Kitchen Lighting Ideas that Impress
Are you searching for kitchen lighting ideas to elevate your remodel? Not simply a food prep space, your kitchen should feel like a welcoming spot for family and friends. Unfortunately, it rarely gets the upscale lighting treatments that other rooms in the house do. From glamorous chandeliers to gold pendant lights, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the right lights will take your space from fine to extraordinary. Below, we reveal some of our favorite kitchen lighting ideas that are sure to impress. Vintage-Inspired LightingWhile pendants are among the most popular kitchen lighting ideas, a vintage-inspired system can make your newly redesigned space feel delightfully elegant. Consider hanging an oversized chandelier above your kitchen island. As My Domaine reveals, it’s “a great way to add a focal point to your space and help to create a more formal feel if you tend to dine at your island a lot.” The Magazine also favors mirror-finished chandeliers because these vintage-inspired fixtures “add tons of dimension in a predominantly-white space.” Exquisitely designed, you’ll love how these stunning pieces draw and bounce light “in a way that creates gorgeous flares at all times of the day.” Contrast for White KitchensDazzling white kitchens can often benefit from bold pops of color. Traditionally, this has come from custom appliances, but you can easily make your light fixtures the source of visual inspiration. For white kitchens, The Spruce loves a recent remodel by House of Jade Interiors. The design features “four oversized pendant shades” done in black for a sophisticated contrast against the crisp white space. The Magazine cheers: “The fixtures provide plenty of task lighting while drawing the eye toward the back of the space, which adds visual depth.” Of course, black shades are not your only option; think about dark blues or deep greens that can be referenced by door frames or windows for a variation on this eye-catching idea. Matching Accent ColorsIf your backsplash, cabinets, or bar stools feature a rich accent color, you might want to match it in your lighting fixtures. The editors at Southern Living enjoy the idea of employing lantern pendants with frames that mirror the space’s color palette. Does your backsplash or kitchen wallpaper feature an array of colors? Pick one to reference with your lantern frames to make your space feel perfectly tied together. Referential PatternsIn much the same way that you would mirror colors, you can bring impressive style to your kitchen by matching striking patterns. My Domaine is a fan of this approach, particularly with classic designs. One of their favorite kitchen lighting choices took its inspiration from exquisite black and white parquet flooring. Pendant lights that illuminate the galley portion of a kitchen and butler’s pantry were customized to reflect the flooring with vintage-inspired white metal shades and black accent bands. The result feels both modern and iconic. Complementary PalettesSouthern Living advises that homeowners completing upscale remodels should not “shy away from [using] complementing color in the kitchen.” Rather than having lighting disappear against bold décor, the Magazine raves about a recent design that saw a statement light take center stage over an expansive island. There, “a grapefruit pink pendant [got] playful against tropical green” on the cabinets and backsplash. Framing SconcesIf you are remodeling a large kitchen, there may be areas that need additional lighting beyond pendants or other overheads. During the day, windows help bring in natural light to brighten the space above your sink. At night (or on particularly cloudy days), you may want more illumination. One of the most popular kitchen lighting ideas for supplemental light is a framing sconce. My Domaine concurs: “A few modern sconces can help frame a window and add task lighting above the sink where you need it.” Will your new kitchen feature open shelving? You might be surprised to learn how well sconces support this trend. My Domaine recommends “[hanging] a couple of sconces in the open space above the shelves to help fill the walls and add a little warmth.” Mid-Century Modern StylesIf you are already considering having gold fixtures adorn your kitchen as part of a Mid-Century Modern redesign, adding two cluster orbs that are mid-century-inspired will truly impress. My Domaine explains: “These clusters of orbs add tons of light without looking too bulky. Plus, the gold finish [will bring] out the finish on the fixtures throughout the space.” Want something more dramatic? You’ll love adding spherical island pendants, like those that give My Domaine’s editors “major galaxy vibes.” They name this style among their favorite Mid-Century Modern kitchen lighting ideas as “they are oversized just enough to create an eye-catching focal point, but not so much that they take away from the rest of [a] modern kitchen.” Sputnik-style lights have long been seen in upscale dining rooms, so why not enliven your kitchen island or breakfast bar with one? My Domaine agrees that these chandeliers make an impressive statement, particularly when the rest of the design is sleekly minimalist. Choose Gold LightingGold fixtures are growing in popularity, particularly in