A dream home is the perfect place to get away from it all with family and friends according to Joann Wills, Sea Gull Lighting Products. Lighting fixtures done right can make your home more comfortable and livable. Fixtures can provide the right amount of light for the task at hand. Now, how to do that:

Understanding the lingo of fixed wire is critical in selecting your lighting. As important as understanding the lingo, creativity is a must. Don’t be afraid to step out on a limb when selecting fixtures. Fixtures create the mood of your home.

Fixed Wire – a light fixture that is permanently installed

Portable – light source that is movable such as a lamp

Chandeliers – fixtures that hang from the ceiling. Great for entry ways, dining rooms

Flushmount - a fixture whose body lies flush against the ceiling

Semi-flushmount - uses a stem to keep the body of the fixture slightly away from the ceiling

Vanity Strip - a multi light fixture about a sink mostly in bathrooms

Island Light - an elongated fixture designed to be hung over an island or billards table

Pendant - a hanging fixture with a bowl and no arms. Light can flow up or down

Mini-pendant - a smaller version of the pendant usually no more than 10" in diameter

Ambient lighting should illuminate the entire room. The illumination should be done with layers and a mixture of lighting options. Too much light can cause a lifeless effect. A combination of fixed wire, table and floor lamps should be used to created the desired ambient effect.

A creative friend of mine just hung a smaller chandelier in the bathroom. It is absolutely outstanding. Try putting a pendant over a end table – a charming effect.