Landscape Lighting

Article by Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc.







When the sun sets your landscape should not go unnoticed. A well planned lighting scheme will not only illuminate the main features of a dwelling, but will also highlight important landscaping accents. In order to achieve this it is important to use the four main elements of lighting design: uplighting, spotlighting, shadowing, and silhouetting.

Uplighting creates dazzling affects that stand apart from the background. It is most often used to highlight structural elements of a landscape, such as; columns, building edges, ornamental grasses, and trees.

Similar to uplighitng, spotlighting floods an area with light to outline special features like fountains and statues. This effect is also commonly used in conjunction with boulders and medium sized trees. Spotlighting should be used carefully to avoid over-lighting, which occurs when light actually begins to detract from the details of an object.

Shadowing and silhouetting are the most dramatic types landscape lighting because they use darkness to their advantage. By placing lights either in front of, or behind objects with unique profiles one can create a gap in illumination that draws the eye.

COL, Inc. is a distributor of Kichler Cast Bronze lighting. These fixtures are low voltage, allowing for easy installation and flexible design. Due to their exceptional craftsmanship these lights could easily be considered works of art in their own right.

Call today for lighting ideas, samples, and set up a consultation with one of our professionals!!

Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc. has consistently been providing high quality services to the Doylestown, PA and Bucks County areas for over 15 years. We are a complete design & build company. Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc. specializes in all areas of landscaping: design, brick and paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, ponds, waterfalls, pondless waterfalls, and other water features, plantings, drainage, lawn mowing, spring clean-ups, fall clean-ups, pruning, tree removal, fertilization, lawn aeration, pest control, snow plowing, de-icing, gutter cleaning, and firewood delivery.

Contact us at (215) 249-1236We also carry a highly effective de-icing product called “Magic Salt”. Magic Salt has a working temperature of -35 degrees, whereas regular rock salt is ineffective below 18 degrees. Magic Salt is also bio-degradable and plant and pet friendly. To learn more, visit our website at {a href=”http://www.magicsaltpa.com”> http://www.magicsaltpa.com



About the Author

Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc. is located in Doylestown, PA. We are a full service landscape design & build company, dedicated to providing clients with excellent service in Bucks County. Our team of professionals design, build, and maintain landscapes with customized programs to meet the needs of all our clients.For all of your landscaping needs call (215) 249 – 1236 or visit us on the web at http://www.orserlandscaping.com

Written on March 9th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: ,
How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting – The Three Types of Light

Article by Interior Design London







Interior design consultancies understand the richness of light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the fifth article in my series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I continue to draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.

Traditionally, a lighting scheme in the olden days would often comprise a single fitting, such as a pendant light, which would be used to meet all the residents’ needs. This was commonplace even in fashionable London, where the electricity supply was intermittent up until the first half of the twentieth century. Sometimes interior design consultancies would simply install a economical bedside lamp to serve dual duty, casting both general light as well as light for games or tasks. However, today’s lighting options give interior design consultancies so much more opportunity to illuminate multiple zones at once, bringing interiors to life and delighting guests and homeowners. London’s interior design consultancies excel at casting light exactly where desired, sparkling over a shiny floor or bathing an attractive wall.

There are three basic types of light. General lighting, also known as ambient light, guarantees whole-room illumination. It is basic, flexible and imperative for standard everyday lighting. Interior design consultancies will incorporate a dimmer switchbox for extra versatility if appropriate.

Top London interior design consultancies often rely on feature or accent lighting for design highlights, focusing the attention towards points of interest, such as a resplendent piece of furniture, a bouquet of fresh red roses, or an historic architrave or cornice. Feature lighting can also give a completely new look to display closets and wardrobes. Feature lighting acts as an additional layer in the interior design consultancy’s scheme, subtly fine-tuning the lighting mood without imbalancing the overall theme.

