Randall Whitehead, IALD
from Lighting Homestyle Magazine Spring 2006

Lighting techniques have evolved well beyond simple table lamps and chandeliers, yet many homeowners have not updated their thinking much beyond this approach. So much of what we see in current design magazines and books are the ultramodern, ultraclean interiors. While progressive design is a hot topic, it's not for everyone. How can the owner of a traditionally styled house usef today's lighting techniques? Can new lighting techniques apply to any home to enhance the sense of warmth and comfort? The answer is a resounding yes.

The trick is to keep lighting upgrades subtle so that the decorative light sources remain the architectural jewelry for a home. Chandeliers and table lamps are an important element to almost all styles of decor. These decorative fixtures are needed to give ambience to a room, but should not be used alone to provide all the necessary illumination. A layer of subtly placed additional lighting will give each space the necessary light levels needed for the different activities of a home. This applies outside the home as well. Hiding a layer of accent lights among plantings allows the lantern at the front door and garage to provide the main source of illumination without visually overpowering the landscaping.

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