• cardboardesign - creating furniture from widely-available, low-cost recycled materials and made wholly from recycled paper and wood products. These pieces are produced using pre-existing manufacturing processes in order to reduce their overall impact on the environment. Although a tad narrow - I found this chair pretty comfortable. How about adding one of these to your interior and making an eco-friendly design statement?
  

• Kalei - creating art with mosaics - transforming living spaces with custom murals - modern to chic. This glamorous sculptural chair covered with sparkling gold glass tiles is the perfect example of a functional work of art to be used in interior design today. Although a tad "firm", I found this glowing gold lounge chair pretty comfortable. But more than that - it made me feel glamorous!
  

• Two'sCompany - This is the ultimate recycling spirit for today's interior design! I'll bet you've never thought about saving your large plastic detergent bottles to create a colorful chandelier! Are you up to adding one to your interior or even exterior?
  

• Envision Glam - This is the ultimate in glamorous crystal decor for your interior - cascading strands of shimmering crystals- use your imagination to create a stunning backdrop, room divider or window adornment - interior design ideas are endless!
  

     

In today's interior design, there are accessories and then there are accessories! Take a look at these two very diverse looks - practical and recycled verses glitz and glam!

• Two's Company - Ever wonder what happens to all those old circuit boards? Can you imagine them being used as today's interior design accessories? What kind of notebooks, notepads, pens, etc. do you and your colleagues have on your desks? What do your kids carry to school? These great desk accessories made with old circuit boards recycled into everyday items are durable, fun and make the perfect eco-friendly statement!

• Evision Glam - Everything doesn't have to be "over the top" to add glitz and glam. Sometimes even the smallest touches can make the perfect interior design statement for you. Try using these accents: crystal upholstery studs or crystal braid on your next piece of custom furniture - or add to an existing piece! You will quickly and easily create the perfect understated glamorous look!
  

   

  

   

  Lighting Series:

Click on these links or scroll down for my Lighting Series: get practical lighting tips and interior design ideas that you can use to enhance your home decor.

Action Step #1: Switch Your Switches
Action Step #2: Light Your Life with Lamps and Lights
Lighting Series Intro: Lighting Interior Design Ideas - Lift Your Spirits with Light
Action Step #3: Accentuate with Accent Lights - Coming Next

Please write with your comments or questions and let me know how I can best help you with interior design ideas for lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. barbara@barbarakrai.com

Barbara Krai Interior Design - Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Lutz, Avila, Cheval, New Port Richey, Bradenton, Lakeland and all surrounding Tampa Bay Beaches and regional areas along the West Coast of Florida.

Place this freestanding unit anywhere - choose
from a wide variety of colors, styles and shapes.

Coordinate or contrast your design style.

These units also work beautifully outdoors!

add drama and warmth to any space!

• Basically, it's very simple - all of these units burn clean Ethanol fuel - no venting required.
• Freestanding models are portable pieces of fine furniture. There is no tearing out walls or any build-outs required. Simply unpack the unit and put in position. Add the fuel and start enjoying beautiful fire light!
• Fireboxes of stainless steel can be installed into any combustible or non combustible wall unit, piece of furniture or directly in the wall and need no venting. Other units may be hung anywhere on any wall.
• Add stones or glass rocks to enhance your experience.
• All of these units can be used indoors or outdoors for ultimate enjoyment!
• Bonus - You will receive your tax credit information at the time of purchase.

• William Kidd, Miramar Florida – Ceramic Forms - BEST OF SHOW!
  
   
  Amazing work – truly unique - so textural - you have to touch!
  
  
• Leslie Belcher, Saint Petersburg, Florida - Accessoreez
  
  
  
   
  
  Beautiful art glass jewelry – fun and whimsical!
  

• Bea Lily Hatala, Danielsville, GA – Glass Impressions
  
   
  Wonderful technique of fused glass - amazing brilliant colors!
  
  
• Matthew Hatala, Danielsville, GA – Woodturner - AWARD OF MERIT!
  
  
  
   
  Can't you just see this gorgeous wood medallion on the ceiling highlighting a chandelier?
  
  
• Lisa Cimino, Baltimore, MD - Chee-Me-No
  
  
  Perfect combination of elegant and whimsical - charming and sophisticated!
  
  
  
• Greg-Thomas Moore, Deltona, Florida - The Little Wooden Box Company
  

  
  

   
  

  Finely crafted tiny box drawers – amazing woods - wonderful accent!
  

  
  
• Nikki Sedacca, Sarasota, Florida -  SEDACCA – The Art of Jewelry
  
   
  "For the woman who loves art and jewelry - to dazzle the eye - to uplift the heart!"
  
  
• T.R. Reed, Chattanooga, TN – Artist Deluxe
  

  
  

   
  

  Interpreting 19th century whirligigs - kinetic sculptures for the perfect touch of whimsy!
  
  

  NOTE:
  

  You may reach any of these artists by contacting
•  barbara@barbarakrai.com
  
• and I will be happy to put them in touch with you!

Discover More Interior Design Ideas for Lighting:

Last week Action Step #1 in our Lighting Series:
Switch Your Switches

This week Action Step #2
Light Your Life with Lamps and Lights

Add a Floor Lamp: Perfect if you need light somewhere and don’t have a furniture piece suitable for a lamp. Floor lamps are great behind furniture and in tight corner spaces.

Gain work surface space with light from a floor lamp.

Add a Torchiere: The ideal up-light if you need to get more overall light in the room. In a dark room, a white ceiling lit with a torchiere, goes a long way to brighten up the space. However, let’s assume you have addressed your ceiling and it is beautifully treated, at least a tinted color, and not just white. So keep in mind, any light bouncing off the ceiling will reflect the ceiling color into the room.

Add Wall Sconces: Try a single sconce or a pair – maybe even a triple! A great way to add a different type of light. So many choices: A beautiful handblown glass sconce can also be a work of art; some sconces have covered cords and can be plugged into a regular outlet eliminating the need to fish wires through the wall; sconces on mirrors can be especially interesting - multiplying the look and the light.

Triple play makes this room!

Eliminate the Light Kit: You can have a fan without the light! The light quality in the room will immediately improve! Replace the light with a cap – readily available. We Floridians especially love our fans, but they don’t need to be an eyesore – they can be interesting - and - functional!
This fan pretty much disappears into the ceiling. The fabric blades by Casablanca add a nautical touch to my design studio overlooking Tampa Bay.

Add a “Work of Art” Light: If you have a ho-hum fixture anywhere, replace it with one that brings you joy every time you enter the room. This light does not to be expensive and does not have to be a “work of art” – just something special that really delights you as you enter the room.

This handblown glass "work of art" doubles as a light fixture and certainly delights the eyes!
Where can you add a special light to bring you joy in your home?

Last week we kicked off our series:
Lighting Interior Design Ideas: Lift Your Spirits with Light

This Week: Lighting Action #1:
Switch Your Switches
Our activities are changing at a fast moving rate these days! And lighting controls will create just the right atmosphere for any activity - enhancing everything we do and adding more enjoyment to our everyday lives!

• Entertaining a lot of people? Cocktails? Dinner?
• Having an intimate group of friends in?
• Watching a movie? TV? With kids? With your significant other?
• Working on homework or craft projects with the kids?
• Working on the computer? Business? Enjoyment?
• Curling up to read a good book? Relaxing? Exercising?
• Cooking up a storm? Caterer is cooking?
• Time for breakfast? Candlelight dinner?
• Shaving? Applying make-up? Relaxing in a bath?

 

• Change all switches to dimmer switches: create maximum flexibility for every function and mood! Simple and easy to do – you can hire an electrician or it can be a DIY project. Lutron (the industry standard for lighting controls) has wonderful colors now – everything from Hot Red to Turquoise to Stainless Steel - so you can definitely find one that is close to your wall color.

• Plug-in dimmers: Don’t forget, there are plug-in dimmers for lamps so you can make any lamp part of your dimming scenario.

• Radio Controlled Remotes: for the ultimate, you can install a lighting control system to create your very own dramatic visual environment.

Need Inspiration?
Here are some interior design ideas - examples of rooms with multiple switches creating all the needed flexibility for the activities in the space.

• Entry:
  Your first chance to make a great impression and set the tone for your home!

This entry, although small in square footage, soars in height and creates a wonderful opportunity for multiple lighting scenarios: a dramatic glass chandelier adds sparkle day and night, candlestick lamps on the French chest add another flavor, accent lights on two large works of art add drama and ambiance, an plant uplight under the floating stairs eliminates a dark corner, and more light flows through the leaded glass door where all visitors will feel welcome!

• Great Room:
  The larger and more multi-functional the space, the more important it is to have maximum flexibility with your lighting.

This large multi-functional room is ready for myriad activities! Accent lights on wall art and sculpture in corner, floor lamp and table lamp for task lighting, library lamp for ambiance, torchiere for overall light plus highlighting the art, wall sconces between doors, mini chandelier to highlight bar top, additional downlights for functional kitchen activity, wall washers over the cabinets, accent lights highlighting crystal in cabinets facing the dining area, plant light in the corner, multiple groupings of candles – everything on separate dimmer switches for maximum flexibility – this room is ready for a large party or an intimate get-together. The “surround” lighting in this room definitely gives it’s occupants a warm hug!

• Kitchen:
  Perfect example of a room where you will want maximum flexibility with your lighting: bright lights for cleaning - or mood lighting for entertaining or romantic gourmet cooking.

Lots of options for functional and mood lighting shown here: ceiling downlights for overall functional lighting, island chandelier for ambiance while adding functional light, bar top pendant lights add additional ambiance and functional light: spot on the hood adds an accent, under cabinet lights light the countertop. With all five of these lighting modes on their own dimmer switch, maximum flexibility is created!

• Bath:
  Another room where you will want to create different moods - depending on whether you are shaving, putting on makeup or relaxing in your spa-like soaking tub – or maybe you just need to wake up gently in the morning!

This beautiful spa-like master bath has multiple options for function and mood settings: mirror sconces over the vanities not only lend an aire of elegance and sparkle, but add to the side illumination so important for lighting your face for makeup or shaving, downlights over the vanity sinks assure plenty of light on the counters, additional downlights over the tub and in the shower specifically highlight those areas, a chandelier, out of view, adds additional ambiance and overall lighting, daylight, controlled by shutters, allows for a lot of flexibility – you may enjoy the view as desired and add sunlight to your bathing experience! Scented candles add the finishing touch.

Last week we kicked off our series:
Lighting Interior Design Ideas: Lift Your Spirits with Light

Next Week: Lighting Action #2:
Light Your  Life with Lamps and Lights

Please comment or send questions for more interior design ideas! Let me know how I can best help you with lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. Barbara@barbarakrai.com

First in a series of interior design ideas for lighting.
What is the single most important element in your living space? LIGHT!

LIGHT has the power to lift your spirits or drain your energy. More than any other single interior design element, LIGHT will impact you as you enter a space.

So I’ve created a series of lighting tips that I know you will enjoy! You’ll have fun in the coming months trying new interior design ideas with LIGHT that will give your interior new life and lift your spirits!

The ultimate goal is to have the LIGHT well balanced in the space – so keep in mind as you explore this series: Lighting Interior Design Ideas: Lift Your Spirits with Light, that your interior will be beautifully balanced with LIGHT when you take these action steps. So get ready to enjoy and explore all the ways to get your lighting in balance – and – make you feel totally comfortable in every room.

To get started, follow these steps:

STOP, FEEL, OBSERVE, ACT!

 STOP and FEEL

Walk into any room – STOP - then ask yourself how you FEEL in the space. Do you FEEL your energy soar or drain? Do you FEEL relaxed or fidgety? Do you FEEL open or closed in? Do you FEEL like you want to stay a while or leave as quickly as possible?

OBSERVE YOUR LIGHT SOURCES

Next OBSERVE the light SOURCES in the room. Is the light only coming from an overhead fixture? (Definitely the poorest placement of light.) Is the light coming from more than one source? (Always a good thing.) Are all the walls lit in some fashion? (Most important to feel comfortable in the space.) Are there various types of lights? (Everything from candles to accent lights?) Is there daylight? (Wonderful, but needs to be controlled to moderate the heat and light of the sun.)

OBSERVE YOUR LIGHT TYPES

Next OBSERVE the light TYPES in the room. Is the lighting warm or cool? (Many fluorescents and LEDs, although great energy savers, emit a cool/blue light.) Is the lighting too dim or too bright? (Most spaces are over lit.) Is there a way to create different moods? (Are there multiple switches and dimmers?)

I’m guessing that you have OBSERVED most rooms have plenty of light, but still don’t FEEL totally comfortable and don’t lift your spirits.  Most likely, you’ll find unbalanced lighting is the culprit – so let’s fix it.

TAKE ACTION!

So now, armed with what you have OBSERVED – it is time to ACT and get your lighting in balance! In this series you will find tips to create contrasts and an overall feeling of well-being that will lift your spirits by using multiple sources of light, multiple variations of light strength and making sure all walls have some form of light.

Next Week: Lighting Action #1: Switch Your Switches

Please write with your comments or questions for more interior design ideas. Just let me know how I can best help you with lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. Barbara@barbarakrai.com

Interior design ideas for bookcase "art":

A bookcase is so much more than a place to store books! It doesn’t matter if you have a lot of books or a few books – or maybe even no books. It doesn’t matter if your bookcase is low and wide or narrow and tall. The approach is the same.

Look at the outside frame of the bookcase as the frame for the “work of art” then fill the center with your “picture”. Start with placing your books, provided you have some, (no paperbacks - please!). Be sure to place some standing upright and some lying on their sides. You can also lean a book with a beautiful cover against the back of the unit.

Strike a Balance
 

Finish it Off

Finally, small plants are a great way to add more interest if you feel your “work of art” needs it. Sometimes plants are essential and sometimes they are not needed at all. Just continue to create balance if you decide to add greenery to your mix. And, be sure to choose only high quality plants – remember this is your personality you are creating!

So, go for it! Make Your Bookcase into a Work of Art

Need some guidance? I welcome your comments and questions along with any photos you can send and I will be happy to give you additional interior design ideas and tips.

Barbara Krai Interior Design serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Lutz, Avila, Cheval, New Port Richey, Bradenton, Lakeland and all
surrounding Tampa Bay Beaches and regional areas along the West Coast of Florida.