DESIGNING TIPS FROM A PRO
The following design tips come to us from Debbie Duke, interior designer and owner of Lake Country Interiors at Lake Oconee.

 1.  Muted tones, neutral palettes, French themes and faux skin are among the newest themes found on furniture and accessories for 2008.

 2.  The buzz is about the newest style referred to as “countrypolitan”.  This is a genial blend of country charm and urban sophistication with a touch of casual elegance.

 3.  Chrome, matte nickel and polished nickel are replacing antique bronze as the “must have” finish of 2008.

 4.  It’s not your “Daddy’s” recliner anymore.  Clean lines make the new look.

 5.  Shelves do more than just keep books tidy.  The best bookcases can give any room high-flying drama.

 6.  Good design should envelope you but not overwhelm you.  When you sit in a room, it should reveal itself to you in layers.

 7.  Over 40% of homes now have no living room.  The space is now often repurposed as a retreat, a library, or a music room.

 8.  “Off the wall”  Wallpaper is back in a big way, with many textures and patterns available to create a personalized space.

 9.  Black is back, and it is being used as a backdrop along with neutrals to enhance all of the great “pop” colors such as turquoise, burnt orange, bright reds and chartreuse.

 10.  Asparagus is the newest color to co-ordinate with dark browns and subtle yellows for a “spring fresh” look.

 11.  Men love hunter green, navy blue and claret red, anything associated with hunting, gambling and other manly pursuits.

 12.  A green and white color scheme keeps a space fresh and stylish. Add a bit of yellow, red, and brown to create a feeling of welcome and coziness.

 13.  A turquoise and white color scheme with a touch of zebra fabric gives a room elegance, comfort, style and grace.

 14.  Go for drama with turquoise, white and orange or black, white, and a dash of red.

 15.  “Color craze”  Home owners are now spicing up their kitchens with hues of paprika, mustard, and sage.  What began on crown molding and back splashes is now spilling onto range hoods, cabinets and sinks.

For more tips and advice, please contact Debbie Dukes at the following address: lakecountryid@bellsouth.net


Colorful, Versatile Pendants
If you are looking for a way to update your lighting quickly and easily, try working with pendants.  Pendant lights are a wonderful way to update any home, office, or business.  These lights are available in every color and style.  Their sizes range from two inch minis to those that are up to three feet wide.  When hung in multiples, pendants can replace a chandelier.  Pendants add a point of interest in any setting and are easy to install. Southern Lighting and Lighting Unlimited have a wide assortment of pendants on display in our showrooms.  Come by and see the impact that these lights could make in your home.
 

Lighting for Mature Adults       
Each year more Americans are reaching middle age.  Along with the joys of retirement, come the problems of diminished vision. Meeting the lighting needs of these older adults is a requirement that is growing as our population ages.  Many older adults need brighter lights to perform everyday tasks. Halogen bulbs in fixtures provide a much stronger light source.  Strategically placed table and floor lamps are also beneficial. For safety’s sake, stairwells and outdoor areas need to be checked to ensure adequate illumination.  Our showrooms can provide you with bulbs, lamps, rope lighting and landscape lighting to meet these needs.


Ceiling Fans      
The days grow longer.  The air feels warmer.  Flowers and trees are in bloom.  Spring is here, and with the coming of spring, in the South, families expand their living space to the porch.  Ceiling fans not only cool your home, they make your porches more comfortable as summer approaches.   Just in time for this transition to the outdoors, Southern Lighting and Lighting Unlimited have on display the newest and best Hunter fans.  These reliable and attractive ceiling fans can bring comfort and beauty to any home.  Just mention this article when you come into either of our showrooms and receive a ten percent discount on your Hunter ceiling fan purchase.