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12 Simple Bathroom Updates You Can Do Yourself

12 Simple Bathroom Updates You Can Do Yourself

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Bathrooms are spaces that often go overlooked, but when they’re spruced up, they add some serious value to your home! Remodeling can take loads of time and effort (not to mention money), but giving your bathroom a facelift doesn’t have to. These simple tips can give you the bathroom of your dreams.

1. Organize

The last thing you want to deal with at the beginning and end of your day is CLUTTER. Give yourself the gift of a good system! Containers may seem unnecessary, but when you’re rushing out the door, it saves you a headache to just have an easy home for all your toiletries.

2. Add Greenery

Plants bring life, peace, and tranquility into a space. This bathroom would be the perfect escape from the stress of everyday life. The warm tones mixed with the green tell you to relax and take a break. Who are you to tell them no?

3. Change the Hardware

Arguably one of the easiest ways to take your bathroom from the early 2000s to today without spending a fortune is changing the hardware on your cabinets. Finish options are endless! The bathroom above uses gold accents to create a cohesive look with a modern feel.

4. Spruce Up the Walls

If you’re looking for a simple way to make a big impact in your bathroom and have a free weekend coming up, a fresh coat of paint and some elbow grease will make your bathroom feel like a brand new space with just a few hours of work! 

Want to take it to the next level? Bold wallpapers are in, and they really let you show off your personality! This bathroom incorporates the best of both worlds with a simple, painted board and batten wall on the bottom and wallpaper on top! It’s not as hard as it looks – check out this quick tutorial!

Renter-friendly option: Removable peel and stick wallpaper will give you the same look without having to commit long-term. Love the board and batten? There’s a renter-friendly tutorial for that too!

5. Update Mirrors

Bathroom mirrors are often neglected, but they totally change the feel of the room – don’t leave them out! These wood-framed mirrors bring warmth to this bathroom’s design and help to balance out all of the cool tones and polished finishes. 

Renter-friendly option: If replacing your mirror is out of the budget or you’re renting, adding a wood frame to an existing mirror is an easy one-weekend DIY project – just make sure you can easily remove it if you’re renting!

6. Paint Your Cabinets

Painting your bathroom cabinets may take a little effort, but it’s a great way to unify your space or to add a fun pop of color your bathroom. With just a small can of paint and some time, you can take your bathroom from basic to beautiful, even with a low budget. This bathroom’s painted cabinets help to ground the space, and provide much-needed contrast that takes the design from bland to balanced.

7. Replace Old Light Fixtures

Replacing a ceiling or wall light in your bathroom with a modern fixture that’s more your style will give the entire room an instant style boost! You don’t have to play it safe here – find a fixture you love and jump in! We love the way this bathroom shows some serious creativity with these pendant lights that highlight this AMAZING wood accent wall. 

Many homeowners are wary of swapping out light fixtures, but it’s usually a pretty simple DIY. We recommend starting with your vanity light first if you’re on a budget – great front-facing light by the mirror will make the biggest impact on your morning routine!

8. Layer Your Light

Every room in your house should have several light sources to make it feel more comfortable and eliminate harsh shadows and dark corners. In a living room, that’s as easy as tossing in a few lamps, but layering light in a bathroom can be a little trickier.

This bathroom uses a combination of pendant lights and recessed lights to make the whole space feel bright and airy. If your bathroom lighting isn’t working for you, installing an extra wall or ceiling light is the best way to go from dark and dingy to light and bright. 

If your bathroom’s already finished and rewiring isn’t in the cards – don’t worry! Fortunately, there are a lot of easy do-it-yourself options out there. 

LED light strips like the ones in this bathroom are inexpensive and as easy to install as a sticker! They’re usually used behind the mirror or under cabinets, but they can go anywhere you want some extra light. 

You can also replace a light switch or outlet cover with one that has a built-in light – no more blind fumbling for a switch in the middle of the night.

Renter-friendly option: Get a motion-sensing plug-in outlet light or a rechargeable countertop light! These are both non-permanent ways to add a layer of light and keep yourself from bumping into the counter in the dark.

9. Update Faucets

Another way to update the look of your bathroom and conserve water is by switching out your faucets. Look for a faucet with a WaterSense label to reduce your sink’s water flow by 30 percent or more. Less water flow means a lower water bill. With a lower water bill, you’ll have some extra change in your pocket to take your family out for dinner (or yourself–you deserve it!).

