“My father George opened the business on Lorne St.,” says Larry Spencer. “I was working with him when he suddenly passed away in 1968. I followed my father’s philosophy of offering the finest quality products at a fair and reasonable price and following up the sales with top-notch service. This had worked well for him and has served me well for over 50 years.
Our decorator service is an important part of our business. Our highly professional consultants go on many home calls because of customer demand. Additionally, 80 per cent of our furniture inventory is Canadian-made. Especially in today’s economy, our Canadian products represent the best dollar for dollar value on the market.”
Many people come to Spencer’s for advice as well as the outstanding products. Today, Larry Paquette, lighting manager, shares ways you can properly light any room in the house.
“If there's one spot in the house for a dramatic, high-impact chandelier, it may just be above the dining table. It's the centre of entertainment. Where a dramatic ceiling fixture may set a momentary impression in some areas, where there's ample opportunity to consider the source of light as a work of art—its craftsmanship, texture, contrast, and thoughtful design,” says Paquette.
“There is usually not much else to consider in a dining area: table, chairs, and chandelier take center stage; credenzas, sideboards, bar carts, artwork, and decorative objects play supporting roles. Accent lights will accentuate these peripheral areas as well as anything of distinction, such as custom millwork.
Working with candles, wall sconces and lamps will illuminate guests' faces from the front and side, putting them in the best light and making them feel relaxed. Meanwhile, task lighting illuminates a drink-mixing station or side-serving area. A dining room's lighting plan depends on its size and style, but it always includes a striking ceiling-mounted light fixture.”
Paquette has advice for the home office as well. “Whether you are up early working or burning the midnight oil, a lot of time is spent in a home office. We recommend using LED light bulbs for health, wellness and environmental reasons. Unlike incandescent light which emits mercury and uses up energy, LED is much more energy-efficient and safe for frequent use. The ability to choose your colour temperature means you can increase your concentration, as the right light helps you stay alert.
“Ambient lighting plays an important part in brightening up your office. Downlights and recessed lighting are essential for most office spaces, and, when paired with a dimmer, can be great for always-on overhead lighting. It’s also important to consider desk and sconce lights for your space, to pair along with your statement light, to be able to adjust with your light throughout the day.”
The bedroom is another place where proper lighting is important. Paquette explains, “The bedroom is the most personal place in the house. In it we not only sleep, we also read, we relax, we disconnect ... It is our leisure area! Ideally, we will install a central chandelier or a ceiling lamp to provide even and constant light throughout the bedroom. Standing lamps are a beautiful addition to general lighting. They are perfect on wide bedrooms to create mood light spots. A very useful element to enlighten the darkest corners!
“Wall sconces provide us with indispensable focal illumination for certain activities normally performed in our bedrooms such as reading in bed, doing makeup, choosing outfits, etc. They complement the general lighting and may be used to highlight the aesthetic elements of the decoration. They are ideal for creating warm, welcoming, relaxed and even romantic environments.”
Paquette adds, “Table lamps are a key piece on any bedside table, both for functionality as well as aesthetic value. In addition, table lamps complement the lighting provided by the ceiling lamp and allow us to create different environments and sensations in which to feel comfortable and relaxed.”
It’s important to know that lighting isn’t something that is should be considered last in the design. It should be the first thing considered with the rest of the room designed around it.
“Having your lighting specialist help you choose the appropriate task, ambient and decorative lighting first is a great method. If you think of lighting last, you’ve already damaged your possibility to be right,” Paquette concludes. “It should be part and parcel of the room because lighting is an integral part of the room’s look.”
For the highest quality of furniture and lighting, along with outstanding advice and customer service, visit www.spencerfurniture.ca today.