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In My Own Style

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Try This Decorating Tip Tonight

February 26, 2015 · By Diane Henkler · 229 Comments

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After my foyer was painted last week, I brought the sideboard, mirror, lamps, and rug back into the space and then left them alone so that I could think about how I wanted the space to look and feel.

Where to start decorating a room

It is a narrow two-story space that gets flooded with daylight. I want to keep it uncluttered so that it is a space with breathing room.

How to create impact in a large space without breaking your decorating budget

A space that will help visually connect the rooms around it, my studioffice, family room, kitchen, and dining room.  Keeping things simple, yet adding something with impact is the look I am after.  That and something that says SPRING!  With the bitter cold we have been experiencing, spring can’t come soon enough.

Repurposing ideas for using old window sashes

I put the mirror back up first.  It is actually two repurposed wood window sashes where I replaced the glass on each with mirrors. I did this a long time ago and had the mirrors cut to size at my local sheet glass company. I used glazing points (found at the hardware store) and putty to attach them to the back of the sashes.

  1. I drilled a hole in each sash’s top corner. I used wall anchors that have screws with flat heads screwed into them on the wall. The holes on the back of the sashes fit over the screws. Very secure – going on 18+ years that it has been hanging this way.
  2. I hung the top sash directly above the bottom one.
  3. On the top, I hung a decorative ceramic ornamental piece that I bought many years ago.  I painted everything gold and added a white wash over the paint.

I decided not to buy anything new to place on the sideboard, but to shop the shelves of my newly purged basement. I found two glass vases and and some long stemmed fake pink peonies.

Decorating ideas using fake flowers

I wish they could be real, but I don’t have the budget for that. If I ever win the lottery, my first big purchase would be to sign up to have fresh flowers delivered to my home every day all year long. Until that happens, I am quite content with the fake ones until I can cut the real ones from my garden in the early summer. This is the vase I decided to use. I bought the peonies at Michaels.

How to add impact when decorating without spending a lot of money

I tried this vase, too. I like it because it’s bubble glass, but it raises the tall blooms to the same height of the lamps. Back to its designated shelf in the basement until I can find a use for it.

Table top decorating ideas for Spring

I moved the tray in from my family room.  It looks fresh and new here. I painted the paper lamp shades a few years ago in high gloss white.  They are opaque shades where the light is directed out the top and bottom of the shade. This creates the perfect mood light at night since I don’t need task lighting here.

Try this Cree Soft White 60 watt Cree LED bulb in your home to create that looks and lights just like an incandescent bulb #CreateWithCree

To keep the light soft and bright, I added a Cree LED 60 watt light bulb to each lamp. I have written about how picky I am about lighting and using the right lightbulbs and lamp shades a few times before. It is one area of decorating that many forget to consider, but can make or break your decorating efforts.

A few weeks ago, my oldest daughter Kelly called asking me what she could do in her apartment to make the lighting look more like the light at home. It made me smile that she noticed the difference.

I first told her to remove all the funky CFL bulbs that she uses. The light they emit is unnatural and dull.  Then to replace them with dimmable 60, 75, or 100 watt soft white bulbs that add a warm glow. Since she is all about the environment, I told her to head to Home Depot to buy a few Cree LED soft white bulbs. They are a bit more pricey to purchase, but will last 25X longer, are mercury-free, and save at least 84% in energy versus using an incandescent bulb, plus they have a normal light bulb shape so you can use clip on lampshades over them.

Try this 60 watt soft White LED lightbulb in your home tonight. It looks and lights just like an incandescent bulb. I use them in my foyer to create mood lighting.  #CreateWithCree

I told her not to use the ceiling fixture – the downlight is too harsh.  Then to add three or four floor or table lamps around the apartment and make sure if they have fabric shades, that the color emitted through the shade when the light is on is the same.  Some shades are more ecru and can look yellow.  If this is your color scheme, it is not about the color so much but more that they are all the same.

When you look out over a room with one shade casting off yellow and the others white, it throws off the look of the room.  It is just a detail, but one that can make a huge difference in how a room feels. I like to use shades that look white when the light is on.  Mix in a opaque shade of any color and you will have good mix.  A reading light needs at least a 100 watt bulb.  Table lamps for general lighting can be 60 watt.

Following my guidelines should get her apartment looking more like the warm and cozy environment she fondly remembers.

Decorating-tips-on-how-to-light-a-home

I did a little experiment with my foyer lamps to show you how nice soft white LED bulbs look in the day and in the evening.

Daytime: This lamp has a 60 watt Cree Soft White LED in it. I love the softness of the light – it is white, but with no blue tinge to it. Cree also makes LED daylight bulbs, but I like the warm glow of the soft white much better.

How to add the right lighting when decorating a home

You can see how the opaque shade and the bulb itself directs the light up and down. No light can get through the shade.  Since the sideboard is stained wood and has an orange tone, it changes the way the downlight looks, but look at the top of the shade where there is nothing to change the color cast – all white.

Decorating-with-soft-white-lightbulbs

Here is how it looks at night. I have the lights on a dimmer switch. This is the brightest they get at night.

Decorating-for-night

I usually have them dimmed lower. I removed the flowers so you can see how not only the shade, but the LED bulb itself direct the lights up and down. You can see a better demonstration in this video.

How to add the right lighting when decorating a home

My number one decorating tip I used to tell my decorating clients was to turn all the lights on in a room to see two things:

  1. Is the light spread out evenly around the room? If not, move or add another lamp. Higher wattage in lamps that you need to read by, lower for others.
  2. When the light is on, is the color of the light coming through all the shades the same? If one looks different from the others – change it so they all look the same. Opaque shades don’t matter since the light they emit doesn’t go through the shade.

 

Try it tonight… play a little game of musical lamps and move the lamps to different places in the room. Try different wattages of bulbs and see if the colors around the room look more vivid. A few good bulbs with shades that emit the same color white can change the way colors look as well as how the entire room feels. A few simple tweaks can drastically improve your decor.

Cree 100 Watt Soft White LED Lightbulb

I also added a 100-watt bulb to my bedside table. 


This Giveaway IS OVER

Congratulations to the Winner:  Pam Clark

  • If you didn’t win and would like to try the bulbs, you can buy them at the Home Depot.

Good Luck!

 

 

Try this simple decorating trick in your home tonight. It is the one thing that most homeowners forget about, but can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels. | In My Own Style

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Filed Under: Decorating Ideas, Decorating Tips and Tricks, Giveaways

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Comments

  1. Cathy Zimmermann says

    09/05/2015 at 12:14 am

    Do yo have some good suggestions on where to find nice floor lamps that don’t cost $600.000 to $1,000.00?
    I’m spoiled because I bought one Stiffle floor lamp, years ago, that is solid brass with a new white lampshade from Restoration Hard ware. It’s hard to decide what other kind of floor lamp I want on the other side of the couch, that will look good with it? All of the lamps are so expensive.
    Thank you,
    Cathy

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      09/08/2015 at 10:21 am

      Hi Cathy –

      There are many lamp sites that have affordable light fixtures. I would check out the World Market, Parrot Uncle, and Target’s websites. If you have HomeGoods, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx in your area, they are great places to find high end lamps for discounted prices.

      I do have a suggestion. Since you already have a floor lamp on one side of the sofa, have you considered placing a table on one side and using a table lamp? If you use the same color shade and basic style (does not have to match) a table lamp may add more interest to your room instead of two tall floor lamps.

      Reply
  2. sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com says

    03/20/2015 at 11:18 pm

    fake?! are you kidding me! if those peonies don’t just make me so happy to look at! and for some reason they are harder to find (real ones that is :)) around where i live.
    gorge! thanks ~

    Reply
  3. Karen Fletcher says

    03/03/2015 at 3:05 am

    I’m a newly married student in my twenties; dirt poor but so blessed.
    My husband and I live in a small basement apartment. Light is scarce enough during the day because of how little sunlight filters through, but at night it sometimes feels unbearable – the light fixtures are scarce and dim. I’ve been meaning to go to thrift scrounge up some lamps for FOREVER to try and fix the lighting in here. It’s a tough environment to figure out and I’m at a loss, to be honest :)
    We need to make some changes so weekends at home are pleasant (I go stir crazy). Maybe this will help spur me on my way.

