Simple Cleaning And Repair Tips in Cryst...

No one would rattling dare challenge the ability of stone chandeliers to light up and beautify any space in the house. But despite of their stylishness and splendor, these adornments are still in need of maintenance and irregular repairs. You can only envisage how much filth can accumulate in a month, or perhaps in a year. If you fail to do something about the dirt, then it would be just as good as saying good-bye to the chandelier’s elegant sparkle. Plus, it would totally be a waste of money to only let its radiance fade like that. Quick Cleaning Tips Crystal chandeliers need to be washed or cleaned on a regular foundation in visit to reassert the sparkle. A quick clean is usually sufficiency to get the job done. People who don’t hit a lot of extra time on their hands would probably opt for this manner of cleanup since it doesn’t necessarily involve the dismantling or detachment of the chandelier from the ceiling. Begin by birthing down towels, newspapers or a modify cloth underneath the stone chandelier. Keep in nous that cleanup stone chandeliers doesn’t rattling hit to be messy. Therefore, you need to attain an try to protect the floor from soil and from becoming soaking with water or cleanup agent. It would be a good idea to invest in a feather duster that has a long handle. You may definitely attain use of this in dusting off all the soil from the stone chandeliers. After that, spray a big amount of render cleaner on the crystals. In fact, you may drench the chandelier with the cleanup liquid if you feel like it. Next, wait until the all the liquid had trickled off. After that, the stone chandelier is due to regain the shine and sparkle it initially had. Vanessa Arellano Doctor http://journals.aol.com/zibakan/a-daily-dose-of-what-you-need-to/

Residential Lighting Provides An Economical Enhancement to Home Value

By providing lighted paths and eliminating dark corners welcomed and unwelcomed guests alike are met with light to either greet or deter. Outdoor lights can also create curb appeal or are ideal for outdoor entertaining and enjoyment. Whether solar powered or electrical in source, residential lighting can quickly and effectively address many home issues all at once. Value isn't just recognized in outside embellishments. Indoor lighting can highlight focal points, pull together a room or several rooms and add character to any home. From lamps to chandeliers, track lighting or recessed, indoor lighting is an excellent way to increase the functional layout of a room and add significant upgrades to your home. If you are selling or thinking about selling, assessing your current residential lighting environment is a must. As lights typically stay with the home during a transaction, you'll definitely be adding distinction and value by updating your lights with newer styles and even energy saving solutions. The lighting market has advanced in recent years offering longer and brighter lights for often times less money than your old version -- plus you can benefit from lower utility bills if you select among the energy wise options. As we move from Spring to Summer, now is the perfect time to start evaluating your lighting, where you will want to consider the following questions: Is it enough lighting? Do you have dark corners or unlit pathways? Could you implement solar lights in your courtyard, walkway or deck? Is your address lit up? Do you have motion sensors to deter those trying to enter your home? Is your lighting outdated, costly or no longer functional? Have you recently landscaped but forgot about how it looks at night? Are your rooms amply lit and are the lights easily accessible? Do you have a garden or in need of grow lights? Before you opt to do nothing to your house or go overboard with costly improvements, be sure to assess your lighting and determine the best source for your home, needs and environment. Residential lighting is one aspect where value truly increases with the flip of a switch. -- Sam Brown is a personal shopper, avid gardener and home improvement specialist with tips and solutions for residential lighting, grow lights and commercial lighting solutions.

the Owner’s Persona in A Clean Crystal C...

Well, backwards then it was really a hard housing to own stone chandeliers, it’s a sign of wealth and if your bag possesses one, well you are a keeper. They hit become a long way from the life as traditional, stately pieces only enjoyed in the most formal of spaces and positioned to affect guests in the dining shack or the foyer. Crystal’s use in different lighting applications of all shapes and sizes means its sparkling, foppish affect crapper be enjoyed all over the home. It is known that more stone means more cleaning, it’s that obvious, but it doesn’t hit to be too taxing if you study these few simple guidelines to ready stone looking its best. Now how do we really clean them anyway? First off if you do not wish to remove the stone components from the piece, you crapper use a spray. After the example is sprayed, pass1 off the solution with white cotton gloves. Crystal chandelier manufacturers recommends a solution of digit part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled water, a actual no-no in the area of cleanup chandeliers, is if the chandelier is finished with a traditional polished gold closing or polished silver closing but it’s not stainless steel, people module use these sprays that you crapper buy. Basically, what the manufacturers say is you spray the chandelier and let the stuff drip off and that cleans the crystal. But in fact what it does is ruin the frames of the chandelier. That is a fact that we should ready in mind in which module be helpful in the long haul. Sometimes we need to clean a chandelier a bit harder, if more aggressive cleanup is needed, the stone parts module need to be removed from the frame. The crystals crapper then be hand-washed in soapy water, rinsed clean and dried with a cloth. For dusting between cleanings, it is advisable using a feather duster, lambswool coverall or a make-up brush, for you to be efficient on cleanup your chandelier. In general, stone should be cleaned every two to six months. The frequency of cleanup required depends on where it is utilised and how easy it is to get to the piece. Although extremely large pieces like 20-foot chandeliers crapper get away with being cleaned only once a year, well it is hard to clean that big of a chandelier every few months and it could be a actual work to do it. Jron Magcale http://goldenageusa.com

