I once had a sculpture instructor who insisted that all the projects we turned in were painted flat white. Why? Because flat white is the great equalizer: it shows every detail and every dent, every mark and every mar – it’s the true test of ability, and done right, one of the most spectacular displays […]
03
May
May
One of my personal favorite design trends, and one that I’m pleased to be seeing more of, is the use of reclaimed materials and spaces. From furniture made of salvaged wood or metal parts to whole lofts made in converted warehouse spaces, I love a look that’s aesthetically old, textured, and rugged. I love old […]
10
Mar
Mar
In recent years, kitchen islands have become more and more popular, especially in large kitchens with open floorplans. But upping the size of your kitchen – and especially introducing a secondary workspace like a kitchen island – means you’ll need more and better lighting. Some kitchen islands are used for prep, some for seating, and […]
Bathroom, Bathroom Lighting, Bathroom Sinks, Decorating Ideas and Tips, Flooring, Lighting
Six Easy And Inexpensive Ways To Improve The Value Of Your Bathroom
26
Feb
Feb
Here on the Homethangs blog, we spend a lot of time talking how to update the look of your bathroom – how to build a dream bathroom that you’ll love. But renovation and remodeling aren’t just about style. In fact, an important consideration in any bathroom update is the impact any work you do will […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Kitchen, Lighting
Stylish Contemporary Pendant Lights To Light Up Your Kitchen Table
22
Feb
Feb
Traditionally, dining areas are full of big, beautiful lighting fixtures – dining rooms often include a chandelier centered over the table, and even breakfast nooks or big standalone tables often have their own dedicated lighting fixtures. But if you happen to have a kitchen that’s on the smaller side (or a ceiling that’s on the […]
Bathroom, Bathroom Lighting, Decorating Ideas and Tips, Lighting
Bathroom Lighting: Balancing Form And Function
19
Feb
Feb
I think having lots of light is great in any room – there’s nothing quite so inviting and welcoming as a brightly lit space. But having adequate lighting is even more important in the bathroom. After all, our morning grooming time is probably the most time any of us spend looking at ourselves, so it’s […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Lighting
Choosing The Right Table Lamp (Including A Lamp Shade That Looks Good)
18
Feb
Feb
I love light – natural and artificial, bright light, low light, mood light, accent light – whatever. In fact, the only thing I like better than a well lit room is one that’s lit well with lighting fixtures that look good, too. With a trend toward built in (especially recessed) lighting, living spaces are getting […]
22
Jan
Jan
I think many of us tend to take lighting fixtures for granted. After all, I’m willing to bet that – with maybe a few exceptions – most of the lighting fixtures in your home aren’t terribly remarkable, and are maybe even a little bit boring. But I’m a big believer that the right lighting fixture […]
"Green" Home, Bathroom, Decorating Ideas and Tips, Kitchen, Lighting
Top Five Home Improvement Projects For 2013
31
Dec
Dec
The last few years have been pretty rough for homeowners. With home values dropping and money tight all around, it’s been a while since big home renovation has been at the front of anyone’s mind. But 2013 promises to be an end to a years-long dry spell, with many homeowners already planning major remodels. If […]
30
Dec
Dec
Any real estate agent or contractor will tell you: if you can manage to sneak built-in lighting into any (and every!) room in your home, you should. Being able to flip a switch and get all-over, over-head lighting gives any space an immediate visual appeal that can easily translate into a fast sale or even […]