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Kitchen Office/Desk Area

If you are like me, I always tend to gather in the kitchen whether it is in my home or at a friend’s. In fact, as I type this post, I am sitting at my kitchen island. The kitchen is where the action is and I tend to like action.  The kitchen is appropriately called “Grand Central Station” or “Mission Control” because someone always seems to be coming or going to and from the kitchen or hanging out in the kitchen. Hmm, could it be because there’s food and beverage in there? We all lead busy lives and those with children still at home are even busier. In order to get it all done, or almost all of it (does anyone ever get it ALL done?), we know what multi-taskers women have become…therefore, with a desk in your kitchen you can pay bills, answer emails, or make lists in between cooking and doing laundry. Makes sense to me! Using the photos below, I am sharing with you ideas regarding the design of your kitchen office/desk area as well as pointing out various functional components. Although these photos are of a kitchen office/desk the same design and function ideas could be incorporated in a desk in your child’s room, a desk in the playroom, or a built-in desk in a separate room in your home used for an office. I am joining Julia’s Hooked on Friday blog party because I am Hooked on Kitchen Office/Desks. Click <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/06/18/hooked-on-victory-gardens/">here</a> to check out her party. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiajzH4DjcvITSlYjxQ2Zoseg-ie9R5DBJvd9Nz8HO51ioEvsB3ZTxOXSjg3hvyerOj6rPNVXs7JtJM2Zprl-cBtnYJoXVpoWzH4T21-C7A-w_xmV41RXK-y8C81ouKuZO0qJt4n3rbZmA/s1600-h/IMG_00063.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0006" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnS2bXsmh4bBkHfXbBP6Ws_0YDje5bWUDVgsbGDAfe3WHmCvktkzFUqT4JT9SdNpIl8qS3KhBbBLYL7ykX6N3ROJiw8NX_mZLxlWk1XfZzLeGttruLu0h5aq3ACe4VB_D763ZY0kwfyg7/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0006" width="380" /></a> ^Notice in the photo above is a file drawer on the far left of the knee hole with two narrow drawers above. There is a vertical cabinet for the hard drive to left of the knee hole, a drawer or what could be a keyboard pullout above the knee hole, and a pair of cabinet doors to the right of the knee hole. There is one wide shallow drawer above the cabinet doors which would be a good place for pens, pencils, paper clips, stapler, three-hole punch, etc.  Based on looking at the photo,  I would incorporate the design shown below in the area where the two cabinet doors are located to the right of the knee hole to hold the printer.  I like using a fake cabinet door front on a pullout shelf as shown in the photo below instead of having cabinet doors because the doors become cumbersome for the person sitting at the desk trying to reach around the cabinet door to use the printer. There is a blackboard on the wall above the desk for messages. The fact that the knee hole is wide enough for the chair to fit as well as a waste paper basket is good. A common mistake is having no place for a waste paper basket. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kCiha29Y9xlhby48EnCPyxBxcdQ0w0_EYA_7n2PRT2CXckeijWsdjiqkMXGTgAfKvoo0IAlLZVX0gejMiEwOrNMH9DV4bpffS2aOgOBklZCqifssFy8GjjcH5HD5n7FTObqpHMDiRdTT/s1600-h/IMG_0014%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0014" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefJzoGWRmHShwdVe2CJUnYD2yYlLMtlc6qJ4PWWuunDbFlqn6IEqnRY1jJ8wQWNYJO_3vb7azqhNk7okoOqla6NxGejtq0dxuGcLXH20M1rnPtC_VBn1w2rMZ5fk6X3jwClZBYPWjitkS/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0014" width="380" /></a> ^Southern Living July 2009 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDN5tLRZzpWi2Nat6y35VAk0n6RCSGohgwB2thwS4wL1zJg0GWQvm1PIXWy5UWgA5AndSqG9JFvnlp3FynthKom67YRa5Qz47UTaQnC4Rs6g1Xi13GGVioQNYIBa7JYLRpMWgu3XSdLKx/s1600-h/IMG_00081.