Right Crystal Chandelier for Your Home

People love those crystal chandeliers, something about it that fascinates most grouping and just the presence of it stuns guests that will go to homes with great pieces. They are known to be fashionable and functional, crystal chandeliers should be incorporated into the bag just as any decorative clothing or object of art would be chosen. I would urge consumers to view this purchase with same enjoyment they would use in buying fine furniture. A fine chandelier is an investment that will add to the continuance of your home. But still there are many grouping who think otherwise. Well it is really a hands-on experience to appreciate their real use. Well actually picking the correct chandelier design for your bag will probably needs whatever work as well, because choosing the correct design, believe me is another challenge. To find the correct call chandelier for your home, simply begin with a color or a material that is predominant in the decoration scheme of the room. Let me ask you, what catches your eye in the room? What identify of statement do you want to make? If the room is more traditional, choose chandeliers with more ornamentation and decorative details. If your bag is modern, opt for less ornamentation and simpler details. That is not as simple as it sounds believe me. Well more grouping are trying to get the correct fit of design for their bag every time. So let me try to assist you with whatever tips regarding on choosing the correct crystal chandelier design for your home. Well first let me give you shed you whatever light, there is a saying that says “light it right”, so be sure to choose the correct lightbulbs for your particular chandelier. According to the experts, clear bulbs in chandeliers with exposed bulbs, or crystal glass enclosures will enhance sparkle. In chandeliers with linen shades, frosted bulbs cast a pleasing feel and won't create shadows. Remember to always consider the weight of the chandelier. Chandeliers heavier than 50 pounds have to be mounted more securely to the house's structure. Well we all know that this is a criteria of the National Electrical Code, and the electrician hanging the fixture should be aware of this, so just to be sure it doesn't hurt to remind them with it. Safety is always gold that is for sure. Don't let a chandelier stand alone in a room. Like a star, they need a supporting cast of characters to help them do their job. A chandelier needs supplemental lighting around it; don't sweat to find the digit fixture that does everything. It is prizewinning to achieve a layer of reddened in the rooms with sconces, table and floor lamps, so additional decors will be helpful. Jron Magcale http://goldenageusa.com

What To Know In Selecting And Installing Chandeliers

Chandeliers are ubiquitous -- as they are found in elegant homes in the United States and elsewhere.Having had its roots in the Medieval period, the earliest known chandeliers took the shape of crosses with spikes on which candles could be securely placed. During that time, the presence of chandeliers could only be found in places of assembly. How times have changed.Now the chandeliers are more intricate in design and they've found their way into private abodes, specifically in dining rooms. But what makes chandeliers in style? They are popular because no other furnishing can command as much attention.How To Choose The Right ChandelierIf you're thinking of buying a chandelier, the criteria for choosing the best one is actually NOT based on your personal taste, but rather in (a) the size of your table and (b) on how much illumination your dining room needs.The common feature across all light bulbs is that they all have multiple bulbs that give off a great deal of illumination. But how much illumination does your dining room need? Measure the size of your room. Multiply the length of the room by the width, then you multiply the result with by 1.5. So if the size of your room is 12 feet by 15 feet, the formula would look this way: 12 x 15 x 1.5. If you do the math, you will find that you need a total of 270 watts. The chandelier that will provide enough illumination is the one with 6-40 watt bulbs. To provide the best lighting, you can complement the chandelier with other light fixtures, wall sconces or buffet lamps.A chandelier's diameter should not exceed to around 1/2 of the width of your dining table. It should be hung from 27 to 30 inches above. But of course, the number of light bulbs shouldn't be your only consideration in buying a chandelier. You should keep in mind the chandelier's design, its size and, of course, your finances.Installing Your ChandelierSo, now you've bought a chandelier. What you need to do now is have your chandelier installed. Handle with care when installing your chandelier as they are elaborately designed.- Check the weight. You surely don't want your newly-bought chandelier to fall off upon installation. If your chandelier is heavier than your current lighting, you might need to replace the ceiling's junction box.- This is practically common sense, but you need to disconnect the power connecting to your chandelier when you are in the process of installing it.- Take out the old lighting and take note of how your previous lighting was installed. Replace the old lighting with your new chandelier.Be sure you have a mounting strap in place from your ceiling. Attach your chandelier's hardware to the mounting strap. Screw the mounting strap to the junction box.- Connect the wires of your chandelier to that of your ceiling.---CHANDELIERS: Barnes and Wagner offers the finest quality lamps and home decoration. From table lamps to floor lamps to chandeliers, and from wall mirrors and other home decoration, there is always a wide array for all tastes, budgets and persuasions. Go check the Barnes and Wagner online store to find your dream lamp or decoration.