upscale kitchen remodels. If you are updating your cabinets and island to embrace a deep blue or green color palette, contrasting pendant lighting will dazzle. Depending on your space, you may opt for chunky pendants or slimmer versions in order to fit three across your island. If you are going for a slimmer pendant, Southern Living adores the idea of choosing “matte gold fixtures to provide a radiant look.” Want just a hint of gold to bring a luxuriously warm glow to your space? My Domaine suggests you “seek out pendants with a metallic gold finish on the inside.” You’ll be thrilled at how inviting your space feels at just a flip of a switch. Embrace CopperYou might be surprised to read that copper is gaining on brass accents in high-end renovations. If this kitchen lighting idea appeals to you, My Domaine agrees with the choice. The editors reveal: “We love how … copper pendants look over [a] kitchen island—modern, but not overdone.” Glass GlobesAre you concerned that pendant lighting might be a distraction from your other kitchen design elements? Selecting elegant glass globes could be your solution. Southern Living enjoys this kitchen lighting idea, as “glass globe lights captivate attention without taking away from other details in your kitchen, like beautiful backsplashes, wallpaper, or seating.” Geometric ShapesFor a glamorous kitchen update, upgrade your lighting with what Southern Living refers to as “industrially glam and wonderfully geometric” fixtures. With each glass square in these dazzling orbs outlined in gold, designers agree that large geometric “gold fixtures brighten up a space” before you even turn on the light. Angular shapes can grab the eye, even when the light fixture is clear glass. This style works wonders for contemporary and Scandi kitchens, as they complement the style beautifully. These lights are also terrific in spaces where this modern contrast will elevate an otherwise traditional design. Unusual MaterialsChoosing fixtures crafted from unexpected materials can make your kitchen feel genuinely bespoke. It’s one of the reasons that The Spruce loves this kitchen lighting idea. They applaud a recent remodel by ReDesign Home that “installed concrete pendant lights in [a] chic black kitchen.” They are impressively crafted and thrilling to see – a definite conversation starter when entertaining. Plus, as the Magazine reveals, “the stone-like texture of the fixtures lends a splash of organic beauty to the traditional cooking space.” Inspired! Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.The post Kitchen Lighting Ideas that Impress appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Dramatic Roof Styles to Consider for Your Home
A dramatic roof can take a house from lovely to extraordinary. Whether you are shopping for a new home or weighing remodeling decisions, the type of roof you choose will significantly impact the home’s structure and its exterior aesthetic. With this in mind, read on as we reveal some of the most dramatic roof styles currently capturing the imaginations of architects and designers. Dramatic Skillion RoofsA skillion roof (aka a lean-to) is worth considering if you want a home with dramatic angles. Unlike pitched roofs, a skillion roof is sloped in only one direction – sometimes significantly so. Better Homes & Gardens explains: “This style can be applied to specific areas of a roof or across an entire home to create a bold, contemporary home exterior.” If you want your home’s roofline to have a more dynamic feel, the Magazine suggests combining skillion roofs at “various angles across different sections of the roof.” In addition to creating an eye-catching exterior, a skillion roof also offers practical advantages to anyone living in regions with heavy snowfall or rain, as the steep angles grant quick precipitation runoff. Sloping A-FramesA-frame homes capture the eye and generate interest whenever they appear, but they enjoyed fervent admiration in the United States from the mid-1950s through the 1970s. It’s no surprise then that with the resurgence of interest in décor and design from that period, today’s architects are creating A-frame homes with even more dramatic roof elements. One of My Domaine’s favorite recent designs came from Milad Eshtiyaghi Studio. While one side of their Shawneetown home has a steep, traditional rise, the opposite side plummets down and then swoops out into a slope that inspires thoughts of ski jumps. It’s a twist on the original “that allows architecture to integrate with nature.” It works particularly well for this project, as magnificent trees and other woodland delights surround it. Zig-Zagging StyleIf you have ever seen a roofline that seems to be a series of peaks across the horizon, you are likely to have encountered a Zig Zag or M Shaped roof. Often seen on minimalist, modern homes and other structures, the jagged rising and falling pattern is undeniably eye-catching. And as the peaks often rise above upper-level windows, this dramatic roof allows homeowners to bask in additional streams of natural light. Modern Flat RoofsOn the surface, the idea of a flat roof sitting at approximately 10 degrees of slope doesn’t seem revolutionary. However, its appearance never fails to impress. This roofline concept, found across the ancient world, was also