Some time ago, I gave a workshop on creating a home sanctuary. I talked about the three legs of the sanctuary "stool:" peace, order and beauty. We discussed making a housekeeping schedule and we came up with about 50 menu ideas for a monthly menu plan. Toward the end of the session, one lady raised her hand and asked a question.
"That's all good stuff," she said. "But how do you just make your home LOOK good?? You know, like how do you decorate it?"
I realized in that moment, that most of the ladies in there probably couldn't care less about a menu plan...they simply wanted some decorating advice!
So I gave my top three decorating tips in the last remaining minutes of the class. Today, I'll discuss the #1 mistake people make and how to easily fix it.
Decorating Mistake #1: Bad lighting
The Solution: Light bulbs
I have a rule that overhead lighting (that fan light, or the light in the middle of your ceiling) should never be used as your only source of illumination. Ladies, VANITY ALONE should make you go out and purchase a couple of lamps for each room - because we all know that no one looks pretty underneath a ceiling light (think dark shadows under the eyes) or worse, a fluorescent light. The exceptions would be: if you are looking for a contact or are performing surgery - THEN you may have your ceiling light on.
Discount stores carry inexpensive lamps, and new low-wattage light bulbs make bringing in some ambiance through lighting very affordable. It is one of the very best uses of your decorating dollar. Even a small nightlight in a cute little lamp can make a dark corner suddenly seem cozy.
I have 8 lamps in my living room/kitchen area and I use them all. It makes my old barnhouse look ah-mayzing.
Today's Small Thing is to analyze your lighting situation.
Do you have bulbs that need replacing in fixtures you already have? Can you move a couple of lamps around to make a room feel inviting? Would a three-way bulb give you the option of creating different types of atmospheres? (yes). Are you guilty of using your ceiling light as your only source of light? Repent and move on, girl.
POINTS: 40 for scrutinizing the lighting in your home and changing what you can today. Shop your own house for a lamp that's not being used, or simply rearrange a lamp or two. Put light bulbs on your shopping list, and wander down the lamp aisle at Walmart next time you're there. For less than 25.00, you can make an absolutely dramatic improvement to your sanctuary.
Next week: Decorating Mistake #2
Do you have lighting/decorating questions? Let me know!