    Reply
    • Karen Fletcher says

      03/03/2015 at 3:07 am

      But I really have no idea what to do and would appreciate some advice. I know nothing about watts or the different kinds, etc. We are on a tight budget as I’m sure you can remember from your own college days. I’ve been getting the cheapest kind at WalMart and our rooms have a hazy yellow cast.
      If you have any tips I would surely appreciate it!

      Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      03/04/2015 at 8:07 pm

      Hi Karen –

      The key to getting the lighting in your home to feel better is about the type of bulb, wattage, shades, and placement. When at the thrift store try to look for a few different types of lamps for your space. A table, floor, and desk lamp. Mix them up and place them around the room so the light looks balanced – no dark corners if a task has to be done there.

      Look for shades that are the same color so the light looks the same when they are all on. The desk lamp shade could be opaque so the light only goes up and down. This will add a nice ambiance to the room. As for wattage – use different wattages in the lamps. 100 watt for overall room lighting and even task lighting.(tables and floor lamps) 60 watt looks nice, but if your space is really dark you may want to use 75 or even 100 everywhere.

      Ceiling light fixtures cast shadows and look awful in small dark rooms. If you have one, you may want to remove the glass cover and see if a clip on shade will go over the bulb. The shade will be upside down, but will help to filter the light. I like the Cree soft white LED’s since they don’t give off that awful grey tinge that other LED and those funky CFL bulbs do. While at the thrift store, look for some large wall mirrors. Hang these across from lamps, windows, or doors to reflect more light into the space. They will also make it look like you have two lamps or windows instead of one and make the space feel more open.

      Check out this post for more information on lighting. It may help you look at your space and where and how to add some lighting: https://inmyownstyle.com/2010/09/light-up-your-life-literally.html

      Reply
      • Karen Fletcher says

        05/05/2015 at 6:14 pm

        I never told you, but thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to write out such a well thought, helpful response to me. Your kindness really touched me and meant a lot :) It’s finally time for us to buy new light bulbs and I’m looking this up to tell my husband what kind. Thank you oodles.

        Reply
        • Karen Fletcher says

          05/05/2015 at 6:41 pm

          How are clip on shades different from the glass light fixtures?
          Here’s a picture I just took of our current light fixtures installed by our landlords: do light shades have an open top or something?
          Thanks again for your kindness.

          https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11188374_10206962816848621_577011567025757527_n.jpg?oh=b4d9348117f878e10d5400b0a12c11cc&oe=55D3CF58&__gda__=1439915784_d74e0cb2d566f830821b75dfecf75ca1

          Reply
          • Diane Henkler says

            05/07/2015 at 4:33 am

            Hi Karen – Your fixture isn’t like some ceiling fixtures that block light by the way they are designed or prism the light on the walls, or cast shadows. Yours is rounded and frosted and won’t do this. If you had a clear glass prism style fixture, a clip on shade would soften the overall lighting in the room while directing it up and down.

  4. Finny says

    03/03/2015 at 2:56 am

    My office/craft room definitely needs lighting help. Hard to sew at night!

    Reply
  5. Mary Claire Clark says

    03/02/2015 at 4:59 pm

    I am moving into my first apartment and my mom has always been picky about lighting! I know it makes such a difference! I am hoping to create the same glow in my apartment to make it feel a bit more like home!

    Reply
  6. Nancy says

    03/02/2015 at 4:27 pm

    I am struggling to light 2 areas – the living room (which is open to the kitchen & dining areas) and the basement family room. I’ve never cared for the light from overhead fixtures so I use many lamps throughout the house. I’ll look for Cree bulbs at Home Depot. Thanks for this post!

    Reply
  7. Anne says

    03/02/2015 at 3:07 pm

    You make several excellent points! My family room has an ASSORTMENT of lampshades, and there is really only one spot good for reading. Thanks also for the suggestion about the Cree bulbs–I get overwhelmed in the light bulb aisle at Home Depot! Great post!

    Reply
  8. Benny Sequeira says

    03/02/2015 at 1:34 pm

    Will try in the living room.

    Reply
  9. shaunie says

    03/02/2015 at 4:10 am

    I would have to say the living room could use a makeover. We would love more brightness there.

    Reply
  10. Rayna says

    03/02/2015 at 1:25 am

    I’ve always enjoyed lamps and all the different shades but boy are they difficult to place in a full house. I love your style, simple and elegant, I catch myself adding to much color to rooms, excessively matching each and every small item. I have never seen or placed a lamp in my kitchen however this is the room I am constantly frustrated with because I can not see what I am doing!! Thanks for the blog and contest. If you get a chance I’d love to know how to make a vase appear like it has water in it; the vase you did with peonies for ex. Thanks again, Rayna

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      03/02/2015 at 10:35 pm

      Hi Rayna – I added water to the vase even though it has fake flowers – the water helps make them look a bit more realistic :-) You can buy a gel at the crafts store that will look like water in vases, but it is expensive and you only get a small amount. Real water is easier.

      Reply
      • Sonja Spiers says

        07/10/2017 at 10:23 am

        Hi Diane, just a quick question. How do you stop your fake flowers from getting rusty if y have them in real water? I agree they look much better with water in the vase so I copied you and put my fake peonies in water but after about 2 weeks there were little rust marks on the vase. I’m in Australia; maybe our flowers are different here???

        Reply
        • Diane Henkler says

          07/13/2017 at 11:09 pm

          Hi Sonja – Good question. The flowers here in the US rust also. If they do, I use a scouring pad to try to remove the rust stains in the glass. The only way I know of stopping it is to make a slit along one side of the bottom of the plastic stem, cut out the bottom inch of wire and then bring the plastic down again. If you do it carefully, the bottom stem end will end up moving back where it was and looks fine when placed in water.

          Reply
  11. Janice Hartley says

    03/02/2015 at 1:21 am

    I’ve never heard of this bulb, so it really spiked my interest reading about it. Pretty much any room in my home could use the change! How exciting it would be to win this! Thanks for the opportunity to do so and thanks for all the great information you share with everyone!!!

    Reply
  12. Jeanette says

    03/02/2015 at 12:43 am

    My son’s room (now that he’s off to college) need an entire makeover with lighting…first to replace the dark blue ceiling fan shades/lights and also to add some swing arm lamps at the window seat. Being the northeast corner of the house, it needs lighting!

    Reply
  13. Mandy says

    03/01/2015 at 11:55 pm

    My master bedroom and living room both need lighting makeovers, I have a few lamps in my bedroom but they need new bulbs and shades. My living room only has one lamp right now and I’m trying to help my husband see the need for a floor lamp or two. He thinks the overhead lighting is adequate… But it drives me mad in it’s ability to wash everything, and everyone out!

    Reply
  14. Heidi Meyer says

    03/01/2015 at 10:06 pm

    Oh I would love to be considered for the give away! I am in the process of redecorating my living room space right now and in some desperate need of the right lighting! Going to try your tips today!! :)

    Reply
  15. Judy Shepherd says

    03/01/2015 at 9:40 pm

    Lighting is VERY important. When we moved into my current house, the previous owner had used all CFLs and I thought I had gone blind for a week until I realized it was the light bulbs that don’t put out a lot of light.

    Reply
  16. Anne K. says

    03/01/2015 at 8:07 pm

    Thanks Diane,
    I always love to read your blogs and appreciate the info you share. I have especially enjoyed those on lighting.
    This was even better and your suggestion to try different lights at night is perfect. We are painting almost every room after 15 years. Our family room runs into the kitchen so these pointers are coming at just the right time! We are due for changes and this is the perfect time to link to your great ideas!!

    Reply
  17. Christine Skwarek says

    03/01/2015 at 7:18 pm

    Wow…lots of posts here but that’s okay. I had NEVER realized what a difference bulbs make!! Of course I buy certain ones for the bathroom but the other rooms all have mismatch bulbs. I bought what was on sale, not what was needed to highlight a room. The one room I definitely need to figure out lighting for is my bedroom!! I will be checking all my bulbs and the watts from now on. Thank you for a great article!!

    Reply
  18. Elizabeth S. says

    03/01/2015 at 5:22 pm

    I am embaraased to say that I didn’t know you could buy opaque lamp shades. I have only seen the ones where light comes through the shade. I think I need new shades as well as bulbs. My house tends to be dark but the room that needs the most lighting help currently is my living room. Thanks for the great post.

    Reply
  19. Laura says

    03/01/2015 at 5:11 pm

    our bedroom could use some new lighting! thanks!

    Reply
  20. Kym O'Neill says

    03/01/2015 at 4:57 pm

    My kitchen would be the beneficiary of these bulbs. As with most people, the kitchen is the hub of my house, and these would save me a lot of money in electrical costs!

    Reply
  21. Cathy E. says

    03/01/2015 at 3:43 pm

    I would love to have a light makeover for my living room to chase away the gray days of winter.

    Reply
  22. Louise says

    03/01/2015 at 2:39 pm

    Thank you for the wonderful tips about lamps, lights, etc. I will definitely look into the Cree light bulbs (if I don’t win!). My living room is where I will begin. I enjoy your blog so much. Thank you for not only the creative things you show us, but also the practical information you share. Your home is beautiful.

    Louise

    Reply
  23. christiann says

    03/01/2015 at 1:41 pm

    Finally, lighting is explained in a way that makes sense to me and now I can fix it!! EVERDAY when I sit in my family room I am bothered by the lighting. I am constantly changing light bulbs ( types, brands, wattage) and the positioning of where I place my lamps, changing out lamps, etc.. The lighting never looks and feels soothing: too dull, too bright, etc.. Eventually, I will just turn off the lights and sit in a room illuminated by the TV !

    Reply
  24. DONNA STUART says

    03/01/2015 at 4:40 am

    My kitchen! The kitchen itself is cute BUT……I have fluorescent lighting above the island. UGLY so I never try to turn them on EVER. I have 2 other table lamps I use and my son make a drum lamp that hangs over the table. The cree bulbs would be a blessing to my kitchen lighting issue.
    Thanks a million!!!

    Reply
  25. Mary Ann says

    03/01/2015 at 2:54 am

    i have seen those cree light bulbs advertised on TV…you did a better job of selling me on their strong points. Way to go!

    Reply
  26. Sharon says

    03/01/2015 at 1:19 am

    I am guilty of not switching over to energy saving light bulbs in my sitting room. If I win, I could replace them, and fell less guilty when I use my lamps.

    Reply
  27. Cori Westphal says

    02/28/2015 at 11:08 pm

    My living room! We have a fan with no light and two can lights over our fireplace. That’s it. It’s so dark and dreary!

    Reply
  28. Patricia Trevino says

    02/28/2015 at 8:05 pm

    Enlightening!!!! Lol I thought it the appropriate word. I really needed to read your blog today. Lighting is a real issue in my home and needs to be addressed. My hubby is always complaining about the lack of lighting in our bedroom. Truth is we need better lighting through out the house. We have really tall ceilings that make it difficult. I can’t wait to try your suggestions. Thank you!

    Reply
  29. Linda says

    02/28/2015 at 4:39 pm

    My living room is the spot. Have been slowly ridding my home of the incandescent bulbs. Had not heard of Cree, they sound like the best so far, although a bit costly. Sometimes it really is true, you get what you pay for…. Never have won anything so “if” I did it would come as a great surprise! Love following your blog! You have VERY practical & timeless ideas! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  30. Helena says

    02/28/2015 at 2:41 pm

    Great post. Both my living room and family room have lighting issues. Thank you for a chance to win.

    Reply
  31. Sally says

    02/28/2015 at 1:45 pm

    Our living room is my reading room and every night I find myself wishing for better light. I’ve seen the Cree bulbs, but never really knew what would solve the lighting issue. Thanks for your input.

    Reply
  32. Betsy cross says

    02/28/2015 at 1:06 pm

    My living room could definitely use a light make-over!

    Reply
  33. Joyce A Ward says

    02/28/2015 at 12:35 pm

    Enjoyed your information. My living room could use some improved lighting- thank you very much!

    Reply
  34. Madie says

    02/28/2015 at 12:19 pm

    My living room could use some lighting advice! Thsnk you

    Reply
  35. gail jones says

    02/28/2015 at 12:09 pm

    Thanks for sharing this information. My family room is in desperate need of lighting changes.

    Reply
  36. Kim says

    02/28/2015 at 9:59 am

    My just moved into a gorgeous rental, but the whole house needs a light makeover. The room that will be my office really needs help- there are no windows!

    Reply
  37. Gloria says

    02/28/2015 at 6:42 am

    I love strong colors, so I painted my dining room in watermelon red. I think it is lovely, but it can be a bit dark at night, so the right lighting would certainly benefit it.

    Thank you for having this giveaway!

    Reply
  38. Sharon says

    02/28/2015 at 3:29 am

    My house is a large great room including the kitchen with bedrooms on 2 sides. Difficult to light properly. I need good lighting to see properly.

    Reply
  39. Krissie says

    02/28/2015 at 12:07 am

    I think my bedroom could use a lighting makeover. It’s very gloomy.

    Reply
  40. Angelica says

    02/27/2015 at 11:17 pm

    I need to re-think the family room lighting; that’s where we spend most of our evenings and we’re never quite happy with the lighting!
    On another note, I noticed that the first vase is filled with water. It’s certainly a detail that makes these peonies look even more real! Are the stems made out of plastic or fabric?
    Beautiful and bright new foyer!

    Reply
  41. Judy Morano says

    02/27/2015 at 10:51 pm

    My living room need the most help. Lighting is not right and I just had to toss our a broken floor lamp. Can’t wait to try out these bulbs and thank you for al the great information!

    Reply
  42. Erin Young says

    02/27/2015 at 9:58 pm

    the hall and laundry room!

    Reply
  43. HilLesha says

    02/27/2015 at 8:30 pm

    My kitchen is in dire need of a light makeover. :)

    Reply
  44. Vicki Ramsey says

    02/27/2015 at 8:06 pm

    I need better light in my bedroom for reading in bed.

    Reply
  45. Kim says

    02/27/2015 at 7:45 pm

    My family room could use some serious lighting! I can’t wait to try these bulbs!

    Reply
  46. Pamela L says

    02/27/2015 at 7:10 pm

    Thank you for such an informative article. These were things I’d never considered…that’s why you’re the pro!

    Reply
  47. Sharon says

    02/27/2015 at 6:58 pm

    Changing the lighting in my bedroom makes a big difference and that is the room I am most interested in experimenting with. Thanks! These bulbs are great!

    Reply
  48. Paula B says

    02/27/2015 at 5:56 pm

    I’m slowly trying up update my home on a budget. Last week we painted the dated red brick fireplace white, and what a difference that made! Next I’m going to attack the mantle, and try to refinish it. This room doesn’t get much light, and the painting of the fireplace really helped. I would love to try the Cree LED bulbs to shed warm light in my “new” to me space! P.S. I love your blog. It’s so nice to read practical ways to update your space, and look so beautiful to boot! Thank you.

    Reply
    • christiann says

      03/01/2015 at 1:45 pm

      I, too would LOVE to paint my red brick fireplace white! Was the process difficult, was it a DIY?? I actually lived in my house from 1978 to 1998 and fortunate to be able to buy m y house again in 2013 (long story!) This entire time I’ve been wanting that fireplace white!