Finally, task lighting is perfect for specific needs, such as tweaking the cutlery arrangement on the dining table, playing chess in bed, or putting on make-up in the bathroom before an extravagant London soiree. Interior design consultancies will use strong localized light, with the bare bulb or tube usually hidden to eliminate glare.

In the next article in this series “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will reveal the six main lighting tools that are most often used by London interior design consultancies.



About the Author

Interior Design London – Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.

Written on October 1st, 2010 , Interior Design Tags: , , , , , ,
How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting – Artificial and Natural Light

Article by Interior Design London







Interior design consultancies understand light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the eighth and final article in my series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I continue to draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.

When most schoolchildren are asked to think of the countryside, they often imagine the hot, shimmering flicker of a bonfire on a crisp autumn evening or the comforting flare of a scented candle. But how is an interior design consultancy to re-interpret these fabulously earthy and atmospheric scenes for, say, an elegant central London flat? The answer is artificial light.

Interior design consultancies recognise that artificial light is available in many different shades. It is similar to the situation with paint, where buckets that are labelled “white” can actually contain a multitude of different tones. Interior design consultancies employ colour professionals who know that the cool white light of an energy-efficient bulb creates an entirely different effect from the warm yellow-orange tones of a tungsten filament. In London, low-voltage halogen options are often used in darker flats where there is a need to add light during the daytime. Interior design consultancies will install dimmer switches that allow homeowners to reduce the brightness of halogens at night, causing them to adopt a more husky yellow-red glow that is akin to an ancient lantern or oil lamp. By contrast, lamplight is too yellow for most interior design consultancies to include for daytime use, and indeed it can lead to sleepiness or lethargy at work (one of the reasons it is almost never seen in London offices). But at night, tungsten lamps become much more warm and welcoming.

Some interior design consultancies have a love-hate relationship with fluorescent lighting options. These fixtures often emit various shades of white, ranging from a very cool, almost daylight tone, which can be quite crisp, to a warm, rosy streetlight glow. Some interior design consultancies love fluorescent lights for London kitchens, where they illuminate workspaces but save on electricity bills. However, other interior design consultancies stay well away from fluorescent options because their colour does not change as they are dimmed. Fluorescents merely become less bright under such conditions, which can contribute to an unattractively dull, and almost grey, lighting effect.

That brings me to the end of my series “DeLIGHTed by Design.” Thank you for letting me share with you about how London interior design consultancies create fabulous lighting schemes!



About the Author

Interior Design London – Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.

Written on September 12th, 2010 , Interior Design Tags: , , , , , ,
How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting – Wall-washers and Decorative Lighting

Article by Interior Design London







Interior design consultancies understand light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the penultimate article in my series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I continue to draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.

In my previous article, I explained how six main lighting tools are considered foundational by established interior design consultancies. In this article, I will explain wall-washers and decorative lighting.

Wall-washers come as either recessed or surface-installed models. They are used by interior design consultancies to throw light uniformly along and over the top of a wall. In London, down-lighters and up-lighters are normally used to accentuate both verticals and horizontals; by contrast, wall-washers tend to throw light primarily onto vertical surfaces. Interior design consultancies will think of the wall as its own reflective surface in this context. The wall-washer provides a soft, warm ambient light if it features a frosted lens or a wide beam fixture. Alternatively, interior design consultancies in London sometimes use a narrow-beam model to create a powerful feature lighting fixture using a wall-washer. Location is critical. If recessed, the interior design consultancy can achieve a softly glowing effect, but if positioned close to the wall, attractive and imaginative half-moon kaleidoscopes of light can dance across the surface. Wall-washers are employed by interior design consultancies to accentuate textures, especially hewn old country wooden beams or red brick.

