IF YOU'RE thinking of creating a new look in your house but don’t have a big budget, don’t despair. You don’t need to hire an inte- tior decorator or spend a fortune. Looking at new and different lighting fixtures and bulbs gives you a wealth of practical as well as aesthetic options. Hundreds of years ago, renown- ed artists such as da Vinci and Caravaggio developed the tech- nique known as chiaroscuro, meaning “‘light-dark.”’ The artist would place objects and people in varying shades of light in order to draw attention to certain features and conceal others. For example, in a painting, the contours of a woman's dress may not be visible, but a beam of light crosses her face; the artist's inten- tion is to highlight her face, not her dress. You, too, can use this concept when decorating your home. Bearing the da Vinci and Caravaggio technique in mind, take a new look at those parts of your home that often are overlooked. Kitchens and bathrooms are so vital in our everyday lives, yet many people don’t realize that lighting them correctly can be not only attractive but functional. Us- ing some of the following ideas is sure to result in a brighter, more efficient and pleasant living space which boasts a true decorative touch. Directing your home’s lighting towards objects that you wish to make the most of — the purpose of the artist’s technique — can also help you utilize space more effi- ciently. For example, by installing fluorescent lights underneath kitchen cabinets, you can see the food you're preparing much bet- ter. Your counter can now be used where once there was only dark, wasted space. Fluorescent bulbs are especially good to use in kitchens because they are more efficient, producing more light per watt than incandes- cent bulbs. Inttead of positioning a light in the center of your ceiling, hide a hting can ome a facelift fluorescent tube on top of your cabinet so that the light shines up- ward and then bounces off the ceiling and back down onto the kitchen. This gives a warm glow to the room. Spotlights are one of the newest ideas in home decorating. Consider using a wall mounted unit, with a hinged moveable arm, placed so that it shines on to a table that you use often, or over the sink so that washing dishes isn't a gloomy ex- perience anymore. Another innovative option is an infrared light — ideal for keeping the family’s food warm when members of the family aren’t on the same schedule. You don't need to be a fast food restaurant to have food ready and waiting. If you have an eat-in kitchen, you can create the effect of a sepa- rate room simply by adding the appropriate lighting. Try a lamp or chandelier hanging directly over the table to create the sensation of a separate room. To improve on the mood, why not add a dimmer switch to your light. That way, no matter what atmosphere you want to create, the control is at your fingertips. Bathrooms traditionally are used for shaving and applying makeup. The standard one light on top of the mirror results in the poorest reflection. In order to achieve a glare-free and shadow-free reflection, experts recommend that you surround the top and sides of your mirror with low wattage bulbs, similar to those in actors’ dressing rooms. Alternatively, light both sides of your mirror with fluorescent tubes. For a warmer, more flattering ap- WATCH YOUR DIET For intormation on how the YMCAcan improve your lifestyle call: 661-0221 “The Best You Can Do For You”’ pearance be sure to choose a fluorescent with improved color over the standard cool-white tubes. Be adventuresome; cast the glow of a spotlight through track lighting onto a plant or picture in the bathroom. Don't think that these small decorative touches only belong in the living room. Another suggestion is adding a warming light outside of the shower to take the chill off your skin and out of the air. These unusual ideas add flair to the bathroom and are surprisingly af- fordable. 1293 Marine Drive North Vanconvor Pkone 987-1293 Exterior Sun Screen Shades you can see through — now you can control the sun without losing your view. Glare is eliminated and furniture fading stopped. Our fully retractable screens are elegant and practical! Show Room Location Pacific Western Industries Ltd, For further information {547 Welch St. N. Vancouver AWNINGS cat 987-1577 North Vancouver 17 - Friday, August 12, 1988 - North Shore News DEVELOPMENTS CO. LTD. STRUCTURAL REPAIR SPECIALISTS e LEVELLING e REBUILDING ® FOUNDATIONS Structural Assessments Made 434-2939 SKYLIGHTS and SOLARIUMS 45% DISCOUNT ON VINYL DECKING! _ Call today for a free estimate FROPLGA NA Industries Ltd. 929-6361 GAIN SPACE AND GET ORGANIZED! PROFESSIONAL IN-HOME CONSULTATION BY THE ACTUAL INSTALLER WITH OVER 7 YRS. EXP. FREE INSTALLATION Ventilated Sheiving Call today for your “STORAGE SOLUTION” (continues to August 20, 1988)