      Reply
  49. Phyllis E. says

    02/27/2015 at 5:27 pm

    I have been wanting to try the Cree LED light bulbs in my kitchen for some time now, but have hesitated because of the cost. I have been wanting to try them in the pendants over the peninsula counter and in the ceiling fan light fixture in hopes that they would help do a much needed “color correction” in there! Do you think they would help my older, honey-spice maple cabinets not look so “orange” especially at night, and my natural oak hardwood floors not look “yellow”? I am hoping that just the right lighting could help enhance the patina of the wood, rather than give them that funky color cast.
    Most of all, I am hoping that the Cree LED light bulbs could help bring out the colors of my disappointingly dull and drab-looking, very light-colored granite. I had selected my granite because I had thought its peachy-gold streaks would look lovely with my cabinets. In reality, in my home, I can barely notice the peachy-gold! In my current lighting, the soft gray streaks seem to predominate and “overwhelm” the peachy-gold as well as the background color, which, though I had thought was a creamy white, appears more like an ugly greenish-grayish off-white!
    Do you think a Cree LED light bulb “intervention” could help salvage this expensive, decorating mistake? I would love to be considered in your light bulb giveaway, please!
    Thank you!
    P.S. I love your foyer remodel! Your credenza is gorgeous and your mirrow is so, so clever! The overall space is so beautiful!

    Reply
  50. Wendy says

    02/27/2015 at 5:26 pm

    Actually, all of my rooms could use help…now that I have your helpful information!

    Reply
  51. Carol B says

    02/27/2015 at 5:01 pm

    My living room and bedroom could use a lighting update!

    Reply
  52. Mary says

    02/27/2015 at 4:39 pm

    The family room and kitchen! Those peonies are so pretty!

    Reply
  53. Tammy R. says

    02/27/2015 at 4:23 pm

    We just purchased a new home and I know I can use these tips all over the house. We are concentrating on getting the public rooms (foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen and den) which all flow into each other done first. Most rooms have can or overhead lighting, but I am trying to layer lights as you suggest.

    Reply
  54. Jane says

    02/27/2015 at 2:22 pm

    My living room is dark and really needs updated lighting. Thanks for the chance to try these new bulbs!

    Reply
  55. Michele says

    02/27/2015 at 1:56 pm

    My living/family room needs updated lighting.

    Reply
  56. Kathleen says

    02/27/2015 at 1:45 pm

    Thank you for the lighting ideas! I would like to focus on my living/dining room to try new bulbs.

    Reply
  57. maggie says

    02/27/2015 at 10:59 am

    I’ve already used Crees in my new kitchen cans and love them. Now onto the lamps in the living room. Thanks!

    Reply
  58. mh says

    02/27/2015 at 9:53 am

    My bedroom is too dark. Thx for the lighting advice. I’m going to read the other articles you wrote on lighting.

    Reply
  59. Laura Ontiveros says

    02/27/2015 at 7:38 am

    HI Diane!
    E V E R Y room in my home is in need of re-think the light. Thank you for this post it has great tips that for sure I will use.
    I love your blog I try to check on it as often as I can, but I miss you on my RSS.

    Reply
  60. Rondah says

    02/27/2015 at 7:04 am

    My bedroom could use new lighting

    Reply
  61. Mari says

    02/27/2015 at 4:50 am

    I would use them in my Living room and basement! The living room has high ceilings and open floor plan….Layering the lighting has been really difficult, can’t get it to feel cozy at night. Basement….well it’s a basement, prefer lamps to the recessed lighting.

    Reply
  62. Christine says

    02/27/2015 at 4:44 am

    Thanks for sharing a great resource. I had no idea that I could get an energy saving, mercury free lightbulb that gives off attractive light. A no brainer! I’ll be adding these to my rooms for sure.

    Reply
  63. Iris says

    02/27/2015 at 4:25 am

    My bedroom needs help from the lighting department! I love my beautiful creamy brown walls but I just can’t seem to get it bright enough in there and these bulbs may be the answer.

    Reply
  64. Karen Deanley says

    02/27/2015 at 4:21 am

    My kitchen nook needs a lighting makeover. First, there isn’t enough light.
    There is a hanging Tiffany lamp over the table. We had a ceiling fan and light in center of the room but now only a ceiling fan. In the market for a new light kit for it. I gave added a small accent lamp on a low storage cabinet. So, some lighting work is needed.

    Reply
  65. Amy says

    02/27/2015 at 4:17 am

    Both my kitchen and my dining room could use a makeover, period! Lighting would be a great place to start! :-)

    Reply
  66. Beth says

    02/27/2015 at 4:10 am

    I have been so aggravated with the new light bulbs . Too many choices and no information about what to use where. So, I kept buying the old cheap light bulbs, but, now I can’t find any. I’m very happy and grateful for a primer on what kind to get. Thanks for the chance to win some good bulbs.

    Reply
  67. Barb says

    02/27/2015 at 3:09 am

    My living room for sure, the lighting is terrible! You gave some great tips in this post, thanks!

    Reply
  68. Sue says

    02/27/2015 at 3:00 am

    I love lamps and have a few in storage to bring out when I want to change things. I need to re-do lighting in my living room. Matching lamps are on tables of different heights and a simple Tiffany-type lamp puts out the wrong color light. I think that is what has kept me from accepting its place in the room. Thanks!

    Reply
  69. Therese Wescott says

    02/27/2015 at 2:42 am

    My family room needs help! It is so dark, I can hardly read or work on a sewing project in there. Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  70. Linda says

    02/27/2015 at 12:52 am

    The lighting in my living room needs help. As I make the switch from incandescent bulbs I find I don’t know what to expect from the various newer bulbs available. I want to relax in my living room and don’t want harsh bright lights, but I need enough light to read by. I have difficulty finding the right soft light.

    Reply
  71. Marilyn says

    02/27/2015 at 12:38 am

    Hi Diane,

    I’d use the new light bulbs in my living room. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  72. Patti H says

    02/26/2015 at 11:55 pm

    My family room needs some help in the lighting department. Thanks for the chance to win some great lightbulbs.

    Reply
  73. Tracy says

    02/26/2015 at 11:23 pm

    My livingroom since it is soooooo dark!

    Reply
  74. Judy says

    02/26/2015 at 11:21 pm

    Thank you for the lighting information. I will be replacing bulbs all through the house, beginning with my sewing room.

    Reply
  75. Jaclyn Reynolds says

    02/26/2015 at 10:51 pm

    Our living room and bathroom need better lighting!!

    Reply
  76. Heather /c says

    02/26/2015 at 10:47 pm

    In the bathroom! Replaced hot light bulbs in my moms bathroom and used LED bulbs, but now they only reflect downwards and the bathroom has a creepy mood lighting effect. Thanks for the post, I’m going to go get some cree bulbs , but winning some sounds good too, I have plenty of light sources. Your foyer is gorgeous with those fuchsia colored flowers, it makes me wish for spring right now as I look out at the melting snow.

    Reply
  77. carol says

    02/26/2015 at 10:47 pm

    My large family room has 1 small table lamp. It needs help desperately. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  78. Mary says

    02/26/2015 at 10:22 pm

    This is the best explanation/demostration of lighting that I’ve ever read!! You make things so easy to understand, Diane! And the double window mirrors and peonies are just gorgeous! I’m so glad I found your blog last year. I am now urging all my present light bulbs to DIE DIE DIE so I can start replacing them with Crees. The living room is especially challenging and it will be the first one to receive a lighting makeover. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  79. Robin says

    02/26/2015 at 9:50 pm

    My dining room could use a lighting makeover.

    Reply
  80. Nanette says

    02/26/2015 at 9:37 pm

    The family room grows very dim then dark as evening progresses. The 2 lamps I have there could certainly use some bulb updating! Thank you!

    Reply
  81. Denise says

    02/26/2015 at 9:32 pm

    Love the peonies – they look real!!! And I agree, lighting is so important. My favorite lamps have the 3-way bulbs with soft light. I would love to give these light bubs a try in my foyer. PS: Love your foyer table – I’m sure it’s a cherished antique but if it is new … where did you find it at?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      02/26/2015 at 9:40 pm

      Hi Denise – The sideboard/table/desk in the foyer is a cherished hand-me down from my husband’s bachelor uncle. He lived in Brooklyn his entire life in the same rent controlled apartment until he passed away in the early 90’s. I think his parents must have bought it. The top draw slides out and flattens to create a desk. It is a very unique piece and in perfect condition.

      Reply
  82. Deanna says

    02/26/2015 at 8:51 pm

    oops, I forgot to comment on which room could use help with lighting – my family room!

