Guest Post - How to Brighten Up Your Home with Light Fixture Arrangements

The English say that their home is their castle, but that saying goes for everyone. You feel cozy, safe and relaxed at home. You are house proud and you do everything to make your home more pleasant and comfortable.

But sometimes you have to deal with issues such as poor natural light, making your house dark. Since light is not only a basic necessity but a proven mood booster, you should do everything you can to bright up your home.

Various light fixture arrangements can bring not just more light, but also a stylish look to your home. Here are various ways in which you can install them around your house:

1. Make Everyone Feel Welcome from the Front Door

Many people place a mat with the word “Welcome” written on it in front of their door. But you can take things a bit further with a neon sign that spells the word. 

Of course, some people appreciate discretion. Thus, you can simply place a regular light fixture that helps your house guests find the doorbell in the evening. To save energy, you can add a motion detector that turns on the light for about half a minute, enough for your guest to ring the bell and walk inside the house.

2. Showcase Your Favorite Decorations

Everyone has a favorite paining, statuette or trinket that they proudly display in the living room. It may have sentimental value, or you just love the way it looks. Thus, you want it to stand out and become a focal visual point in the room.

You can easily do that with a clever light fixture arrangement. With a bit of planning, you can create a wonderful play of lights and shadows that make the decoration stand out and look its best.

3. No More Dark Corridors

Corridors and hallways are a problem in every home. They usually do not have any source of natural light, except for when the doors to the rooms are open. This can be a problem for small children and elderly people who are generally more prone to accidents in the house.

You can solve this problem with a few light fixture arrangements. Place them in strategic points to provide as much light to the corridor without using too much electricity. With a little creative touch, these neon lights can actually double up as decorations for the corridor.

4. Have One on the House

For some time, it is fashionable to have a mini-bar in the house. It makes sense for people with children – they keep all the alcoholic drinks in one place, away from the little ones.

Usually, the mini-bar is place in a corner, out of the way. This area may need supplementary lighting, especially if you are trying your drink mixing skills. With a simple light fixture arrangement, you will get the desired effect, with minimum costs.

5. Add a Bit of Color to Your Home

Colored neon lights can brighten up your home with a simple click on a switch. You can turn your living room either in a romantic setting for dinner or a cheerful lounge for a party with friends simply by changing the lighting.

However, you should be careful about selecting the colors for each room. Colors have a direct effect on mood and state of mind. Thus:

• Red and orange – these are colors that inspire energy and even hunger. They are ideal for the kitchen, but not for the living room;

• Blue and purple – these colors help the mind focus. You should use them for your home office;

• Green and lavender inspire a refreshed and tranquil state of mind. It is a great choice for the den and the bedroom;

• Yellow is a happy color. Many parents choose it for the nursery and the children’s study room.

6. Create a Reading Corner

Many people enjoy sitting in a comfortable armchair with a good book and a delicious cup of coffee or tea. The reading corner is their private sanctuary. And they manage to have it, even in a small house.

You can create yours, too. Your favorite armchair and a light fixture to provide adequate lighting to read, placed next to the bookcase, will help you spend a few quiet hours every day and escape into the fantasy world of books.

7. Personalize Your Den

At the end of a busy day of work and spending time with the family, some people want a few quiet moments alone. If you are one of them, you probably have a den – a small room where you can practice your hobbies.

This is, probably, the room that best represent you. You surround yourself with all the things you like. You can take your interior decorations further with creative light fixtures. Colored neon signs shaped as the logo of your favorite sports team or music band, focus lighting on your own sports trophies (if you won any) will help you enjoy your den even more.

8. The Temple of Cleanliness Gets a Makeover

When it comes to brightness, no room needs it as much as the bathroom. For privacy reasons, most bathrooms do not have a window. If they have one, it is covered with frosting film which greatly reduces the amount of natural light.

So, light fixture arrangements are a must for your bathroom. And since you need them, why not make sure they look great and make this room pleasant and relaxing? You can opt for various designs, from sea waves to rain drops and pick soothing colors, such as light blue or lavender.

9. Don’t Forget about the Patio

If you are lucky enough to have a patio, you should make the most of it. You can spend a lot of quality time with your family and friends during the warm season, having lunch, drinks, or simply talking. 

