david k warfel
An unpredicted grand finale to my 1THING posts takes me to the darkest places of our homes. It is early December as I sit down to write the last 1THING: New Build post of the year. Like my own life, I started with a plan and a clear vision for where I was headed with... Continue Reading →
With just two months left in my 2022 blogging plan, I'm already growing nostalgic about my 1THING posts. The artificial constraints of narrowing all lighting down to just a single solution for new builds or plug-in retrofits for a handful of common spaces gave me focus and structure for the year, and the sketching exercises... Continue Reading →
I once read that the easiest ways to increase the sale price of your home were to paint the front door for a good first impression and add a deck to the back yard. I suppose adding a deck makes the back yard more enticing, perhaps even subconsciously saying to the buyer "purchase this home... Continue Reading →
My children are at the age where calling them kids becomes increasingly dubious. Sixteen and twenty-one years of age, they spend more time away from home every year. That doesn't mean that stepping on LEGOs is a past hazard- the threat is still very real. (And yes, I know that the correct term is LEGO,... Continue Reading →
My 1THING: New Build series title is a bit awkward when it comes to the great outdoors. Seldom are trees and shrubs and lawns built...rather, they are grown. Oh well, I never promised literary quality, just lighting ideas. If it makes you feel better, call this my 1THING: When-you-hire-professionals-to-do-the-work series. Wow, that has a nice... Continue Reading →
Ouch. This post, more than others, paints me as a rather entitled and spoiled person. I'll work on that, but for now let's just assume the best- that the lessons I learned can help others live better lives. That is what lighting design - and this blog - is all about. A few years ago... Continue Reading →
I go on a nightly neighborhood lighting patrol. Sort of. When our family divvied up the dog duties, I drew the just-before-bed nightly walk. Albus, our 9-year-old cockapoo, gamely trots around the block while I curse the neighborhood porchlights. Okay, I do not curse the porchlights. But I do wonder how my neighbors would react... Continue Reading →
This post brings dining rooms into my 1THING: New Build series, but you'll have to skip ahead or slog through some early morning musings to get there. Sorry. Blogging is a bit of weird phenomenon. Here I sit, week after week, writing about lighting with no deadlines, no paycheck, and no guarantee that what I... Continue Reading →
I am having fun with both 1THING series, and this week's post on bedrooms is no exception. I am pretty good at overcomplicating things, so the mental gymnastics of forcing myself to make a single choice is proving to be good exercise. Plus, I think I might quit my job so I can just sketch... Continue Reading →
This post is the third in my 1THING: New Builds series designed to boil better lighting down to the bare essentials. And I promise I'll get to the subject - living rooms - in just a moment. But first, I owe you an apology. One of the benefits of blogging - at least the way... Continue Reading →
the language of light 