by Guest

If you have a dark room that you are trying to light, you probably already know that it isn’t an easy task to accomplish. It’s important to understand how different light fixtures illuminate a space differently. This way you are sure to get the right lighting combination for your needs.

Some things to consider when choosing your lighting…

Paint and furniture color: If your room has very little natural light, you may want to choose a lighter color for the walls since they will reflect the light from the light fixtures better. To bring warmth into the room, and to help offset the brightness of the wall color, consider using furniture or carpeting with warmer tones.

Ambient Lighting: To be sure you have adequate overall lighting in the room; it’s good to install overhead lighting—for example, flush mount fixtures, track lighting, recessed lighting, etc. These lights can be hooked up to a dimmer switch so that they can be used brightly for tasks and entertaining, as well as dimmed for a more relaxed setting.

Accent Lighting: For when overhead lights aren’t enough, or maybe aren’t needed, we turn to Accent Lighting. Whether you are ready to settle in for the night, or want to highlight a certain part of your room, I suggest strategically placing Accent Lighting in your space. Many types of lighting fixtures can be used for Accent Lighting, depending on your needs. To highlight a picture, or maybe a shelving unit—wall lighting or picture lighting might be what you are looking for. For something more task-oriented like extra light for reading—you may consider table/floor Lamps or wall lighting.

Task Lighting: Sometimes the overhead lights and accent lighting aren’t enough. Instead, you need some lights that directly illuminate a workspace. This is especially useful in a kitchen, over a counter space, or in an office at the desk and computer. Under-Cabinet Lighting could be what you need. These lights are usually small, and can be unseen, and are very useful in illuminating a space directly. You could also use a desk lamp or pendant lighting for this purpose. It depends on the room you are working in and which fixture would make the most sense for the activity.

As you can see, lighting a room is not as easy as buying a lamp and plugging it in—especially if your space is dark. To lighten the room, you can start by picking well-illuminating paint and furniture, but it doesn’t stop there. You need to use different lighting for different activities. If paired together properly, you will have taken a dark space and will have made it a very functional, well-lit space instead.

Bellacor is a one-stop showroom that promises a new way to shop the entire lighting and home furnishings industry from the comfort of your home by providing superior personal service and access to the largest collection of lighting and home furnishings on the web. Bellacor offers access to over 500,000 products from 700 manufacturers. http://www.bellacor.com.

by Guest

A sunny personality. A dark comedy. A bright smile. Simple phrases, yet they show the huge influence light has, defining the world around us even through the words we choose.

It seems simple, but most people never realize that how much light they get affects their mood, emotions and productivity. Understanding the ways in which light affects people has major implications for designers and the lighting choices they make.

The end of the year brings shorter days to the northern hemisphere, which means less natural light from the sun. With less light, people experience changes to their moods, their emotions and even physical reactions like fatigue and lowered immunity to colds and diseases.

Depression, insomnia and fatigue may result from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - also called the “winter blues” - and is commonly treated with light therapy to increase exposure to bright and full-spectrum light, thereby curing the symptoms.

While most people may not experience extreme depression with reduced lighting levels, they may still feel some effects. In earlier studies on light, results showed positive and negative moods were affected by the color of light, illuminance and color rendering index (CRI) levels. These results also varied depending on gender and age.

While natural sunlight is the best source of lighting, it is not always available in an interior space. Take into account how much natural light is in a room when selecting the color and intensity of lighting fixtures.

Adding bright lights or changing the color of bulb in a fixture could be an option to consider for a room’s lighting scheme. Building in the flexibility to change light levels with a dimmer switch is also a good idea for a space where natural sunlight amounts vary with the season.

While most lighting research has focused on how much light is visually seen, recent studies suggest that light may also impact non-visual processes such as physical performance and mental tasks.

For residential lighting, this could mean adding bright lights in rooms requiring alertness and mental sharpness, such as a kitchen or home office. For non-residential lighting, the effects of light levels must be considered for irregular work hours (such as second- and third-shift workers) as well as the effects bright lights have on long- and short-term memory.