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0008" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZvOBBYkmkPJDXVqRucUX7KttzTLDrUylIGcE7Bkzr1l3bEfod1hRoyLdtZU-RDIEG7UXL_FQH5bD1381yb47W3BtzFF25FY9FIGapfd15C9ziV-MPMYGGm4za8ulnX_oYgkaW-teSEaK/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0008" width="408" /></a> ^Though the look of this desk is attractive, the seven small drawers on the left are too small to be very functional in the overall scheme of things. So much of the space is taken up by the rails and styles that form the drawers. I like the vertical cubby holes for mail and such, blackboard for messages, pencil drawer above the knee hole, two smaller drawers above the knee hole, having a lamp, and the bottom drawer to left of knee hole which appears to be a file drawer. ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkpwpcrEmLt8ESUl6bkXg0w6Kj9l5kMEV8T3sJLptTQYRWZJ_7KJA7alNs397WoHLkil_KEshhyiu2MPObeQnyQmPvuqzlOou49WiNZT54IY2066b6CH-9FHEdFp7-swORd-QtL_dOAU0/s1600-h/IMG_00051.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0005" border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lEI2or5sTJEx0OmtBANPBwO4qEqETmggBgh2HSfeHrJRGsnW7F8AFHeDbBUHmbmEbmsSuFtqHseZ6B53P1mP9GzYFfomSDBteRpuwLrcIPbQUiTgg1F3dp1OuMMYF9L67VRpWD-0pM5h/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0005" width="380" /></a>^In this photo is an interesting desk area tucked away in the corner of the kitchen with a great window. From what is shown in this photo, there is not much file storage or a computer.  Though this post is not about floors, don’t you think that is an unusual design and choice for a floor in front of the stove? ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghU0UbAR07pNbZ6cSp4S2mRKXDB-iGWoeMp4j2q0r6KLqGMvD8PYfjIR3KfPj6GNtvycn7F1E7AmjMLk9YN5HdrIRWbG6zsRIAJhsLxyreMNSax4aAvP2_vqUg2MLNe0ZJ3KEuS1ifNBPK/s1600-h/IMG_00042.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpRpDJMzoGMoAXqRcN_tY6Mqpz2Rt4t3ZOoUlT4nhtDfvdNok3hGXZfn3iNSzk29tfoXQD2NAH4aZ-ntTePIJtxiGOgrlrrTDe64UhIyJZMkYZiwy4oj-aSGCJtBrH1GxvBCqf0ifbqld/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0004" width="381" /></a> ^There are four file drawers in this compact desk area in this kitchen. Also a keyboard pullout, cabinets above and bookcases to the right. No smaller drawers for pens, pencils, paper clips, etc.  I imagine in this particular home or condominium there is a lot of depth which is why this kitchen counter is so long. I can see the box of Cook’s Illustrated magazines which is one of my favorites. ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DotYQjZwxSh9gYxKBad11-lrDfCfOq8nwqqb_wtLI6rj11p-a3401mz9GM97U6LJkPxm1kGYbz8-IXJno3ymuYnEpp-f-aawpXXnC0NDCcLgMjPGPo64h6Aa0LalMBX0oQOY5mtNiBv4/s1600-h/IMG_00111.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0011" border="0" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9evq0WWGLvCwcZyfUjOQm6ed2B5VVyjZaOjrFcnyWuLzF1tdnfjZEqMbFsocgHi_ZJT5z_yq3NGpifgiPvgSvHlx0ZToPEL-oMQpoMHICcIyJ6q0pQBXlQioUYsgU0XpButuudNQeIF8/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0011" width="380" /></a> This built-in desk is a great look with great potential but I immediately see some problems. Where would you put the hard drive for your computer?  If the wide drawer above the knee hole is for a keyboard, you still need a pencil drawer. It could be the angel of the photograph, but it seems the upper cabinets are too low. I find the upper cabinet door pulls located in the lower center of the door to be awkward. When is the waste paper basket? What I do like are what appears to be four file drawers. I like the blackboard for messages. I like the large monthly calendar and bulletin boards on the wall between the desk top and the upper cabinets. I like the fact that phone cords and electrical cords and outlets are hidden from sight. ^Traditional Home  March 2008 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaNLua0IvzMfE1H5uWz0BepAO43eVpx8e1hXKEic1s6E2OmNE27AOtMOccs7mRSZP2S1CncIQyVQE9l2vvWLBM2viljXb_b9vjRFjkoMButBrTJ9DMkQCLhJY8tC3d_3hBhW4mgOO0dPx/s1600-h/IMG_00031.