much loved during the heyday of Mid-Century Modern design. And, of course, Mid-Century Modern is enjoying a resurgence right now. In fact, Martha Stewart Living is a fan of “this beloved flat-roof architectural style,” not only for its visually arresting roofline but for its “big glass windows, open, airy floor plans, and clean lines.” Contemporary homes are also embracing this dramatic roof style. Contemporary houses, especially those in drier climates, often feature flat roofs because they are easy to maintain and offer the potential for additional outdoor living space (and incredible views). If you are inspired to add this roof to your new build or remodel, but you live in an area that sees significant rain or snow, work with your builder to utilize heavy-duty materials, like rubber roofing, to ensure that precipitation will drain quickly and that the roof can handle heavy snow accumulation. Sloped Flat DesignAs the name would suggest, a sloped (or sloping) flat design is a dazzling variation on the flat roof style. Depending on the degree of the slope, this dramatic roof design seemingly references a plane about to take flight, as the roof tilts skyward. Aside from its startling angle and impressive minimalism, this design is a darling for anyone who wants to enjoy protected outdoor space close to the house. Often, the roof extends beyond the home’s structure, creating an overhang supported by beams. This overhang can provide a shaded outdoor sanctuary, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. It also helps keep the inside of the home cool during the sweltering summer months. Stunning Inversion RoofsPicture a standard pitched roof with two vertical rises that meet in the middle at a point with a long horizontal span connecting them. Now flip that image upside down. While not always that extreme, inverted roofs (aka butterfly roofs) feature two “wings” that slope downward to create a valley over the house. Depending on your overall design, the valley could be dead center or offset. For larger luxury homes, it’s not uncommon for a butterfly design to cover one section of the house while others enjoy sloping flat or skillion styles. Sleek Metal RoofingMade from copper, zinc, aluminum, or steel, metal roofs boast longevity and fire resistance – a critical consideration in regions that experience fire seasons. Metal roofing is also recyclable and resistant to extreme weather conditions. Whether you opt for metal panels or shingles, the price can be quite high per square foot, even without customization. However, with a lifespan of 50 to 75 years, it’s not an investment you will need to make often. As The Spruce points out, you don’t need a steeply sloping roof to make metal work. Standing-seam metal roofing can be installed on roofs that are gently pitched. The Magazine reports: “This type of roofing is installed in large sheets with seams that are raised and sealed tightly together to resist water. While some slope is necessary to ensure water runoff, most homes can accept metal roofing.” Sleek metal roofing can brilliantly cap farmhouse, rustic, contemporary, and industrial homes and guest dwellings. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the metal must remain in its original color. In fact, vibrant shades that work as a contrast or in concert with your home’s color palette are encouraged. Better Homes & Gardens raves about a recent design favorite: “A metal roof dramatically enhances a three-story clapboard cottage. The bold red hue creates an appealing color palette when combined with the all-white exterior and surrounding greenery.” Clay Tile RoofsHouses completed with clay tile roofing undoubtedly benefit from the striking colors and eye-catching textures. While they can be extremely heavy and expensive, these beautiful tiles become exquisitely dramatic roofs for Mediterranean or Spanish-style estates. The Spruce raves that they are ideal for homes exposed to salt air, and they function exceptionally well in intensely hot climates, as their design helps keep indoor temperatures cool. It’s no wonder you often see this type of roof adorning stunning homes in California, the desert Southwest, and coastal Florida. The Magazine advises: “They can also be ideal for climates in which infrequent rains dump large amounts of water in a short time, since many styles are excellent at shedding rainfall from cloudbursts.” Clay tile roofs are also an environmentally-friendly choice. The Spruce reports: “Tile roofs are made from earth minerals, not synthetic materials, and they can be pulverized and recycled when they are removed.” And given the range of rich colors and tile styles available, genuine roof customization can be yours. Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.The post Dramatic Roof Styles to Consider for Your Home appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Luxury Vehicle Display Garages