Here are just a few findings from the latest lighting research:

• Men performed poorest on long-term memory tasks in the artificial ‘daylight’ white lighting; women performed better than men in the artificial ‘daylight’ white lighting.

• Use ‘warm’ white lighting in areas where individuals will be performing short-term recall and problem solving tasks.

• Be aware that people whose sleep/wake cycle has been interrupted (such as people working a swing-shift schedule) report being more alert for a longer time when exposed to high (3,190 lux) or mid (230 lux) light levels than people exposed to low (23 lux) light levels.

• Consider the potential effects of light levels on alertness and performance for people that work at irregular times (night shift, etc.).

Humans live on a natural rhythm of light and dark. Our bodies are attuned to the light, responding to sunlight as well as bright indoor lighting. Whether you see yourself as a morning person or a night owl, you and everyone around you will have a natural reaction to how much light is in the environment
SAD Light Therapy

Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder consists of a lamp that is specifically designed to simulate bright outdoor light. Sitting a few feet away from this light source for 15 to 20 minutes a day is said to change the chemicals in your brain to help treat some SAD symptoms. Be sure to check with your doctor prior to any treatment of SAD.

For more information on seasonal affective disorder and SAD therapy lamps please visit the Mayo Clinic website.

This article was provided by Bellacor, leaders in lighting and quality home décor. Bellacor offers SAD lights such as Rise and Shine SAD Deluxe Natural Alarm Clock Bedside Lamp and the HappyLight Deluxe Sunshine Supplement Light System as well as access to over 500,000 products from 700 manufacturers.

by Chris Johnson

With energy-efficiency gaining in popularity among consumers and businesses, Pegasus Associates Lighting has created a new section on its website dedicated to its energy-efficient lighting products. This new section makes it easier for visitors to find the energy-efficient LED light fixtures, fluorescent fixtures, metal halide light bulbs, and air tight recessed housings that the company offers. Additional energy-efficient lighting offered by the company includes metal halide light bulbs, air tight recessed lighting housings, California Title 24 compliant lighting products, and a number of ENERGY STAR® light fixtures.

LED lighting is probably the most discussed energy-efficient lighting product on the market today and for good reason.  Dr. Thomas E. Farin, President and founder of Pegasus Associates Lighting explained how switching can make an impact . “LED lighting is really exciting. For example, the 6-inch LED downlight module uses 85% less energy than a conventional incandescent downlight, and 50% less energy than comparable fluorescent downlights. This, obviously, amounts to considerable savings on an electric bill.”

While LED lighting may be the most discussed energy-efficient lighting product, fluorescent is still a very good choice for many applications and uses. Fluorescent lighting is currently the most energy-efficient for the given amount of light that the fixture produces. Moreover, fluorescent lighting has made great strides with light bulbs that provide warmer color temperatures and good to excellent color rendering, very efficient, instant start, electronic ballasts that turn on instantly with no flickering, and lower profile fixtures that generate very little heat.

Dr. Farin and his company are committed to providing homeowners with similar products, “We look forward to offering our residential and business customers an ever growing line of energy-efficient lighting in the near future.”

About Pegasus Associates Lighting
Founded in 1993, Pegasus Associates Lighting is a lighting distributor with a strong Internet presence selling “unique lighting products for your special needs.”  The company, based near Pittsburgh in Beaver Falls, PA, attracts both individual and corporate shoppers who value a learning experience in lighting, competitive pricing, and an easy-to-use, intuitive website.  For more information, visit  www.PegasusAssociates.com.

Ever wonder what interior design work garners the laurels? Here’s a look at the fabulous winners of the Canadian Decorator’s Association (CDECA) awards. According to the judges, entrants for 2009 were of an impressively high caliber all around — as evidenced by the tie in one category, an unexpected occurrence for this event. Very contemporary styles with modern clean lines were dominant this year. If you happen to be a fan of home magazines, the overall themes may look familiar to you - updated, yet classic and enduring. However, the judges weren’t merely scoring on looks alone as eco-friendly and sustainability factors of the projects were equally important considerations.