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0003" border="0" height="658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw6qnXqIk3tOhR8HfTFPnNCG3EQ1lJ81RLQjFucOljP3pslJU9tlXPKKdt2GaOQ84ylVYeWvzxW9RnzDnVuOiXKj2lICTYarwXvclgA1QLxQb4Yhbkwp6Nau60XP1qfy5mgo9_jSVEMru/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0003" width="380" /></a> ^In this photo, I like the upper cabinet components having cubby holes, open bookcase, and cabinet doors. I like the file drawer and two smaller drawers above. I don’t like seeing the phone, electric, or internet cable connections in the knee hole.  ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkVRTL6CzBH_-SHm6hXcOEWurtyuuAEbY8F33bBIlfVl7ni1n6XvkeV5KMOZRy9ydT5zTsvhiS_e2oJtd6HKpnQS53QnIC1HIiuVXHTGaducaJrLueNgUxW5cJMNVZ78w_8H_zRWLcOGE/s1600-h/IMG_00021.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" height="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNW5m8z_u6j2rMG6NFLlRWdGWxbcv0s4oW86Hi8696TLtHbeHrziul-Ry4KS97nQTk2jdhF3NRoGIIG6AKpSfkuQHHPQOPBh_Ry4FFedbt3YxreEt9-7mn20xlWUW1QsGduzCbV0cHGgv/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0002" width="380" /></a> ^This desk area blends nicely with the kitchen. However, according to Murphy’s Law, with the refrigerator right next to the desk, someone will place a beverage or food and it will spill on the laptop or important papers. important. No file drawers which I think are a must for a kitchen desk area to hold warranties, instructions, etc. ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXca0uspOHdp1JwDcUtmLlZOuCEUhgwN_CEBvo7TcAAS0FZuxluklt-zu5UiHlY0ja1DxS8jkpsmjnAweBw1rnSr2qDP2xLI0ef39gWoD1UvYF1rvYv3QNQZxL1dDMb0MLFXl9XIdUunzn/s1600-h/IMG_00016.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HSqqsdFAhPhNwMkVrdmUT5ZkEHcfvVxES78oiIKEshbNIBq9NpP1rLbpLBdYT40UeZM3hRkwcUcr3Jxr-qfGUrHJ8PlVns9KJ870J0Eq8wrS0pX9GTPf10hbJXBV_CaoOEJXWhLU8d5O/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0001" width="414" /></a> ^Though unable to tell in this photo, because of the ladder, I think it is correct to assume the ceilings are quite high and there are at least two rows of shelves or cabinets above the desk.  I like what appears to be a framed burlap bulletin board on the wall in front of the desk. I like the size of it.  File drawers to the right of the knee hole make me smile. However, no keyboard pullout or pencil drawers is a negative. The two drawers on the desk top directly in front of the knee hole look nice but are not functional as to open them, you have to clear whatever is on the desk.  Nice looking desk chair don’t you think? ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnvvCvgEG776UXGxVgbdcspPDRAFlNRBIHbCOjTk2DwBGWHBzhOhjY6mm1c5NG9xmO2G815-L3NQK2RZeq3KF7klq9u153ZF_xbBUCC2yIw9vgVnLZfCNjfNx4CHqENLWDsG6Yj_-QzV5/s1600-h/IMG_00091.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0009" border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_ceX-wCj6lxZiwXiImYaQSjq3dlcFWVO7Wfw-T-a6xUgR2h3Ovq-Yl_xTDKrlO9bejiCwH2Iw7wz3fM1M0vazEtccnhg23-SRRtWvz3m-IW5RLPNnAV0cuywl8YwAj2FBm4YIZTy5Aab/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0009" width="380" /></a>   ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E-rGujuMK34lJzJ27nJCLl7PmH0KyXT5_yex4IndCdjsH3pTawKpwtbfyuXtO-cgxi0r0TogkmrRrb2nK8PVKBTmdL7-vcFiREx3P8tpKFowX3Xe2PyeIRvLsLeWuLnLgR4Q0b40kDd1/s1600-h/IMG1.jpg"><img alt="IMG" border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvUO4QW_QdJTYOtlzGNQwdxvmWRgaayCczZpPZeRfYy1wJZFbh2_L2eHx7eiejBoKSvGTzYqZ52N1fwOz45hP7-FxufMAHh8r1kA2SJaD5-zp39RiVY9qwhvOZj6IQz_hQGN_LdvXQgRf/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG" width="380" /></a> ^Source of  photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTf22LzbRzIMRu3SLFXrTOFlTAx9ZjtgfQfwkyLlPKzo8Za5U49urLEhfdDGq0BLBaf3OiWUuJ5qlwUniC1rko5nn7-XQvuU8Ug9jYAZrpwm7G4qpaiwwsc_yXUPy5c5Ommvm-s5UEuS5/s1600-h/IMG_00071.