How Does Candice Olson Feel about Lighting?

A few weeks ago, I attended the Design Blogger's Conference in Atlanta.  For a full recap of the events, visit here. 

One of my many highlights of the conference was hearing Candice Olson speak and getting to meet her in person!  Yes, the Candice Olson of HGTV's Divine Design, Candice Tells All, and Divine Designs with Candice Olson: Kitchens & Baths . 

Photo Courtesy of HGTV BLog

Here we are at the Kravet Showroom during the HGTV after party. 

 

Candice was full of great advice and I wanted to share some of it with you.  Candice has done her share of renovations and remodels.   A few take aways:

 

1.  Color is one of the most powerful tools a designer has in their toolbox.  The contrast of color and texture is very important in contemporary spaces. 

 

Photo Courtesy of HGTV BLog

Photo Courtesy of HGTV BLog

2.  Stay in the same "design time zone" when decorating a room! 

 

Photo Courtesy of HGTV BLog

 

Photo Courtesy of HGTV BLog

3. And lastly, Lighting is KEY!  Candice is passionate about correct lighting in a room.  She stated that she can make a $2/yard fabric appear like a $200/ yard fabric with the correct lighting. 

 

Lighting can bring to life the iridescence, sparkle and sheen of a wallpaper or fabric.  Or show the texture in a stone or staging item. 

 

Photo Courtesy of HGTV BLog

Sconces mounted on top of mirrors will create an additional layer of light.  It's important to light "things" in the room, not air.  Don't add ceiling lighting if it's not actually pointing to anything.  And think strategically about where you will position your hanging lights in the room.  Make sure they will enhance the design aesthetic of your room.   You'll notice lighting is a well thought-out element in all of Candice Olson's designed rooms. 

 

Courtesy of HGTV

Courtesy of HGTV

Courtesy of HGTV

Courtesy of HGTV

Courtesy of HGTV

Courtesy of HGTV

 

When asked how Candice felt about Halogen lighting versus LED, she said that she is still leans towards halogen lighting because it gives off a pure white and crisp clean color.  LED has a blue quality about it and recessed lights don't have a beam spread like she'd hope for in a room.  Be sure to find lights that give off all the same color (e.g. all white tone).  Don't have a table lamp giving a yellow hue with an overhead light in crisp white! 

 

Seems obvious but I noticed recently when I replaced a bulb in my kitchen overhang lighting, the new bulb was white and the rest of my bulbs are a more vintage yellow hue.  I immediately thought of Candice and removed the bulb! 

 

It was such a pleasure hearing Candice speak at #db2014 .  She has such a dynamic personality and is hilarious (she mentioned that her son's didn't have any hockey tournaments during this time which is why she was able to make it to the conference). 

 

She also told a hilarious story about her electrician, Chico, from her show Divine Designs.  Chico gained such notoriety on the show that he became like a mini celebrity.  One time, he was sitting in first class next to world class boxer, Evander Holyfield, and a fellow passenger approached their row.  Candice hilariously described how Evander started to pull up his sleeves to prepare to provide an autograph.  And the passenger by-passed Evander and excitedly yelled "Chico, I love you!  Can I have your autograph" 

 

I'm sure Candice would not approve of the lighting in our photo, but I had to share one last time with ya'll!  It was quite an experience and she's as adorable (and model-tall) in real life as she appears in her photos! 

 

 

 

Do you carefully consider lighting in your decorating?  Or do you hastily provide it as an after-thought? 

Read 12 Facts about 1st Dibs from founder, Michael Bruno who also spoke at the Design Blogger's Conference.