A small warning before you proceed — these before and afters may inspire the urge to update your decor, or even more so, make one desirous of hiring professional talent. Much appreciation to Tobi Brockway, CDECA Director of Marketing, for providing the details and images.

Awards Ceremony (and winners) images by Dana St. Louis Photography.

Category: Renovation

1st Valerie Rowley Schomberg, Ontario (pictured with presenter Tim Craik)

Bedroom Before

Bedroom After

Bedroom Before

Bedroom After

Ensuite Bathroom Before

Ensuite Bathroom After

2nd (Tie) Sharyn Kastelic North York, Ontario

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

2nd (Tie) Camille Savage Vancouver, BC

Dining Room Before

Dining Room after

Category: New Construction

1st Lisa Geisler North Bay, Ontario (with presenter Marianne Fenniger)

The Winning Loft

2nd Christina Mogk Etobicoke, Ontario

Studio Before

Studio After

Category: Interior Decoration < $25,000

1st Victoria McKenney Vancouver, BC (pictured with presenters Laila Radage at left, and Sara Nadeau)

bedroom before

Bedroom After

2nd Elizabeth Metcalfe Caledon, Ontario

Living Room Before

Living Room After

Category: Interior Decoration > $25,000

1st Lisa Geisler, North Bay

hobby room before                                                               hobby room after

2nd Christina Mogk Etobicoke, Ontario

bar before                                                                    bar after

About CDECA

The Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA) is a professional not-for-profit association representing both Student and Accredited decorators and designers, and Affiliate businesses across Canada. Its goal is to foster the growth of the decorating industry in Canada; provide advocacy respecting policy matters; promote a positive image of the industry through proactive activities and events; and offer its members continuous upgrading of skills and knowledge. Visit www.cdeca.com.

Most surveys show that renovating your bathroom is only 2nd to that of the kitchen in terms of return for your dollar and increasing the resale value of your home. I’d imagine that you’d only consider this if your bathroom is A. in need of serious repair or B. you don’t have one on the main floor yet. But what about renovating just for the luxury of it? Is that really necessary, or a good investment? Yes — if you believe that the key consideration for any renovation of one’s abode is personal enjoyment.

I was skeptical about how great a bathroom makeover can be and I’ve seen plenty of them. But I’d have to say that none have impressed me so far in terms of sheer atmosphere as this makeover. I’ve seen lots of pretty bathrooms, and even zen-like spas, but nothing that evokes a desire akin to that of spotting a beautiful dress in the window and not knowing how much you wanted it until the moment you lay eyes on it.

The Home in Question

Stats: Main floor: foyer, powder room, living and dining room, kitchen with dedicated eat-in and home-office areas. Second floor: Master Bedroom with new en suite bathroom, 2 other bedrooms and a newly renovated family bathroom. Attic: entertainment space with an adjacent outdoor patio. Basement: gym room, bathroom and laundry

Who: designed by: TO Design Co, contractor: Jason Burns

What: 82-yr-old Edwardian

When: Completed January to March 2009

Where: Toronto, Ontario

Why: Bathrooms did not provide enough comfort, functionality and or suit the style of the house’s original architecture.

The Master Bedroom is Transformed: Transitional Elegance with a Modern Touch

Before

Bu-bye builder’s standards — plain white walls and trims, and 12 X 12 standard marble tiled flooring, 2 piece standard toilet — insufficient lighting: incandescent bulbs in the ceiling only, obtrusive bulk head above the vanity must be addressed.

After

It took 3 months to finish the renovation — a complete gut and redo of the two main bathrooms in the house.

Before

After

Before

After

Main Bathroom becomes Contemporary Chic

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

For more details see the full story Chic and Elegant: The Bathroom Santuary.

Photographer: Mark Bradshaw

We were recently contacted with further information to provide homeowners with facts about the 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit. Great timing since there have been many interesting questions about what projects, materials, or labour are applicable for this credit.

Image provided by Sico Paints

To view the webpages, visit:   http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/

Below, is the FAQ page content, which hopefully will answer some of your questions about how you can benefit from this tax credit.

