they have to be professionally dry-cleaned. Like any investment, good care should be given to them for many years of enjoyment.

When the time comes to buy a Persian Rug, make sure you are buying the authentic product. There are many rugs on the market that go under the name of Persian and Oriental rug. However, if you read closely, you will see that they are not made of wool, they are not hand made, and certainly are not Persian. All they have done is copy a design and mass produced it. A Persian Rug always comes with a certificate of authenticity. Ask for it.



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Astrid Kazarian is an amateur Persian and Oriental Rug collector. She bought her first Persian Rug as a present to herself for her sixteenth birthday, for which she paid with saved pocket money. Since then, over the years, she put together a small collection of rugs. Today, Astrid has her own site and she is affiliated with the best Persian Rug importers.
Visit her at http://www.PersianRugz.Com where you can find everything for your interior decoration needs.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/artificial-christmas-tree-and-the-creative-living-room.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/artificial-christmas-tree-and-the-creative-living-room.html Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:26:27 -0500
Well, there are shortcomings to always using traditional trees. For one, not everybody has a truck car to haul these trees. Furthermore money could be tight that holiday season, so having to buy a Christmas tree does not make financial sense.

Still, there are times when a traditional tree is just wrong for the season. Lo and behold comes a product of western design, the artificial Christmas tree. These man-made wonders can truly save the day. They are creative and flexible at the same time. Think of it as the "ace in the hole". If you have an artificial Christmas tree in storage, you can never have a stressful time hunting for a tree at the last minute if you choose not to. As many of us have experienced in the past, last minute Christmas crowd can be crazy. Also, if you own an artificial christmas tree, you won't have to go without a tree during any Christmas season simply because money is tight. Just pull the tree out of storage and you're good to go.

STYLING WITH AN ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE

What's great about artificial Christmas trees is the creativity behind various designs. Artificial Christmas trees can give you traditional or non-traditional look. It can be prelit or unlit. And also, it can come in a color you haven't even thought of for a tree. Let's look at a few popular styles:

PINK ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES

This one has been very popular. A pink artificial Christmas tree is something I've never considered, but perhaps if you have a little girl in your life, daughter or granddaughter, it will make sense. Girls love anything pink. That's a given. A pink Christmas tree will be a tough to decorate for many of us. But little girls will do it in a heartbeat. Just think, decorating a pink artificial Christmas tree can become an annual event for your little princess throughout the years as she grows up.

RED ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES

Red is a Christmas color. Why isn't it a Christmas tree color? The simple answer is that trees are not red. And that's another reason for buying an artificial Christmas tree. It can be any color including red. The color red draws attention. But a red Christmas tree demands attention. Anytime a guest walks into your family room, a red artificial christmas tree will greet them with cheerful tidngs.

ARTIFICIAL FIR CHRISTMAS TREE

Every wonder why the traditional Christmas tree is a triangle shape with green color? The root of the story comes the fir tree that cropped up from a fallen oak that Saint Boniface hacked down to convert German pagans to Christianity. The fir tree had a triangular shape symbolizing the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) with evergreen leaves that remain green throughout the year and represent eternal life.

Not surprisingly, among the fake Christmas trees, the artificial fir Christmas tree is popular. From within the fir tree type, there are subtypes as well, such as Douglas, Noble, Sierra, Virginia, Carolina, Montana, Spruce, and Pine Cone. These trees are so lifelike that it's tough to tell them apart from traditional Christmas trees.

SAFETY CONCERNS

One last note on artificial Christmas trees, over the past few decades, American families are choosing artifical Christmas trees over real trees. If you're worried about the safety of their use, then you'll be glad to know that today's artificial trees are made with flame-resistant materials. This bit of information is helpful since Christmas trees are often decorated with electrical accessories such as Christmas lights. Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are among the most popular type out there.

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The author is a freelance writer and often post on entertainment and family-friendly subjects such as locating the best artificial Christmas trees online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/selecting-the-right-kitchen-tile.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/selecting-the-right-kitchen-tile.html Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:55:34 -0500
Types of Kitchen Tile Available

Kitchens typically see a lot of action, from high traffic to food splatter, to accidentally dropping a dish. This means that the tile floor you choose should be both durable and easy to clean. If, however, your kitchen is seldomly used, and is mostly for show, you can be less discerning of what materials you need.