Decorative lighting is often used by interior design consultancies who work with traditional styles. Replica fixtures may be essential for authenticity, but in London these are often melded into more modern themes for added interest. For example, I have seen interior design consultancies position a historic oil lamp in a hallway together with concealed down-lighters off to either side for effect. The oil lamp served as a visual centrepiece, providing general omnidirectional illumination. But when the down-lighters were activated, the oil lamp could be dimmed, generating an engaging decorative effect. Another technique is to match table lamps with low-voltage focus lights, perhaps to highlight an historic skirting board. Professional interior design consultancies can create lighting schemes to reinterpret the style of an interior, while also benefiting from modern engineering options and efficiencies.

In the next and final article in this series “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will finish by revealing how interior design consultancies use artificial light.



About the Author

Interior Design London – Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.

Written on September 8th, 2010 , Interior Design Tags: , , , , ,
How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting – Introduction

Article by Interior Design London







Interior design consultancies understand that light is the richest sensory perception that we can experience; in terms of dynamic range and qualities, no other medium can match it. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area to the general reader.

Light is among the richest experiences our senses have to offer and, for sheer dynamic range, no other medium can match it. Some interior design consultancies will talk of light literally “flooding our world” with information and sensation, touching everything we see. Other interior design consultancies will focus on the way that light affects “mind, body and spirit” alike. But although light is universally present – despite London’s often-overcast skies – it is all too often taken for granted. By understanding how to manage this unique resource, interior design consultancies can transform our life spaces – both inside and out – and enhance our sense of well-being. The rewards can be spectacular.

Light has long been known to add a whole new dimension to the work of London’s interior design consultancies. By using light imaginatively, top interior design consultancies in London routinely create dynamic visual interpretations, enhancing a client’s mood and changing the atmosphere, altering colour and emphasising texture. When counterpointed with shadow, light contributes subtlety and thrill, calm and mystique, blocking out those dreary London skies and crafting a whole new atmosphere. Interior design consultancies use light to reveal unexpected aspects of an interior, introducing a sense of delight. Light can evoke and announce. An interior design consultancy’s successful lighting scheme, with a variety of levels that are harmoniously balanced, can even make our living spaces more flexible… a London flat can change in an instant from bright and practical to sensation and ambience.

Decades ago, interior design consultancies tended to neglect light in favour of colours and textures, textiles and wall hangings, and the design and positioning of furniture and accessories. Today, however, London interior design consultancies realise that light is not merely an accessory to the overall scheme; it is a powerful instrument.

In the next article in this series “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will talk about the influence of the theatre on lighting design.



About the Author

Interior Design London – Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.

Written on September 5th, 2010 , Interior Design Tags: , , , ,
How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting – Practicality vs Design

Article by Interior Design London







Interior design consultancies understand the richness of light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the third article in my series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.

Anyone can brighten up a space by installing a lighting fixture and switching it on. It’s a great and simple way to squash the gloom of autumnal London weather. But to bring a room to life using light is highly challenging – but something for which interior design consultancies are professionally trained. London interior design consultancies will often employ specialist lighting consultants who have studied this subject in substantial detail. They will know how to employ lighting to engender stunning and breathtaking effects. Most professional London interior design consultancies really do understand the huge range of moods that well-designed lighting schemes can evoke, and they know how to work with clients to choose the most suitable lighting schemes for all sorts of interior spaces.

The true power of lighting rests in how interior design consultancies can harness light to transform a “satisfactory” interior into an amazing result. With more elegant and tunable lighting effects than ever before, interior design consultancies today can actually recreate the authenticity of natural light and shade in our own living spaces. Less experienced designers at younger interior design consultancies will often focus too much time and imagination on textiles, colours and textures, while forgetting all about lighting until the final steps. By contrast, well-established London interior design consultancies will always consider it first. The reasoning is simple. No matter how fabulous the décor in a room, it will appear lacklustre and flat without the power and range of light. Why install a gorgeous expensive wooden floor or a priceless antique, if it is not appropriately lit to bring out its beauty? But interior design consultancies realise that practicality also plays a role here. Even the most attractive and aesthetic light fitting will seem entirely uninspired if it casts insufficient light by which to play chess or prepare dinner.

