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Henry David Thoreau shed a little light on the subject of design when he wrote, “Always the laws of light are the same, but the modes and degrees of seeing vary.”

I love this quote because it shows just how important and how complex light really is. As the light of day changes, shadows move and change color as well. Our goal is to find the perfect light for painting the most beautiful spaces within our homes.

Lighting is the single most important aspect of our lives. It affects our mood, our ability to see and perceive beauty, and the appearance of colors. And no light is as beautiful as candlelight.

We love candles for many reasons—but mostly for the mood, light, and fragrance they add to our homes. Lighting a candle is an effective and easy way to bring a positive, cozy mood to your home. For me, coming home to a space lit with candles is like landing on a soft cloud. It makes me feel better instantly.

The Luminara candle creates the opportunity for me to have the most realistic-looking flame without any of the concerns of a real fire. When we use candles, we're participating in a ritual of fire that has existed throughout the ages. Candlelight adds warmth and a sense of calm that's soothing to our soul.

The sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses. The subtle vanilla scent of the Luminara candle is like aromatherapy, creating a pleasing psychological effect. You've often heard me suggest you to choose colors that make you smile—and the Luminara colors are so beautiful. The green is refreshing, and will instill a sense of vitality to your home. The peach is a festive color, and gives a sense of healing and soothing to the body and mind. Blue evokes a sense of serenity and reflection that's essentially soothing to our mind. White is the color of purity, and makes us feel fresh and renewed.

Flickering candles give us a comfortable atmosphere for all aspects of our lives. From a romantic dinner for two, to setting the mood for a big glittery party, candles allow us to create the exact mood with soft lighting. The best part of flameless candles is we can use them in ways and places we couldn't use a real flame. I love the look of a candle enclosed under glass—an impossible feat with a real flame, because it would need air. Flameless candles allow me to place them on and under shelves without worrying about the danger of a fire—an experience I narrowly avoided several years ago with a real candle.

Large pillars such as these from Luminara are perfect in glass lanterns or surrounded by a glass hurricane. They make a bold decorating statement during the day, and a subtly dramatic effect at night. They're especially dramatic in pairs or threes on a mantel or as a focal point anywhere in a room. Transform your home with the enchantment of candlelight by grouping a single color in a variety of sizes across a tabletop, up the staircase, or fill your fireplace. The ideas are endless, but the fantasy is enduring with the magic of Luminara.

Be blessed,

—Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID