Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/54815
special advertising section Lighting Designers offer their Top Three Tips Donna Christopolous, Design Lighting 1. Dimmers aren't just for chandeliers. Fitting your outdoor fixtures with dimmer controls will give you full brightness where you need it and low levels of light where you only need a glow. 2. Outdoor lanterns are not just for the outdoors! Add them to your home's interior for a distinct touch. 3. Layered lighting in any room gives you the right balance between function and mood. Wall sconces add ambience to a room's décor, while the chandelier or ceiling light keeps the room classic and functional. Lucy Dearborn, Lucia Lighting & Design 1. Accent lighting: Architectural lighting that accents a special painting, sculpture, or architectural element in the environment draws your eye to that special piece so you can appreciate it day and night. Remember that architectural lighting can be utilized inside or out. Landscape lighting both extends the day and your view, especially during daylight savings. 2. Decorative lighting: Use decorative lighting as inspiration and decoration to enhance colors, shapes, and design elements. Decorative lighting can really make a space pop! Consider hanging custom color pendants in your kitchen to match your stone countertop, or using a signature color Murano glass chandelier to complement a favorite fabric or wall color in your dining room. Small entryway? Using a crystal ceiling-mounted light as "jewelry" in a tight space creates a dazzling effect. 3. Repurposed lighting: Remember that beautiful table or floor lamp that's in the attic? Bring it out and have it rewired. Top it with a fabulous new or customized lampshade that will update the lamp and make it your own. It will make you feel good and your home look great. Repurposing and customization are two popular trends that are both planet friendly and personal. Custom Home Building • Renovations & Additions • Historic Renovations Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy • Landscaping and Site Work Small Jobs and Maintenance • Basement Waterproofing Green Home We got a chance to catch up with the ultimate home enthusiast, Steve Thomas, who has recently been traveling the world with Habitat for Humanity Interna- tional as a spokesperson to help raise awareness for the need for decent, afford- able housing. The Emmy®-award winning TV personality and former host of "This Old House" and "Renovation Nation" shares his expertise on creating more sustainable, energy-efficient homes right here on the North Shore. General Contractor Best Kitchen Remodeling Classic Contractor Transitional Contractor Best Builder Proud Sponsor of NPR 26 New Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-876-8286 www.shconstruction.com www.facebook.com/shconstruction Q: How did you become involved in green building practices? A: I have always been involved in green building practices. What has hap- pened in the past six to eight years is that green building has become a term