Play with Light and Shadow

In small spaces such as an apartment, the effects of light and shadow are more pronounced. Too much light and the room can become antiseptic and sterile. It can feel more like a generic hotel room than a home. Too much shadow and the room can become close and oppressive. It becomes more like a cave than a home. The small space is made to feel even smaller. However, when the right balance of shadow and light is achieved, even the smallest of apartments can feel large. Light and shadow textures the walls, draws the eye, and provides a sense of depth to a space.

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The position of your eyes on your face gives you the ability to see in three dimensions. Shadow and light allows your eyes to make sense of what they see. The combination of shadow and light creates depth in space. When properly used, it can create the illusion of space. When considering lighting options, you should always consider how the created-shadows fall. This is why interior designers pay close attention to the position of area lighting.

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Bright lights create stark shadows. Dim lights create less-defined shadows. Interior designers know this, and so, they typically use a combination of light strengths to create a blending effect. This effect provides depth and pleases the eye. You should do the same. Do not simply buy the cheapest light you can find at the store. Toy with different combinations of lights from high wattage bright lights to low wattage dimmer lights. By combining the two, your small space will become a pleasing retreat in which to spend a quiet night.

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You will be spending a large portion of your time in your home. Though it is nice for your home to be pleasing to others, it is more important that you are pleased with it. Do not sacrifice your own comfort in favor of accepted interior design practices. When it comes to light and shadow, create a space where you fill comfortable. A home should be a retreat where you can relax and allow the stress of the day to evaporate. Find what pleases you and incorporate it into your interior design.

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Spending and money on interior design elements is well worth it, but you should take steps to protect your investment by purchasing renter’s insurance. RentersInsurance.com provides comprehensive renters insurance that will allow you to rest easy at night knowing your investment is protected.

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