Luxury vehicle display garages are becoming increasingly popular, as collectors want to showcase their exotic cars on their property while protecting them from the weather. Auto warehouses are terrific options in a pinch, but they limit access to these treasures. Luckily, with some imagination, planning, and investment, you can create a space that allows you to appreciate these exquisite autos every day. Read on as we reveal some of the most innovative luxury vehicle display garages in use right now. Luxury Auto GalleryWhen NBA superstar LeBron James purchased a home in the tony Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood, it wasn’t a surprise that the property had what the listing referred to as an “auto gallery.” According to My Domaine, James is known for having a “storied car collection that includes a Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a restored 1975 Chevy Impala.” Any home of his would need the facilities to display and easily access these sought-after automotive treasures. Of course, you don’t have to be in the NBA to create a luxury vehicle display gallery. Even a three-car, single-level garage can be renovated to perfection with the addition of marble floors, custom lighting, climate control systems, and rotating platforms, as well as upgraded ventilation systems for showing off engines. Of course, if you are displaying luxury automobiles on your property, you should increase your security. Experts tell The Spruce that installing a smart system with motion sensor lights and wireless keypads could be the way to go. Even starting by covering the windows or swapping your current garage door for a windowless version can help increase security. As a bonus, going windowless in your garage will also reduce the UV rays directed at your vehicles. Remodel with Vehicle LiftsIf you are planning an above-ground garage remodel, you might want to include lifts and double-height ceilings in your new space. Hydraulic lifts allow you to stagger the display of your vehicles at different heights and take advantage of the vertical space available. When four or five cars are parked directly next to one another, it can be challenging to see the full beauty of these stunning exotic vehicles. Incorporating hydraulic lifts give you a much better visual. Also, while remodeling, talk to your designer about creating a bespoke lighting system. As designer Jen Stark tells The Spruce “‘many people don’t give much thought to it when they build or upgrade their garage, and the lighting can make or break a space.’” The Car BarIf you are considering transforming your current space into a luxury vehicle display garage and also want the room to feel like an upscale gathering spot, you are not alone. In car-centric cities like Los Angeles, so-called “Car Lounges” or “Car Bars” are among the most frequently added amenities in extreme luxury homes. As Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate reported, many of these homes have “glass-encased rooms ready to protect the most valuable of cars, as well as adjacent rooms with wet-bars and couches for entertaining while being surrounded by the very best.” In fact, when an estate on Bel Air Road in Bel Air, California, came on the market, it was discovered that an entire nightclub-like lounge had been built within sight of an extraordinary collection of 30 rare and exotic vehicles. A Subterranean AdditionIf you already have your dream home in place and have no desire to create a space that disrupts the current look of the house, think subterranean. By digging out a new lower level, either under the house, the driveway, or existing out-buildings, you can design a beautiful space that offers easy access to any luxury vehicles you are currently warehousing. The new level can have a number of possible entrances for auto load-in – from a winding drive to a glass elevator on hydraulic lifts. Once in the underground garage, the vehicle can be placed on an expansive turntable that allows for easy repositioning whenever you need to park or use one of the automobiles. While building the space, consider putting in fire-rated glass partitions to protect your vehicles and the rest of your property. Once the partitions are designed, you can carve out an opulent retreat to relax while gazing out over your stunning collection. In fact, when subterranean display garages are added, it’s not unusual to see upscale amenities like home theaters, wine cellars, tasting rooms, and game rooms included in the extra space. The ‘Supercar Capsule’ Display GarageThe brainchild of Italy-based designers ASZarchitetti and Dubai-based SuperFutureDesign, the ‘Supercar Capsule’ is a free-standing gallery that allows your luxury vehicles to be displayed as you would any piece of fine art. Whether you want to showcase the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe (the most expensive car ever sold at auction), a deeply prized Ferrari, or a pristine vehicle you’ve owned since your youth (or all of the above), a ‘Supercar Capsule’ will allow you to tell its story. The free-standing capsule can be completely customized and features a massive pedestal and transparent windows that can be treated to keep harmful UV rays from damaging the cars’ finishes. It’s climate-controlled and can include specialty lighting design. It can even be crafted with multiple layers, should you want to display more than one exotic car. Now, you just need to decide where on your property you want to put this extraordinary auto gallery. Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home. The post Luxury Vehicle Display Garages appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
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