Home Lighting Design Ashlee Barclay Home Lighting Design Ashlee Barclay

Home Lighting 101: Task, Ambient & Accent

“…good lighting is like good makeup. It can highlight your best features and maybe even cleverly disguise a few flaws! 😉 Just like a photographer uses light to capture a stunning portrait, we can use lighting to create a home that feels warm, welcoming, and totally us.

Now, you might be thinking, "I'm no photographer!" But don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. It all starts with understanding the three basic types of lighting: task, ambient, and accent - collectively known as layered lighting. Good lighting is about lighting in layers, lighting in planes: low, middle, and high. Let’s talk about how these types fit into each category.”

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Interior Design, Home Decor Styling Ashlee Barclay Interior Design, Home Decor Styling Ashlee Barclay

Want a Home That's Always in Style? These 10 Secrets Are Timeless

Ever wonder how some homes just seem to have that "it" factor? You know those dreamy homes you see on Instagram, the ones that make you double-tap that little red heart before you even realize it? Yeah, those!? How they achieve that effortless elegance that never goes out of style? Well, my friend, you're in luck! Today, I’m spilling the tea on creating a timeless home – a space that's both chic and enduring, without feeling like you've stepped into a furniture catalog.

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Home Lighting Design, Interior Design Ashlee Barclay Home Lighting Design, Interior Design Ashlee Barclay

Why Your Home's Lighting is Secretly Sabotaging Your Style (And the 2025 Trend That Will Save It)

Okay, let's be honest. You've poured your heart and soul into creating a beautiful home. You've picked out the perfect furniture, curated a stunning collection of art, and maybe even mastered the art of the perfectly placed throw pillow. But even with all of that effort, does something still feel... off? You're not alone. Here's a secret the design pros know: your lighting could be secretly sabotaging all your hard work.

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Lampshade Magic: Tips & Tricks Ashlee Barclay Lampshade Magic: Tips & Tricks Ashlee Barclay

10 Ways to Use Lamps & Lampshades You Haven't Thought Of

We all know lamps brighten up a room, but are you truly harnessing their decorating superpower? At Admiral Landings Designs, we believe lamps and stylish shades are more than just functional - they're an opportunity to express your unique style and create a truly inviting atmosphere.

So, ditch the "one lamp per room" mindset and get ready to be illuminated by these creative ideas!

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Home Decor Styling Ashlee Barclay Home Decor Styling Ashlee Barclay

How Not to Let Your Home Become a Mundane Reflection of Mass-Market Monotony

In today's age of mass production and instant gratification, it's easy to fall into the trap of filling our homes with generic, cookie-cutter decor. While mass marketed merchandise can be beautiful, your home should be a reflection of your unique personality and style, instead of your favorite furniture showroom. Here are some tips to help you break free from the monotony of mass-market taste…

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The Maker Movement: A Renaissance of Craftsmanship and Authenticity

In an era dominated by mass production and consumerism, the maker movement has emerged as a powerful counter-trend, and we are here for it! This movement celebrates the spirit of DIY, craftsmanship, and creativity, inspiring individuals to create unique and meaningful products with their own hands.

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Creative Entrepreneurship Ashlee Barclay Creative Entrepreneurship Ashlee Barclay

Balancing the Scales: Women Entrepreneurs and Family Life in October

As a mom of three daughters, ages ten, six, and one, and a new entrepreneur (10 months in the momtrepreneur game), I've found myself navigating a unique set of challenges and rewards. This month, Women's Small Business Month, provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey of balancing business and family life, and to celebrate the incredible women who are making a difference in our communities.

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What is at the Heart of Grand Millennial Style? A Guide to Perfecting This Style in Your Home

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, the grand millennial trend has captivated those who crave a blend of traditional decor with contemporary comforts. This style is characterized by a nostalgic nod to timeless pieces like floral patterns, antique furniture, and ornate details, mixed with modern touches that ensure a space remains functional, comfortable, and relevant.

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Lighting Up Your Love of Literature: The Essential Guide to Creating a Lit Reading Nook

There's an undeniable magic to curling up with a good book in a cozy nook. As you lose yourself in the pages, the outside world fades away, and you're transported to another time and place. To truly elevate this experience, lighting is paramount. It's not just about ensuring you have enough light to see the words on the page; it's about crafting an atmosphere that encourages relaxation, immersion, and a deep connection with the story you're reading. The right lighting scheme can set the mood, reduce eye strain, and allow you to get lost in the world of literature for hours on end.

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Ashlee Barclay Ashlee Barclay

Welcome Home: Checklist for a Homebuyer's Living Room Oasis

In this week's blog post, we're going over the top 10 things to consider when creating your living room oasis. Whether you're in the market for a new home, or just want a fresh take on your current home, this checklist will guide you through the essential steps, including incorporating the beauty and functionality of decorative fabric lampshades, to make that living room YOUR oasis.

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Ashlee Barclay Ashlee Barclay

Gearing Up for Greatness: Our First Time at NY NOW!

The butterflies are already fluttering – next month, our small business is taking a giant leap forward by attending NY NOW, the legendary wholesale market celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! As a brand brimming with excitement and a touch of nervous energy, we're diving headfirst into preparations for this multi-day event, August 4th - August 7th, in Manhattan.

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Ashlee Barclay Ashlee Barclay

Shedding Light on Fabric: A Comprehensive Guide to Upholstery Grade Fabrics

Upholstery grade fabrics offer a wide range of aesthetics and functionality compared to traditional lampshade materials like thin fabrics or plastic. They are designed to be durable and visually appealing, making them ideal for furniture that gets regular use. But what does this mean for your lampshade? Here's the breakdown:

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Ashlee Barclay Ashlee Barclay

"It's just a lampshade!"  Hold. My. Lightbulb. :The Art of Illumination

Lighting is often an afterthought in interior design, relegated to purely functional purposes. But what if we reframed it? By viewing lighting as an art form, you can transform your home into a unique and expressive space. This shift in perspective reflects a larger trend in design – a move away from cookie-cutter spaces and towards personalized, intentional living environments. Carefully curated lighting allows you to curate the feeling and atmosphere of your home, making it a true reflection of your style.

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Ashlee Barclay Ashlee Barclay

Finding Your Dream Duo: A Guide to Choosing the Right Lamp Base for Your ALD Lampshade

A luxurious lampshade from Admiral Landings Designs deserves a base that complements its elegance. But with so many options available, how do you find the perfect match? Fear not, design aficionados! In his guide, we will walk you through key considerations when pairing with a lamp base, to ensure your lamp shines (literally and figuratively).

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Ashlee Barclay Ashlee Barclay

The Threads of Time: Unveiling the Enduring Value of Textile Art and the Allure of Fabric Lampshades

Textile art, the art of creating works using woven, knitted, embroidered, or otherwise manipulated threads and fabrics, boasts a rich history that stretches back millennia. From intricate tapestries adorning castles to vibrant handwoven rugs warming our floors, textiles have served not only functional purposes but have also been a canvas for artistic expression.

Imagine your home as a blank canvas. Now, picture how much richer it becomes when you add colorful threads – literally! Textile art isn't just about museums and hanging tapestries. It's everywhere, from the handwoven rugs under your feet to the surprise you might not expect: your lampshade.

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Ashlee Barclay Ashlee Barclay

Pattern Panache: The Art of Mixing and Matching with Fabric & Lampshades

Who says patterns have to clash? Mixing and matching patterns in your home decor can create a dynamic and visually interesting space. It adds personality, depth, and a touch of the unexpected. But for those hesitant to dive headfirst into pattern mixing, fear not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to rock this trend, with a special focus on the transformative power of fabric lampshades.

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