Kitchen Ceiling Lights

Kitchen ceiling lights are perfect for task illumination and for decorative purposes, as well. Our kitchen is a special area within our home. All of our preparation and cooking is done in this space so having the proper type of kitchen ceiling lights is almost essential. We also love to decorate this cozy little room. The kitchen ceiling lights can be used for both functional and aesthetic reasons. All of RLLD's illumination products have been crafted by some of the best manufacturers in the lighting industry. Choice is always important, when it comes to selecting the proper type of kitchen ceiling light fixture for your home. RLLD takes great pride in giving its customers ample product selections, so choosing the right fixture the first time is never a problem. Our customer service specialists are always available to answer any question you may have about installation, lighting techniques, and bulb wattage. We consult with architects, homebuilders, interior designers, and installers to give you the most up to date information for your illumination design theme. Our kitchen area is where most of the cooking and cleaning takes place. Homeowners, who are preparing a large holiday meal or just a small sit down dinner for the family, will have to engage in tasks that could be risky unless the proper ceiling light fixtures are in place. RLLD has track lighting kits, which are perfect for illuminating countertops, islands, bars, and serving areas. These devices come on flexible rails and can be adjusted to focus the illumination over important task areas. Ceiling track lights give every homeowner ample illumination and the added safety benefit that is so important when handling dangerous equipment. Pendant lights will add a decorative touch to your kitchen space. RLLD has pendants in all sorts of shapes and styles. These exquisite lights are the perfect choice for accenting tables, counter spaces, and cabinets. We have contemporary styles for the modern day dr enthusiast, along with many other offbeat versions, if you are looking to incorporate a whimsical touch. These ceiling devices will give your kitchen space a radiant glow of soft beauty. If you are looking for an elegant kitchen-ceiling fixture for your upscale home, then check out the gorgeous chandelier selection. Chandeliers can be used in many different areas, including, dining rooms, living rooms, foyers, and stairways. We also have a large variety of recessed ceiling light fixtures for your kitchen space. Recessed lighting is perfect for accenting cove regions above cabinets and for throwing a soft touch of illumination over antique collectibles and other prized objects. RLLD also sells stylish kitchen island fixtures that come in a variety of beautiful finishes. These ceiling lights can give your space a modern or Old World feeling depending upon your dr preference. Creating the perfect illumination design theme for your kitchen space requires selecting the right type of ceiling light. Although the current market offers many different kinds of illumination devices for this room, ceiling lights give the homeowner both functional and aesthetic results. Let your home stand out in its own showcase spotlight under the divine & unique illumination products. About the author To learn more visit our http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/residential_lighting.htm kitchen ceiling lights section or read more about http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/kitchen-ceiling-lights.htm kitchen ceiling lights.

Kitchen Lighting Fixtures & Information

From the perspective of a professional lighting designer, the kitchen is one of the more interesting and versatile projects one can tackle. Filled with numerous nooks and crannies, cabinets and appliances, shelves and other specialized areas such as islands, kitchens can present more lighting challenges than any other room in your home. Lighting for kitchens, however, does not have to be daunting. Quite the contrary, it can really be a lot of fun! The lighting professionals have the knowledge and experience necessary to make the most of your kitchen lighting design project. Not unlike the kitchen lighting fixtures we offer, we can really make your kitchen shine! Nothing is more unfriendly than a dark cabinet. Not only does it make it impossible to find what you are looking for, it is often enough to make even the most fearless soul wonder what critters might be lurking inside! Our kitchen cabinet lighting eliminates the mystery of finding that special spice or utensil, so that what you see is really what you get! Some of the more popular solutions to this common problem can be found among our selection of metal light strips. These make excellent kitchen cabinet lighting (they work equally well in china cabinets, book cases, and display cases) by delivering a surprising amount of light with the utmost efficiency. Our kitchen light CM series come in an attractive painted finish, fitted with clear incandescent festoon lamps. These galvanized metal trim fixtures are an effective and inexpensive option for kitchen cabinet lighting. Another is the sleek Phantom HM series. These unique kitchen lighting strips are installed by running a continuous light strip below each shelf or underneath the upper cabinets to provide smooth, even illumination. Small festoon lamps, attached to a solid metal trim, are completely concealed by a custom glare shield. This series includes the 40 Xenon strips, which are a perfect 0dimmable0 solution, not only for kitchen lighting, but also for task lighting in pantries, offices, or desk areas. In addition to metal strip incandescent lighting, we offer a number of halogen kitchen lighting options for your shelves or cabinets. Designed by the trusted lighting manufacturer Alkco, these fixtures are guaranteed to deliver long lasting even illumination for your difficult spaces, with an attractive exterior feel. Of course, no kitchen lighting project would be complete without attractive overhead lighting. For a classical look, we recommend one of our wrought iron 0alabaster0 chandeliers. Diffusing light through milky white glass, these attractive overhead kitchen lighting fixtures are an excellent way to turn your kitchen into a relaxing space that everyone in your home will want to congregate! Try it and see for yourself. Whether you are looking for kitchen cabinet lighting, overhead lighting for your kitchen table or island, or any other specialized lighting need, the lighting experts are ready to put their knowledge to use for you! One of the easiest ways to save money every month is to replace your older, incandescent indoor home lights with newer lights. Many people prefer incandescent bulbs due to their low initial costs, but they need to be replaced more frequently, and they use more electricity. About the author To learn more visit our http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/residential_lighting.htm kitchen lighting fixtures & information section or read more about http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/kitchen_lighting_category.htm kitchen lighting fixtures & information.