    Reply
  83. Deanna says

    02/26/2015 at 8:49 pm

    Yes, I admit it, I need some help with lighting. I’ve probably never had it quite right..will use your advice and “see” if there’s any improvement! Thanks!

    Reply
  84. Nancy Carr says

    02/26/2015 at 8:12 pm

    Need better lighting in the living room. These look great. I enjoyed learning from the video and your tips about lighting are great. Blessings

    Reply
  85. Ann says

    02/26/2015 at 8:11 pm

    Definitely in the basement after restyling! Lovely giveaway!

    Reply
  86. Debbie says

    02/26/2015 at 8:10 pm

    I could use a lighting makeover in my foyer and in my living room.

    Reply
  87. Debbie Rice says

    02/26/2015 at 7:58 pm

    I’m on a venture of painting most of my home as money and time allows. Everyone room in my house could use a light makeover. Thank you for the chance to possible win your give-way!

    Reply
  88. Jeane Gallo says

    02/26/2015 at 7:40 pm

    Our family room really needs a lighting makeover. I have some of those funky CFL bulbs for reading lights, and they are sorely lacking!

    Reply
  89. Cheryl says

    02/26/2015 at 7:26 pm

    I would love to replace the bulbs in my living room and family room. They look wonderful in your foyer!

    Reply
  90. sylvia says

    02/26/2015 at 7:10 pm

    Great post Diane. I am a light junkie. I love to have lots of lamps on during the day or night. They make my home feel welcoming and warm. I even have a lamp on my front porch. So much more welcoming than a glaring porch light. I’ve never tried the Cree, but would love to.

    Reply
  91. Sue B. says

    02/26/2015 at 7:08 pm

    This post is filled with useful tips! Thank you. I, too, purchased a huge box of incandescent light bulbs from Amazon when I heard about the light bulb rules changing ( I saw another of your followers mentioned she stocked up on old-school bulbs). The Cree bulbs ARE pleasing, I’m happy to say, so there are good choices out there still! I am heading to HD today to repair a buffet lamp socket and will give the lighting test a go when my lamp is repaired. Your foyer turned out spectacularly, by the way!

    Reply
  92. Marianne Hölscher says

    02/26/2015 at 6:45 pm

    The ambiance that you created with the LED bulbs is beautiful.

    Reply
  93. Linda says

    02/26/2015 at 6:43 pm

    Our Master Bedroom sure could use some lighting help. I never gave much thought into the lampshades, but after reading your post I need to go lampshade shopping! New bulbs and shades might just be what I am missing. I love all your decorating ideas. For me, you take the “mystery” out of decorating and make it simple Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!!

    Reply
  94. Kim says

    02/26/2015 at 6:41 pm

    I really like the lighting tips you shared. My family room could benefit the most from a lighting makeover.

    Reply
  95. Jessie C. says

    02/26/2015 at 6:32 pm

    Our living room will benefit from a light makeover.

    Reply
  96. eloquence says

    02/26/2015 at 6:27 pm

    My living room/kitchen (small apartment)! I don’t have any lamps in there at all because I haven’t found any that match the space… So it definitely needs a makeover.

    Reply
  97. Lori says

    02/26/2015 at 6:11 pm

    Great tips for lighting! I could definitely use some in my living room. With only 2 lamps, it get’s really dark at night.

    Reply
  98. Susanne says

    02/26/2015 at 6:06 pm

    My daughter’s bedroom needs better lighting. She has several lamps and I just bought her a floor lamp for my her chair. She is studying to be a registered nurse and uses that chair for studying. So I want to create a good light in her room for great studying!!

    Reply
  99. Linda Stegall says

    02/26/2015 at 5:52 pm

    Definitely the family room where we spend so much time and is connected to the kitchen. Do you have a place that you recoomend for shades–mine are a hodgepodge so that change would help too. I enjoy your down-to-earth sensible ways and ideas!

    Reply
  100. Terry Pino says

    02/26/2015 at 5:42 pm

    My kitchen cries for a lighting makeover There are times when I feel like I’m in a dimly lit bar and should carry a flashlight!

    Reply
  101. Kim Harkey says

    02/26/2015 at 5:37 pm

    My living room has horrible lighting.

    Reply
  102. Kim Cook says

    02/26/2015 at 5:34 pm

    Our bathroom desperately needs a lighting makeover. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  103. Shani says

    02/26/2015 at 5:31 pm

    Thanks for the tip about the Soft White lights, Diane! I have to swap out my kitchen lights to those. Sent my husband to buy light bulbs for the kitchen and he brought home those horrid curly-cue CFLs in bright white. Now my poor kitchen looks more sterile than a hospital! T.T Thanks to your post (and link to your post about lighting) now I know what has to be done to remedy that.

    Reply
  104. Jewel says

    02/26/2015 at 5:29 pm

    Actually, I could use a lighting engineer in almost every room. But the kitchen is probably the worst.

    Reply
  105. Mary Alice says

    02/26/2015 at 5:22 pm

    Our library/schoolroom definitely needs a light makeover.
    Your peonies are amazingly real looking. I will have to see if my Michaels has any in.

    Reply
  106. Michelle says

    02/26/2015 at 5:12 pm

    I love your refreshed foyer, Diane! You’re so right, lighting is critical. I’ll be sure to look into the Cree bulbs…I love that they don’t contain any mercury. As for improved lighting, our family room needs an injection of light for certain!

    Stay warm, and hurry Spring!

    Reply
  107. Beverly Hayes says

    02/26/2015 at 5:00 pm

    My basement has some major lighting issues. I would love to try this lightbulbs. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  108. Lori Leeper says

    02/26/2015 at 4:57 pm

    Love the whole thing! My lighting in the living room is horrible! I definitely need some help there!

    Reply
  109. Deb says

    02/26/2015 at 4:56 pm

    Thank you for teaching us about the Cree LED bulbs. I live in a basement apartment, so lighting is very important. I’m going to do a lighting makeover in my main living space. It’s too dark!!!

    Reply
  110. Laura Gelnett says

    02/26/2015 at 4:54 pm

    Our Dining Room. It is always so dark and we use that room every day.

    Reply
  111. Gina says

    02/26/2015 at 4:44 pm

    Thanks for the great lighting tips! CFLs are on my ‘do not buy’ list for several reasons. I have not purchased any LED lights yet. The living and dining rooms (connected) in our home could definitely use a lighting makeover. Thanks again for the tips and for offering the giveaway!

    Reply
  112. Cathi says

    02/26/2015 at 4:43 pm

    I learn so much from your Blog. I’m going to look at my home lighting in a totally different way tonight!

    Reply
  113. jon Anne Winstead says

    02/26/2015 at 4:36 pm

    My living room, I think, is the one I need to work on first!! Thanks as usual for your tips!!

    Reply
  114. Arli says

    02/26/2015 at 4:23 pm

    My living room is in dire need of new lighting! I still have one of those halogen stick floor lamps from 25 years ago as my main light source. Help!

    Reply
  115. Sheryll & Critters. says

    02/26/2015 at 4:19 pm

    I definitely need some of these nice light bulbs in my living room. Been wanting the new LED’s for a long time, but they sure are expensive…. for me anyhow. Great tip about how to update so quickly Diane. I am a lighting fanactic and I am sick of my dull lights.

    I am going to try painting all my shades the same white now……. can I use spray paint? My pc is so slow I barely got to the end of your post. I need to REread it again right now. Thanks for all the help you give us.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      02/26/2015 at 10:13 pm

      Hi Sheryll Lyn – Yes you can use high gloss spray paint – that is what I used. Mask off the wire clip and inside and then spray the paint evenly over the shades. Recoat every 5 mins. 2-3 light coats should do it.

      Reply
  116. Kathy C. says

    02/26/2015 at 4:11 pm

    I love your foyer. Those peonies do look very well. I may have to run to Michaels. My whole house could use some lighting, especially the living room. I guess I have never really looked at my rooms with eyes towards the lighting. Thanks for the chance to win some of those bulbs.