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0007" border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bH3Bo1im_hQg5GT79FJyqeYQOyopMzPmGEhzLFh8G4SKAHSXFMYY2AR-kBZdb0-HUOUeCq9sji23C01PgOEfl_xissXF4C0tchCXj6jvh8qtUY6D1Ep-Sk-6yC0BuaRdQEFEgPUAVzUK/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0007" width="380" /></a> ^When designing your kitchen office/desk area, one decision you need to make is whether you want it desk high or bar stool high. This is a not A right or wrong decision but a personal preference. Also, is having a window important to you?  Though this desk area does not have a pencil drawer, you can see a pencil carousel on the counter. Some people like a clean counter with minimal items, others like lots of clutter. Both the pencil carousel and the pencil drawer work, it is a personal preference regarding which way to go.  I don’t know about you but I seem to have lots to file so for me the two tiers of horizontal file drawers are a big plus. ^Source of photo unknown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuNZMPByJvEfX0lVuz3cOaSIG2Bf21y4ETsMOcMMC8I0soXEeCrasNg60jq_I_-rOnJG9JPKUp4moGTA0P62UDAC0NCP-uUX4ilzmVSEINykaZOEB7SkHZx1x-0cnKdxvWoDZGMEkx_Vk/s1600-h/IMG_00104.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0010" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXsttwuYj78iTknuPzoTYOoduhiDNRiZiw3DzHSPagOqcL7Oty0P-2JL_-VnNTG2UJarHJ3cbIO7OwQcmNX1VCQ7Ep_ngcB1M40eDqzk7YiIBDeJYOciphsZmBABRhSg3w2kkp3NFClRN/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0010" width="359" /></a>^The kitchen/desk area in this kitchen has two functions. It can serve as a desk but when cleared off, it can be used as a kitchen counter.  I like the knee hole extending to cover both counters. I also like the two file drawers. A swivel bar stool would be a better choice. ^KITCHENS XIX <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW0BzxJGZnTq9Wj4WT5jMhASnbq1PovUO7uyMK7K9jQLMD7GgN1MS1nKLJbpTsuilC06ePiz5h0kb7SA54GW324MO6049G0CULgNfWCQnRulYagfZuDsma-clSZHiDSk-ygn3sLsajZLC/s1600-h/IMG_00121.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0012" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxp4W1oZxLjdkmukfzRLtN1bs5oD2RLwx7oraXbMOaKKnSu2U4Ob1RCHz6oeWzgSpyd9i83ov2GI4WlFXNqJ-c1fcprN7YzUEZIvyUj4goe-y-TMrZqOFF8lgvdzNvMO8kiITF2YhY5Gk/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0012" width="380" /></a> Though the photo does not show it, there are two grooves cut into the wood towards the back of the drawer. There are two metal bar sthat the hanging files are hooked on for 8 1/2 X 11 size files. Towards the back of the drawer which is showing up all white in this photo are two groove cut into the side of the drawer. The back metal bar can be lifted and moved to the back of the drawer and slid into these two grooves which then allows for hanging legal size files.  I worked this design out with my carpenter. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBa1fatifbPmAjeVprfiDD674UDxhYxEDIvhhoPS2IyndUNBcZPAWUW-usPRPwaNBYDg5PqEI0E3OfcTH1InXiVc2VtHwyq46fN99-vmHEjfN4yTUzCgt9QXFNy4Q-EuH7nKn_ElCIfz_I/s1600-h/IMG_0015%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0015" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3Km62J7XUni1OOOImsu-7pFFAzz64vKMuhVpHjCJpBJek8ZrMrNd15AIkcZ4cwm_dZZ0_N70gL-XmBMJrN4dp96u8gPwq3hT8ETDfUX4V03JMQ4QevoaWfEHfSKLx2v8efeWsdWe1DH2/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0015" width="300" /></a> ^Depending on what you might file in your desk drawers, consider adding locks for security. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope what I have shared regarding kitchen office/desks has been inspiring and educational. Please consider leaving me a comment as hearing from people gives me a sometimes needed boost. In a few days I will be following up this post with my related Mistakes to Avoid post.  Blessings.  …susan

