Designer For a Day

So Many Options

Light fixtures are functional and decorative and today there are so many great choices, it can be overwhelming.

I like to think of lights as functional layers. Ambient light gives you the overall light to get around. Task lights help you do close up work, like reading, crafts or kitchen work.  Decorative lights provide mood and ambiance.  Don’t rely on one type of light to accomplish everything.  Utilizing these different types will humanize your interior and give it character, which is hard to achieve with just overhead lighting.

Ambient Lighting

Decorative Lighting

Task/Lamp Lighting

Sherwin Williams has teamed up with HGTV and major retailers to offer consumers color trend paints that will compliment and pair with current furniture finishes and fabrics, making it easy to add some color to your interior while updating your furniture.

Another big trend is painted furniture.  It is a great way to repurpose your old dresser or nightstands to give them a fresh new look in color. Change the pulls or knobs and voila!  See below for the 2016 color forecast from Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen, and West Elm for inspiration.

How do you tell if a chair will be comfortable if you’re ordering online?
There is not a one size fits all when it comes to chairs.

I had this problem recently with a few clients who could not find the right chair in stock.  Of course living on an island doesn’t help, but I discovered a way to help mitigate major problems. If you are looking for something to fit you, here are some tips.

1. Shop locally for a chair that fits your body, don’t worry about the style, color, or pattern. When you find one that feels great, measure the seat depth (inside front to back), the seat height, the seat width, the back height and the arm height.
2. Seat depths can range from 30” deep to 40” deep.  I am tall so I need a chair that is deep enough so that the seat extends to the back of my knees.  If you are shorter and sit in a chair too deep, your legs will stick straight out and you will be very uncomfortable or need lots of pillows at your back.  I like a chair back that comes at least up to my shoulders and if lounging, higher to support my head and neck.  Lower back chairs, like some dining chairs, can be very uncomfortable if they hit you in the wrong place across your back.
3. Take note of which styles you like.  Chairs with arms that are too high might cause stress to your shoulders over a period of time. Chairs with no arms are not that great for reading because you have to use your arms to hold the book.  Being able to rest your arms is wonderful but the arms must be the right height for you.
4. Having this knowledge when shopping on line will really narrow things down for you.

Wing Back Chair

Centuries ago the wing back chair served the purpose of protecting one from drafts. The modern version does the same, but is also comfortable for reading because it has lower arms to support your forearms. The high back supports your head and neck and wings provide comfortable support.

Barrel Chair

The barrel chair is a great occasional chair for conversation. Its higher arms are good for holding a drink or just holding court. The wrap around shape has a very protective quality.

Slipper Chair

The slipper chair is the perfect occasional chair and accent piece. Whether in the living room or bedroom as additional conversational seating it provides comfort and ease. Using accent colors or patterns on small chairs is a fun way to make your room come alive.