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Lighting

How to Decorate The Bedroom In The Perfect Way

March 1, 2023
Chloe Taylor
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Decorating a bedroom can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right plan and a few key elements, you can turn your bedroom into a sanctuary, a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day. In this article, we’ll be sharing tips and ideas to help you decorate the bedroom in a perfect way. 

Start with a plan

Before you begin decorating your bedroom, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. Take a moment to think about what you want your bedroom to look like. Consider your personal style and the types of items you want to include in the space. Make a list of what you want to change, what you want to keep, and what you want to add. This will help you stay focused and keep you on track.

Choose a color scheme

The color of your bedroom can have a big impact on the overall feel of the space. Choosing colors that you love and that make you feel calm and relaxed is important. If you’re not sure what colors to choose, consider using a neutral palette as a base. This will make it easy to add pops of color with accessories and artwork.

Add a focal point

A focal point is something that draws your eye as soon as you enter the room. It can be a piece of artwork, a statement piece of furniture or even a large window. Having a focal point in your bedroom will create a sense of balance and make the space feel more cohesive.

Layer your lighting

Lighting can have a big impact on the atmosphere of a room. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting space. Consider adding a dimmer switch, so you can easily adjust the lighting to suit your needs.

Create a comfortable bed

Your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom, so make sure it’s comfortable and inviting. Use high-quality bedding, pillows, and a mattress that provides the right level of support. Consider adding a headboard to your bed, as it can add a touch of elegance and make the space feel more finished.

Personalize the space

The bedroom should be a reflection of you and your personal style. Add personal touches such as family photographs, artwork, and knick-knacks that you love. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles, as long as they all work together to create a cohesive look.

Use the right size of furniture

A small bedroom can feel cramped and cluttered if you have too much furniture. Choose pieces that are the right size for the space, and be sure to leave enough room to move around comfortably. Consider using a storage bed or a bed with built-in drawers to maximize space.

Add plants

Plants can make a big difference in the overall feel of a room. They bring life and color and can help to purify the air. Consider adding a few plants to your bedroom, as they can make the space feel more inviting and relaxing. To keep your plants in good condition you need the keep the soil in good condition and get rid of soil mites. It will keep the soil healthy for plants. 

Conclusion

A bedroom is a place where you should feel comfortable and relaxed, and with the right décor, you can create a space that reflects your personal style and makes you feel at home. By following these tips and ideas, you’ll be well on your way to decorate your home and bedroom perfectly. Remember to take your time and have fun with the process.

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The Importance of Interior Design In Restaurants

April 19, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Every restaurant tells a story through its interior design and architectural elements. No matter what the theme of your restaurant is, or what kind of food you serve, you have to pay attention to the design and try and match it. The appearance of the restaurant is crucial to your brand and it will be an integral part of your marketing strategy, too. As soon as someone enters your restaurant the first thing to notice is the interior design and that’s when the first impression comes in. Based on that, they will decide whether they will sit and dine or just leave. 

Architecture and Design

This is a critical component of the overall interior design of your restaurant. You should pay attention to the way you are going to arrange and actualize the features of the interior and this is critical to determining the overall look and feel of your business. The layout will most certainly impact the customer experience and that is why you have to be careful when considering the layout and decoration of all the features. 

Lighting

Lighting is almost the most important element of the design. If your lighting is poor, then it doesn’t matter how much effort you put into the layout, seating, decorations, etc. Without lighting, there is no impact and there is no ambient. That is why you will have to have several sources of light. 

Besides overhead lighting, you will also need ambient lighting. This will provide the feel and definite the overall appearance of your restaurant. It will characterize your business and it will be something to identify the restaurant. So, if you have an elegant and more relaxed idea in mind, the ambient lighting should be quiet, and vice versa. 

Another type of lighting to consider is task lighting. This one will be used for specific tasks. For example, you will need lights that allow servers to do their job and customers to read the menus. Place this type of lighting strategically so it won’t interfere with other sources of light. 

Lastly, you will need accent light for more ornamental purposes. Also, consider wall lighting for accent lights since they provide a better feel and decorate the walls. 

Seating

You can never neglect the seating, the materials you use, and its arrangement. The type of seating you want to choose should influence the psychology of your customers and their experience. Take fast-food places, for example, they have seats that are comfy, but not those that would want you to sit on for a longer period of time. So, decide how long and how comfy and relaxed your customers should be and choose the seating accordingly.
Also, consider the theme of your restaurant. If you are opening a fine dining restaurant, you want your seats to be comfy, cozy, warm, and relaxing since people will sit at your place for a longer time. Also, if you have a restaurant on the beach, you can’t use such seating because it would become way too hot way too fast. That is why you can rely on wooden chairs and tables with some cushions for padding just like the new restaurant in Bayshore did. This provides a relaxed atmosphere and air to flow around the place nicely.

The Colors

Believe it or not, colors are crucial to interior design. When you are deciding on the colors you wish to feature, consider your brand, its colors, and your desired customer base. Also, specific colors can elicit different emotions and moods in different people. For example, warm colors like red and orange are powerful stimulants and that is why a lot of restaurants try to include them. But, make sure not to overdo it so the interior won’t look too busy. 

On the other hand, blue has a suppressive effect and it can soothe and calm the diner and people will tend to order less food. And for more elegant solutions you can use both blue and turquoise colors to create a sense of royalty and elegance. 

Scent

Last but not least, pay attention to the scents inside the restaurant. If you use the right ones, you can enhance your food sales. If you want to stimulate appetites, make sure to allow the smells from the kitchen to seep into the interior. So, opt for an open kitchen layout or regulate airflow in a similar fashion. Also, you can use artificial smells to elicit different emotional responses from your customers. 

The interior design of a restaurant has many different elements. And all those elements should work together in your favor to create the desired effect, brand, and atmosphere. So, when designing the restaurant, make sure to pay attention to all these elements and your success is halfway done.

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Budget Home Renovation Ideas You’ll Love

March 28, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Does your home feel like an old, run-down shack? Are you tired of looking at the same four walls day in and day out? Never fear if your home is aching for a face-lift, but you don’t have the budget for a complete renovation! 

There are many ways to redd up your space without breaking the bank (or your back). Small changes can significantly impact whether picking a wallpaper to inject some personality or simply rearranging your furniture to create a new look. 

And if you have a sleight of hand for DIY, there are plenty of budget-friendly home renovation ideas that will save you money and give you a sense of satisfaction.

Bring Home Some Interesting Furniture:

One of the rapid-fire and idiot-proof ways to change up the look of your home is to switch out your furniture. 

If you have been living with the same couch for the past ten years, it might be time for an upgrade. Or, if your coffee table is looking a bit worse for wear, try shopping at a thrift store or flea market for a privy piece that will add character to your living room.

You can also give old furniture a new lease on life by sanding it down and repainting it. It is a great way to add a pop of color to any room without spending much money.

For some people, their love for an exquisite dining experience is above and beyond their budget. If you belong to the whole kit and caboodle, don’t sweat, we have a solution for that too *puts on Sherlock hat*. 

By investing in forex banquet chairs, you can create a luxurious-looking dining setup without breaking the bank. These chairs are comfortable, look great, and most importantly, they are very affordable.

Paint Your Walls:

One of the most du jour (and cut-price!) ways to renovate your home is to give your walls a fresh coat of paint. 

Whether you want to go for a bold and dramatic look or something more subdued, there is a color and paint finish to suit your every need. 

If you’re unsure which color to pick, try looking at a mood board or inspiration pictures to get an idea of what you want. And if you’re planning to brush up your Picasso skills and paint a mural, don’t think twice about it.

Another way to add some mega-star appearance to your walls without painting is to hang up some exciting artwork. You can buy prints online or at a local art gallery or even frame some of your photos. 

Here’s a tip from the experts: try hanging up your artwork at different heights to add visual interest.

Change Your Hardware:

Is your doorknob giving you shivers every time you touch it? Does your kitchen faucet look like it’s from the Stone Age? 

Consider replacing them with something from the world of today. You’d be surprised how much of a difference new hardware can make to your home’s overall look and feel. Just make sure that the new hardware you choose fits in with the style of your home.

What’s your style? Gold or brass? Traditional or contemporary? You can give your kitchen an entirely new look by changing your cabinet pulls without spending much money. 

And if you’re dubious about which style to choose, try mixing and matching for a unique look. Please don’t stay under the impression that hardware will cost you an arm and a leg. You can find some great deals if you know where to look.

Paint Your Front Door:

First impressions count, so give your guests something to “ooh” and “aah” over before stepping into your home. 

A span-new coat of paint on your front door is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home a makeover. And with so many colors to pick from, you can make a statement. 

If you want to add a little extra pizzazz, consider painting the door trim a contrasting color or adding some hardware for an added touch of style.

Think wreaths and garlands are just for Christmas? Think again! A seasonal wreath or garland on your front door is a great way to show your personality and add a pop of color. 

And the riveting part is, you can change it up with the seasons. For summer, try a floral wreath made with fake or real flowers. Go for a more rustic look with a grapevine wreath adorned with leaves and berries in the fall. And for winter, an evergreen wreath with a red ribbon is always classic.

Upgrade to a Beadboard Ceiling:

It’s a shame when a lackluster ceiling lets down a stunning decor. If your ceilings are looking a little tired, consider upgrading to beadboard. 

Beadboard is a type of wood paneling that gives your roof a beautiful, textured look. It’s also effortless to install so that you can do it yourself in no time. 

And if you’re worried about the cost, don’t be! Beadboard is very affordable and will add value to your home.

It’s a DIY project that is not only easy but also inexpensive. Just stick to measuring and remeasuring before you make any cuts, and you’ll be fine. Best of all, you can find beadboard at most home improvement stores.

Hide Your Hideous Overhead Light With a Drum Shade:

We’ve all been there. You’re standing right in the heart of your living room, looking up at that hideous fluorescent light that came with the house. But before you holler an electrician to rip it out, consider hiding it with a drum shade. 

Drum shades are all the rage these days, and they’re a great way to give your overhead light a makeover. They’re very easy to install so you can do it in a snap.

You need a drum shade, some wire, and a few minutes of your precious time. If you could quickly look up at that light, you’ll see it’s not as difficult as it seems. And once you’re finished, you can sit back and enjoy the new and gorgeous look of your new fixture!

Boring Cupboards? Add Some Mirror:

Do your cupboards look like they’re straight out of the 1970s? If so, it might be time to open up new doors — literally. Adding a few mirrors to your cupboard doors is an easy and inexpensive way to give them a new look. Plus, it’s a crackerjack way to make your room look bigger and brighter.

It’s as simple as taking some measurements, cutting the mirror to size (be careful, for the love of all that is good), and then attaching it to the door with some adhesive. 

Just ensure you use a strong adhesive because you don’t want the mirror falling and shattering into a million pieces.

Ending Note:

We all know how Cinderella felt when her fairy godmother gave her a makeover. But unlike Cinderella, you don’t need a fairy to give your home a makeover. 

It’s time to get down to brass tacks homeowners! With a little bit of time, elbow grease, and ingenuity, you can quickly transform your home on a budget. Your home will thank you for it.

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5 Beautiful Ways to Illuminate your Home

April 29, 2021
EmmaJ
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Lighting home solutions are essential for ensuring the full comfort and coziness for both the exterior and interior. What’s more, adequate lights can make a fine accessory and improve the overall design of one’s home. In that respect, you shouldn’t neglect this aspect of your home. With the possibility of proper lighting influencing your mood and energy levels, illuminating your home in a proper and personal way is a must for any homeowner. If you lack the ideas, take a look at the following list – you never know where your true inspiration may lie. 

1. Living room lights

Of course, it’s always best to have a lot of natural light, especially in the living room where you spend most of your time during the day. But, for some people and homes, this is not an option. In that respect, it would be wise to have one central ceiling light and several smaller ones in different areas of the room. Smaller dimmer lights that can be adjusted are one of the best solutions in this case. Also, if you value modern and minimalist style, you can always use wall light as a statement piece. There are many ways to decorate and reorganize your space, you just have to find inspiration. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with an open floor plan, floor lamps can also come in handy. They will act as dividers and you can find many interesting designs in the market that would suit your style. If you’re on a budget, make sure to visit garage sales or try some fun DIY projects that can help you make an ordinary floor lamp very interesting and unique.

2. Bedroom lights


When it comes to bedroom lights, things are a little bit different from the living room. In the bedroom you don’t need lights that are too bright. There are some amazing choices if you want to change your lighting – I recently came across a great store that has LED lighting that is soft and can be nicely placed into any bedroom. The Renovator Store is a place where you can find lighting, but also find an amazing inspiration on their blog and learn how to incorporate lighting into your bedroom.  If you like to keep things creative, you can install interesting ceiling lights. These can be smaller in-built lights arranged in certain patterns or a large statement piece. For example, a forest chandelier that cast a shadow similar to trees and branches is very suitable for the calming atmosphere of the bedroom. You can always buy this type of chandelier or make it yourself to save some money. Also, mood lights are more than suitable for bedrooms because they can relax and calm you. Of course, if you’re a big reader, don’t forget to include a lamp on your nightstand or a wall lamp right above your bed. 

3. Bathroom lights

In the case of illuminating your bathroom, you can pretty much go with whatever you find appealing and proportioned to the size of your bathroom. Still, most people opt for wall lamps instead of central ceiling lights since these add an additional touch of décor to the bathroom. Moreover, you can always add LED light strips to the bathroom cabinet so that you can get ready without having to squint. 

4. Kitchen lights


Kitchen is not that difficult to illuminate adequately, but it’s also very important to have a proper lighting solution in this room, especially if you spend time cooking there. In order to avoid eye strain, you can always add self-adhesive strips of LED lights at places where you spend most of your time. Also, the kitchen gets stuffy and full of odors pretty quickly and in that respect you might want to consider a fan ceiling light for sufficient brightness and fresh air all the time. This will help you in creating the most gorgeous kitchen that will be the focal point of your home.

 

5. Outdoor lights

When it comes to illuminating your porch, front yard or backyard, you can always spice things up a little with creative and proper outdoor lighting solutions. If you’re worried about the security of your home, don’t forget about motion sensor lights. Moreover, you can put small lamps along your driveway, use interesting lamp posts for porch fences or strings of LED lights to recreate the starry sky in your own yard. It’s all about what you want to highlight. If you have a beautiful garden and spend your evenings outdoors, you should definitely go for something more personal and unique.

Proper lighting in your home can undoubtedly improve your mood and provide you with enough brightness to go about your daily tasks. What’s more, these lights can create interesting effects and present a work of art themselves. Therefore, take your time to look for the perfect lighting solutions that would not only illuminate your home but your mind as well. 

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Layered Lighting for a Functional, Adaptable and Illuminated Kitchen

March 30, 2021
Lilly Miller
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Lighting is one of the most important elements of your kitchen. After all, the kitchen is usually full of knives, sharp cooking tools and hot surfaces that you don’t want to handle in the dark. However, besides boosting the functionality, your lighting can also improve the aesthetics of your kitchen. So, here’s how to properly layer lighting for a functional, flexible and bright kitchen. 

Recessed lighting 

General lighting is a must-have element since it gives you illumination for general kitchen tasks. It comes from above and provides lighting to the entire kitchen area. One of the best options for general lighting is recessed lighting. It provides plenty of light without cluttering the space and it looks quite minimalist and contemporary. Recessed lighting can even be used as task lighting if placed above the workstations like the sink or countertops. Wherever you put it, recessed lighting should be your first layer of kitchen illumination. 

Task lighting 

Task lighting is the next most important step towards the illuminated kitchen. If you’ve ever caught yourself almost mixing up a carrot and your finger, good task lighting will prevent these accidents from happening ever again. The best way to boost task lighting is with under-cabinet lights (that are often super affordable and quick to install). There are LED strips or light tapes that will provide you with the uniformly lit area where you do most of your cooking tasks. 

Illuminate the accessories 

One great way to boost interest in your space is to pay attention to accent lighting. It’s one of the hardest lighting tasks to pull off, but if you aim for quality instead of quantity, you’ll do a great job. This type of lighting sets the mood of the room, provides accents and dictates the atmosphere. You can draw attention to your art, accessories and statement pieces while “masking” some of the less attractive sides of your kitchen. For instance, if you have some decorative pots, vases, or figurines on top of your cabinets, put them in the spotlight with strip lighting, or illuminate wall artwork with individual picture lights. Pro tip: if you’ve just moved into your new home and want to properly illuminate your kitchen, make sure to install all of the new lighting fixtures before you get your electricity connection working. This way, you’ll be super safe while you or your electrician conduct wiring. 

Add a lighting focal point 

Improve both the illumination and style of your kitchen with a statement lighting fixture. Yes, recessed lighting is practical, but it doesn’t add much aesthetic appeal to the room. That’s why introducing a focal point might improve your kitchen’s style. Today, hanging pendants above the island (especially when grouped in twos or threes) are all the rage right now. They offer extra illumination, come in all imaginable styles and give a gorgeous final touch to the room. 

Light up your cabinets 

If you have gorgeous cabinets with glass doors, you might as well make the best use of them and give them some illumination. Place some lights inside the cabinet and you’ll not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your kitchen but also make it easier to locate stored items. Another great cabinet lighting idea is to place a light strip above the cabinets to give your kitchen a romantic glow. 

Install dimmers for a touch of atmosphere 

Speaking of the romantic glow, you can also install dimmers on your lighting. They are perfect for quick dinners over the island or a glass of water in the night. 

Illuminate your floors for maximum safety 

Safety in the kitchen shouldn’t be reserved only for the countertops. Installing “toe kick” lights under the base of the cabinets will prevent those nasty stubbed toes and add a stylish visual layer of light. You can even experiment with different lighting colors for a stronger effect! 

All of these different layers of light will not only make your kitchen more functional and flexible, but they will also make it more attractive and comfortable. So, layer your lighting and enjoy your beautiful kitchen today!

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Turn Your Home Into a Stress-Reducing Place

November 30, 2020
EmmaJ
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High-pressure workdays, household chores and raising your kids are simply guaranteed to cause you a lot of stress. But so much stress can seriously affect your overall well-being. Heart diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, aging and fatal accidents are all linked with increased stress level. That’s why it’s very important that you do whatever you can in order to reduce stress. And is there a better way to start than turning your home into a real stress-reducing place? The following 5 tips will help you do so.

De-Clutter the Entire Place


It’s no secret that clutter is super stress-inducing. Not being able to find something you need can always cause some additional stress, especially when you are in a hurry. That’s why decluttering your house is one of the first things you will have to do is you want your home to become a real stress-reducing place. Of course, you don’t have to do it all at once. Take 15 minutes a day and try to find some new places for all the clutter that is just lying around your home. Also, make it a goal to fill at least one trash bag with the things you no longer need.

Add a Touch of Nature

We all know that spending time in nature can help you reduce stress. So why not try to bring the outside inside and make your home as green as possible? Potted plants are always a good option. What’s great about them is that most of them are quite easy to take care of, which means they will cause you absolutely no stress at all. If you like doing yoga, this can be a great setting for your meditation. Bromeliad, philodendron and spider plants are easy to maintain and they are guaranteed to make your home stress-reducing. You can also combine these with some nature-inspired designs to your décor.

Try to Create Symmetry

Another important thing you will have to do when trying to make your home more stress-reducing is to try to create symmetry. Symmetry can lead to a feeling of peace and help you relax. This is the case because symmetry prevents your eyes from bouncing from an object in the room to the other. Of course, things don’t have to be perfectly matched, but sticking to symmetry in the terms of color, proportion and light is always recommended. Just let your creativity flow and you are definitely going to come up with some new ways to add symmetry to your home.

Consider Your Lighting Options


Overhead lights are known to cause headaches which is another stress inducer. Therefore, if you want to be relaxed all the time when you are at home, you should make sure there’s a lot of natural light. Consider installing a new window or two as well as glass doors if possible. This will allow you to create a cozy feeling in your living room. Still, you will need some lighting options for the evenings as well. That’s where desk lamps might come in handy. Halogen bulbs don’t cause headaches as much as incandescent bulbs do, so make sure you use them for your desk lamps.

Keep the Air Fresh

Your stress level can also depend on the air quality inside of your home. This is especially the case if you or any other family member is a smoker. Getting an air purifier is always the best option for eliminating the stale air. If you decide to get one for your home, make sure you find one that will fit into your interior. Using scented candles will also help you keep the air inside of your fresh. Some of the scents such as lavender, chocolate and cinnamon can be used as a part of aromatherapy and help you reduce stress.

All of these tips are guaranteed to help you change the atmosphere inside of your home and make it a real stress-reducing place. Even if you do all of these things, bear in mind that getting at least 2 hours of rest per day is an absolute must if you don’t want stress to cause you some more serious health conditions.

 

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9 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Home’s Lighting NOW!

May 7, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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Many of us have been spending some extra time at home during these last couple of months due to the Covid-19 pandemic and for some of us, that can be a weird experience. If you were used to being at work all day and now you’re forced to work from home, this can change your perspective on some of the aspects of your home.

Lighting is one of the main things most people realized is suboptimal in their homes during this bizarre period. Should you upgrade your lighting right now, however, or should you wait? Here are 9 reasons why you should upgrade your home’s lighting now.

Changing your home’s lighting fixtures or bulbs is usually only done out of necessity – the bulbs have burned out or the lighting fixtures themselves are so old they’ve become unsafe. There are quite a few other good reasons to upgrade your lighting, however.

Extra brightness

LED lights are usually touted as the best lighting option on the market right now and they are indeed. However, even simply getting a newer fluorescent or incandescent light bulb will likely increase the brightness of your lighting fixture considerably. Plus, if the brightness was particularly insufficient, some lighting fixtures are optimized for maximizing the brightness output of their bulbs too.

kitchen lighting

Energy-efficiency and lowering expenses

While all light bulbs can be bright, where LED light bulbs really surpass all other types is their energy efficiency. There’s plenty of research done about this such as this lighting comparison guide by the Natural Resources Defense Council (2) and many others (3) and it all points to LED bulbs as the most cost-effective option. High-quality LED bulbs, on average, recoup their costs through the energy they save after ~3 years.

Lower maintenance costs and efforts too

LED bulbs are cost-effective not only because of the energy they save but because of they last longer. This means that you’ll need to replace them less often and save more time, effort, and money from constantly changing your light bulbs.

Possible tax deductions

Depending on the specifics of your home or building, you may very well be up for a tax deduction as much as $1.80 per square foot or at least $0.60 depending on when your building was built, what its size is, and how much you’ve managed to cut off your energy costs (4).

Environmental approach and safety

All light bulbs are recyclable but they are all still different. Unlike their alternatives, LED light bulbs don’t have any mercury at all which means a couple of different things – 1) they are safer to handle and dispose of and 2) they are more environmentally-friendly.

Add value to your home

Even if you’re not thinking of moving out any time soon, adding value to your home and property is still a great idea. And one of the most cost-effective ways to do that is to upgrade your lighting fixtures with newer, better-looking, more effective, and more efficient models. Replacing all bulbs with LED bulbs and installing some track or recessed lighting in place of the older chandeliers can drastically increase your home’s value.

Boost security

Most homes have really poor outdoor lighting around them since homeowners tend to view it as unnecessary. Outdoor lighting isn’t just great for improving the look of your property, however, it’s also a great security tool. Studies have shown (5) that robberies and other crimes are less likely to occur on well-lit streets and properties, so installing additional lighting like outdoor motion security lights, for example, can be a great way to improve your home’s security.

house lamp

Protect your eyesight

If you’re just now finding yourself in a work-from-home situation, you may be noticing how suboptimal your lighting is for work. Bad lighting can be really terrible for your eyes over time and can lead to things such as headaches or migraines all the way to eyesight problems.

Make your home more comfortable to live in

Last but not least, good lighting means more comfort. Regardless of how much time you spend at home, it’s time that should be spent with a blissful smile on your face. And while good lighting isn’t the solution to all our problems, it’s definitely a great way to add more comfort and amenity to our living space.

 

Author Bio:

Arthur Smith is the main editor of LEDwatcher.com, a blog on all things LED and solar lighting. With years of experience in these fields, he’s passionate about finding new alternatives to traditional lighting and learning everything he can about renewable energy.

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Benefits of using LED lights in interior

June 5, 2019
Lilly Miller
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Do you consider yourself an eco-friendly person? We should all be at least to some extent, meaning we should all take care of the environment any way we can. There are many processes that enable us to do so, and one of the things that are good for the environment are definitely LED lights. Are you familiar with all their benefits? They sure have a lot, yet here you can read about some of them. Hopefully, you will like it enough to consider using LED lights yourself.

 

This energy efficient lighting is actually cheaper in the long run

Compared to the standard lighting, LED lights are more expensive. Yet, when you think about how energy efficient they are – it is worth all the extra money. Yes, you do pay for it more at first, but it pays off eventually, so in a way, you pay less because the investment is smart.

Did you know that traditional lights use up only 20% of the electricity? Everything else is transformed into heat. LED light use up to 90%. You will be able to save up your money in the long run. And what do you get? This lighting works with the electroluminescence process. This means that the bulbs need less energy. You get a lot of light with a small amount of energy exploited. It is a good bargain, don’t you think?

 

Looking good and lasting longer are sure their advantages!

They are not just practical, but they also look good when we are talking about both bigger and smaller spaces. This is because they are small in size, and this is what also makes them look more elegant than something else. They are quite flexible because they can fit anywhere. And what is even better, with these lights you can direct your light the way you want it. If we are talking about standard lights, this is not possible because their light is emitted in every direction.

Moreover, the fact they last longer should really win you over. Actually, they are the most long-lasting, having an ability to last to 50,000 hours. Fluorescent bulbs only last for 15 000 hours. There is a huge difference between these two, and you see which one is better. Maybe you will be shocked to find out that before they stop working completely, they can actually get to the impressive 100 000 hours.

There is nothing toxic about them

Every last compound of these lights is ecologically friendly and you do not have to worry about them containing something that is toxic. Unlike in them, mercury and other materials that are hazardous are found in fluorescent lights. When it comes to LED lights, they have a lovely virtue of being 100% recyclable and you can actually minimize them up to a third of your carbon footprint.

They are quite resistant

These lights are resistant to that extent it is impressive. They can easily deal with any kind of outward threats, unlike other types of lighting. They are made that way, meaning their fixtures are shock resistant, to begin with. They are more firmly built, so any vibrations that occur are nothing to them. It is also worth mentioning that they do not break down so quickly.

LED lights are made in such a way that we should all wish to have them at our homes and workplaces. They have so many great characteristics and benefits, like being eco-friendly and more lasting than other types of lights. If you decide to use them yourself, you will have no regrets and you will be happy to know you are doing something nice for the environment.

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Light Up Your Rooms: Choosing the Perfect Light Fixture

April 20, 2018
Lucas Bergman
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Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to essential interior design elements, but it is vital to the overall ambiance of a space. In fact, lighting is just as important as furniture, wallpaper and paint. Besides helping you see and perform tasks in your home better, the type and position of the light fixture affect the colors in the room, and the fixture itself can serve as a decorative piece. While natural light still is the best choice (windows, doors, and skylights), it is still limited to one part of the day, and it is impossible for it to access every space. Fortunately, these days, it is possible to find light fixtures to fit any room, regardless of its décor and style.

Know the three types of lighting

Bedroom with different types of lighting

The trick for creating the perfect atmosphere in any room is layered lighting. Here are the three layers you need to know about:

  • General or ambient lighting is the ceiling fixture which makes up to 75% of the light in the room. In larger rooms, there is a need for several ceiling lights.
  • Task lighting helps accomplish specific tasks (e.g., reading a book or preparing food).
  • Accent lighting serves as a decorative element by enhancing certain features of the room (e.g. artwork, bookshelves, decorative trim).

Your guide to lighting: Room by room

Every room has a different ambiance and function. Therefore, every room requires different lighting solutions. The foyer is the perfect room to go grand with the lighting fixture. Install an oversized, single-light fixture or a large statement chandelier. For a small, dark space, use a full-length mirror to double the amount of light. General lighting in the living room is usually provided by a modern or a traditionally ornate chandelier, but you can also use several big pendants. Wall sconces will help you create a theatre-style atmosphere, and you can use accent lights to draw attention to artwork or bookshelves. As for task lights, you can spotlight the entertainment area with LED tape lights and place a floor/table lamp near the reading chair.

Living room lighting

Functional lighting is the key in the kitchen. A striking ceiling fixture will provide ambient light, but you will also need task lighting for specific areas (e.g. mini lights for the kitchen cabinets) and accent lights in the form of pendants above the kitchen island. The dining room lighting depends on the shape of the table. For long, rectangular tables choose multiple pendants or linear chandeliers. For round tables, go with mini chandeliers or staggered pendants. Task lights are the most important in the bathroom, and the lighting around the mirror is the most essential here – bathroom sconces and vanity lights are the best choices. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you might need more than one ambient fixture (e.g. one in the center of the room and the other above the bathtub). Bedroom lighting needs to create a relaxing atmosphere. Don’t place the general fixture above the bed to avoid glare. It would be useful to have dimmers to be able to control the light intensity. If you have a reading nook, use a table/floor lamp or a pendant to provide adequate light for reading.

Lighting fixtures as style statements

Two lights over the table

Finally, lighting fixtures need to fit into the overall style of the room. It is not the same if your home is decorated in Mid-century modern or vintage fashion. So here are the most frequent interior design approaches and fixtures that fit them best:

Arts and crafts: Fixtures made of thick and solid materials, usually of rectangular shape.
Contemporary: Clean, uncluttered lines, complete absence of ornamentation.
Country: Rough-hewn woods, heavily textured surfaces and natural forged metals.
Traditional: Elegant, gentle curves and restrained ornamentation.
Transitional: Earth-tone finishes, traditional lines, light ornaments.
Scandinavian: Simplistic, often bell-shaped pendants in neutral or metallic hues.

Oscar de la Renta said that the most important thing is “perfect lighting at all times”, and he couldn’t be more right. Take these tips and use them to create the home you deserve.

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7 Lighting Ideas for Your Kitchen

July 25, 2017
Lana Hawkins
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Lighting is one of the most important elements to consider when planning the design of your kitchen. Not only does it add a touch of magic and personality to the space, but it can complement and even transform the overall feel and energy of your kitchen. Options range from fluorescent lights to modern-day LED ceiling lights and chandeliers. All which you can use in different parts of the kitchen to create visual appeal and increased efficiency.

Hanging Lights

These conversation starters are ideal for an open plan kitchen, especially if you have high ceilings. They attract attention and add a dramatic feel to the whole space. You can even have them colored to suit your décor palette, or keep them simple if you’re going for a clean aesthetic.

There are plenty of options to choose from here, with the most popular being glamorous chandeliers and colorful pendants. Whichever style you go for, just make sure to match the size of the light fitting to the scale of your kitchen so that it looks aligned and attractive.

Task-specific Lights

As I mentioned earlier, you can mix and match lighting options in your kitchen for efficiency and aesthetic appeal. However, the most important thing about task lighting is that it’s meant to make life easier for you in the kitchen. That’s why you’ll find task lights in places like above the hob area, over the sink, below cabinets and over the central island.

These are the areas where you’ll be preparing your food, mixing things, washing up or just eating and hanging out with loved ones. You can even add lights inside your pantry as well, as this will make it easier to find things when cooking at night. Sensor lights work great for the pantry, while fluorescent tube fittings and strip lights are stunning options for the other task areas mentioned.

Accent Lights

Accent lights can be a sensational addition to an entertainer’s kitchen. They’re typically utilised to highlight or bring attention to beautiful objects like artwork and sculptures, but you can also use them to emphasize other areas like the stairs leading to your pantry or wine cellar (if you have one).

Accent lights come in different styles, including wall scones, wired lighting and directional eyeball fittings. All of these create a 3D effect on the object, transforming your kitchen into a completely different space during the evenings.

Ambient Lighting

If you want your kitchen to feel light and cheerful throughout the day and night, then ambient lighting is the way to go. Ambient lighting carries the tone of natural light which comes into your kitchen, often incorporating ethereal looking LED strip lights or cheeky puck fitting under the cabinets, to create a buoyant atmosphere.

Using semi-flush and recessed light fixtures is ideal for achieving ambient lighting in large areas, while LED tape lighting provides non-invasive light to smaller areas like under the sink and cabinets. My personal favourite is to just let nature do her thing, by incorporating natural light from the sun through glass doors and skylights.

Decorative Lights

Decorative lights in my opinion, are great for accentuating particular details that you’re most proud of in your kitchen. Like that marble countertop on the island, or special fixtures on the cabinets. Either way, decorative lights can add some serious whimsical effects to a kitchen when done right. Your options here include striking chandeliers, a mixture of differently shaped and colored pendant lights, as well as flush mounts or beautifully designed lamps.

Layered Lighting

With layered lighting, you can use a combination of ambient, accent and task lighting solutions to create an effortlessly comfortable space. Having a combination of lighting solutions is the way to go if you want to get the most out of your kitchen, and the idea here is to ensure that the fixtures you choose actually complement one another.

Era Specific

You can easily incorporate a light fixture from the roaring 20s to a contemporary kitchen, not only to create an interesting contrast, but also to pay homage to that particular era. This detail also brings an eclectic feel to the kitchen, while the fixture itself can easily become a conversation starter in a space with otherwise clean lines.

Conclusion

As you can see, the devil is in the details when it comes to kitchen lighting. There are plenty of options to choose from to help transform an ordinary kitchen into ‘the heart of the home’, where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

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