Kitchen Office/Desk Area

If you are like me, I always tend to gather in the kitchen whether it is in my home or at a friend’s. In fact, as I type this post, I am sit...

9:28:00 AM

Options to Consider When Selecting Bookcase Lighting

<div align="center">Whether you want to illuminate a bookcase so that you are able to read the titles in order to find a particular book or you want to illuminate beautiful collections you have on display, or to add extra light to a particular area of a room, there are several options to consider when selecting your book case lighting. Option one is the external mounted fixtures. Option two is using rope lighting along the frame of the bookcase or under the bookcase shelves. Option three is to use recessed canned lights or puck lighting above each shelf. Additonally, depending on the fixture you choose, you have various options as to how each is mounted. Some can mount into the bookcase itself, others in the wall above the bookcase. Some have a decorative mount that is visible while the mount in others is hidden. You will also want to pay attention to the distance the fixture projects out from the bookcase once mounted. The further out it projects, the more shelves it will illuminate. However, there is an aesthetic balance between the size of the bookcase and the size and projection distance of the light fixture. One more choice to make is the of material and finish, which is simply a personal preference.</div> <div align="center">What I like about the external mounted fixture in the photo below, unlike the fixture in the next photo, is the width of the light fixture illuminates the entire width of the shelf. Note this fixture is mounted into the top of the bookcase with the mount hidden from sight.</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTne34Gzdl35oZTLFMdrJr1a14SGeppkKyKxlMEYyD9EzAawLP7xYqINWF7SMMnhDn_G0Oq_WVOhRVLBFab5FEPKUYMJa47KrOB7twRMk-6f9RqRd8ypT6xlBlxNisMe2wonITBBmJVzg/s1600-h/IMG_0006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317518094116035234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTne34Gzdl35oZTLFMdrJr1a14SGeppkKyKxlMEYyD9EzAawLP7xYqINWF7SMMnhDn_G0Oq_WVOhRVLBFab5FEPKUYMJa47KrOB7twRMk-6f9RqRd8ypT6xlBlxNisMe2wonITBBmJVzg/s320/IMG_0006.jpg" style="WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" /></a> Looking carefully the at the photo below, you will see the bookcase light fixture matches the art light. This does not have to be the case though they need to compliment each other. Also, the width of the light fixture above the bookcase is a bit narrow realated to the width of the bookcase. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoHfNfwX1LTrcxbHSZjT6tHlRrAfsd93P2MI922QX0KEV7u3kcwJRB4Xuv1TlyGAGvfE-tE66X_0eF-GUTKnLgy6yqm1NE2ykTJ1115TnnUrA1_DKd9qANlb1RD1Wpf7gr5Cad6RGJIKz/s1600-h/IMG_0007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317515729877259986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoHfNfwX1LTrcxbHSZjT6tHlRrAfsd93P2MI922QX0KEV7u3kcwJRB4Xuv1TlyGAGvfE-tE66X_0eF-GUTKnLgy6yqm1NE2ykTJ1115TnnUrA1_DKd9qANlb1RD1Wpf7gr5Cad6RGJIKz/s320/IMG_0007.jpg" style="WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" /></a> You will see matching fixtures for the bookcase and for the art in the photo below. Note the bookcase fixtures are mounted above the bookcase. (photo from Beautiful Homes Fall 2008) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwamBdYYEHaewoVjdRUwpZUeJbnoLntJ3ONiF0DAXH25NGdaDPwcVcKMMNj1JpWOsXjETj3j33e5lZiPmm0UtVPbcEZ9HMXEeP7CnN72HdTLyJ9TogXhqYKyJaaNEE-_iRao075BOxyZw/s1600-h/IMG_0008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317516751026649634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwamBdYYEHaewoVjdRUwpZUeJbnoLntJ3ONiF0DAXH25NGdaDPwcVcKMMNj1JpWOsXjETj3j33e5lZiPmm0UtVPbcEZ9HMXEeP7CnN72HdTLyJ9TogXhqYKyJaaNEE-_iRao075BOxyZw/s320/IMG_0008.jpg" style="WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDitDB4GHF2IZewF75WkOBB-P5AI9Fq2ZjVb5b2viAedk6oY_urQxbfO-WjUjWpNX5MsKOqPFwl_FKUZ_-kU9RNuO_InmMjL3UsG9wll3YkEO2sHbVAhtVusulONoH0olxsousyX6_J1X/s1600-h/IMG_0009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317517192073143618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDitDB4GHF2IZewF75WkOBB-P5AI9Fq2ZjVb5b2viAedk6oY_urQxbfO-WjUjWpNX5MsKOqPFwl_FKUZ_-kU9RNuO_InmMjL3UsG9wll3YkEO2sHbVAhtVusulONoH0olxsousyX6_J1X/s320/IMG_0009.jpg" style="WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwamBdYYEHaewoVjdRUwpZUeJbnoLntJ3ONiF0DAXH25NGdaDPwcVcKMMNj1JpWOsXjETj3j33e5lZiPmm0UtVPbcEZ9HMXEeP7CnN72HdTLyJ9TogXhqYKyJaaNEE-_iRao075BOxyZw/s1600-h/IMG_0008.