Tiffany Lamps: Your Break-Through

Should you want something more from the ordinary, then you might wish for elegance and sophistication to any design for your desirable ambiance. Tiffany lamps are what you need.Tiffany lamps are designed using superb pieces of stained glass that are soldered together to have magnificent designs and conceptual motifs. These lamps also have solid metal bases which are decorated delicately. It was Louis Comfort Tiffany who designed these wonderful creations. The first Tiffany Lamp was made in New York in 1899 in Louis' studio that was specifically for lamp-making.Tiffany lamps are considered to be one of America's greatest contributions to the world. In Europe, it began in the late 19th century. These days, most lighting companies manufacture Tiffany Lamps. There are various sizes you can select from. It ranges from small to medium, just as they were originally. You can also choose a variety of colors that would match your personal tastes and any type of decoration or color scheme you have. They are suitable for the home and in businesses.These styles of lamps do have certainly limitless varieties. You may opt for tall floor lamps that match a small table lamp or simply select standalone lamps without further add-ons. There are also ceiling lamps that have a touch of Tiffany.Tiffany lamps are truly a work of art. They are a classic, definitely timeless. They have stood the test of time. You can always be sure of the quality of the product. It's not only on quality but also the elegance that one is looking for. Tiffany lamps undoubtedly define the world "elegant".Lamps can really change the mood of a certain room depending on their designs. These lamps have distinctive designs that will surely last for a long time. Their intricacies really capture one's imagination.There are several ways for taking care of your Tiffany lamps -- it varies from the type of glass that makes-up your lamp.If it's opaque glass, you can clean your lamp with furniture polish made with lemon oil. Polish evenly with a clean rag. Lamps made with transparent glass can be cleaned with a regular glass cleaner.On the other hand, if your lamp is made with jadestone, clean the jadestone with furniture oil that is made with lemon oil. If you have a Mica Tiffany lamp, do not make the mistake of using commercial cleaners. Use a dry or slightly damp cloth instead. If your Tiffany lamp is made of fabric so it does gather dust, but you can easily clean it with a duster, just make sure you don't dust with a heavy hand. Otherwise, you will just be pushing the dust into the fabric. Should there be dust particles that won't come off, wipe using a clean, dry rag.It really doesn't matter if it's a genuine Tiffany lamp or just a masterful reproduction, a Tiffany lamp will invariably attract the attention of anyone who sees it, so you must make sure you're doing your part in the clean up of your lamp.---Barnes and Wagner is synonymous with the finest quality lamps and home decoration. From table lamps, TIFFANY LAMPS, floor lamps, chandeliers, and from wall mirrors and other home decoration, there is always a selection for all tastes, budgets and persuasions. Visit the Barnes and Wagner online store to find your dream lamp or decoration.

Need Lamps To Decor Your Home?

Decorating your home with lamps is a great way to highlight furniture pieces and augment a particular theme you are trying to create. Lamps can give your home the soft light it needs to establish a cozy feeling within every room. Finding the right lighting manufacturer is always important, when it comes to redecorating your interior environment. Many homeowners purchase illumination lamp fixtures that do not live up to the hype. From lamps to chandeliers, the perfect choice for your illumination needs combines the top line illumination fixtures from well-known manufacturers, including lamps, wall sconces, cabinet lights, and much more! We know the science of light, and how it interacts with the environment to produce a certain effect. Our lighting experts can assist you with questions regarding what type of fixture to purchase, and where to place the item to give your space the desired effect. We offer a variety of beautiful floor lamps that can accent any room within your home. Our floor lamps come in many styles and a variety of finishes to accommodate your specific requirements. These illumination fixtures can be set up around furniture pieces to bring out particular colors or add a soft touch of light over work areas, such as in offices or reading cubes. Wall lamps can further accentuate that soft, gentle feel throughout your abode. These fixtures are attached directly to the wall and give your space a designer look. Spaces, which require limited illumination or have a small coverage area, are the perfect locations to install these devices. RLLD has many different kinds of wall fixtures to choose from, all which will give your home the beautiful illumination needed to foster a cozy living space. We offer a swing arm version, which eliminates the need of having to use a table or take up unnecessary floor space. Homeowners can adjust these types of lamps, so that the illumination is focused over a particular area. People, who read in bed, may definitely want to consider purchasing one of these fantastic products for their late night story indulgence. Many wall fixtures are installed at eye-level and produce a more dramatic effect than regular ceiling lights. Dr and function intermix in harmony, whenever these light fixtures are implemented into the larger theme of your home. Swing arm versions are also available for floor lamps. RLLD has swing arm floor fixtures, which can be adjusted to your favorite chair or sitting space. Contemporary, traditional, Roman, and bamboo are just a few of the styles we offer in this category. No theme could be complete without the addition of a few wall sconces. Wall sconces are perfect for uplighting stairs and hallways, giving your home a soft touch of illumination. Our wall sconces come in many styles, and some even give your home an archaic feel of Old World beauty. Wall sconces add a touch of elegance into your illumination dr package, while dispelling a calming radiance throughout your home. Lamps give your home functional illumination needed to perform certain tasks. They also can accentuate specific objects in the environment and bring out a variety of colors to feed into a creative dr theme. Let your home flourish under the supple illumination of lamps. About the author To learn more visit our http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/residential_lighting.htm lamps section or read more about http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/lamp.htm lamps.