Here is the link of the page: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.html

FAQS

1. What is the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC)?

The proposed HRTC is a non-refundable tax credit for work performed or goods acquired in respect of an eligible dwelling.

2. What is meant by eligible dwelling?

An eligible dwelling is a housing unit that is eligible to be an individual’s principal residence or that of one or more of their family members, at any time between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010. In general, a housing unit is considered eligible to be an individual’s principal residence where it is owned by the individual and ordinarily inhabited by the individual, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner, or their children. This means that any dwelling that you own and use personally could qualify, including your home or your cottage.

3. What is the eligibility period?

The credit will be based on eligible expenditures for work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010. Expenditures incurred pursuant to an agreement that was entered into before January 28, 2009, will not be eligible for the credit.

4. Who will be eligible for the credit?

Eligibility for the HRTC will be family based. A family will generally be considered to consist of an individual or an individual and his or her spouse or common-law partner, including children who will be under 18 years of age, at the end of 2009. A family will be allowed a single credit that may be shared within the family.

If two or more families share the ownership of an eligible dwelling, each family will be eligible for their own separate credit (i.e. each up to $1,350) that will be calculated on their respective eligible expenditures.

5. How will the credit be calculated?

The credit will only be available for the 2009 tax year and applies to eligible expenditures of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%).

6. What are eligible expenditures?

To be eligible, expenditures incurred in relation to a renovation or alteration to an eligible dwelling (or the land that forms part of the eligible dwelling) must be of an enduring nature and integral to the dwelling, and includes the cost of labour and professional services, building materials, fixtures, rentals, and permits.

Eligible expenditures must be supported by acceptable documentation.

7. What does the CRA consider to be acceptable documentation?

Documentation, such as agreements, invoices, and receipts, must clearly identify the type and quantity of goods purchased or services provided, including, but not limited to, the following information:

• information that clearly identifies the vendor/contractor, their business address and, if applicable, the GST/HST registration number;
• a description of the goods and the date when the goods were purchased;
• The date when the goods were delivered (keep your delivery slip as proof) and/or when the work or services were performed;
• A description of the work performed including the address where the work was performed;
• the amount of the invoice; and
• proof of payment.  Receipts or invoices must indicate paid in full or be accompanied by other proof of payment, such as a credit card slip or cancelled cheque.

Please consult our Underground Economy Web page, for tips to protect yourself when hiring a contractor.

To verify whether someone is registered for GST/HST, please consult the GST/HST Registry.

8. If I own both a house and a cottage and incur eligible expenditures for both, are both sets of expenditures eligible for the HRTC?

If you own and use your home and cottage personally, eligible expenditures incurred for both properties will normally qualify for the HRTC. Please note that the maximum amount of eligible expenditures you can claim in respect of the HRTC is $10,000 per family.

9. I am planning to replace my windows in 2009: can I hire my brother-in-law to help me out and still be eligible?

It depends. Expenditures will not be eligible if the related goods or services are provided by a person not dealing at arm’s length with the individual, unless that person is registered for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax under the Excise Tax Act. So, in your case, if your brother-in-law is registered for GST/HST and if all other conditions are met, the expenditure will be eligible for the credit.

10. Will expenditures for the common areas of condominiums and co-operative housing corporations qualify for the credit?

In the case of condominiums and co-operative housing corporations, the individual’s share of the cost of eligible expenditures for common areas will qualify.

11. I rent out my basement. If I renovate the basement for my tenant, will I be allowed to claim the credit?

No. Individuals who earn business or rental income from part of their principal residence will be allowed to claim the credit only for expenditures made for the personal-use areas of the residence.

For expenditures made for common areas or that benefit the housing unit as a whole (such as re-shingling a roof), you must divide the expense between personal use and income-earning use. For further information, please consult the Business and Professional Income Guide or the Rental Income Guide, as applicable.

12. If an eligible expenditure also qualifies for the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC), will I be allowed to claim both the HRTC and METC?

Yes. Where an eligible expenditure qualifies for the METC the individual will be permitted to claim both the METC and the HRTC for that expenditure.