With adequate lighting fixture arrangements, you patio can be a funky disco scene, or a serene relaxation corner. If you also have potted plants on the patio, spot lighting can show them off, giving the overall look of a luxurious exotic garden.

Author bio: Lara Douglas is a young woman who loves interior designing and home decor. She is passionate about new trends and fashion forward home décor ideas. She regularly posts at Neon Signs Depot.

Guest Post - 8 Best Ways to Make Your Home Feel Brighter

Your home is your safe zone. It is where you can freely do whatever you want to do.

You can chill whenever you like, as well as watch your favorite series as you lounge on the couch. Eat snacks wherever you prefer and maybe read your favorite books too. Nothing, indeed, feels like home. 

But, did you know that a brighter home can uplift your mood too? 

While some people believe that to make your home feel brighter, you can only play with your choice of lighting fixtures, it is not always the case. Below are other ways you can try instead: 

1. Choose a basic wall color

In choosing a basic wall color, you do not have to always choose white. 

Lavender has warm tones which are also great to add brightness to a dark room. Powder blue makes you feel relaxed as it mimics the color of the clouds.

If you’re a bachelor, maybe bright orange suits your minimalistic approach, instead of just merely black and white. Or maybe opt for soft gray to have a neutral color, and then play with the colors of the details such as your bed sheets or carpet.

2. Start with your light sources

Although your light fixtures are not just the only solution to a problem, they play a vital role as well.

According to Halcyon LED Lights NZ, opt for recessed lights if you have a low ceiling. Or be creative in choosing your chandeliers if you have a higher ceiling instead.

Others choose LED lighting fixtures because it’s more efficient and brighter too.

If you need to install recessed lights into your closets or kitchen counters, feel free to do so.

3. Hang some mirrors

One of the known interior design tricks, especially for small properties, is the addition of mirrors.

Mount mirrors on your wall to have a bigger space effect. A full-length mirror in your bedroom is a necessity for dressing up. Install one near the front door too to be able to have that last look before you step out. Inside the bathroom is also a must while you do your night routine. 

Some interior designers suggest that you should check your lighting fixtures first before installing a mirror because the light around the mirror is essential.

Also, place one where it would not be an obstacle for the people living in the house. Remember that safety should always be a priority.

4. Elevate your furniture

Having bulky furniture constantly on the floor makes the room more cramped up. Adding new legs to your couches, dressers, and bedside tables make more room for better air circulation.

5. Decorate with plants

Did you know that plants do not only serve as decors in your home? 

Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb toxins and then produce clean air in return for you to breathe in. Plants also boost your mood and reduce a significant amount of stress. 

In addition to that, a recent study shows that plants help lower background noise. So if you live in an apartment in the metro with busy streets around you, decorating your home with plants can help you a lot.

It improves your focus and most importantly creates a feeling of well-being.

6. Get lighter curtains

Installing curtains that totally blocks off natural light helps people with insomnia. However, during the day, it does not quite come in handy. 

Lighter curtains also allow natural light and air to circulate inside the room. But if you are not a big fan of it, consider using sheer fabric curtains underneath your usual ones.

In that way, you have an option to close both off for privacy or use the sheer curtain underneath to let some light pass through.

7. Invest in some metals

Investing in some metal decors also serves a great way to add some little shining effect in your home just like mirrors. 

Luckily, you don’t have to stick to just one type of metal. You can mix and match warm with cool metals or opt for metallic finishes on some of your home furniture.

Although it is known that metals ultimately bounces off the light to contribute some brightness, remember that you shouldn’t crowd an area with all your metallic decorations. It’ll look too much and over the top.

Make sure to distribute them evenly, so they remain visually appealing. 

8. Don't use dark woods

As much as possible, avoid using dark woods no matter how classy they look. That is if your objective is to make your home feel and look brighter. 

However, if the house has dark wood flooring already, opt for lightly designed carpets or center table pieces. With dark panelings on the wall, on the other hand, use cream or ivory sheer curtains to allow natural light to pass through.