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoHfNfwX1LTrcxbHSZjT6tHlRrAfsd93P2MI922QX0KEV7u3kcwJRB4Xuv1TlyGAGvfE-tE66X_0eF-GUTKnLgy6yqm1NE2ykTJ1115TnnUrA1_DKd9qANlb1RD1Wpf7gr5Cad6RGJIKz/s1600-h/IMG_0007.jpg"></a> <div align="center">In the photo above it appears the fixutres are mounted into the top of the bookcase with the mount completely hidden from sight. (photo from Trends, date unknown)</div><div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mHLVOcY6Dw_SdsBR3EojCOLHkIJw-d6aad5U5FgFNKT9HPw1XRbGWj2Ut1NmT-T4NwKtYhhGXxCpKFEfTCxEAkJjC9fNuBllu9GUea5CcLctApZNJcuzAPz4tgTh9xxHuQsN0slDOVFM/s1600-h/IMG_0005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317515416854061234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mHLVOcY6Dw_SdsBR3EojCOLHkIJw-d6aad5U5FgFNKT9HPw1XRbGWj2Ut1NmT-T4NwKtYhhGXxCpKFEfTCxEAkJjC9fNuBllu9GUea5CcLctApZNJcuzAPz4tgTh9xxHuQsN0slDOVFM/s320/IMG_0005.jpg" style="WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" /></a></div> <div align="center">Above is another style of a bookcase lighting fixture. The arm on these fixtures curves and it appears the angle of the light can be adjusted. The mount is visible but tasteful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEby0vXu9GyynYO6Yt0mixKtLL7LiQvyuJJwObd7L_UyLsAZ1BVlpNvIsqDfJ3jcQjp2oMqs0uB7UgMa72yLnhVS93bJ2XygPY17RN3JwtEOyQSVxJkh_KkmjDBDkT4FQNeKOFWmNVLxfj/s1600-h/IMG_0004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317515309520798066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEby0vXu9GyynYO6Yt0mixKtLL7LiQvyuJJwObd7L_UyLsAZ1BVlpNvIsqDfJ3jcQjp2oMqs0uB7UgMa72yLnhVS93bJ2XygPY17RN3JwtEOyQSVxJkh_KkmjDBDkT4FQNeKOFWmNVLxfj/s320/IMG_0004.jpg" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px" /></a> The fixtures used in the photo above have a more decorative appeal with a decorative mount. Hopefully, both the arm of the fixture and the light itself adjusts up and down. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX6K7W49QzTgA-x-CdEoJ0Ozgrd2l7UmngG2mP3elpHjxu8-54ashQRCXNtTpOwJ367BQHkkRhzMmupTLAImtiJwSkPWxOQ25Pex4ER-KAvwogjtRhAj5x0yrATBDaN1gU9Dc7swRsTcO/s1600-h/IMG_0003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317515016653268786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX6K7W49QzTgA-x-CdEoJ0Ozgrd2l7UmngG2mP3elpHjxu8-54ashQRCXNtTpOwJ367BQHkkRhzMmupTLAImtiJwSkPWxOQ25Pex4ER-KAvwogjtRhAj5x0yrATBDaN1gU9Dc7swRsTcO/s320/IMG_0003.jpg" style="WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" /></a></div> <div align="center">Yet another decorative type fixture is shown in the photo above. There seems to be an elbow in the arm of this fixture which will allow you to adjust the angle in which the light shines. Most likely the light fixture itself is adjustable, too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ9zft2QXmHJGRVPrW2QmQP93IsHJosRmdY5btprvU6KDNg_QYwQ4NyEXaAiTQJbTNEUzLC6I4d1UrIYgoAkY5W80VPV__U1q0RM4L8ZSmgD8qr-pZwFYp-5G2lGklz_L3r9iM_NzPKVo/s1600-h/IMG_0002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317514853912957650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ9zft2QXmHJGRVPrW2QmQP93IsHJosRmdY5btprvU6KDNg_QYwQ4NyEXaAiTQJbTNEUzLC6I4d1UrIYgoAkY5W80VPV__U1q0RM4L8ZSmgD8qr-pZwFYp-5G2lGklz_L3r9iM_NzPKVo/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" style="WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" /></a></div> <div align="center">The bookcase in the photo above appears to have used rope lighting placed just inside the outer stiles of the bookcase which gives a soft glow. </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wAV4XfVbc1qURsIxcdf1MaMfOxLNrs7B3QZCuZuyh3dBexvvPy1v1PQBx1jkkOInGeMhnoQBbHZwW6e1fk95O3HVX07-zeqgj12MO3XWC8BrqjJ-mDMdJxn_BFlkqGuUF9nTQoHZlGzg/s1600-h/IMG_0001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317514709841928866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wAV4XfVbc1qURsIxcdf1MaMfOxLNrs7B3QZCuZuyh3dBexvvPy1v1PQBx1jkkOInGeMhnoQBbHZwW6e1fk95O3HVX07-zeqgj12MO3XWC8BrqjJ-mDMdJxn_BFlkqGuUF9nTQoHZlGzg/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px" /></a> In the photo at right are small recessed canned lights mounted in the top of the bookcase as well as used to light the art on both sides of the bookcase. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTuqeElzPY_k9h4i-pAu1VlzPybNlwq6OIfmqTS9ovcHR0cD-ZZikTuebPcd9o8anoF0AxNYo3lX59w0PJYM7KNatGCQP0EjUTGXLAp8M4IizC2D3J73HX7RXK7GBiSfUmZpsDlmB82IK/s1600-h/IMG_0073.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317517288101332034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTuqeElzPY_k9h4i-pAu1VlzPybNlwq6OIfmqTS9ovcHR0cD-ZZikTuebPcd9o8anoF0AxNYo3lX59w0PJYM7KNatGCQP0EjUTGXLAp8M4IizC2D3J73HX7RXK7GBiSfUmZpsDlmB82IK/s320/IMG_0073.jpg" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" /></a> I took these two photos in a home I visited that was under construction. The lighting fixtures were so sleek and blended into the bookcase. I did not see these illuminated so I am not sure how much light they projected. I just noticed the date on the photograph is 3-16-98. I cannot believe I took these over ten years ago! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zX_Kmn5M6dKOi8376PzftTYVpBHwkUNz9gTALK8avF7VLyof6TVmlx-rhAwTVhhmnH5EkSmgG2rBi533f1CUDZYz6nx8B_QLPIIMYRRaMDD7jhxz_uguDLJiCR0xcopfesM__s20Zkv0/s1600-h/IMG_0074.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317517380853557602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zX_Kmn5M6dKOi8376PzftTYVpBHwkUNz9gTALK8avF7VLyof6TVmlx-rhAwTVhhmnH5EkSmgG2rBi533f1CUDZYz6nx8B_QLPIIMYRRaMDD7jhxz_uguDLJiCR0xcopfesM__s20Zkv0/s320/IMG_0074.jpg" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" /></a> (The source of many of the photos used in this blog is unknown. If this is your photo, please contact me and I will add source or remove.)