    Reply
  117. Adele Walsh says

    02/26/2015 at 4:00 pm

    Love your entryway. The pink flowers look great as do the lamps. I would take those wicker baskets off your dresser shelves though. I think the wicker is too heavy and the square shape of the baskets doesn’t look right. Maybe dark round thin baskets or bowls, or maybe nothing…
    Love your blog.

    Reply
  118. Michelle says

    02/26/2015 at 3:56 pm

    Our living room could really use a lighting makeover. It is a large room that so far has been difficult to achieve even lighting that is bright enough. I would love to win some LED bulbs…I have been wanting to start incorpoating these into our home but was not sure which brand to purchase. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  119. Donna says

    02/26/2015 at 3:55 pm

    My Living room definitely needs lighting improvement.

    Reply
  120. Connie Nikiforoff Designs says

    02/26/2015 at 3:44 pm

    If I could win just one bulb, it would be fantastic for our bedroom lamp. The lamp sits on a table my hubby custom made to fit behind the bed which is positioned diagonally in the room. I’m with you—the proper lighting is essential :-)

    I love the idea that you’ve brought springtime early to your entryway! You guys in the East have gotten hit harder than we have here in the upper Midwest. Hang in there…spring is on it’s way :-D

    Reply
  121. Linda Schombert says

    02/26/2015 at 3:40 pm

    Definitely my family room! We built it ourselves with very little thought as to lighting and it shows! Enjoy your down to earth blog, Diane…

    Reply
  122. Denise Rogers says

    02/26/2015 at 3:37 pm

    Good morning!
    Definitely appreciate the tips on lighting…. My living room suffers greatly from me not doing anything that you have recommended, so win or no, the living room is going to be receiving a “lighting makeover”! Thanks again!

    Reply
  123. Tonya says

    02/26/2015 at 3:33 pm

    My living room could use a lighting re-do. Thanks for the great post!

    Reply
  124. Ruth Anne says

    02/26/2015 at 3:32 pm

    Our family room is dark due to the back porch roof cutting off direct sunlight into the space. New light bulbs would certainly brighten it up. Love the peonies and your double window mirror!

    Reply
  125. Elizabeth @ Pineapples and Polka Dots says

    02/26/2015 at 3:31 pm

    Oh my goodness, I love this pink peonies! I tend to shy away from faux flowers, but you’ve inspired me to give them a try! We could use some better lighting all over our home, but our dining room is the worst.

    Reply
  126. Margaret says

    02/26/2015 at 3:28 pm

    I think any of my rooms would benefit from a lighting makeover. I’ve been meaning to purchase some LED bulbs and this would get me started!

    Reply
  127. Beth says

    02/26/2015 at 3:26 pm

    The living room is desperate for some help!!

    Reply
  128. Tami says

    02/26/2015 at 3:26 pm

    My family room could use a lighting makeover! Thanks for the giveaway…I always enjoy reading your blog! Everyone: Think Spring!! It can’t come soon enough:)

    Reply
  129. Debby W says

    02/26/2015 at 3:21 pm

    My living room and master bedroom…I live in what feels like a cave!

    Reply
  130. Ellen says

    02/26/2015 at 3:20 pm

    Would love a family room lighting makeover. Thanks for the great info!

    Reply
  131. Karen Flemion says

    02/26/2015 at 3:17 pm

    “Enlightening” post! Our great room is difficult to light with its vaulted ceiling. I will try your suggestions.

    Reply
  132. Sue says

    02/26/2015 at 3:16 pm

    Thanks for the lesson on lighting, my living room needs a work over. I’m taking a trip to Home Depot today.
    Your house is beautiful and I love your blog.

    Reply
  133. Sallie says

    02/26/2015 at 3:14 pm

    My husband thought I was crazy! Started turning on all my lights- you are so right! My family room really needs the softer touch! Thank you.

    Reply
  134. Nancy S says

    02/26/2015 at 3:14 pm

    I have never been satisfied with the lighting in my home, especially the family room, but wasn’t sure why. Now that I have read your post I have a few clues and will work to make some changes. I would love to try these new bulbs.

    Reply
  135. Kathi says

    02/26/2015 at 3:13 pm

    My family room is dark and could use an update.

    Reply
  136. Carol Hammond says

    02/26/2015 at 3:11 pm

    The six lamps in our great room could use a lightbulb makeover! I’ve been very unhappy with the CFL bulbs because they don’t give off enough light and am very interested in trying the CREE LED bulbs you told us about!

    Reply
  137. Dai E says

    02/26/2015 at 3:09 pm

    I just repainted our FR and am making new window coverings now. The room has never had proper lighting, and you have encouraged me to tackle that issue once and for all! Thank you for the chance at the CREE lighting. And I agree with other commenters~ those peonies look totally real. Gorgeous!

    Reply
  138. Carrie says

    02/26/2015 at 3:09 pm

    My dining room needs new lighting, well many of my rooms do, but especially my dining room. Thanks for the chance. I am loving your foyer!

    Reply
  139. Stephanie Alsup says

    02/26/2015 at 3:07 pm

    My new living room would benefit from these bulbs. It is an older home with no overhead lighting. With our dreary winters in Montana, lighting is very important. We have recently downsized to to our older rental home to save money while all three kids are attending private colleges. Until we sell our older home, this luxury will not be possible. I would really appreciate the fresh outlook on the room:) Thank you!

    Reply
  140. Marsha Marshall says

    02/26/2015 at 3:04 pm

    Thank you so much for the ‘lighting’ decor lesson! My living room/dinning room face north. Help!! Thanks so much for hosting the free CREE giveaway. I sat down with a cup of coffee to just read your info!

    Reply
  141. Sallie Hayes says

    02/26/2015 at 3:04 pm

    Let me see now. I am in the middle of full reno after moving a little over a year ago and have made the commitment, also, to Cree. HD and I are the greatest of buddies :) Let’s go with LR or MBR

    Reply
  142. Kathy says

    02/26/2015 at 3:03 pm

    My living room is the trickiest room for lighting. It is quite large with very high ceilings. Trying to get enough light is difficult. I want it soft, but there are times we need task lighting. I’ve never tried these bulbs. Need to check them out. Thanks for all your info.

    Reply
  143. Jennifer Smith says

    02/26/2015 at 3:03 pm

    My master bedroom is in desparate need of a lighting makeover — no overhead light and beside lights that are too dim. I never can see properly in there at night!

    Reply
  144. Kathy says

    02/26/2015 at 3:01 pm

    I enjoyed the tips shared here – the ideas with the 2 mirrors are terrific – I love this post. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  145. Linda Lakes says

    02/26/2015 at 2:56 pm

    My living room could use some help. However, after reading the other comments, it is clear to me there are others more deserving. so, leave me out of the contest. I just wanto say how much I enjoy you work and helpful comments.

    Reply
  146. Gretchen says

    02/26/2015 at 2:54 pm

    Our front living room could definitely use some lighting help. It’s always so dark no matter what I try. Thank you for the information and giveaway!

    Reply
  147. Melissa Leach says

    02/26/2015 at 2:52 pm

    Great post. I love how the light shines from the top and bottom of the shade. I think I’ll try to paint a lampshade with a high gloss paint! Thanks :)

    My living room/dining room could use a light makeover.

    Reply
  148. Dawn says

    02/26/2015 at 2:50 pm

    My living room could really use help in this area. Thanks so much for all the great tips :)

    Reply
  149. Jan says

    02/26/2015 at 2:50 pm

    Definitely our family room. No windows, and the french doors are at the far end. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  150. Christa says

    02/26/2015 at 2:49 pm

    My kid’s bedrooms could use a light makeover. I have always struggled with getting the right amount of light for play time, quiet reading time and at night, just enough to keep the “monsters” away!

    Reply
  151. Judy C in NC says

    02/26/2015 at 2:46 pm

    Our new cottage home has the open living space with the office area, living room and dining area/kitchen all rolling into each other. I would like to “even out” all the light in this area for specific times. Other times we could use a dimmer to have less light in some areas. Thank you for the opportunity to try a different light source. Still trying to make my space right through your help. Judy C in NC

    Reply
  152. Debby says

    02/26/2015 at 2:44 pm

    My dining room could use a few lighting changes. Thanks for a great give away!

