There are so many places in your home in which you can show off your quirky or whimsical side. I prefer the less obvious places where these little touches are subtle and give people a chance to determine if they really did see something odd or not.
My son has been going through his 1970s house and making it more about him and his lifestyle rather than about the very ordinary style of the previous owner. When my son asked for some ideas for his outside lighting, I sent him a fairly large variety of styles that would enhance his exterior. When he saw the Gargoyles, he naturally loved them, but thought, “this must be a test”; after looking over all the choices, he selected a few and sent them back to me, but asked about the gargoyles: was I really serious or was it a test?
While we appear to be a fairly plain and possibly dull family, we have our quirky side and express it differently; Gargoyles are part of that quirky side; you will find several around if you know where to look. When my son posed the question, I told him to go for it; it suited him, and with a click of his computer mouse, he purchased a pair for the front of his house.
I did caution him not to overdo it, and to limit the Gargoyles to the pair. He chose something similar for some other areas that needed lighting at the front of his house, but the back deck is completely different with a different vibe going on there.
Lighting is very important to a home’s function and style. Most overhead lighting is not particularly useful for tasks that we need to perform in a given room. Table, floor and desk lights are more suitable for performing tasks, while track lighting is great for a dark hallway where you want to create a gallery wall of art or photographs, or just light the way in an interesting fashion.
Track or cable lighting is also useful in small rooms where there is limited space for table or floor lamps. These inventive lights come in hight and low intensity, and they are very directional, giving you light where it is most needed. Track lights can be very unobtrusive as well. Cable lighting is particularly good in spaces where there is concrete construction, like in old loft spaces or newer condos.
Chandeliers have become big business in recent years, and people are using them in more unexpected places. I applaud their use, but make them fit with the style of the room; and make sure they give you the light you need. For instance, a pretty chandelier in a powder room is perfect, but in a bathroom where you need to shave or apply make-up, you will need more serious task lighting. Add some sconces to either side of the mirror for more effective lighting. By all means, add sparkle and whimsey whenever you can.