SFDG designer Jamie Myers recently provided tips for an article in Make It Better called “Tricks of the Trade: Lighting”, written by Kristina Tober.

Here are some key items to consider when approaching any lighting plan:

1. Make a Plan

Begin by establishing a budget and scope for the project. What specific rooms or spaces should be included? What is the space being used for? Are you willing to have an electrician break into walls and ceilings if necessary?

2. Map Out the Work

Next, map out where electrical work needs to take place. Be sure to include existing outlets and fixtures.

3. Determine the Type of Lighting Needed

Here are three main types of lighting that can be incorporated into any room:

• Overhead Lighting This is necessary for task-oriented activities and entertaining. If you can cut into your ceiling, Jamie recommends recessed or can lighting three to four inches in diameter with trim that matches the ceiling. If that’s not an option, track lighting or surface-mounted fixtures can be installed. Be sure to look for smaller-scaled track systems for a more subtle look. Both of these can be combined with fixtures for added visual interest.

• Accent and Secondary Lighting Accent lighting can help you define key elements in a room and/or provide much-needed light for specific tasks. For example, puck LED lights can be added to built-ins with glass shelves or open doors for an ambient glow, spotlights can showcase artwork and/or cove lighting can enhance the architecture of the space. In the kitchen, under-cabinet lighting can help highlight the backsplash and light the work surface better. And, don’t forget about table lamps and floor lamps, which can also provide much-needed illumination for specific activities.

• Natural Light Of course, natural light should always be maximized in any room.

Layering many different types of lighting allows you to use your space most effectively and helps it to look its best.

Here are two examples of layered lighting plans:

The key to a good lighting plan is lots of flexibility and dimmers so that you can adjust the atmosphere.

Enlisting a professional will help guarantee you are taking advantage of every opportunity on the front end so you don’t have to go back and add things later on, which can end up costing more than doing so at the beginning of the project.

Before:

After:

Guest blogger and Susan Fredman’s daughter, Amanda Zitlin, carries on the tradition of giving back to the Warming House Youth Center through Designs for Dignity. Currently as an interior designer at Susan Fredman Design Group in Chicago and having attended the Warming House herself growing up, this particular project hit close to home.

As a teen, my friends and I would go to the Warming House to hang out together almost every day after school. It was a safe haven for us to just be ourselves. We attended many fun concert and bowling functions for the Warming House over the years. The Warming House impacted my development tremendously; educating me on self-esteem, relationships, and communication. For this I will be forever grateful. Now it is my turn to return the favor.

Human beings are entitled to, and nurtured by, living and working within creative environments. That is why I love transforming spaces. The redesign process occurs differently on each project. In this particular case, we had a focus group entitled Extreme Makeover: Warming House Edition. By sitting down with staff and some teens who attend the Warming House, we received valuable input on what they were looking for. This creative session was a collaborative effort that involved teens sketching ideas and freely sharing concepts and thoughts regarding the redesign of the Warming House.

The Warming House means so much to me; it feels great to be back. For me, to be able to give back to this wonderful cause is truly inspiring. I feel so privileged to be able to have been a part of this amazing project and want teens to feel the same way I do about the Warming House.

Here are some highlights from the event, hosted at Susan Fredman at Home:

An eye-catching chandelier made of gold branches and transparent bulbs dangled above a stunning table setting featuring items from our store and styled by Estera Events.

Elizabeth Grace designed the gorgeous invitation, food and drink menus and other printed accents.

Entertaining Company’s eight-foot life-size bento box featured a wide variety of festive appetizers.

Check out the video  they created providing a first-hand look at all of the delicious food!

Truffle Truffle provided homemade, delectable sweet treats and proved that the best things really do come in small packages (or rather bites), including champagne marshmallows, elderflower truffles, miniature chocolate whoopee pies and dark chocolate espresso crème shots.

Of course, no party is complete without custom cocktails. Femme du Coupe mixed up two custom creations especially for the night.

The hardest part of throwing a fab cocktail party is getting guests to say goodbye at the end of the night and the case, and Love and Libations was no different. Munching and mingling went late into the evening, as guests were inspired to host soirees of their very own.

Everyone went home with a goody bag filled with treats including a CD with the playlist from the evening courtesy of Three 5 Media.

Thank you to Jaclyn Simpson for the beautiful photos.

Look no further than our selection of items sure to fit any passion:

For the Techie

iPhone Case: $24/each

iPad Cover: $55

For the Urbanite

Love Pillow: $64

Jaunt Tote: $228

All You Need is Love: $325

For the Romantic

Metal Hearts: $20 pair

Decorative Plate: $55

For the Entertainer

Tourron Pitcher (Cherry): $58

Pedra Agate Coasters: $65

View our complete selection of Valentine’s Day gifts.

The dean of a yoga school, he had just purchased a home in the Berkshires and wanted to create a nurturing haven full of spirituality that would allow him to practice his craft in any room.

His master bathroom was no exception.

Here’s a before photo of the space:

The original footprint was very small, so the home was expanded to allow room for a double vanity and a large shower. The final product is a luxurious spa-like retreat, featuring many natural and reclaimed materials taken from the property that truly connects the space to nature.

The steam and rain showers, recently featured in an article about luxurious showers on HGTV.com, are complete with a boulder found on the property and allow the yogi to keep his muscles loose and flexible.

The white sinks create a striking contrast to the live-edge countertops made from reclaimed wood from the property.

There’s even space for his personal collections, many of which are found throughout the home.

Wouldn’t you love coming home to a retreat like this …

To say thanks and celebrate your support, we created a special video. Click on the image below to view.

We wish you a very happy, healthy, safe and peaceful 2012!

Let our interior designers help you select gifts for everyone on your list!

Join us Saturday, October 22 from 11-5 to enjoy presentations from design and building experts, a Michael Aram trunk show, an exclusive shopping discount and yummy treats.

Here's a sneak peak of our new space, which includes a design studio and store:

We're excited to be sharing our new home with James Hoffman Homes.

Stop by as your schedule allows or stay for the entire day. RSVP to Jamie Fields at jfields@susanfredman.com or 312 587 8150, ext. 222.

This recognition program acknowledges interior design talent who have made an impact on Chicago’s design community. Ten nominees have been selected by a jury of Design Center and Luxe Interiors + Design representatives.

Help honor Susan's impact on the Chicago design community by voting for her here. You can vote once a day per e-mail address until December 15.

The ten nominees and winner will be honored at a ceremony in February.

Thanks in advance for your support!