Lighting Home Improvements

The lighting in your home not only adds brightness, but it adds value to it as well. When you typically think about home improvement lighting, your thoughts might turn to exterior security lights, but it improving your home with light can mean so much more. Even outdoor landscape lighting adds to your overall home value. Any residential lighting fixture that is installed inside your home has the potential to raise the worth of the house. Many believe that this only applies to counter tops and cabinetry, but it also means adding home improvement lighting. A good rule of thumb to follow is that any fixture which you install in your home for its betterment will be an investment. If you decide to sell your residence in the future, your home will net you more income than an identical home without specialty home improvement lighting fixtures. Think about when you were last visiting open houses. The homes that had special lights such as chandeliers lights or pendant lighting fixtures both were more interesting to look at, even unfurnished, and cost more, than those homes with simple ceiling lights. Using cues from the home sellers and builders, you can greatly beautify the interior of your abode with just the simple investment of a weekend's worth of time and a bit of patience in order to install some lighting for home improvement. Even if you are not planning on selling your estate anytime soon, do not forget that your home is your castle, and it will be beneficial to you to have the most comfortable and visually aesthetic living space possible. Having the right specialty lights and lighting fixtures can make all the difference in the atmosphere of your home. Improvement to home lighting creates an oasis from the harsh glare of commercial florescent lights. You can change the tone of any room by adding in LED accent lighting. The color of some of these models can be changed via a remote control so that you can match the room to your mood. Another way to artfully accent a room is to use track lighting kits. These allow you to spotlight certain areas. For a dramatic flair, you could direct the beams upward to paint shadows on the wall and ceiling. Even simply updating the original fixtures is an improvement to home lighting. If your lights were the same that the home builders installed, it is probably time to change them out. This will save you money since newer light fixtures can often be equipped with more energy efficient light bulbs, like our LED track lighting. The benefit of LED or even fluorescent ceiling lights are their longevity. They use much less energy than incandescent bulbs, and in many cases have a more modern flair to their styling. If you are doing home lighitng improvements, you will likely want to consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient fluorescent bulbs whenever possible. The savings on your monthly electric bill will quickly add up to a substantial sum. Creating the perfect illumination theme for your home environment requires the right type of lighting fixtures. Combining living room light fixtures with home automation dimmers is another way to project a particular mood or theme. Dimmers can set light tone within a room and enhance mood lighting by the simple touch of a button. About the author To learn more visit our http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/residential_lighting.htm lighting home improvement section or read more about http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/lighting-home-improvements.htm lighting home improvements.

Living Room Lighting Fixtures

The living room serves as a hub for home activities, and it is usually the main visitation room when guests come. Living room lighting requires layers of illumination to be truly effective and careful attention to walls, decorations, adjacent furnishings, and congruence with interior design. This is not as daunting a task as it sounds. If one breaks down lighting the living room into simple matters of luminance level, color, and distribution, then choosing the appropriate fixture and knowing where to position it follows naturally almost as a logical matter of course. Furniture, bookshelves, and even fine art take on an entirely new dimension with RLLD living room lights, and with the help of our specialists, even the first time installer can learn how to combine direct and indirect light levels, eliminate pockets of shadow, and canvas the room in light without creating reflective glare off surfaces in the interiors of windows. Compact Fluorescent Living Room Lights Compact fluorescents are ideal for functional lighting in living rooms of any size. Their power energy efficiency is second only to LED, and new ballasting technology now makes it possible to install them on dimmer switches. Our fluorescent compacts feature geometric shapes of all kinds to counterbalance curvature of furniture and angle of the room. They are ideal for the avant-garde and eclectic in taste. Contemporary Living Room Lighting Contemporary styles also speak to the bold, the innovative, and the trendy living room lighting designer. This section of our inventory alone has over 400 fixtures from which to choose0and it is still growing. Contemporary living room lighting offers controlled, dimmable lighting, glare free task lighting, and even decorative colored lighting to match any interior design theme conceivable. Craftsman and Mission Living Room Fixtures The Craftsman and Mission style of decorating is currently one of the most popular styles in interior design and lighting. Living rooms decorated in the mission style can now look more enriched and complete with RLLD Craftsman & Mission styled lighting fixtures. Homeowners and professional designers can find a wide of selections ranging from an organic appearance to bolder brass and satin nickel finishes. Crystal Living Room Lighting Crystal lighting in a living room lends a sense of sophistication, classicism, and refinement to the atmosphere of the entire home. Not only do the fixtures themselves appear more ornamental and skillfully wrought, but the quality of light produced by crystal has a much more unique and vibrant quality to it as well. Crystal can refract light like a prism, casting it simultaneously in all directions at once. Our crystal living room lights feature hand craftsmanship that equals that of chandeliers, and clients looking to mount a pendant or chandelier as a centerpiece light in the living room may therefore want to consider decorating with a primarily crystal theme. Iron & Rustic Lighting Room Lights Rustic interior decorum can best be complimented with a variety of iron and rustic fixtures found in this section of our online inventory. For smaller living rooms, consider hand-made, single light sconces to go along the walls. Light bars are another hot item to be found in this section. Hanging suspended from the ceiling, they make excellent keynotes above doorways leading to hallways and kitchens. They also make excellent task lights for living rooms that connect to a staircase and require additional light for safety. Colored lights for the living room abound in this section as well; so decorators looking to add a frontier or colonial look to the environment have much to choose from in this category. Traditional Living Room Lighting Fixtures Homeowners looking to maintain a sense of unchanging value can do so with styles that range from the Spartan to the ornate. Our wall sconces in this category bear particular scrutiny as pieces the offer a decorative blend to virtually any form of furniture and wall decoration. We even have living room wall lights shaped like lamps to compliment floor and desk lamps placed in corners or on tables in the room. Transitional Living Room Lighting As the name suggests, transitional living room lighting represents the 0middle ground0 between classic and contemporary styles. For homes with unique floor plans, this often proves to be a preferred style because it brings tradition to the table reminiscent of larger custom homes and simultaneously adds elements of the innovative and futuristic. In this section, find up lights and down lights in fine glasswork fixtures that create unique and varied patterns of lighting along walls, eclectic 3-D art, and modern furniture. About the author To learn more visit our http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/residential_lighting.htm living room lighting fixtures section or read more about http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com/living-room-lighting-fixtures.htm living room lighting fixtures.

