Sunday, December 30, 2012

4 Contemporary Lighting Trends in the Home

When it comes to choosing proper home lighting, not everyone wants the vintage or traditional look. Indeed, if your home is furnished in a contemporary manner you will want to match that style with a modern lighting solution. However, if you really want your home to portray the latest fashion statement you need to follow the contemporary lighting trends.

Good modern lighting is a balance of illumination that is bright enough to work your tasks, yet mellow enough to create a relaxing ambiance. If you want to be trendy consider the latest lighting fashion statements; white, sculpture lighting, mixed materials, and shady characters. All are unique and they all offer their own mood setting parameters.

First, white is as modern as it gets. White is sleek and is what most people think of when considering a contemporary look. White is incredibly versatile and matches everything you can possibly imagine, and works in an urban setting or a country cottage. In addition, white is a wonderful way to break up dark wood tones and brightens any area. White crystals can bring a vintage or modern look to a chandelier. Fashioned iron white floral lighting gives the room a modern mood, yet can be used for a retro look too if you change your style down the road.

Making the light itself a focal point or a work of art in itself is in vogue. Obtaining artwork and sculptures for your home can be an expensive proposition. Yet, sculpture lighting achieves the same ambiance at a fraction of the cost. Sculpture lighting can hang over a dining table, or brighten up a dark hallway. There are many varied designs available to help express your personal style and preferences.

One interesting lighting trend uses different materials to construct the illuminating unit. These magnificent lights can be made from a cornucopia of metals, wrought iron, crystals, glass, colors and textures which breathes new life onto any room. Mixed material lighting is a good choice if you have trouble pinpointing your style, or are unsure which style direction to take. The types of mixed material lighting are varied and perfect for any home mood you wish to set.

Sometimes lamp shades are unintentionally avoided. Yet, shades are a must have accessory for many lighting solutions and can make or break the mood you are trying to reveal. Once you have decided on the perfect lamp, the shade is the next logical choice. There are various types of shades to choose from which accent just the right mood. For example, fabric shades softens light and can set a relaxing atmosphere. On the other hand, structured shades with draping crystals can be breathtaking in their own right.

Not everyone wants their home to look like it was built in the 1800’s. If you want a truly contemporary lighting solution, white matches any décor. You can give the impression you are displaying expensive artwork with sculptured lighting, yet if you are not sure which style best suits you try mixed material lighting. Once you have selected the perfect lamp spruce it up with the perfect shade.