Don’t forget to incorporate warm colors in your furniture too to neutralize the mood. Otherwise, just completely avoid using dark woods to start with.

Bear in mind that redecorating your house does not have to be a major job. Simple tweaks here and there can already create a massive difference if you wish to make your home look and feel brighter. So unleash those creative ideas and make your home a more comfortable place to live in.

Author Bio: Robert Helms is a freelance writer based in a NYC. When not writing for clients, he spends most of his time on DIY projects that can make his 800 sqft. apartment a home. 

Guest Post - Let the Light In: The Importance of Lighting in Interior Design

Lighting plays a very important role in our lives. Simply put, people need opulent lighting in order to be able to function properly. That’s why lighting is considered to be one of the most crucial aspects of interior design.

No matter the type of interior in question, having opulent lighting will not only boost the aesthetic appeal of the space; it will also make the space far more functional. Furthermore, in commercial settings, proper lighting will improve overall safety as well. With that in mind, we’ll explore some of the key benefits of lighting in both the residential and commercial settings.

The importance of lighting in residential interior design

In a residential setting, proper lighting will boost the aesthetic appeal of the space, making it far more comfortable. By creating a proper lighting layout, you will make your abode feel homier and cozier.

Improved aesthetics

In residential interiors, lighting is used to boost the aesthetic appeal of the living space. When coming up with the best lighting layout for your home, make sure you first learn more about different layers of lighting and how they contribute to making your space look good. Use ambient lighting to bring overall illumination in your rooms. Boost the appeal further with the use of accent lighting by placing it so that it brings greater attention to specific elements of the design. In the end, use task lighting to boost the functionality of certain design features.

Healthier living environment

Since people need lighting in order to function properly, well-illuminated areas make for healthier living environments. Spending time in a well-lit space will significantly reduce eye strain and generally make us feel better. That’s why some experts even suggest lighting as a therapy to treat conditions such as seasonal affective disorder. Basically, spending time in a poorly-lit environment can have a lot of negative effects on both your physical and mental health. Of course, since we all want to make our homes as comfortable as possible, this is certainly something you need to keep in mind.

Improved functionality

Moreover, proper lighting will significantly boost the functionality of your interior design, specifically in areas such as the kitchen and the bathroom. In such areas, having opulent lighting will not only contribute to the design of the space but it will also reduce the possibility of any potential accidents. Kitchens are most commonly full of sharp objects so it becomes quite clear how the lack of lighting could potentially cause issues. Bathrooms, on the other hand, need to be properly illuminated to prevent any trips, slips and falls that could potentially have very negative outcomes.

The importance of lighting in commercial interior design

The benefits of good lighting that apply for residential spaces also apply for commercial environments. However, in a commercial setting, good lighting can even carry some additional benefits. These include:

Greater safety

In a commercial setting – and especially if we’re talking about manufacturing facilities, hospitals, emergency rooms and similar – proper lighting will significantly improve the safety of everyone present. Since commercial environments usually require more heavy-duty lighting, it would be wise to consult with experts before you start looking for proper solutions. For instance, if you are not quite sure which type of lighting would be best for your working environment, you can visit the trade fair for lighting in Frankfurt, Germany. Here, you’ll be able to find an ideal lighting solution that will fit right into your commercial setting.

Improved productivity

Moreover, well-illuminated commercial environments are not only safer to work in but they also improve productivity. However, make sure that your workers are not exposed to too much lighting, as this can create an environment that’s as uncomfortable to work in as the poorly-lit one. That’s why many businesses choose to equip their fixtures with LED and fluorescent light bulbs because these provide the most comfortable illumination.

Healthier workforce

Finally, workplace lighting will have a huge effect on your workforce. That’s why you need to ensure that your offices are well-lit. Not only will your employees be far more productive and motivated working in an office that offers comfortable illuminating but they’ll also feel generally happier. Office lighting can greatly affect your workers’ mental well-being. If your workers are unhappy, they won’t be the only ones suffering. Rather, your business will suffer as well. So, to prevent this from happening, you should certainly up your office illumination game.

These were just some of the benefits of having opulent lighting in your interior. Ideally, you should always try to use lighting to your advantage and create an environment that not only looks good, but that’s also comfortable and safe to spend time in. 