Rio Cultural Centers: Flamengo Options

Thinking about renting an apartment in Flamengo? Excellent idea! Flamengo has become an increasingly sought-out neighborhood in Rio for several reasons, including its art deco architecture buildings, famous bars like Belmonte and ultimately its cultural centers and museums. Until the 1950s, Flamengo and Catete were the principal residential zones of Rio's wealthier middle class and that may be the reason why some of many embassies (today consulates) were established here.Nowadays, Flamengo is a vibrant middle-class residential neighborhood, with much charm and culture to be had. In this article we will describe some of the cultural centers and museums established in the Flamengo district including the Modern Art Museum, Oi Futuro Cultural Center, and the Catete Palace. The best thing is that most of these marvels are free.Our first stop is the city ´s Modern Art Museum. It has a privileged location on Flamengo Park alongside Guanabara Bay, with the landscaping designs of Burle Marx. The Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro started its construction in 1954, and is perhaps architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy´s most striking design: rows of angled concrete ribs support and enclose the gallery space. Inaugurated in 1958, the Modern Art Museum has a very unusual history; after a tragic fire in 1978 burned most of its collection, and damaged the structure of the building, a tremendous reconstruction effort put the museum back on its feet, and today the permanent collection has over 2,000 pieces by Brazilian and international artists. A major contribution was made by art patron Gilberto Chateubriand, with a private collection of 4,000 pieces. It is also under the care of MAM, and can be seen in the permanent exhibition. An interesting program of art shows and exhibitions keep the museum as an excellent attraction throughout the year. An impressive collection of the works of Picasso, Max Ernst, Rodin, Brancusi and other artists from Brazil and elsewhere is housed in this concrete and glass building in Flamengo Park.Another major attraction of the Museum of Modern Art is the film collection ("Cinemateca do MAM"), one of the best in Latin America, with over 12,000 titles including some rarities. There are sessions and festivals open for the general public, with Brazilian and foreign cult movies that are not normally shown on the commercial circuit. Art workshops are held at the Oficina da Gravura. Additional Information on the Modern Art Museum in Rio: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Flamengo Park.Our next Cultural Center for Flamengo is OI FUTURO, located at Rua Dois de Dezembro, 66. The Center is maintained and supported by major telecom player in Brazil: OI and has been receiving since its founding grants from several foundations to enhance its cultural assets and infrastructure. OI FUTURO is housed in a building that was built in 1918 and has just been remodeled, resulting in a gain of over two thousand square meters of internal space. The building's façade was preserved. There are four floors, interposed among the building's eight levels, connected by glass stairways and elevators. Each floor presents different exhibits throughout the month. OI FUTURO's varied program includes activities related to music, videos and plastic arts. Visitors will also find an up-to-date library with an abundance of research material: magazines, newspapers and on-line computers as well as exhibition rooms. A full multi-use theater with 180 seats presents regular plays every week, at popular prices. A very charming Wi-Fi connected bistro is located at the upper floor of the Cultural Center, which leads to the terrace of the building. From the terrace, you can even see part of the Flamengo beach and Guanabara Bay. You can check OI FUTURO ´s monthly cultural program and