The old part of town is still funky, fun and fabulous. As you are leaving the more historic area and drive out towards the airport, you can see that there is a lot of construction going on. So many new high-rise condominiums.

In 2015 we stayed in condominium, located on the hillside above the beach in the old part of Puerto Vallarta. Everything was made of concrete, even the beds. They were definitely not movable. The construction had a hand hued feel to it. It was charming.

This time, we went to look at a model home which was going to be part of three unit high-rise condominium complex near to where the cruise ships come in, just on the outskirts of downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Construction wasn’t even going to start until next year, so there was a free standing condo model that prospective buyer were able to tour. They even have drone images of what you would see from the different floors, 16 altogether. 

It was surprisingly European in feel. The finishes were very crisp and modern, as were the furnishings and lighting. It was gratifying to see how much attention had been paid to the light fixtures, both architectural and decorative.

Even though it was daytime when we did the walk-through the lighting read well. I think that it helped it that it was an overcast day. The recessed LED fixtures were not overused which is often the case in the US condo market, They were using the warm-dim technology, so that the color temperature could go from 4000° Kelvin to 2200° Kelvin.

We also noticed that there was a reveal in the ceiling above the sliding glass doors that led from the balcony to the living room/dining room. This is space made for the shades, which also housed a linear LED that could wash the window coverings with light at night. A very thoughtful detail.

The kitchen was well-designed with pendant fixtures over the island, some recessed lighting and linear lighting below the upper cabinets. There was also lighting inside the cabinetry, which was also a really appreciated feature.

The primary bathroom had two sinks with individual lighting, using backlit mirrors. These two also had the warm-dim technology. This is great for when you are putting together an outfit or putting on make-up for day or night.

There was a large scale, single mirror in the second bedroom bath. Pay no attention to my hand and the reflection. 

It really made the room feel larger. I always liked having even illumination on my face at the mirror. I was also pleased to see that there was not a recess down over the sinks. All this does is cause hard shadows on people’s faces, which ages them visually. This is no way to start off your day.

It was interesting to see the pendant fixtures over the side tables in the primary bedroom. This gave the smallish side tables more room for other items. This room also had the ceiling reveal to house the shade material and linear lighting.

They did make use of floor lamps and table lamps throughout, which I feel is an important part of a successful lighting design. It’s so much better than just a room filled with recessed downlights. Its all about light layering, combining task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting to create a welcoming and cohesive design.

A few suggestions I made were to offer potential buyers the choice of putting in recessed adjustable fixtures instead of fixed downlights, so that they could be directed towards art and table tops. The other suggestion I made was to install some toe-kick lighting below the floating sink consoles, activated by a motion sensor, so that in the middle of the night people could navigate the bathroom without having to turn on an overabundance of illumination. 

Via: https://www.furniturelightingdecor.com/

Here are some tips for creating a restful bedroom so you can enjoy pleasant dreams and wake up refreshed.

Choose the Right Color Scheme

Neutrals are always a good choice for your bedroom. Consider using white, beige or a light gray for a serene environment. If you prefer to go with color, soft shades of blue and green can infuse your bedroom with a calming effect. In colder climates, earth tones like muted brown or terracotta can warm up the room.

Find your Style

When it comes to finding the right furniture style for your bedroom, you have a lot of options. Bedroom furniture comes in a range of styles from low-key casual to over the top extravagant, and everything in between. You might love contemporary furniture or classics that can stand the test of time. If you live near the seashore-or if you wish you did-try a breezy coastal style.

Include Enough Storage

Once you select your bedroom set with a bed, a coordinated dresser and a nightstand, it’s time to assess your needs and add occasional pieces for storage. You can choose matching furniture like chests, or you can add style to your bedroom with a decorative armoire with hidden shelves that can also hide a TV.

Add Accents

Give your bedroom that “wow factor” with accent furniture and decorative items. Look for narrow lingerie and jewellery chests, vanities and stylish chaise longues. Fluffy oversized decorative pillows and soft throw blankets add an inviting look.

Pay Attention to the Mattress

While choosing a style and decorating your bedroom can be fun, don’t forget that the main purpose of your bedroom is to get a good night’s sleep. Spend enough time choosing the right mattress for your bed. Know your bed size, whether it’s a narrow twin, a roomy queen or an oversized king size. Then decide on the material and the firmness of the mattress. You might also consider an adjustable bed frame.

It is a good idea to shop at a furniture store where knowledgeable salespeople can guide you to find the right bedroom furniture and the right mattress. Home Living Furniture in Howell and Eatontown, New Jersey can offer the help you need for a dreamy bedroom.

For further information, visit homelivingfurniture.com.