Double Garage Division
Isabelle from BallaratWe have a double garage that is under the main house roof and would like to create more living space. Do we need a permit to cut the garage in half and make it into another bedroom and kids play ... continue reading
Ducted Vacuums
Ben from MentoneHi, we are building a new house and would like to have ducted Vacuuming put in, we are not sure where to start with it or who can install it for us. Can you give me a contact and some basic info on ... continue reading
Floating Floor Options
Graham From ParkdaleUpon deciding that we would like to install a floating floor over our slab to replace our old carpet, we found that the price varied from $30 to $100 per square metre. What are we paying for with ... continue reading
High Gloss Laminates
Sharon from RosebudI want to replace the Laminate Benchtop and cupboards in my kitchen, but i would like to know if i can have a high gloss finish, or is that still not suitable for a ... continue reading
SureStone’s at the Herald Sun Home & Garden Show
posted 2 weeks, 1 day, 8 hours, 48 minutes agoDon't miss the Herald Sun Home & Garden Show and see SureStone at stand K19. SureStone is a stone flooring carpet composed of natural stone encased in a high quality resin to create a seamless, ... continue reading
Master Builders Green Living Conference
posted 3 weeks, 4 days, 7 hours, 18 minutes agoThe Master Builders Annual Green Living workshop has been given a boost and has become a two day conference. High profile speakers will inspire and challenge your ... continue reading
Metricon Homes Joins Home Innovations
posted 4 weeks, 2 days, 6 hours, 38 minutes agoVictoria’s leading home builder is increasing their presence in the Mornington Peninsula with the opening of the ‘Metricon Homes Display’ at the Home Innovations Display Centre on Nepean ... continue reading
You’re Invited to Zesta’s Showroom
posted 2 months, 1 week, 2 days, 10 hours, 2 minutes agoCome and visit Zesta in Cheltenham and see the largest dedicated Kitchen & Appliance Showroom in Melbourne's South ... continue reading
Introduction to Interior Design | Part 1
Tuesday 10:00 am, 7th September 2010This is an introduction course to help develop your own personal style so you can move forward with ... continue reading
Window Treatment Options | Workshop
Saturday 10:00 am, 11th September 2010Be informed on the range of window treatment options available and make informed decisions to get the best possible option for you. ... continue reading
Kitchens & Bathrooms | Workshop
Saturday 10:00 am, 25th September 2010How to most effectively plan your kitchen or bathroom renovation ... continue reading
Colour Confidence | Workshop
Saturday 10:00 am, 9th October 2010This workshop will guide you through colour choices and textures and help you compliment exsisting permanent features and ... continue reading
Create a Lighting Plan
If you're building a new home or doing major renovation work, plan and cater for the lighting at the same time as the plumbing. Most of us have to work with fixtures that are already there, but with a little strategic thinking it's possible to get lighting that works for you.

Starting your plan
Begin by going round the house with a notepad and pen. In each room, ask yourself...
What do I use this space for?
Think about all its possible uses - your lounge might have to double up as a study, the children might need to do their homework or music practice in there, you might knit or sew or use part of the room as a studio.
Do you tend to eat in the kitchen or on your lap in front of the television? What's on display in each room? Do you have a specific picture or plant you want to make a feature of?
Note it all down, because this will determine your accent lighting.
Who uses this room? A 60 year old uses 15 times more light for reading than a ten year old.
At what times of day will people be in this room? Where does the natural light come in?
Making your plan
Now take a piece of graph paper and draw a plan of your room to help you work out the best places to put your lighting. It's better if it's to scale but it doesn't have to be. Mark immoveable fixtures, such as fireplaces, alcoves, doors and windows. Next, mark with arrows which way people are likely to be facing - towards the television, for example, at a desk for working or towards the window if they like reading in a particular chair. Mark the existing sockets. In many houses there aren't enough, which can result in dangerously overloaded plugs. To determine your circuits, mark where the light switches should be. Work logically round the entry and exit points in your home - it's frustrating when you have to feel around in the dark for a switch that is either on the wrong side of the door or non-existent. Mark out where you'll place large pieces of furniture, such as sofas and beds. Think about practicalities such as how you're going to change the bulb. What if you live in a room with extra-high ceilings or in a loft-style apartment and the spotlights are 20ft high in the air?
Remember...
Although you're treating each room as an individual space, you should also take the overall feel of your home into account.
For example, it's dangerous to go straight from one brightly lit room into one that's completely dark. Use light to link rooms together. Beware of making your plan too complicated. You can use a single light for several purposes by angling the beam in different directions. Standard lamps and table lamps can be used for mood lighting or where a second storey prevents additional lighting being added. Take this lighting plan with you when you go shopping for fixtures and fittings.
Circuits
Do you want to turn all your lights on with a single switch or do you want to operate them individually? What about dimmers? Ideally you should fit several circuits in each room, each with a dimmer switch and no more than two lights, which are controlled from a wall-mounted panel. Try not to place more than three switches on a panel or you'll never remember what they're all for.
HIDC Exhibitor(s) who specialise in this area;