schedule in English at http://www.oifuturo.org.br/oifuturo.htm#/en/Additional Information on the OI Futuro Cutural Center: Open Hours: Tues-Sun. 11am-8pm; Address: Rua Dois de Dezembro, 63 - Flamengo, Phone:(21)3131-3060. Free Admission for several exhibits, with the exception of theater plays.Our last stop is the Catete Palace. The Catete Palace - seat of Brazil's Republican Government from 1897 to 1960 and scene of activities of eighteen Presidents - has seen some of the most important events in Brazil's political life, including the Declaration of Brazil's entry into World Wars I and II and the suicide of President Getúlio Vargas in 1954. Transformed into a museum when Brasília became the nation's capital in 1960, and closed for restoration from 1983 through 1989, the Republic Museum reopened with a broad-ranging cultural program that includes exhibitions, concerts, plays, movies, videos, boutiques, restaurants and a book-store.The gardens of the Museum acquired new lighting, with the replacement of 71 forged iron posts - in the eclectic style - for other posts with contemporaneous designs made of steel. Today, on the ground floor, the Entrance Hall and the Ministerial Room still retain the solemn atmosphere of capital meetings and decisions regarding the nation's destiny. Two long-standing exhibits present historical information about the first occupant of the Palace and his descendents and about the inauguration of the Republic Museum. The remaining rooms hold temporary exhibits that represent varied aspects of Republican Brazil.On the second floor, known as the "noble floor", luxury and thematic diversity stand out. The Chapel room and the Blue, Noble, Pompeian, Venetian, Moorish and Banquette rooms show off their vintage Brazilian and French furniture, paintings from artists such as Baptista da Costa, Gustavo dall'Ara, Décio Vilares, Rodolfo Amoedo, Henrique Bernardelli, besides sculptures, chandeliers and porcelain from the 19th and 20th Centuries. The third floor highlights the reconstruction of President Getúlio Vargas' room. The remaining rooms are devoted to the display of objects, text documents and photographs from the Republic Museum's own collection. The complex also hosts one of my favorite movie theaters in town. The theater is especially known for its art movies and is named "Cinema Museu da República". You can check the theater's schedule in any newspaper in town.Additional Information on the Catete Palace: Open Hours:Tues-Thurs-Fri, noon-5pm Wed, 2pm-5pm- Sat-Sun-Holidays, 2pm-6pm. Free admission Sundays and Wednesday to the Catete Museum. Address: Rua do Catete, 153 - Catete. Phone: (21) 3235-2650 The park in the Catete Palace is opened for visits until 10 p.m.We described in this article only some of Flamengo´s cultural centers and museums. There are many other Cultural Centers all within the Flamengo district boundaries, with many art exhibits and public libraries. We also suggest and appoint the following:Figner Mansion Arte SESC CulturalJulieta de Serpa House of and CultureCultural Center Oduvaldo Viana FilhoCarmen Miranda MuseumTelephone MuseumAs we mentioned before, most of these Cultural Centers have free admittance. Other positive aspects of these cultural centers we described above, is that they are very modern and underwent major renovation efforts. If you have cultural interests, consider settling in Flamengo neighborhood on your next trip to Rio. We are sure this district hosts one of the liveliest cultural scenarios in town.--- Andre Skowronski is the managing partner of Belavista-Rio Rentals, a vacation rentals agency based in Rio de Janeiro. Andre works directly with tourists to find their dream apartments in Rio. Please visit Belavista-Rio0s website and find a full list of apartments in the best neighborhoods of Rio such as Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Flamengo, Lagoa and Barra da Tijuca.