Lana Hawkins is a young architect and a home décor blogger on Smooth Decorator. She enjoys writing about interior decoration and landscaping. Lana is interested in sustainability and green building, and that's where she gets most of her inspiration from.

Guest Post - 7 Unique Ways to Spice up Your Boring Front Door

Spicing up your boring front door is not an easy task. It requires creativity to initiate any transformative changes. Remember, the door is the first place your guests encounter before accessing any other significant part of your house. That means keeping it clean is not enough. You need to go a step further and make it look elegant and attractive. Besides getting high-security locks, you can follow some simple ways to amp up the aesthetics of your front door. In case you have no idea how; here are some unique ways that you can use to spice up your front door.

Trim Your Door

Forget about the actual door frame; there is a way you can glam up your entry by framing its exterior. That is what people refer to as door trimming. When it comes to this front door decoration option, homeowners prefer going with exterior molding. Though common, it offers a wide variety of designs and also makes your door pop. Molds are also easy to manipulate and form compared to the likes of wood and metal. Go for wood if you want something more sturdy and robust. Keep in mind that crafting it to your desired finish will cost you. You thus have to consider your options carefully.

Add a Striking Knocker

A door knocker can instantly add a contemporary, antique, or a luxury look to your home.  There are a variety of knockers on the market that can make your front door stand out. You can also decide to go for a personalized door knocker in case you want to go the extra mile. For an excellent finish, consider going for polished surfaces of bronze, nickel, or stainless steel. 

Hang a Stunning Wreath

Wreaths are remarkable front door decorations that you shouldn’t only use during the festive seasons. There are various types of wreaths that you can use to add structure and texture to your front door. If your doorway lacks any sort of exposure to the elements, you can consider silk and other types of artificial wreaths. Otherwise, go for natural dried flowers, preserved dried flowers, or fresh wreaths. The design of wreath you use also matters a lot. Make sure that it is unique, elegant, and creative for a pleasant finish. 

Change the Front Door Hardware

Some people opt to completely do away with the hardware while others prefer making some significant changes. Some of the transformations you can do to a front door to make it more appealing include applying new paint. The shade you pick can go a long way in helping you achieve the beautification you want. Go for a color that contrasts your walls if you want the door to pop out. You can also change the structure of your door by either removing or adding panels to the outer phase. It is always much easier and cheaper than getting a new door.

Add a Door Lite

Adding a door lite to your fiberglass or wooden front door is among the unique ways to enhance its appearance. Focus more on the type of lite you are using. Another factor you need to consider is the shape of the lite. You can opt for an oval lite for a classy and sophisticated look. Other options are rectangular or square lite. Also, figure out which size is going to bring out the look that you want.

Install Strap Hinges and Clavos

Sometimes thinking outside the box can end up getting you one of the best entry doors in the neighborhood. For many people, it’s hard to believe that you can use hinges to transform your door. So go ahead and install strap hinges and clavos to prove them wrong. You need to make sure that the strap hinges you use are long enough for easy visibility. You can then go ahead and add either round or square clavos. Make sure their color contrasts that of the door to make the decorations evident. If done correctly, you will end up with one of the best antique door finishes in this modern world. 

Place flower pots on either side of the door

Sometimes the only way to spruce up your entryway is to include beautiful decorations.  In most cases, flower pots tend to work remarkably. You should, however, make sure that you don’t use flower pots and wreaths together. They are going to make your entry door chaotic. Also, consider getting beautiful flowers that are less bushy. That is because you want the decorations to stand out and not distract or get in the way. 

With the designs mentioned above, you should be sure that your front door will be the talk of the neighborhood. Each idea listed above adds an incredible finish and makes it stand out from the rest. Most of these makeovers don’t burn a hole in your pocket and are easy to apply. All you have to do is choose which idea suits you the best. 

Author Bio:

Sophia Cooper is a thorough and meticulous Content Analyst passionate about helping businesses succeed. She commits herself to continuous learning and focuses on sharing ideas and techniques learned from her experiences. She is a passionate writer who loves to write in a concise manner so that the information is helpful for everyone. Currently, She’s working with Elite Locksmiths.