13. Will the credit be reduced by other government grants or credits that I may receive for the same expenditures?

No. Eligible expenditures will not be reduced by other government tax credits or grants that the individual may be entitled to.

14. Does work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. qualify?

Generally, work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. in respect of an eligible expenditure will qualify. See below for examples of eligible expenditures. If you’re planning on hiring a contractor to do construction, renovation, or repair work on your home, the Get it in Writing! Web site has information that will help you.

15. Could you provide me with some examples of eligible and ineligible expenditures?

Yes, some examples are:

16. What types of expenditures will not qualify?

The following expenditures will not be eligible for the HRTC:

• the cost of routine repairs and maintenance normally performed on an annual or more frequent basis;
• expenditures that are not integral to the dwelling, and other indirect expenditures that retain a value independent of the renovation;
• expenditures for appliances and audio-visual electronics; and
• financing costs.

17. Do I have to submit any supporting documents with my income tax return?

No. However, you must ensure that this information is available, should it be requested by the CRA.

18. How will I claim the HRTC?

A new line will be incorporated in the 2009 personal income tax return to allow you to claim the credit.

19. Where can I get more information about this new tax credit?

Additional information will be posted on the CRA’s Web site as it becomes available. In the meantime, please see the Department of Finance’s Budget 2009 documents for details.

20. The Budget also mentions the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant. What is it and how can I obtain more information?

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant is administered by Natural Resources Canada. The grant applies to a host of measures that reduce energy consumption and provide for a cleaner environment. Home and property owners could be eligible for federal grants of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of making energy efficiency improvements to their home or property. Most provinces and territories have complementary programs that offer additional financial assistance based on the results of the ecoENERGY Retrofit evaluation. For information on how you can qualify, please consult the ecoACTION Web site.

—

An online pamphlet will soon be available.

—

Planning on some home improvements? What project ideas do you have that fits in the $1000-$10,000 range? Does the HRTC give you the incentive to renovate this year?

What? National Home Show
When? Feb. 20 - March 1, 2009!
Where? The Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.

The largest home show in Toronto is coming up next week with a plethora of home improvement and decor products, accessories, ideas, and celebrity guest appearances.

What to Expect at the Show: (info provided by www.NationalHomeShow.com - visit the official show site for more details)

* The Dream Home – Built by Probuilt by Michael Upshall and styled by Janette Ewen.

* Toronto Star Dream Gardens

* tySTYLE presented by Toshiba

* Colin and Justin, hosts of HGTV’s Home Heist (appearance courtesy of Penguin Books)

* Carson Arthur, host of HGTV’s Green Force

* Scott McGillivray, host of HGTV’s Income Property

* Cheryl Torrenueva, host of HGTV’s Home Heist and Restaurant Makeover

* Corbin Tomaszeski, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover

* Igor Shamraychuk, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover

Show Date & Hours

Friday, February 20th
11 am to 9pm

Saturday, February 21st
10am to 9pm

Sunday, February 22nd
10am to 6pm

Monday, February 23rd to Friday, February 27th
11 am to 9pm

Saturday, February 28th
10am to 9pm

Sunday, March 1st
10am to 6pm

Admission

Adults: $15.00 (at the door)
Adults: $12.00 (online)
Seniors (65+): $11.00
Seniors: $8.00 (online)
Youth 13 – 17 years: $11.00
Youth 13 – 17 years: $8.00 (online)
Children 12 and under: FREE

* Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Buy online and save (use promo code:RENOVATION) !

Show Venue & Location

The Direct Energy Centre,
Exhibition Place,
100 Princes’ Blvd.
Toronto ON
416-263-3000

Website:

www.NationalHomeShow.com

If you haven’t already, check out our sister site: The Home Interior Guide (http://www.homeinteriorguide.com), which has recently gotten it’s own makeover. Not just a pretty new face, it’s the whole package - a fabulous resource for interior design and decor.  The listings directory is the place to go to find professionals services for interior decorating or home staging, and to locate unique art galleries or home furnishings stores for that special touch.

