Steps 5 & 6

Proper lighting provides illumination, creates interest, improves safety, and establishes mood and ambiance. Good lighting is both functional and decorative, and careful planning will give you the best results for both attributes. The amount of lighting needed will vary depending on the wall color, natural light available and personal preferences. Lighting becomes the fifth step in decorating a room or home. We are building each step as a building block on the previous; as a result the lighting choices are narrowed due to the earlier steps being completed first. Lighting should address both the functional and decorative needs in each room in your home. After determining the activities that take place in each room, establish what lighting elements will be necessary to accomplish the job.

Art is a powerful accessory if used and hung properly in the home. It adds style, color, personality, charm, wit, elegance, beauty and just about any other adjective you can imagine. Your personal taste is the most important factor when choosing art for your home. It should be a reflection of your personality and preferences and is the sixth step in decorating a room or home.

Artwork framed or unframed is a picture of objects, scenes, landscapes, people, animals, etc. that you enjoy looking at. It can be found everywhere and anywhere! The challenge of finding just the right thing can be a fun adventure. Do not rule out any possible source. I have seen wonderful art at hardware stores, garage sales, auctions, and flea markets and in local bed and bath shops. Look everywhere! The obvious places to look are art galleries, furniture stores, home decorating specialty stores, craft stores, antique shops and accessory stores. Do not forget to check your Grandmothers attic!

Pictures provided by:  

• Furniture.com! - Your premier source to buy furniture online.

• Art.com - Your best source for prints, posters, framing and gifts.