For instance, natural stone, such as slate, is beautiful and comes in a variety of shades and sizes, but will most likely chip if a heavy pot is dropped on it and could stain if not sealed properly. Natural stone also requires upkeep, such as sealing the tile once a year (sometimes more if your kitchen falls into the first category), so you might want to consider a natural stone for elsewhere in your house or perhaps as a backsplash.

The most durable and popular forms of tile are glazed kitchen ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. These tiles don't need to be sealed, so there is virtually no upkeep other than routine cleaning. Also, you can choose porcelain or ceramic that was designed to simulate a natural stone product so you get the beauty of natural stone without the hassles of the real thing.

You can also purchase tile that mimics hardwood flooring, also without the upkeep of actual hardwood. Glass tile and mosaic tiles are best used as accents in areas that won't receive high traffic or best reserved for a backsplash, especially since these are more expensive and will get the most attention above your counters rather than under your feet.

Measure, Determine Budget and Gather Samples

Measure your kitchen (multiplying length by width) to get an approximate square footage-don't worry about being exact because you'll need to figure in about a 10 to 15 percent surplus for cuts and mistakes. Then, determine a budget and divide it by your kitchen measurement so you have an idea of the price per square foot you're willing to pay once you're in the store. Don't forget about paying for labor if hiring a contractor when determining your budget.

Also, gather color samples from your kitchen, such as a paint swatch, a cabinet door and even a countertop sample if possible. This way, once you're in the showroom, you'll be better equipped to choose possibilities that will work with your current color scheme. It's best not to buy impulsively, even if you fall in love with a particular tile. Take several samples home so that you can see tiles in your lighting, in your home, and make sure to put it against any flooring that might connect to the kitchen as well as pay attention to how it looks in both natural and artificial light. You'll be surprised what looks great in the showroom could look completely different in your home. It's best to take your time and get it right, because tile is not something easily replaced once installed.

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Bob Fischer writes about creative applications of kitchen ceramic tiles and appealing kitchen design pictures.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/update-and-re-invent-your-home-lighting.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/update-and-re-invent-your-home-lighting.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:34:58 -0500
Dimmer switches:
Installing dimmer switches is a great way to increase the usefulness of your light fixtures. These can be installed on just about any kind of lighting fixture, from chandeliers to table lamps. Dimming the lights can create a soothing effect in any room of the house. In the bathroom, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub after a long day at work. In the dining room, dim the lights for a romantic dinner for two. Or, create a soft glow in the living room when you are entertaining guests.

Accent lighting:
You can use simple up-lights that only need to be plugged in to the nearest wall outlet. These are great for illuminating dark corners and can easily be hidden on top of a dresser or armoire, or tucked away in a large potted plant. You can also install spotlights that are designed specifically to highlight artwork or design features of your home.

Table lamps:
Contrary to what you might think, table lamps aren't just for sofa end tables. They can add charm to a bookshelf and break up the monotony of rows of books or knick-knacks. A small, decorative table lamp can also be used in the corner of a bathroom or kitchen countertop.

Undercounter Lights:
In any area of your home where you'll be working with detail, whether in an arts and crafts room or in your kitchen, you'll want to have adequate lighting for the job. Especially in kitchens, undercounter lights provide both visual appeal and a practical solution to the needs of food preparation.

Layer Your Lighting:
In each room of your home, use two or more different types of lighting. For example, your living room may include a ceiling fixture, floor and table lamps, and spotlights for artwork. This principle applies to any room in your home. Layering your lighting serves the dual purposes of creating visual appeal, as well as providing the right lighting type for whatever task or activity you undertake in the room.

Install Motion Sensors:
Motion sensors can be practical both indoors and out. While most people are familiar with porch and floodlights that are activated by motion, you can install motion sensors in hallways and foyers indoors that are designed to light up in the night time. This enhances your safety, since it can prevent accidental injury in dark areas of your home. It's also highly convenient, and saves energy since you won't need to leave hallway lights on all night.

Explore novel ways to add light to the rooms of your house. Remember that creative lighting solutions don't have to be expensive, and many can be installed quickly without professional assistance. For example, layer your lighting by using a ceiling fixture, table lamps, and up-lights in the same room.

Once you've updated the lighting in your home, keep an eye out for areas that may require improvement. You may find that you need more task lighting in a certain area, or you may want to add additional accent lighting to highlight certain features of your home. Keeping your lighting fresh and up-to-date will enhance the form and function of your home.

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Stop by MyTableLamp.com to fill all your table lamp needs. We offer a wide selection of lamps and can help you narrow down your search for the perfect table lamp.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>