    Reply
  153. Francy says

    02/26/2015 at 2:43 pm

    I have never even heard of that brand before, but now must have it! My kitchen/dining area really needs help in the lighting department. I have two ceiling fans in that space and they have all different kinds of bulbs in them. I need to get my act together!! :-D

    Reply
  154. Connie Johnson says

    02/26/2015 at 2:43 pm

    Definitely my living room…several nooks and crannies that are great for curling up with a good book but not enough light :/ Thanks for the opportunity for some lighting :)

    Reply
  155. Jane R. says

    02/26/2015 at 2:38 pm

    Thank you! I have never read any of these lighting tips before. My family room needs improved lighting.

    Reply
  156. DRTVrMoi says

    02/26/2015 at 2:37 pm

    I have the darkest living room in creation; no windows, interior room. It truly needs a light makeover

    Reply
  157. Debbie says

    02/26/2015 at 2:37 pm

    Living Room needs lighting help—no overhead fixture but only one small window at the end of a 20’x12′ room. Have used CFL for years, but my husband detests them, so an LED alternative might be a compromise!

    Reply
  158. Johanna says

    02/26/2015 at 2:32 pm

    Our great room– it combines lighting needs for kitchen, dining, and living room.

    Reply
  159. Ruby says

    02/26/2015 at 2:31 pm

    Can’t wait to play the lighting game…thanks! 25x longer is for me!

    Reply
  160. Sunny C says

    02/26/2015 at 2:30 pm

    Your Home looks Lovely as usual, Diane!!!
    My Bedroom!!!! It is way too dark, and I Need to see the Light!!! :-)
    Thank-You for a chance to win.

    Reply
  161. Robin says

    02/26/2015 at 2:29 pm

    I would LoVe a light makeover in my craft room. I have a direct light on the desk, but the rest of the room suffers a bit!
    I have been researching what type of bulbs to buy lately, so this WIN would help me start to exchange our old bulbs for the energy efficient ones we should be using. Cost has been the fator so far in replacing them…they are very expensive!

    Reply
  162. ROSEMARY says

    02/26/2015 at 2:28 pm

    Very informative tutorial on lighting, Diane. I miss the three-way bulbs. Will Google to see if still available. My living room is largish and the lighting very spotty. You’ve inspired me to get it right!

    Reply
  163. Suzanne W, says

    02/26/2015 at 2:27 pm

    My living room is in desperate need of some light! It literally does not have a built-n light fixture anywhere and we rely on poorly lit lamps as the only source of light in the room.

    Reply
  164. Pam Adams says

    02/26/2015 at 2:25 pm

    I just painted and added new furniture to my living room and I would love to have the correct lighting to show it off.
    I want to curl up in my new chair and a half with my mini schnauzer and kindle and have the right lighting to read by.
    I love your ideas by the way!
    Have a great Thursday.

    Reply
  165. Jill says

    02/26/2015 at 2:23 pm

    My small den gets very little natural light and either looks too bright with the lamps I use or too dark. I’d love to give these bulbs a try!

    Reply
  166. Bev Ruiz-Moss says

    02/26/2015 at 2:22 pm

    My powder room is small and dark. I painted it recently SW Naval and just love the color. Now I really need to punch up the lighting in there! Thanks

    Reply
  167. Maureen says

    02/26/2015 at 2:22 pm

    Oh the main room. Or living room is what needs a light makeover–badly.

    Reply
  168. Deb Wostmann says

    02/26/2015 at 2:20 pm

    Ah easy, our master bedroom is too dark hence different colored socks on in the morning! We have already started replacing the current bulbs with the Cree bulbs and were shocked at the difference. Would love to buy some more so what a great giveaway.

    Reply
  169. Melinda H. says

    02/26/2015 at 2:17 pm

    My family room that is in the basement needs help with lighting.

    Reply
  170. Tish says

    02/26/2015 at 2:16 pm

    I would love to try Cree’s LED light bulbs in our living room. This is the first I’ve heard of them and now I’m curious! Thank you for such a helpful blog post and for offering this giveaway!

    Reply
  171. Toni says

    02/26/2015 at 2:12 pm

    Also wanted to let you know I have also been purging the basement. Goodwill loves me, the trash men not so much! lol Not done yet, but already feel a BIG sense of accomplishment.

    Reply
  172. Toni says

    02/26/2015 at 2:10 pm

    I knew the lighting in my family room was wrong and have been playing “musical lamps” for months. I feel kinda silly not thinking about the bulbs! Snowed in today, but tomorrow a trip to HD is happening. Thanks for the very informative post- I know it is going to fix the light issue!

    Reply
  173. Shelly says

    02/26/2015 at 2:09 pm

    What a great topic to write about! I new lighting was key but it is easy to let it slide or forget about it! The frustration of finding the right light bulb is over! I love you for that! Good Idea on the video too! It helped allot! I think this is one of your best posts. It is so simple but makes a big impact. Best of all you didn’t have to do some big project that took allot of labor to make a great post!! I think this post will be a big hit for you!! Nice Job!

    Reply
  174. Rebecca Musser says

    02/26/2015 at 2:08 pm

    My bedroom could use some lighting help (as could I!)

    Reply
  175. Beth says

    02/26/2015 at 2:05 pm

    My bedroom. Due to the winter and lack of light the our house seems very dark. I have had difficulty determining clothing colors as I get ready for work. I need more light!

    Reply
  176. Katie P. says

    02/26/2015 at 2:04 pm

    My two-story family room. I never seem to have enough light in there!

    Reply
  177. ann foglia says

    02/26/2015 at 2:03 pm

    My living room needs some lighting tune up. Thank you for your inspiration and totally professional approach!

    Reply
  178. Paula Evans says

    02/26/2015 at 2:03 pm

    Just returned from visiting my daughter — now I know why I saw 3 or 4 flattened, empty boxes with CREE LED in her recycle bin. I was reluctant to ask but should have known it was environmentally friendly. Hope to see the same thing in my recycle bin soon!!

    Reply
  179. Michelle B. says

    02/26/2015 at 2:02 pm

    My living room is very dim and could use some soft light like this.

    Reply
  180. Kelly Flanagan says

    02/26/2015 at 2:01 pm

    Your foyer looks lovely! I really enjoy your posts and learn so much from them. I have two questions. I have recessed lighting in my kitchen along with a fluorescent one we hope to replace. Do you recommend the Cree daylight or the soft white bulbs to put in the can lights? Also, if you don’t mind, how many peonies are you using in your vase? I love the look!
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      02/27/2015 at 1:19 am

      Hi Kelly – I have recessed lights in my kitchen, I have not changed them to Cree bulbs yet. I have soft white incandescent flood lights in them. 65 watt. I have them on a dimmer to soften the light. Looks great when we are entertaining. I prefer soft white bulbs, daylight bulbs are nice and bright, but give off too cool of a color cast for my liking. I have 20 peonies in the vase. I buy them when they are 50% off. :-)

      Reply
  181. Linda Weeks says

    02/26/2015 at 2:00 pm

    I’d never have considered how important the right lighting could be while decorating my home – I look for the LEDs whenever possible, and have some CREEs in my foyer where the light bulbs would be the most difficult to replace, but my kitchen is a mishmosh of all manner of lighting. It takes a special sense of decorating to come up with this particular treatment, and I trust Ms. Diane in all things decorative! I love that these bulbs are all about long life, and now, I’ll be checking to see what type of color they cast, as well! Thank you again!

    Reply
  182. Holly Rigby says

    02/26/2015 at 1:59 pm

    This is not something I have ever paid attention to…even though I am a lamp collector, and can never have too may…thanks for the info!! this is why I read your blog!

    Reply
  183. Kathleen Hornbecker says

    02/26/2015 at 1:58 pm

    Can’t disagree with you…lighting has always been an important factor to the overall look and ambiance of decor. I didn’t know about this bulb brand. Would love to have it in my home. Add to my living room plus bathroom decorator lamp. Need to save my pennies to purchase. Thanks for sharing. As always, love your posts. Thank you!