10. Dim the Lights

The lights in this bathroom make it a retreat from chaos. When you want a calming bath, dim the lights for optimal relaxation. Dimmable lights give you the flexibility to turn your bathroom into a spa.

Bonus points: Since dimmable lights are more energy-efficient, installing a dimmer switch will leave you with extra money to do more with your bathroom!

Renter-friendly option: Use other lower-light options like strip lights, countertop lights, or LED candles like in the bathroom above.

11. Add a Backsplash

The metallic accents and painted vanity in this bathroom are to die for, but what really makes this space magic is that classic backsplash. Not only does it breathe new life into this space, but it also protects the wall from moisture and staining, so you won’t have to worry about mold or mildew. With a little DIY magic, this bathroom feels complete!

Renter-friendly option: Use a peel and stick backsplash instead! It’ll look like tile without actually being permanent.

12. Update Your Tile Floor

While tile may be a bigger time or money investment, this bathroom clearly shows that it pays off. If you’re wanting to update the floor, choosing a unique tile like this is the way to go. Pro tip: while real tile will give you the best result, you can actually use a stencil to paint your floor. It will give it the same look for a fraction of the cost!

Renter-friendly option: Use removable flooring (peel and stick) to look like custom tile, or cut a vinyl piece to fit the size of any existing tile.

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Don’t let your bathroom fall between the cracks any longer! When you’re ready to take it to the next level, give our experts at Illuminate Lighting a call. We’d love to help you get started and give you more tips like these.

5 Tips to Create the Dreamiest Porch

5 Tips to Create the Dreamiest Porch

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The front porch is an often overlooked space which is, in our humble opinion, a shame. A cozy front porch is a perfect refuge from any inside chaos. It’s the first thing a guest sees and a private place for an intimate conversation with a close friend or family. Here are some tips to help you create the front porch you’ve been dreaming about:

  1. When in Doubt, Add Plants
  2. Let Your Door Speak For Itself
  3. Lighting, Lighting Lighting 
  4. Less is More!
  5. Pick Comfortable Seating

1. When in Doubt, Add Plants

One of the simplest ways to level up your porch is to add some plants and flowers. Choose real plants if you have the time and motivation you to keep them alive or, if your thumb is less-than-green, just stick with faux. Either way, a little bit of green adds a lot of life and color to a house!

Throw a couple of potted ferns like these on either side of your door to add a touch of green without going overboard. Simple, but effective.

Look, we know not every house is blessed with beautiful draping greenery like this one, but who could resist this Secret-Garden-like oasis? If you’ve got a green thumb, this front porch is one to aspire to.

Flowers

If you want to turn the head of any passerby, flowers are the way to go. They add a pop of color and are a guaranteed way to brighten everyone’s day!

Potted flowers are a good solution if you have a minimal front yard or no flower beds. This porch’s flowers are to die for, but you don’t have to have this many for a stunning result! Even tossing a couple of pots next to your door can add vibrance and life.

Hanging flower baskets are a classic way to add some dimension to a porch. Choosing to hang flowers instead of having them on the ground can also save space so you won’t have to sacrifice the porch set you’ve had your eye on.

2. Let Your Door Speak for Itself

You can do a lot to dress up a front porch, but if the door is lackluster, you’ll be hard-pressed to make the rest of the porch shine. Whether you paint your door, replace the hardware, or replace the whole door with something more your style, don’t forget to give it some TLC!

Whoever picked the color on this door should be given an award! This minty green pops against the red brick, and the gold hardware ties the whole look together.

A simple wooden door can bring warmth to a neutral-painted house like this one. We love how the sconces match the hardware on the door of this home to create a cohesive look. Even the smallest detail is accounted for and we’re impressed! 

3. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting

Lighting is a simple way to take your porch to the next level. There are tons of options to choose from, but two of the most common (and effective) front porch fixtures are sconces and pendants. If you have a larger porch, you should also look into recessed lighting to give you more light.

Sconces

A sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture that’s often used next to or above the front door. Picking the right ones for your house makes a big impact on your porch’s aesthetic and style. Check out how well these homeowners did!

These sconces have a rustic feel that contrasts beautifully with the white siding. They give this home just a spritz of farmhouse!

This sconce has a little more flair but is still a classic style you won’t need to replace when trends change. We also giving this porch bonus points for the fan above the rocking chairs! There’s nothing better – or more refreshing – than a cool breeze in the summertime.

This porch’s clean lines flawlessly match the sconces, giving the whole look a modern edge we love!

Pendants

A pendant is a light fixture with a cord or chain and usually just one light attached. They’re commonly used above a door in an entryway with a higher ceiling. Pendants are practical, but they also make a gorgeous focal point. Here are a few to inspire your next porch project!

The warm stone flooring on this porch needs some contrast to make it feel up to date. The black-finished pendant combined with the matching black door complete the whole ensemble.

This porch is timeless. A warm door combined with a simple, but elegant pendant is a classic combination to make any house feel inviting.

Pendants are incredibly versatile and work well in a number of locations – not just above the doorway. They’re also a great choice above porch furniture to create a comfy space for a leisurely chat with a friend.

4. Less is More!

Redoing your front porch can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. These simple porches prove that less really can be more with some expert advice!

There’s nothing prettier than a warm wood door and black shutters, especially on clean white siding. This porch has. it. all. Symmetrical greenery, gorgeous sconces, some simple furniture, and a fan are truly all you need to have a beautiful and functional porch.

If you have a small porch, using some hanging elements (pendants, flowers, etc.) will add dimension and will give you space for some furniture without sacrificing a beautiful result.

We love the creativity of this small porch! Since there’s no room for plants next to the door, this homeowner added greenery on the sconces. The arched window above the door is the prettiest focal point to bring together an elegant, but minimal look.

This porch looks bigger because of the reflection of the windows on the door. The rest of the space is also well-used. From the small plants placed on stands to make them look taller to the hanging pendant, every inch is accounted for!

5. Pick Comfortable Seating

There’s something nostalgic about sitting on the porch on a summer night – like an ode to the simpler times of days gone by. Picking comfortable seating will make you want to sit on your porch, reflecting and enjoying the simplicity of the moment.

Porch Swings

There’s nothing more soothing than the back-and-forth motion of a porch swing!

The cozy cushions and pillows on this swing make it the ideal spot to snuggle up with a blanket for an autumn nap or to curl up with a book.

This swing lends itself perfectly to a conversation with a friendly neighbor, family member, or friend.

Rocking Chairs

Make the most of warm spring and summer days by relaxing on a rocking chairs with an ice cold lemonade sitting on a table beside you!

Rocking chairs are a comfortable seating option, but they take up less space and aren’t quite as permanent as a swing. The pillows on these pretty white rockers tie in the shutters on the house and are the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of nature.

Rocking chairs are simple and inviting whether they’re styled or not. We love the idea of watching the neighborhood kids ride their bikes, watching the dogs be walked, and seeing the world slow around you as the sun sets from the comfort of your rocking chair.

Don’t let your front porch fall by the wayside any longer! When you’re ready to get to work creating the porch of your dreams, give Illuminate Lighting a call. We’ll give you all the tips you need to make your dreams a reality.

Lumens vs Watts: What’s the Difference?

Lumens vs Watts: What’s the Difference?

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Light bulbs have been lighting up our world for over a hundred years, but do we really understand how they work? When you go to the store to buy a replacement bulb, the box labels are filled with numbers and industry terms that can leave you wondering how to know which bulb you actually need.

Fortunately, understanding the difference between lumens and watts is fairly straightforward. Take a quick minute to read this quick summary, and you’ll be ready to hit the stores to find exactly what you need.

Lumens

Lumens measure the amount of light a bulb emits. The technical definition is “the unit of luminous flux, equal to the luminous flux emitted in a unit solid angle by a point source of one candle intensity.” In less scientific terms, the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the bulb. Most mainstream bulb labels use the full term, but if you can’t find the word “lumens” on the label look for its abbreviation, lm.

How many lumens do I need?

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t put the brightest bulbs you can find in every area of your home. The rooms in your home will all need different levels of light, depending on how you use them. Use bulbs with a high lumen count in areas where you need a much brighter light, like above your kitchen counters. You need much less light in your bedroom, so consider going with lower lumen count bulbs in warmer colors to keep it a relaxing space where you can get some sleep.

While there are complicated equations out there that you can use to calculate your “exact” lumen requirements, the trouble is that every person and every space is different. You may find that you prefer brighter lights than what’s “necessary” in one place and dimmer lights in another. Your best bet is to try a few different bulbs, or better yet – get a dimmer switch so that you can customize your light levels depending on your needs for the day.

Pro Tip: Lumens can be added across several light sources in a space. It’s not an exact science because it doesn’t take into account distance from the source and the angles of the light, but if you have three 800lm bulbs in a room, it will be lit with roughly 1800lm.

Watts

Watts measure the amount of power consumed by the bulb. One watt isn’t much, it’s equal to 1/746 horsepower. It’s named after James Watt, a Scottish inventor credited for creating a steam engine during the Industrial Revolution. The symbol for watts is “W”.

Most electrical devices are rated in watts, although large appliances that use more power are often measured in kilowatts, which is equal to one thousand watts. (1W = 1000kW)

The wattage of a bulb will tell you only how much power it consumes, not how bright it is. The lower the watt rating on the bulb, the cheaper it will be on your energy bill to light your house.

Before you buy, always check your light fixture for its watt rating. Never put a bulb with a higher watt rating than the fixture can handle. If the bulb tries to pull more power than the fixture can handle, it could start a fire.

 Energy-Efficient Bulbs

Before the days of LED bulbs, it was pretty easy to get a good idea of how bright a bulb was by simply looking at the wattage. The higher the watts, the brighter the bulb. LED lightbulbs can give off the same amount of light as a traditional bulb using far fewer watts. This is what the labels mean when they say the bulbs are “energy efficient” – they need less power to provide equivalent light.

TL;DR Lumens and Watts

Lumens and Watts both describe how a lightbulb works. Lumens measure the amount of light a bulb emits – the higher the lumens the brighter the bulb. Watts measure the amount of power a light bulb uses. Newer light bulbs like LEDs can produce a lot of light (lumens) using very little power (watts), making them more energy-efficient.

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Need help finding the right light bulb? Give the experts at Illuminate Lighting a call!

How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Every Season

How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Every Season

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20 Beautiful Front Porch Pictures to Inspire Your Seasonal Project

Your front porch is the perfect place for a seasonal refresh when you get the itch to redecorate! With some classic furniture and lighting and a few simple decor swaps, you’ll have a front porch that’ll make you want to celebrate every season.

Spring

The earth feels brand new when the last bits of winter finally melt away. It’s the best time to breathe some life into your porch. Exercise that green thumb, or fake it with some faux plants. Either way, flowers and greenery are the way to go when spring is in the air. 

This picture is a florist’s dream. Hanging many garlands may be a bit unrealistic, but adding a few flowery garlands (possibly on a railing) and a matching wreath would give a similar result without all the effort!

Flower beds are a foolproof way to add some seasonal color. These tulips and daffodils are spring staples. They’re perfectly positioned for height and dimension. Plus, a black pendant light like this is a classic element that’ll work regardless of the season! For proof, check out the same porch in our fall and winter section!

Window boxes are another simple way to liven up your porch. If your green thumb has turned a bit brown, pick some faux plants or flowers instead. Some faux plants look so realistic nobody will know the difference!

Hello yellow! The neutral green and white wreath make this yellow door POP! If your door is neutral, pick a wreath with bold colors to provide a stunning focal point. When the seasons change, simply swap out the wreath and replace the matching greenery.

A vibrant door and warm-toned wreath combo are the perfect spring-summer tie-in. With this pretty pendant light hanging above the door, this porch won’t go unnoticed no matter when you’re decorating!

Summer

Summer nights spent on the porch evoke the nostalgia of simpler days. Sprucing up your porch to fit the season will make you want to grab your favorite drink, cozy up with a book, and pass the time. No deadlines or stress will get in your way when your porch feels like summer!

Nothing says comfort like a porch swing, and this one is to die for. The warm wood tones of the ceiling and swing compliment the black paint and greenery beautifully. This homeowner also gets bonus points for the recessed lighting – a great choice! They blend in nicely without detracting from that gorgeous wood ceiling.

This All-American porch is what summer dreams are made of. The rocking chair is a classic piece of furniture the sconces will fit any season. With a porch lacking a roof overhang, they fit nicely and highlight seasonal decor. Throw in an American Flag for Independence Day and you’ve got a simple summer porch you’ll want to enjoy immediately!

Remember those window boxes full of flowers that died last season? It’s time to say goodbye. Head over to your local plant nursery and find some new flowers that’ll last in your climate. These cute flowers with the amazing green shutters are all the inspiration you need to get to work!

Every cozy porch has one thing in common – comfortable furniture! If you’re still using the stiff, sun-worn furniture you inherited from your Great Aunt Susan 10 years ago, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Pick something you’ll be making excuses to go outside and sit in!

Summer porch decor is all about the plants! These rosebushes over the architectural awning give a minimal touch of color that whispers summer. A dainty pendant is the cherry on top of this charming design. It’ll illuminate this gorgeous porch on summer nights and will transition to every season seamlessly.

Fall

These porches make us want to don our best sweaters, grab some apple cider, and head to the pumpkin patch! The crisp air and flavors of autumn are tough to beat, but these fall-inspired porches make it a close call.

Meet your new best friends this autumn: buffalo plaid, mums, and pumpkins! Throw in some subtle lanterns to tie in the sconces and a neutral wreath that coordinates with the gray pumpkins, and your porch is dressed and ready for sweater weather!

More is more on this porch. Give me all the pumpkins, hay, wheat, and leaves! Adding some lanterns with with candles was a great call here too. Instead of choosing candles that will burn out and need to be replaced, consider solar lighting that’ll charge during the day and light your way at night!

This porch is a mood. The dead hydrangeas that this homeowner somehow worked into their decor are a stroke of genius! The candles in jars add just the right touch of elegance. We’re ready for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween, how can you not love this decor? This porch has just a touch of spooky season, but it can easily be switched out once October ends. Just tuck the jack-o-lantern away and replace the Halloween railing decor with a leafy fall garland, and you’ll have a Thanksgiving-ready porch in no time. The classic black finishes on the stairs, sconce, and door make this house easy to transition between moods and seasons.

The decor on this porch will have you heading to the pumpkin patch to get lost in a hay maze. This porch proves decorating doesn’t have to be complex. Use what you have! A watering can, a few pumpkins, and a hay bale are all great decor ideas for your fall-inspired porch.

Winter

Bring on the red and green, holiday music, and peppermint hot chocolate! The holiday spirit is alive and well on these porches. Nothing brings more joy to this season than a festive front porch.

Winter may be our favorite time of year to decorate for, but I guess we’re a bit biased. The twinkle lights hanging everywhere fill the whole neighborhood with magic. This porch is no exception! The potted and lit trees and walkway lights lead you to the door. The hanging pendant welcomes you in. You can’t help but feel the holiday spirit!

Pillars like these deserve to be wrapped in red and green. Garlands are a simple piece of winter decor anyone can find a use for! Adding in the red ribbon and festive wreaths dress this porch up for the holiday season.

This porch’s over-the-top creativity has us swooning. Hanging ornaments from ribbons next to the pendants is brilliant! Lights are incorporated throughout this design – from the coordinating pendants, the sconces, and walkway light to the Christmas lights and string of globe lights, this porch is a holiday masterpiece. Planted poinsettias bring the look together and have us dreaming of winter all year.

Decorating for the holiday season doesn’t have to be time-consuming or break the bank. Red ribbons on some existing potted plants (faux or real), an elegant wreath, and a garland turn this house into a cozy holiday home without having to battle with your attic storage year after year. This porch is just missing some sconces next to the windows with red ribbons to tie together the look!

Holiday decor is done right on this styled porch! If you don’t have evergreens in your yard to dress up, a few potted trees like these do the trick. Garlands and wreaths are holiday classics, but we love how even the smallest detail is accounted for. The chopped wood reminds us of a cozy fireplace ready to be lit. Even Santa’s burlap sack is ready for Christmas! As always, lighting is the icing on the cake. With some globe string lights and a white sconce that blends so your decor can be at the forefront, this porch is complete.

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No matter the time of year, your porch can be a safe haven from the chaos of the everyday. Seasonal decorating can help you feel at home as you move through the year, but don’t forget to invest in decor staples, furniture, and functional pieces that’ll last the whole year. Light fixtures with a black finish, for example, will look good and stand out no matter what season you’re decorating for! For some expert advice on creating a front porch that’ll illuminate your decor, give Illuminate Lighting a call!

Eco-Friendly Interior Design: 5 Tips For a Sustainable and Stylish Home

Eco-Friendly Interior Design: 5 Tips For a Sustainable and Stylish Home

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There are many advantages to making your space more eco-friendly. By reducing your home’s carbon footprint, you can save money and even improve your home’s air quality. The trick is doing it without compromising on style. If you’re struggling to find sustainable yet stylish swaps for your space, look no further! Below we have rounded up some of our favorite eco-friendly interior design ideas.  

1. Bring The Outside In 

Indoor plants make for great decor – they are lush and give your space dimension, texture, and color. House plants can also be powerful air purifiers and help reduce the levels of CO2 in your home. If you’re already a plant parent, you may want to consider an indoor vegetable or herb patch. These small but mighty gardens look great on any window sill, plus you can eat their produce! A dedicated LED grow light will ensure you can harvest your indoor garden all year round.

2. Opt For Natural Fibers 

Whether you’re in the market for a new rug, light fixture, or pouf, look for items made from natural fibers such as jute. Jute is a material made from the jute tree, which is a fast grower and needs very little water to survive. Jute is also bio-degradable and recyclable – making it super eco-friendly!  When it comes to upholstery, opt for bamboo fabrics. Latex is another solid option as it comes from the rubber plant. 

3. Pick Low or Zero VOC Paints 

One of the most important decorating decisions you will likely make is the color of your walls. Your color palette will determine the mood of your space and set the tone of your home style. The problem with paint is that many contain harmful VOCs – or volatile organic compounds. The best eco-friendly interior design paints are labeled “low VOC” or “zero VOC.” These paints are water-based, are lower in odor, and are a more eco-friendly option.

4. Swap Your Bulbs 

Every good interior designer knows that a room’s lighting will make or break the space. To make your existing lighting more eco-friendly, opt for high-quality LED bulbs. They consume less energy than regular bulbs, and they last much longer. This means fewer bulbs are being manufactured and ending up in landfills – and your utility bills will be lower.  

5. Dim Your Lights

Dimmers are excellent for many reasons, and they can totally transform your space. With just your fingertips, you can go from bright and fresh to warm and moody. Dimmed lights also use less energy than regular lights, which is good for the planet and your wallet. Interior designers also love dimmers for the plate switches. They are sleek and sophisticated and are sure to elevate any room. 

To find out more about sustainable lighting options, give us a call or stop by our showroom. Our lighting experts can help you find exactly what you need to go green.

Step-by-Step Guide to Home Lighting Renovation

Step-by-Step Guide to Home Lighting Renovation

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How to Plan, Prioritize, Budget, and Make it Happen

Updating the lighting in your home is one of the quickest ways to give your house a facelift. It’s easy to accidentally overspend on your house’s lighting if you don’t have the right information, but not to worry! With a few pro tips and some help from Illuminate Lighting, your home will feel brighter and look better – without breaking the bank.

1. Make a Plan

Before you start tearing lights out, pull up a chair and make a solid plan. When you’re on a budget, prioritizing which spaces need the most love is key. Look in each room and make sure all your spaces have multiple lighting sources to eliminate shadows and illuminate workspaces. 

Once you’ve done that, think about lighting focal points. Where do you want your lights to make the biggest impact? A few places to consider starting are: above the dining room table, in the living room, and in the bedrooms.

Pro tip: Make a list of all the fixtures you want in order of importance–it will come in handy later!

2. Evaluate Your Budget

Do your research and be realistic about your needs and wants. Knowing how much you can spend and being an informed buyer will help you make the most of your money and avoid overspending. 

Take a look at your budget and decide on two numbers – the amount you’d like to spend, and the highest amount you’re willing to spend. Then, put together some ballpark estimates for the fixtures you want. 

When you walk into the showroom prepared, you can put your money where it matters most!  It’ll also help us to know what price range you’re looking at to match you with the perfect fixture!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to include the costs of professional installation and light bulbs in your estimate! 

3. Prioritize Your Needs

If you’re renovating on a budget, ask yourself: Which light fixtures will make the biggest difference in my house? Remember that list of fixtures you made earlier? Pull it out and prepare to rearrange it. 

Prioritize fixtures that give off ambient, or full-room, light. Once you have those at the top of the list, move on to task lighting. Any workspaces will need additional lighting above them (kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, desks, etc.).

If you still have room in your budget, consider adding accent lighting to features in your home you want to highlight. Moving from general to specific will help you narrow your focus to what really matters, and light your house without running low on change.

4. Pick Your Fixtures

It’s easy to get sticker shock when you start looking at light fixtures. When you’re choosing lights for your renovation, you have two options: you can get a cheap fixture that will work for now, or you can get a quality fixture that will work for years. 

While there is a time and a place for inexpensive fixtures, just remember that buying lights that will stand the test of time will actually save you money in the long run. 

You also need to keep in mind how often you want to redecorate. Trendy fixtures will look outdated much faster than classic styles. If you don’t want to be repeating this process again in 5 years, get a classic, quality fixture that won’t need to be replaced when the fads change.

Pro Tip: Selling your old fixtures online can give you a little extra to put towards your next lighting purchase.

5. Remember the Bulbs

While LED lights cost a little more up front, they use at least 75% less energy, and they last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. To be sure you’ll see savings on your electrical bill, look for bulbs with the Energy Star rating logo on the packaging. 

Don’t make the mistake of buying bulbs that you’ll just have to replace in a few months! Be sure to work LED bulbs into your budget–we promise it’ll pay off!

6. Do It Yourself

One major cost of updating lighting is installation. In many cases, a handy homeowner with the help of a few Youtube tutorials can save money by doing it themselves. You may also consider installing some lights yourself and having others professionally installed–dropping a heavy chandelier would put a dent in your budget (and your floor)!

However, if you’re going to go this route, researching and implementing all the safety precautions is non-negotiable. Being well-educated can save you from causing a fire, burns, or other safety hazards.

If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, no worries. Just make sure to factor the professional help you need into your overall budget!

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Updating and replacing lighting on a budget can feel like a daunting task, but with these tips and our expertise, you can’t go wrong! The step-by-step guide we made will help you have amazing lighting without feeling financially strapped.

If you get stuck on any of these steps, give us a call and we’d love to chat about solutions.

Top Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Safe

Top Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Safe

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Household accidents cost time, money, and suffering. From burns to falls, break-ins to credit fraud, it can feel overwhelming to protect your home and family. 

In this article, we’ll cover some top tips to keep your home and family safe. In this article, we’ll cover some top tips to prevent household accidents. The good news is that you’re probably already doing most of these – and many of the fixes are low-maintenance and low-cost.

Fire Safety 

Parents often think of the stove or oven when they think of fire hazards (we’ve all heard the Thanksgiving turkey mishap stories!), but forgetting to maintain fire prevention measures in the home is just as dangerous.

Fire Extinguishers & Smoke Alarms

Since people rarely need to put out a fire in their home, many homeowners forget where their fire extinguisher is, and it ends up buried in the back of a closet or cupboard. Fire extinguishers need to be replaced about every 12 years, and often need recharging as soon as six years. Be sure that your extinguishers are ready to go and that your family knows where it is and how to use them. 

Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years. Keep batteries on hand and replace them once a year. It’s best to test them once a month – it’s a great opportunity to do a family fire drill! Set up a meeting place and practice getting out of the house quickly so that kids will know what to do in case of an emergency. 

Candles

Candles are fun for mood lighting, but they are also a fire hazard. Never leave a candle unattended! For safer mood lighting, consider switching to softer light bulbs and dimmer switches. Color-changing LED bulbs are a fun option – some can be controlled by an app that lets you customize the lighting in your room with just the touch of a button.

Old Wiring

Electrical wiring is encased with a plastic or silicone coating to prevent fires, but that coating wears off over time. Electric codes also change over time, so many older homes may already have outdated and unsafe wiring. If your circuit breakers trip regularly, your lights flicker, or you hear a buzzing sound by your outlets, you should have your wiring professionally checked. Need a recommendation for a good electrician in the area? Give us a call!

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Childproofing 

Homes are filled with hazards for curious little ones― washing machines, driers, water heaters, and even daily toy messes can lead to serious injury. Here are a few simple ways to keep kids safe!

Appliances 

Appliances are everywhere, and kids love to help grownups with laundry and cooking. Make sure the washer and dryer are in their own enclosed space and that the doors are sturdy. Help your children know that the laundry room isn’t a place to play or hide. In the kitchen, simple tools like burner locks ensure that little chefs don’t start cooking on their own. There are also locks to ensure that oven doors can’t open either.

Toy Clutter

Tripping over toys is another leading cause of falls― bumped heads, sprained ankles, and avoidable tears. Keep walkways clean by confining toys to bedrooms or toy rooms. Encourage cleanliness by installing low shelves or get kid-friendly storage containers!

Lamps and Sockets

Most parents know that electrical sockets need to be covered – it’s childproofing 101. But what is there to do with the outlets in use? Most homes use lamps in one form or another. They’re great for adding a little extra light in a dark corner and for giving soft light in calm spaces, like a child’s bedroom. To childproof a floor lamp, place it behind a large piece of furniture so that it can’t be pulled over. For table lamps, make sure it’s out of reach up high and that the cord is inaccessible. 

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Prevent Trips and Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury worldwide in adults over 60 years old. Although falls are most serious for the elderly, all ages are at risk of injury from falls. Every homeowner should review common fall zones to protect family and guests.

Banisters

Make sure that all stairways have a banister for support. A sturdy banister can be the difference between a simple slip and a broken leg. Ensure that all banisters are secure and won’t pull away from the wall when yanked on.

Stair Lights

Simple stair lights help you see where you’re going, even when the overhead lights are off. Installing them can be a large or small project – it just depends on your budget and willingness to DIY. LED strip lights and motion-sensing stick-on battery lights are easy beginner projects that will make your stairway safer. You can also hire a contractor to hardwire lights to a switch if you don’t want to worry about replacing batteries. 

Loose Carpets or Rugs

Loose flooring is another common tripper― whether it’s your kindergartener running at full speed or your partner with a tall load of laundry, rugs should not get in the way. If you notice your carpet is pulling up at the edges, contact a professional to help reinstall it or find a DIY method. Only use rugs with flat edges and avoid ones that curl upwards.

Safeguard Personal Information

From hackers to natural disasters, it’s essential to keep personal information safe. Here’s some basics:

Computer Safety

Be sure to keep security software updated, so you have the best protection possible. Update your passwords regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. It’s also a good idea to keep computers out of sight when you’re out of the house― you never know who’s checking for valuables when you’re away.

Credit Monitoring

Hackers are everywhere. The 2017 Equifax Data Breach showed how important it is to monitor our credit reports. Many monitoring services are easy to use. Some lock your social security number so that no one but you can use it. Safely store or destroy documents with bank account information or social security numbers.

Prevent Fire or Water Damage

Birth certificates, titles, and passports are important documents – and you don’t want to be without them in an emergency. The best practice is to store these documents where they’ll be safe from fire or water damage. Small home safes are an excellent option for most. For high-value items, getting a security box at your bank may be necessary for peace of mind. Whatever your preference, make sure you’re housing your documents safely.

Intruder Prevention

Did you know that 34% of burglars simply walk in through an unlocked front door? Or that most break-ins occur between 10 am and 3 pm when houses are usually empty? A few simple tools and habits will keep you well prepared against burglary.

Lock Your Doors and Windows

It’s always a good habit to keep your doors and ground-level windows locked. Most robberies are the result of opportunity, not a criminal master plan. A simple fix here would be to upgrade your deadbolt or add a second lock up higher on the door. 

Security Alarms

Security alarms and smart doorbells have become much more popular in middle-class homes. There is a wide range of security systems and providers. Many security systems pair with apps so you can alarm or monitor your home from anywhere. Finally, most security providers will give you signs with the security systems. Posting that you have a security system may be one of the most effective deterrents to theft.

Motion-activated Lights

Keep the exterior of your home well-lit to discourage nighttime crime. If you use video surveillance, it’s important to make sure you don’t have blind spots in your lighting. No matter what, it’s a good idea to have lights on your property’s front, sides, and backyard, especially near the entrances. Motion-activated lights are a great option for most people – they conserve power (which lowers your electricity bill), and they’ll often scare away potential intruders when the light turns on.

Outdoor Safety

Summer nights are a fun time to be together as a family. A few tips and tricks will create quality memories without emergency room visits.

Outdoor Lighting

Proper outdoor lighting will make your yard safer, no matter the time of day. Whether it’s a powerful light on the driveway for evening basketball games or soft lights on the back patio for an outdoor dinner, consider the ways you use your yard and choose lights that will make it the safest for you and your family to enjoy.

Pool

The CDC states that there are an average of 33 drowning incidents per day in the United States. To keep your home’s pool safe, maintain a sturdy fence around the pool area if you have young children or pets. Always have a buddy whenever someone is in the pool, and always have life vests on hand. Keep pool maintenance chemicals in a safe location.

Landscaping

Maintaining a yard is a lot of work, and it comes with a lot of tools. Keep play areas and walkways clear by trimming back bushes and trees, and consider lighting well-used walkways (like the path to your front door or to your backyard shed) to make them safe after dark. Store yard tools somewhere safe when not in use, and make sure chemicals like gasoline and pesticides are either up high or behind a lock. 

Expert Help

We understand that making your home safe is of the utmost importance. The lighting in your home should play a central role in both safety and comfort! For help choosing lighting that will make your home and family safer, stop by our showroom or give us a call to speak to our lighting experts!