The simplest thing everyone can do to make a difference in global warming is to replace incandescent lightbulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs. These lightbulbs produce more light than heat with the electricity they use. As a result, they can provide the same amount of light as standard incandescent lightbulbs but use only one-quarter to one-third as much energy, and they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs have come a long... more

You may find that the short days of winter, when it seems like you go to and come from work in the dark, are the perfect time to consider warming up your house with new lighting. If you are thinking about making a lighting change, consider your current fixtures and determine your game plan. Do you need to increase the amount of light? Warm up or tone down the light, or just update to more attractive light fixtures and shades? An overall lighting goal is a good idea even if you are only preparing... more

There are many ingredients that make a kitchen overhaul or update successful, and texture tops the list. “I look at texture as the performance of a well-coordinated drill team; you want all the selections to coordinate in some way so they each play off each other,” explains Sandy Hendricks, owner of Ovation Design-Build, based in Lake Oswego, OR. Above kitchen design by Stephanie Johnson of Arciform LLC. A kitchen can be monochromatic and still be rich in texture, with its dram a drawn from the... more

More than 125 years have passed since the invention of the light bulb. With a multitude of fixture styles ranging from Classical to the Atomic Age, the opportunity to distinguish your home is endless. Northwest Renovation asks local lighting experts what’s hot in 2005. Visit inmod.com to find this lighting fixture and more great lighting solutions. Photo courtesy of inmod Ozzie and Harriet Make a Comeback If you want a table lamp like the one found in the living room of any 1950s family... more

Lighting can make all the difference in how you feel about your house. By using different lighting techniques you can create the desired feel for your home — dramatic, functional, cozy, warm, or eclectic. There are three main categories of home lighting: ambient, accent, and task. Your home should have a combination of all three types to create comfortable lighting for the needs of each room. Ambient light is the general... more

How to Choose a Good Vintage Lamp Pick it up. The heavier the lamp, the better the quality. “Older lamps were made with more material, solid brass, more metal pieces,” explains JoEllen Lyster, co-owner of the Rainbow Lampshade Shop. Sometimes the base was weighted to give the lamp more heft. Look at the materials used. A marble base, unique wood, solid brass — all speak to a high quality lamp. Know what... more

The third floor of Hippo Hardware, Portland, OR, is devoted to the display, storage, and repair of all types of lighting fixtures. Both new and used fixtures, parts, and service are available in over 10,000 sq ft of display space. Hanging from the rafters is original vintage to quirky ‘50s space age plus shelves of shades and display cases filled with lamps and sconces. One can shop from the numerous catalogs available... more

Fresh paint and well-chosen light fixtures are two of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to transform interior spaces. If you find yourself on a budget, it pays to consider the long-term value lighting can add to your home. Replacing a light fixture is a perfect opportunity to add or bring back some of your home’s original charm, quality, and character. Here in Portland we have a wealth of local resources that provide... more