In the next article in this series “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will turn to the detail of how London interior design consultancies often plan new lighting schemes.



About the Author

Interior Design London – Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.

Written on September 3rd, 2010 , Interior Design Tags: , , , ,
How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting – The Planning Process

Article by Interior Design London







Interior design consultancies understand the richness of light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the fourth article in my series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I continue to draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.

One London-based interior design consultancy that I admire has a saying that “a little forward planning goes a long way.” It’s absolutely true; professional interior design consultancies often try to think three-dimensionally and then focus on just a few foundational points in lighting design. First, the designer will assess the space to be lit, taking into account how the client will ultimately use it, its shape and size, and the emotional connection that is desired. The interior design consultancy will also evaluate the availability of natural light, which can sometimes be compromised in smaller London flats or offices. Next, the interior design consultancy will note the client’s preferred colour scheme and furniture designs, whether modern, imaginative or traditional. Subsequently, the interior design consultancy will try to identify the most attractive feature, whether an architectural element, such as extravagant coving, or decorative, such as an historic objet d’art. In London, homes and offices sometimes feature awkward spaces or ill-designed structures; these may be best left unlit. Finally, interior design consultancies will assess any practical dilemmas, such as limited access to a ceiling fixture on account of electrical work from the floor above.

Different London interior design consultancies will design lighting schemes in different ways. There are no hard and fast rules, but it is often beneficial to divide the lighting design into several components. Each lighting type gives its own character to a space and should be adjustable from day to night. London can be very seasonable, and so tunable lighting systems are key to accommodate both sunny summer days and rainy winter evenings. Interior design consultancies will have experience with a variety of different needs; certain rooms may need just a couple of lighting types, while complex spaces may require upwards of four. Professional interior design consultancies will work collaboratively with the client to build up the lighting scheme slowly in order to create a melodious balance.

In the next article in this series “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will explain the three basic types of lighting.



About the Author

Interior Design London – Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.

Written on September 2nd, 2010 , Interior Design Tags: , , , , ,
How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting – The Lighting Toolbox

Article by Interior Design London







Interior design consultancies understand the richness of light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the sixth article in my series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I continue to draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.

Six main lighting tools are considered foundational by established interior design consultancies. These are down-lighters, up-lighters, wall-washers, decorative lighting, colour and control. Many London interior design consultancies will preferentially think of these mostly in terms of mood and results – from daring highlights to soft textures – instead of as hardware and installations.

Down-lighters are often set back into a false ceiling, although some interior design consultancies will prefer to install them on walls. These units will direct light downwards, and can be focused by the design team as necessary, perhaps to illuminate the floor or a favourite contoured bookcase. Most interior design consultancies recognise that this type of light is very sharp and will generate somewhat intense shadows, which can be a refreshing contrast to the occasionally dreary London weather. The most popular units are always available in narrow beam designs, which are best for highlighting certain features. Interior design consultancies will sometimes opt for a wide beam model instead. One nice technique that I have seen used in a few London residences is to create an array of shimmering ceiling lights with wide-beam downlighters. This is appropriate when the interior design consultancy wishes to create a more general, ambient light, but with a fabulous designer feel.

Up-lighters wash the ceiling with light, and the ceiling then serves as its own lighting fixture, bouncing relaxing and general illumination back into the living area. Interior design consultancies will use up-lighters to create an engaging feeling of openness and upward motion when the ceiling is painted a dark colour, in which case the reflected lumens will be low. Up-lighters in London are often either free standing or wall-mounted, usually above head-height to eliminate dazzle. One great technique that I once saw used by a well-known London interior design consultancy was to incorporate a fabulous up-lighter that was recessed into the floor as a central feature, creating drama and powerful contrast for a cove and elongated column.

In the next article in this series “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will continue explaining how interior design consultancies rely on the six core lighting tools.



About the Author

Interior Design London – Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.

Written on September 1st, 2010 , Interior Design Tags: , , , ,

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