Find articles that guide you through DIY projects and get updated on the latest trends in home decor. Pose a design question in our Ask the Experts section, and get feedback from an unlimited number of professionals. Check out Hidden Gems our spotlight on those “in the know” places that offer the one-of-a-kind finds that will help make your home the envy (or inspiration) of all your friends.

Are you in the design or decor profession? Create an account with the Home Interior Guide for great features that include: creating a photo gallery of your portfolio (just like our glamourous Makeover of the Month Feature), posting responses to the Ask the Experts section, uploading your own articles or videos, and more!

There’s plenty to explore at the Home Interior Guide.  Visit us today and let us help make your dream space a reality.

Most of us know the benefits of using compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of traditional, less-efficient incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescents last up to 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs and use far less energy, making them the right choice for the earth and your pocketbook.

Compact fluorescents work by passing a current through a tube filled with a trace amount of mercury and argon gas, an inert, colourless, odourless and nontoxic gas. If you’ve ever purchased windows, you know the benefits of argon gas: reduced heat loss in winter and decreased heat gain in summer.

When I was a kid I thought argon gas was some sort of Superman-strength fume that protected against, I don’t even know, aliens? Turns out I was partly right; the gas does have superhero strength, as in light force.

Luxim, a company that specializes in developing high-efficiency lighting, recently revealed its newest project: a Tic-Tac-sized bulb that gives off as much light as a street lamp but is ultra-efficient thanks to, you guessed it, argon gas, as well as a component called a “puck.” When electrical energy is delivered to the puck, the puck acts like an electrical lens, heating up the argon to a temperature of 6000 degrees Kelvin, and turning the gas into a plasma that gives off light.

Conventional light bulbs and high-end LEDs get around 15 and 70 lumens per watt, respectively. By comparison, the plasma bulb uses 250 watts, and achieves around 140 lumens per watt, making it incredibly bright and highly efficient in its light distribution.

So while you might not need such bright lighting in your home, this tiny bulb offers a brilliant glimpse into the future.

The following are sizing and positioning guidelines to help you to select the correct chandelier.
When choosing a chandelier for the dining room: It should neither overpower your table nor look too small. Measure your table (if it’s round, measure its diameter, if it’s a rectangle, measure its width), and then subtract 12″ (30 cm) from that number. For example, if you have a 42″-wide (107 cm) table, your chandelier should be 30″ (76 cm) in diameter. A properly proportioned chandelier comes to within 6″ (15 cm) of each edge of the table. Using this easy formula will help you achieve that balance. Some manufacturers offer oval chandeliers for extra long rectangular tables.

Proper positioning is very important for a balanced look. Since a chandelier is the focal point in your dining room, it should hang over the center of your table. If the electrical connection in your ceiling doesn’t match up with the table’s center, insert a heavy duty decorative hook into the ceiling above the center of the table, then attach a length of decorative chain to carry the wiring from the electrical connection to the hook. The bottom of your chandelier should be 30″ (76 cm) above the tabletop if you have 8′ (2.4 m) ceilings. If your ceilings are higher than 8′, raise the chandelier 3″ (7.5 cm) for every extra foot (30 cm) of height.

Chandeliers for other rooms - the chandelier should be placed higher than 8 feet above the floor in the middle of the room. When placing a majestic chandelier in the foyer, take into consideration the height of the ceiling and size of the space. If there’s a window above the front door, you may want to center it in the window for maximum curb appeal and aesthetics. Optimal placement would be at least 9 feet from the floor.

Information on selecting the correct size fixture

Height - The distance from the top to the bottom of the fixture, not including the chain.

Overall Height - The total length from the top to the bottom of the light, including the chain.

Extra Wire - Every hanging light that we sell comes with more wire than chain.

Diameter - The width of the fixture.

Extension - The distance the fixture comes out from the wall. Top of Fixture to Center of Outlet - The distance between the top of the wall light and where the fixture attaches to the wall.

Visit www.lightingshowplace.com for a wide selection of beautiful chandeliers.