Options to Consider When Selecting Bookcase Lighting

Whether you want to illuminate a bookcase so that you are able to read the titles in order to find a particular book or you want to illumina...

8:04:00 AM

Dang! No One Can See My House Numbers at Night!

You have the directions you printed off Mapquest in your hand as you head to a a friend's new home in a new area of town. You easily find their street but it is dark and you cannot see any house numbers on the street. You reach for your cell phone and ring up the homeowner letting them know you are on their street but you cannot figure out which house is their's. The thought that immediatlely pops into the homeowner's mind is "Dang! No one can see my house numbers at night! I forgot to put a light on my house numbers."" As with this example, there are many exterior lighting details that can easily be overlooked when designing your dream home. Illuminating your house numbers whether the numbers are mounted on your home, on the mail box, painted on a rock, on the riser of a step, on a column, or some other place is one of those details. Not only does it help friends, cab drivers, and other people find your home but also emergency vehicles. Another exterior lighting detail to consider includes adequate lighting for grilling. How many times have you been served a hamburger that is so rare due to the chef's inability to see that you think you can still hear the cow moo-ing? What about your driveway for little ones on their riding toys on a summer night or a competitive game of basketball that lasts past sunset? Safety wise, you would want some type of lights along any sidewalks especially if there are steps. Proper lighting around doors is important so that the homeowner can see the person ringing the door bell and see to insert a key into the door. If your trash area is outside your garage, you will want to be able to illuminate the pathway to the trash cans. Depending on the location of your home, you might need lighting on the corners of your home in the event you need to go outside at night. If you have a gated driveway or a gate to your walkway or courtyard, you will need lighting so your visitor can see to use the call box. Take a close look at your driveway on your plans and decide if there are any areas that need lighting. Once again, pay attention to the details, in this case, the exterior lighting details. Pages 225-227 in Designing Your Dream Home has checklists pertaining to lighting, including exterior lighting. Be sure to keep the environment in mind and discuss lighting options that are environmentally friendly.

Dang! No One Can See My House Numbers at Night!

You have the directions you printed off Mapquest in your hand as you head to a a friend's new home in a new area of town. You easily fin...

7:25:00 AM

Utility Use Decisions You Need to Make Before Meeting With Your Architect

First, you need to identify which utility companies provide their particular utility to your property and at what cost. Hopefully during the due diligence process before purchasing your land this information was presented. Next, you need to determine how you will use each utitilty in the home you want to build. Will you use natural gas for heating, hot water, stove top/range top, oven, dryer, fireplaces, fire pit, grill, swimming pool, lap pool, hot tub, exterior lanterns, exterior lamp posts, or other. Will you use the cable for your internet connection and television? If so, which rooms or areas in and around your home will need access to the cable? What telephone service will you use? Which rooms or areas in and around your home will need access to the phone line? Will you want to bury the electrical wires on your property? What areas away from your home will need electrical power? Will you need more than one electric meter? Will you need water lines to go to areas on your property other than your home? Will you need a second water meter for your lawn sprinkler system, your swimming pool, or other water feature that does not involve sewer so that you will not be charged the sewer portion of your water bill? Does the size of the home you plan to build require special water features such as a sprinkler system or fire hose hook up required by the codes department? Knowing the answers to the these utility questions before meeting with your architect is a plus! You will find a checklist with some of this information on page 72 in my book, Designing Your Dream Home, plus other related information throughout the book. ...Susan Lang

Utility Use Decisions You Need to Make Before Meeting With Your Architect

First, you need to identify which utility companies provide their particular utility to your property and at what cost. Hopefully during the...

