Timber framing presents a sun-down challenge for the homeowner. How do you effectively light interiors with the absence of sheetrock ceilings, extensive use of wood, especially darker stained woods, and the expansive use of glass windows which become black abysses at night. The large cavernous spaces can be very uninviting. How do you create a feeling of warmth and intimacy in such a large-scale space? How do you play up high ceilings, counteract dark night glass, and allow night sky views to still be visible?

You have several choices to light vaulted ceiling rooms. Two-circuit track lighting can be placed on the sides of cross beams shining up on one circuit (put on dimmer to allow for mood-setting options and TV viewing) and shining down on the other (aim at artwork and focal points). This allows you to emphasize your ceiling height and timber frame structure. Choose bronze or antique brass track to most closely match the color of your beams. Custom track heads such as mica or plaster cut-outs add a decorative warm touch to the beams and keep the look from getting too commercial. Cable track lighting and mini track heads help this type of lighting source disappear. Bronze landscape lights (instead of or in addition to track lighting) placed in the corner of beam supports on a low voltage system provide uplight that is energy-efficient and easily repositioned. Wall sconces, especially uplight pockets, and floor torchiere lamps also serve to uplight ceilings.

In addition to mood lighting and uplighting, you need to provide for task lighting. Sketch a furniture plan and then decide whether you want floor lamps, table lamps, swing arm wall lamps, or hanging pendants beside reading chairs, game tables, and eating areas. Use floor receptacles, fixtures hanging from the beams, and wall lamps at eye level that will swing out and back as needed. And dont forget under-cabinet lights in the kitchen and bar areas for shadow-free illumination. Bath wall lights with downlight shades can make interesting bed lights, either a double or triple above the headboard or a single beside the bed.

To add interest and individuality to your home, consider turning a favorite object or flea market find into a lamp. An old watering can, driftwood "sculpture", surveyors tools, birdhouse, or just about anything can be used. Your local lighting store can add the electrical parts and help you select the perfect shade. Sometimes using an existing lamp and just changing the shade will work in your new interior. Try lampshades made from leather, suede, pheasant feathers, mica, laced parchment, and art glass for a new look.

For a dramatic effect, select several important accents such as a stone fireplace, an antique mantle, special painting, interesting sculpture, etc. to play up with spot lighting. And of course, the timber frame structure itself is an excellent choice for accent lighting. This is most effectively accomplished with track lighting, picture lights, or wall sconces. Consider the size of the accent piece when selecting the type of fixture.

Due to the scale of timber frame construction, exterior fixtures are an excellent choice for interior applications. Try outdoor hanging lanterns over a kitchen counter, front door wall lanterns over a fireplace, and smaller exterior lights beside the mirror in the bathroom. Often these are the most economical alternative when searching for lights with the proper scale.

Use the beams in the frame structure to hang light fixtures and fans to bring them down to living levels. Iron pot rack chandeliers and hanging bowls are excellent choices for kitchens and living areas. Circulating fans on the beam supports are a necessity to circulate air and bring heating and cooling down from the high ceilings. Luckily todays ceiling fans come in every style and color. Usually the fan is not the item you want to draw attention to so look for fans with authentic wooden blades (such as knotty pine or natural pine that you stain yourself to match the ceiling.

Many styles of fixtures blend successfully with the timber frame look: Mission (wood and glass with straight lines), Spanish and French country (black or bronze iron and seeded glass), Tuscan (weathered painted wood), vintage and antique, stained glass, rustic (mica and aged copper), country chic (bran red or distressed cream metal and wood), and Scandinavian (Swedish country white and washed blues). Try to match your lighting fixtures with other hardware and faucets for consistency in your home. Whatever direction you take, carry the look throughout the house, both inside and out.

How do you successfully use color in a timber or log home? Since the goal of most of these structures is to harmoniously blend with the environment, take your color palette from the natural vegetation and "weather" in the area. Take your inspiration from autumn leaves, sunset hues, driftwood and bleached sand, light birch wood, snow white, blue skies and seas, greystone cliffs, evergreens and laurel, black bears and brown moose, clay canyons, etc. Make sure that natural materials such as mica, stained glass, leather and rawhide, carved wood, feathers and leaves are incorporated into your lighting choices. These will bring organic texture in keeping with the timber frame concept.

In summary, remember to provide for four lighting goals in each room: uplighting, task lighting, accent lighting, and ceiling fan air circulation. Look for lighting products that complement the natural timbers and woods you select. And use lighting to accent all your favorite things in your new home.