Well, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: good design is about function just as much as it is about beauty. Such is the case when it comes to lighting.

An often overlooked element, lighting plays an important role as to how well a space supports the needs of our everyday activities. Just recently a friend asked me what she could do about poor lighting in her small kitchen. Great question!

Lighting works best when applied in layers: general, task, accent, and decorative. While most homes come equipped with general or ambient lighting, fewer incorporate essential task lighting. To remedy this situation, consider installing under cabinet lighting or adjustable recessed fixtures. For the best advice, however, invite me over for a consultation

Have you noticed a friend or family member hunched over the kitchen counter, struggling to see what they were doing? Or have you been startled by your own shadowy reflection while using a friends’ bathroom? Perhaps Suzy Q from your office has developed a reputation for wearing one blue shoe and one black shoe. These people may be suffering from poor lighting conditions. I can help homeowners overcome their lighting obstacles as well as refer a reputable electrician if necessary.

Where do I begin? Just the thought of writing this post has my mind racing with excitement!!! That, or perhaps I’ve had too much coffee. Either way, Target is a fantastic resource for just about everything. Rather than walking you through, aisle by aisle, I will do my best to focus on that which is most relevant.

The images below reflect a lot of my own personal style. Aren’t they fabulous?! If you happen to disagree, don’t count them out alltogether. Between their retail stores and online, Target has a huge selection of bedding, lighting, window treatments, home decor, tableware, and the list goes on…

Believe it or not, there are tons of ways to be Green for the holidays. You may even be taking Green initiatives without recognizing it.

Decor - Use natural elements such as flowers, fruit, pine boughs, laurel, etc. Not only will you appreciate their fragrances (vs. the toxic fumes off gassing from their plastic counterparts), but these organic materials will break down completely without harming the environment. When shopping for a tree, look for one with roots so that it can be planted in the spring.

Lights - If you plan on purchasing new strings this season, opt for LED’s. Light Emitting Diodes require minimum watts for operation and can last 100,000 hours. In other words, while these may cost a bit more than the typical string, you will save in utility costs to run them and won’t have to replace them so soon.

Gifts - This is a great time to encourage the Green movement among friends and family. Check out stores that offer green, organic products. If you are in the Concord area, Main Street alone has lots of opportunities to buy green. Here are some to name a few:

• Real Green Goods;
• Your Home, Your World;
• Earth Made;
• KAZA; and
• Concord COOP.

Gift Wrapping - Depending on how crafty you are, give fabric a try. A dab of hot glue would be your best bet as an adhesive. If wrapping with paper is preferred, look for recycled or FSC certified products. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international agency that promotes sustainably harvested wood, gathered from well-managed forests.

Gift Receiving - Your Great Aunt Bessie has the right idea by opening her gift with incredible care. Try salvaging wrapping paper this year; done right, you could save money and a tree for next season. Gift bags, ribbon, and bows can also be reused. At the very least, PLEASE RECYCLE all that you can.