8:28:00 AM

She moved because the order of light switches drove her crazy!

I ran into a friend this weekend who was with her friend. She introduced me to her friend and told her friend about my blogging. When I shared the recent blog I wrote about the guy who moved his family due to the location of a light switch, this woman immediately chimed in that she had moved because of the order of a gang of light switches. She said she had specifically told the electrian the order she wanted but for some reason the order she specified was not carried out. This particular group (gang) of light switches were some she used daily. She said she was never able to wrapped her mind around the order. As if she was playing charades, I saw her frustration first hand as she took her arms and fingers and acted out the way she would flip on and off several switches trying to find the one she was looking for! Daily she would find herserlf turning on the wrong switch. It became a daily source of irritation and eventually it was the catalyst that made her move! These two blogs demonstrate why it is important to pay attention to the details of electrical plans. Chapter 7 of Designing Your Dream Home addresses electrical, HVAC, and plumbing details.

She moved because the order of light switches drove her crazy!

I ran into a friend this weekend who was with her friend. She introduced me to her friend and told her friend about my blogging. When I shar...

6:19:00 PM

He moved his family due to a light switch!

I love talking to people about the home in which they live. I cannot begin to estimate the number of times I have asked the question "What are the five things you like about your home and what are the five things you would want changed?" Or if someone has just built a home or remodeled, I would ask "What are the five things you are glad you did and what are the five things you wish you had done differently?" It is from these questions and the answers to these questions that I have learned a great deal about designing a functional home. One day recently, I was on a cardio machine at the gym, chatting with a new friend on the machine next to me. He told me a story about one home where he and his family had lived . He came downstairs one night to check on a noise that had awakened him. As he got to the bottom step of the stairs, he could not find a light switch to turn on a light in the den which he entered from the stairs. He was tripping over toys as he walked in the dark trying to find a light switch to turn on. He finally found it across the room. After several more trips entering the den in the dark, the frustration and danger of not having a light switch in a convenient location caused him to put his home on the market and move! Have you or any one you know ever moved from their home due to a functional design flaw that got on their last nerve? Please share the story! ...susan

He moved his family due to a light switch!

I love talking to people about the home in which they live. I cannot begin to estimate the number of times I have asked the question "W...

10:26:00 AM

Finally you have moved in, the moment of truth...

Welcome to my blog! I'm breaking out of my comfort zone and starting this blog to share some of my best information about designing a home. I'm a first-time author. My book, Designing Your Dream Home, is a resource for people who are designing a home or going through renovations. With this blog, I'll be sharing tips from the book and (hopefully) providing great dialogue to help you in case you're in that boat. I'll do my best not to shove the book down your throat, but know that my book is my baby and I'm passionate about the information within its pages. I'm a home design consultant specializing in assisting a homeowner in identifying their needs, wants, and desires so that their home will be functional yet beautiful. Please be forgiving as I muddle through and learn about blogging. I'd also appreciate feedback, so leave comments and let me know what areas that interest you! So, you have spent a year, two years, or even longer planning and building your dream home. Finally you have moved in and you face the moment of truth, "Does my new home function like I envisioned or did I even think about the function?" The moment of truth hits you in the face as you reach for a light switch in the dark and it is not there. You think, oh my goodness, why is the light switch not on this wall? All of a sudden you feel panicked wondering what other mistakes have been made? There is a group of light switches ganged together and the order of the switches makes no sense to you as you keep flipping switches trying to find the one you want to turn on. You walk into a dark room reaching for a light switch only to realize it was mounted on the wall behind the door. Is it possible that each time you want to turn on the light you will have to close the door and reach around to find the light switch? Maybe you want to plug in something and there is no outlet in the area. You have received a beautiful house warming floral arrangement that you place on your dining room table only to realize the chandelier is not centered on the table. Perhaps you go to the entertainment center and open a door to turn on your stereo system only to realize it is too dark to read the buttons on the receiver. You have three things (lamp, cordless phone base, alarm clock) you wish to plug into the duplex outlet by your bed. You ask yourself, why didn't I put a quad outlet there? These are just a few residential electrical plan mistakes that could have been avoided. I will share more in other blogs! Share yours with me! Thanks for reading. ...susan

Finally you have moved in, the moment of truth...

Welcome to my blog! I'm breaking out of my comfort zone and starting this blog to share some of my best information about designing a ho...

9:41:00 AM

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