    Reply
  184. Brenda says

    02/26/2015 at 1:57 pm

    My FROG is a dark space that really needs some brightening! Love your posts!

    Reply
  185. Cathleen says

    02/26/2015 at 1:57 pm

    My family room! We are relying on 4 lights from a fan in the middle of the room, and can’t see to read on the sofa. And the fan is ugLy!

    Reply
  186. Joan Somers says

    02/26/2015 at 1:55 pm

    Hi!
    Thanks for the info on the Cree light bulbs! I can’t wait to try them in my living/dining room. These houses like ours, built in the 60s, rely strictly on table and floor lamps.
    Joan

    Reply
  187. Jodi Borsa says

    02/26/2015 at 1:51 pm

    My living room is too dark. I need to bring some “light” into that room!

    Reply
  188. DENISE CERRO says

    02/26/2015 at 1:51 pm

    Hummmm…where to start. I think our dining room is a challenge and our master bedroom. Either or both would be an excellent start. Thanks for the great post…love the sideboard with the baskets replacing the drawers. Being an ex-visual presentation maven myself Diane…I really enjoy your posts.

    Reply
  189. Laura Bauman says

    02/26/2015 at 1:49 pm

    I need a light redo in our small living room which also has to function as a reading room! Love your blog. Thanks.

    Laura

    Reply
  190. Kathy says

    02/26/2015 at 1:46 pm

    My family room could use some new lighting, it has 2 different ceiling heights, weird angles, and 2 door and 2 windows. It is a lighting and decorating challenge. Love reading your blog.

    Reply
  191. Stacy See says

    02/26/2015 at 1:44 pm

    Each room in my whole house. Take your pick. I find myself standing under a canned light in the kitchen to see anything with detail!

    Reply
  192. juli says

    02/26/2015 at 1:44 pm

    I can’t believe I’ve made it to close to 68 years old and never knew/understood about how lighting affects a room. As a recently divorced woman, I moved into an apartment in a 100 year old house. Trust me … it needs all the help it can get, especially with lighting in my den. I have to make sure the blinds are closed at night as I’m on a main road and don’t want passerbys to peer over and see the ugly lighting of three regular lamps plus a bright desk lamp. I’ve enjoyed your tips for years and they are especially needed now! Thank you!

    Reply
  193. Naomi says

    02/26/2015 at 1:40 pm

    I think my den and master bedroom could use some lighting help. We are trying to get our house ready to sell this fall for a move across country to my home state of SC. I think some new lighting would help when we are ready to sell. Thanks for a chance at the giveaway.

    Reply
  194. Robin Stephens says

    02/26/2015 at 1:40 pm

    Simply beautiful.

    Reply
  195. Donnamae says

    02/26/2015 at 1:39 pm

    Our living room and dining room…..they are connected….could definitely use some help! Thanks for the opportunity Diane! ;)

    Reply
  196. Amanda Smith says

    02/26/2015 at 1:37 pm

    It’s hard to pick one room! I need to take your advice in the family room about keeping the color emitting all the same. I could use some lamps added to the dining room where I only have a chandelier now.

    Reply
  197. Jennie says

    02/26/2015 at 1:35 pm

    My son’s bedroom needs a better light bulb.

    Reply
  198. Deb says

    02/26/2015 at 1:31 pm

    My living room could use a makeover – big windows for light during the day, only can lights for light at night. Need to place a few more lamps, and rethink my shades and light bulbs!

    Reply
  199. Laurie says

    02/26/2015 at 1:29 pm

    Thank you, Diane, for the very useful post! I definitely need more lighting in the living room. Since I’m reading this in the morning, I’ll look forward to playing around with it tonight.

    Reply
  200. Tara Smith says

    02/26/2015 at 1:27 pm

    Thanks so much for the information and your inspiring blog. I am curious to see if these would help my bedroom nightstand lamps? They have red roses all over the shade but boy are they bad for actual light. I really like the shades and don’t want to give them up but I am tired of having to use the overhead lighting every time I want to read in bed. These sound perfect! Another great tip! So grateful!

    Reply
  201. Margaret says

    02/26/2015 at 1:27 pm

    I never knew ANY of this. I have an upcoming bathroom remodel where u have been reading a lot about lighting. It’s my most pressing need.

    Reply
  202. faye says

    02/26/2015 at 1:23 pm

    My liviingroom could use these! I find it hard to select the right lighting, some bulbs are too “yellow” tinted and others too “white” Would love to give these a try!

    Reply
  203. Susie @ The Chelsea a Project Blog says

    02/26/2015 at 1:20 pm

    Wow….lovely entryway! Love the new paint…and the lighting. From this post, I will do two things. one…replace my light bulbs…and two….get some “like real” peonies.

    Reply
  204. Susan says

    02/26/2015 at 1:19 pm

    Our MBR could use a lighting makeover. We have an overhead light and 2 tall bedside lamps. The walls are
    blue and there is white trim with plantation shutters. The ceilings are quite high and I just haven’t figured
    out the best lighting for this space yet.

    I love your style and agree about fresh flowers! Your peonies are lovely and look quite real. May I ask where
    you purchased them?

    Reply
  205. Linda Southworth says

    02/26/2015 at 1:18 pm

    That’s it in a nutshell! I have struggled with all the CFL’s out there. I was one that bought several boxes of incandescent bulbs when they were cleared out at the box stores. I hate the yellow light, the dull light. It all is so depressing! So I am going to give these CREE LED bulbs a try I think the most crucial area is the family room. We spend a lot of time there.

    Reply
  206. Hope Williams says

    02/26/2015 at 1:16 pm

    There is something about those peonies that says perfect! They do not look fake at all, quite the opposite to be frank!
    My living room is beyond dark! I keep 3 lamps lit 24/7 simply just to be able to get to the hallway and maneuver the living room to the front door. Yes, It’s THAT dark. I would love to see if I can get it to 1 lamp and not 3. Thank you for the beautiful pics and giveaway. I love your repurposed windows stacked like that! Oh, and the topper!

    Reply
  207. Alice says

    02/26/2015 at 1:14 pm

    Using your advice Diane made me realize my living room is all over the place. Different light colors and dark spots! Funny how you can look at something a hundred times and then finally see it. Thanks!

    Reply
  208. [email protected] says

    02/26/2015 at 12:31 pm

    Great tips and I can’t believe those are fake peonies, they are gorgeous and look so real!

    Reply
  209. Paula Soderberg says

    02/26/2015 at 11:42 am

    Every room in my house! the kids and I recently moved into a fantastic rental property – with horrid lighting. I’m slowly replacing all the stand-alone fixtures and bulbs, just to make it lighter, brighter, and cozier. Winning this would help!

    Reply
  210. Pam Clark says

    02/26/2015 at 10:31 am

    I’d definitely be able to use them in the living room. Love the peonies!!

    Reply
  211. Anne Marie says

    02/26/2015 at 10:29 am

    Our family room definitely needs some lighting help – thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  212. Stephanie Grant says

    02/26/2015 at 8:43 am

    Our master bathroom could sure use a lighting makeover! We have one light and it is in the ceiling and doesn’t even have a cover! Its simply a lone light bulb and that’s ugly Lola!

    Reply
  213. brenda a says

    02/26/2015 at 8:25 am

    My livingroom can use some great lighting.

    Reply
    • Patti says

      02/26/2015 at 12:11 pm

      Both my living room and family room have lighting issues. Thank you for a chance for the give a way

      Reply
    • Shirley says

      02/26/2015 at 2:51 pm

      I a preparing to change all our bulbs, thank-you for sharing all of your experience. It is appreciated.

      Reply
    • Jo-Ann McMurray says

      02/27/2015 at 11:46 am

      My living room. Will be purchasing new lamps soon and would love to try your lighting idea.

      Reply
Diane Henkler Blogger In My Own Style
I love all things creative, colorful, and DIY. It is just the way my brain is wired. I can't add 2+2 to save my life, but I can help you decorate your home in a style that you will love...YOURS! LEARN MORE
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