Learn the skills and concepts you will need to become a Kitchen and Bath Designer. The page below lists schools and colleges that offer excellent programs and degrees in Kitchen and Bath Design. Study basic design, drawing, plumbing and lighting designs that will train you to be a success in the Kitchen and Bath Design Industry.

by Lance Filbert
lance.filbert@interiordecoratingschools.net
Interior Decorating Schools Columnist

So you want to re-do your place, but you don't have the money to go the whole nine yards. Don't worry, not every interior decorating idea costs a lot. Keep the old sofa where it is: all you need to change is some of your home’s interior lighting.

Lighting Design Makes a Big Difference

Interior lighting shapes your space and gives your living quarters a whole new look. High-powered, expensive lighting fixtures are not always necessary. Fairly common track lighting in your living room and in all hallways can give accents to wall décor such as paintings or photos, and also make an area look larger.

Other Interior Lighting Ideas

An interior decorating idea I really love is the use of faux (pardon my French, but that means false) columns with lights behind them. The column runs from floor to ceiling and stands a few inches away from the wall. You can use low voltage lighting fixtures behind the columns and enjoy the glow that spills out into the room. If the column itself is made of a translucent material, the whole thing will glow.

If you like to add whimsical touches to your space, one of my favorites is rope lighting, which consists of tiny lights inside thin plastic tubing. You can run it along the edge of the ceiling, and you can also create artistic design with rope lighting and use it to decorate a wall. It's the kind of lighting fixture that is not often used for interior lighting, and the novelty gives it a great impact.

These are just a few of the interior decorating ideas involving lighting design. You can come up with lots more on your own or find some in the interior lighting department of your local home improvement store.

About the Author
Lance Filbert is known for his witty and innovative design ideas. He has an extensive arts background and has an arts degree from the City University of New York. He lives in San Francisco with his partner, Bertram, and their cairn terriers, Toto and Toklas.

Posted on March 7, 2006 at 02:47 PM