Infloormation

This photo provides an idea of how a professional photographer sets up a shoot for something simple such as a chair. For the rooms shown in magazines, lights of every size and reflectors are used to make sure the room is lighted perfectly before the shot is taken.

This is one reason why our homes never look exactly like those in the magazines. (It also may have something to do with the kid’s homework on the table and the laundry to be folded in the corner by the couch!)

If you want your home to look well designed like the rooms in magazines, lighting is a good place to start. A single light fixture in the center of a room provides good overall lighting but it isn’t really enough.

Do you have lamps to brighten dark corners? Is there task lighting for desks or other workspaces? How about spots set in the ceiling to shine on artwork? From a safety standpoint, you may even want to add motion-detector nightlights to allow safe passage to family members at night.

Take a look at how the light reflects on your floors and walls. A shiny wood or tile floor will reflect the light to brighten the space. Mirrors can also reflect light into a dark spot. If you have a room with very little daylight, consider light flooring to keep the space as bright as possible. Make sure your window coverings are also chosen to take the best advantage of the natural sunlight.

Design is as much about light as it is about furniture and accessories. Don’t neglect this important aspect of decorating every room in your home.

The Fairmont Orchid hotel on the big island in Hawaii has all the elements of a classic old-style luxurious place to stay when on vacation. This room provides a perfect example of a space that echoes the past while still linking the room to its location. Let’s see what we can learn from it.

The strongest piece in the room is the room-sized area rug. This was a common approach in years past when wood floors would be covered with large rugs, sometimes showing the wood along the edges. This rug is classic old Hawaii. The large floral pattern, designed for the space, holds attention, with the other elements playing a secondary role.

This rug is probably wool and designed to last. From the style, it may have been in the room since the 1920’s. The furniture is newer, and reflects the colors in the rug. Hotels consider furnishings as an investment, and this rug, despite its vivid pattern, provides enough flexibility to last through multiple redecorating processes.

The grass cloth wallpaper on the right wall works well with the heavy molding and wainscoting. The oil painting has a classic appearance, but the floral motif supports the flower-rich island style.

If you want your traditional room to reflect your part of the country, discover fabrics, area rugs and other materials that support your goals while you stay traditional with the lines of your furniture and architectural details. With effort, you can achieve the balance shown in this room.