- November 25, 2025
- Martha
This fall has been a time of travel for me.
In late August I took an Alaskan cruise. The scenery was phenomenal, and the people were especially nice.
Then in October I was off to Morocco. The architecture in Morocco is stunning, and I particularly enjoyed visiting the blue city of Chefchausen. All the houses there are painted vibrant indigo. My trip unfortunately ended with a hospital stay due to a nasty virus. I plan to stay close to home for the next several months.
The Beauty of Classical Design
I have noticed in both the shelf and trade magazines a new emphasis on classical design. There is a definite resurgence in interest.
This excites me because classical design closely follows the principles of good design. It is aesthetically pleasing and utilizes good traffic flow, layered lighting and good interplay of color and pattern.
Classical design also mixes wood tones and period styles for visual interest. It conveys a sense of warmth and comfort. Check out Traditional Home magazine for inspiration.
Two Truths and a Lie
- Layering lighting provides the best function and overall effect
- Natural light is not necessary in good design
- Cool light is preferrable to warm light
Layering lighting is essential to a good functional lighting plan. Layered lighting includes task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting. Task lighting includes the following: desk lamps, under cabinet lighting, bathroom vanity lights and pendant lighting. Ambient lighting consists of ceiling fixtures, chandeliers and recessed lighting. Finally, accent lighting includes wall lighting, sconces, picture lights and spotlights.
Natural light is very important to our environment and our emotional reaction to it. In addition, it obviously provides an important fourth source of light in any space. Warm light is typically preferred to cool light which often feels sterile and institutional.
What about your house keeps you up at night?
Do you have trouble seeing well in certain spaces of your home?
- Layer lighting, as described above, every space needs 3 types of lighting: ambient, task and accent lighting. Natural light should also be maximized.
- Consider window treatments that help maximize natural light.
The Joy of Being a Designer
In my previous newsletter, I began explaining the systematic 15-step approach that I use in my design projects. I covered steps 1 and 2.
Step 3 is called Trade Day. Trade day is one or two dedicated days when all trades associated with a project are on site to measure and photograph every space involved in the project. Trades include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, lighting experts, drapery workroom and any necessary contractors.
This is accomplished on one to two days to minimize disruption for the client by having to deal with multiple appointments. This is a process that I coordinate, and I am on site as well. It assures us that everyone involved in construction and design has the necessary information to proceed with work.
Trade day allows for a well-executed project.
One of My Favorite Quotes:
“Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style.”
—Billy Baldwin