New wineries and lodging attract visitors to Temecula

While the 23 wineries of the Temecula Valley are a fraction of what you might find in ever-popular Napa - with at last count, something like 300 local wineries - Temecula's wine-tasting experience is getting high marks from travelers who have happened on this scenic valley almost by accident.Located just off the well-traveled Interstate 15, between Temecula vineyardRiverside and San Diego, the gently rolling hills and scenic vineyards of the Temecula wineries now are becoming a destination in their own right. Not just a gimmick to boost local tourism, the wineries of Temecula make good wine - and presumably good money - turning the fruit of the Valley into wines that are satisfying even the most sophisticated palates.New wineries are coming on board every year, according to Linda Kissam, executive director of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. Big resorts are opening, too, such as the South Coast Winery's new Resort and Spa that was estimated to cost $20 million but cost well over that. Not to worry - the resort already is on its way to paying off that investment with its 76 villas booked solid on weekends even before the resort was completely finished."The whole goal here," says Mark Zovic, South Coast's general manager, "is for Temecula wineries to be taken seriously." With many more visitors every year making Temecula part of their Southern California vacation plans, it seems like the area is now being taken plenty seriously.Zovic compares Temecula wineries to the Napa Valley of 20 years ago when its tourism infrastructure was catching up with the growing popularity of the region. But one of the local winemakers pointed out there is a big difference - many of Temecula's wines are already considered competitive with Napa and certainly not 20 years behind in the attainment of overall quality.One vintner who feels pretty good about the quality of his Palumbowines is Nick Palumbo, a 38-year-old grape grower who just two years ago opened his own winery, Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery. Picture a 20-year-old rambler farmhouse set on 12 acres of vineyards and you see that the emphasis in this business is on family. The oak barrels containing the 1,500 cases of wine he produces each year are piled high in what was once Palumbo's three-car garage.Palumbo grows the grapes and "drives the tractor every day" up and down his vineyard rows to make sure the four varieties of grapes he is using will be the quality needed for his special wines. He's an example of what you'll find elsewhere in Temecula - a vintner who is willing to stand there a few minutes and tell you how it's done. That's another difference from Napa, the locals say: almost all of the Temecula wineries are family-owned."If I didn't have control of the vineyards," Palumbo says, "I wouldn't have control of the quality."Palumbo says the reason his mom-and-pop operation can produce wine commanding the highest prices of all Temecula wineries is "I can do a lot more tricks than the other guys can." For example, he can split his lots and make a big difference in taste by using different yeast in each lot and then blending the two together.Over at Ponte Family Estate Winery, the emphasis is a little different, according to owner Roberto Ponte. "I was confused before," Ponte explains. "I thought it was all about the wine."The people who visit his winery, Ponte says, are interested Pontein a getaway experience, and wine just happens to be part of that. Beginning with a concept of "a day in the country," Ponte set about to create a kind of mini-theme park all built around his winery and surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards. Opening in the summer of 2003, Ponte Family Estate Winery offers one of the Valley's largest tasting rooms and a gift shop - similar to what you find in Napa - and also serves gourmet California cuisine in the popular Smokehouse Café.Visitors are encouraged to stroll the grounds of the winery where they will find park-like pathways and exhilarating vineyard views in addition to the many features of the winery such as the giant stainless steel containers, the wine storage area ("where the wine sleeps," Ponte says) and other buildings and processes related to winemaking. The setting is popular with couples who choose the winery for a wedding backdrop, and Ponte has a large event tent used for meetings and parties.With the exception of the new South Coast villas, most of the accommodations near Temecular wineries are bed-and-breakfasts or small inns, and there aren't many of them. That's one reason that Luis and Sherry DiBernardo are enjoying early success with their new bed-and-breakfast inn, the Castle. The Castle was built three years ago but one wing was left unfinished in case they wanted to become innkeepers. In January of this year, they did just that.Guests can roam throughout their landscaped grounds to Dibernardosenjoy the countryside views that begin with the swimming pool and groves of olive trees right on the property. The Castle itself is not just a name - the European décor and furnishings, the high ceilings and chandeliers all add to the medieval feeling. One end of the Great Room has a stone wall and long breakfast table befitting King Arthur. Medieval paintings cover another wall. The four guestrooms also share in this motif to one extent or another, and most include Jacuzzi tubs.For the DiBernardos, Temecula's burgeoning wine industry and the wide open spaces were enough to lure them from the San Fernando Valley, where Louis had been involved for many years in investment banking. The couple bought the property because they loved the 'crickets, frogs and stars in the sky' and now it's like getting paid to have a party every weekend."Visitors to Temecula wineries will find they can reasonably visit between four and six wineries in a day - most of the wineries are clustered in an area along Rancho California Road. But wineries are not the only attraction in town - the city's Historic Oldtown is a popular day trip for people from surrounding communities. A number of historical buildings are highlighted in a walking tour of the area, and there are many festivals held throughout the year to bring attention to the area.If shopping is your thing, about 15 miles north on Interstate 15 is the Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall, which includes dozens of outlet stores, each offering discount prices on brand name merchandise.There are seven championship golf courses in the area, as well as lakes for fishing. And, if you want to try something totally unique, local hot air balloon companies will give you an angle on the valley you won't get from anywhere else - a dreamy view from hundreds of feet above the gorgeous Temecula Valley Wine Country.AT A GLANCEWHERE: Temecula is located on Interstate 15, about half way between San Diego and Riverside. The Temecula Valley Wine Country is located to the east of the Valley where the rolling hills are scenic and the sun shines most of the time. Temecula is easily included in any Southern California vacation itinerary.WHAT: Temecula wineries have become a popular day trip for Southern Californians, but now is beginning to become a destination resort area with several new accommodations being built in the past couple of years. With many lodging rates in Temecula still reasonable, those looking for cheap vacations need look no further. It's an easy, no-muss, no-fuss way to visit California wineries.WHEN: Any time of year. California wineries generally harvest August to September and you can see more of the grape and wine production activities at that time. Temperatures are best in the winter months. Weekends are quite busy, so weekdays are highly recommended. If you go on a weekend, visit the most popular tasting rooms in the morning, about 10 a.m. when they open. If you're booking one of the local inns and resorts, be sure to ask about travel deals and vacation packages. Sometimes last minute travel deals are available.WHY: Temecula is a good place to visit California wineries and be able to talk one-on-one with vintners and see how they make wine. And, like other wine-growing regions, it's very scenic.HOW: For more information on Temecula wineries and accommodations, contact the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at (800) 801-WINE or visit www.temeculawines.org.---Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, focused on California beach vacations and other getaways, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Pacific Northwest travel.