Illuminations

2022

3 Things You Need to Know About Recessed Lighting

3 Things You Need to Know About Recessed Lighting

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Recessed lights can radically change the way your home looks and feels. Done right, they can bathe your space in soft light, highlight special features, and help you set the right mood. Done wrong, they turn your ceiling into a polka-dotted nightmare of harsh spotlights and awkward shadows. So, how do you get it right? 

We’ve put together three of our top expert recessed lighting tips based on our years of experience in the lighting industry to help you get it just right! 

Installation Know-How

If you’re building or remodeling, now’s the best time to be thinking about recessed lights. Recessed lights are easiest to install during construction. With the walls opened up, it’s not a big deal for an electrician to run the necessary wires and mount the lights. 

If your home is already finished and you’re really not ready to tear out the ceiling, don’t despair! The recessed lighting industry makes a whole line of specialty lights designed for non-intrusive updates. Look for lights that say retro-fit in the product description – this means they can be more easily installed in an existing ceiling. Canless recessed lights are ultra-thin (the same thickness as your ceiling’s drywall), which makes installing them the most DIY-friendly option for homeowners.

Placement is Paramount

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing recessed lights is poor placement. Your recessed lights should wash your walls, not just the floor, with light. If your walls aren’t properly lit, your room will feel dim and dull no matter how your lights are installed. 

 

Wall washing spreads soft light evenly across a wall, and it will make your room feel bigger and more open. For example: the recessed lights in the image below (see upper left) cast soft light across the entire wall, which makes the room feel larger and brighter.

A close cousin, wall grazing (as seen below), occurs when recessed lights are placed close to the wall and the cone of light casts harsh lines of light and shadow. This is typically done to accent a design feature, not to provide ambient lighting for a room.

Wall washing is usually the goal in residential applications – it’s a good idea to talk to a lighting expert before you get ready to install to make sure you get them at the right distance from the wall.

A grid of soft white lights will give off a comfortable, all-over light, which is perfect for large rooms, but it’s not one-size-fits-all for every space in your home. Areas where you work, like your kitchen, should have more focused task lighting over countertops and work surfaces. 

Quick Tip: Space recessed lights away from ceiling fan blades or you’ll end up with a subtle strobing effect when both are on. Also, avoid placing bright lights directly over a seating area so that your guests won’t feel like they’re under a spotlight.

 

Zones and Dimmer Switches

Your lighting plan will be most effective if you can create zones based on how you use your space. Large spaces and multi-purpose rooms have different lighting needs throughout the space. If you strategically wire these areas independently, they can work together to give you more control over the way your room works for you. 

For example, a living room may have a row of wall-washing lights around the perimeter, a central grid of ambient lights, and a couple of spotlight lights to highlight a feature fireplace or some artwork. If each of these zones can be adjusted independently, you can transition a bright morning workspace to a cozy evening entertaining space with ease. 

Wherever possible, install each zone with a dimmer switch. Being able to adjust the intensity of light in your space is an essential part of creating the right mood. An added benefit of dimmable lights is that they last longer when not used at full power, so you can extend the life of your bulbs and entertain houseguests at the same time!

Installing recessed lighting is no small task, but it doesn’t have to be a big pain in the neck. Whether you’re a D.I.Y.er needing a few pointers, or if M.O.D.I.F.Y. is more your speed (Make Others Do It For You), we can help you find exactly what you need to get it done. Give us a call or stop by our showroom today!

 

5 Simple Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

5 Simple Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

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They say not to judge books by their covers… but isn’t that what the cover is for? A book’s cover can give off a vibe that will help you decide on an impulse if that book is for you. Your house’s exterior is its cover. Based on its appearance from the street, or curb appeal, passersby (or potential buyers if you’re selling) will decide if it’s worth their time (and money) on a split-second impulse. 

Whether you’re trying to sell your house or increase its value, the look and feel of the exterior of your home has a significant impact on the bottom line. The good news is, giving your house a cover anyone would want to open is simple with these tips!

Tip 1: Add and Update Lighting

Light makes a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal. Choose modern fixtures or timeless classics, but make sure you have a variety of quality lights so that no matter what time of day, your house–and the landscaping you’ve worked hard to maintain–shines. 

These symmetrical sconces contrast with the white of the house perfectly and add some visual interest. You could also add matching ones by your garage for even more light.

If you don’t have room for outdoor sconces, consider a pendant light like this one. It adds a perfect lighting focal point without distracting from your picture-perfect entryway.

From top to bottom, this house will not be ignored! It draws your eyes toward it by using tons of lights. From the overhead light on the front porch to the lights under every roof overhang, you’ll see this beauty no matter where you are.

Add low-voltage outdoor lights or solar-powered lights to your driveway or walkway for a quick lighting upgrade. They’ll catch eyes, and guests won’t waste time looking for a path through your front yard.

Landscape lighting like this puts an emphasis on your garden beds, flowers, or other plants. You’ve worked hard to maintain them, so make it count–day or night. 

Tip 2: Utilize Color

You can use color to create a focal point for your house. It doesn’t matter whether you use neutrals, contrasting colors, or pops of bright color; careful color selection can really create an inviting exterior.

Don’t be afraid to be bold! This aqua-colored door with a bright floral wreath immediately draws the eye and invites guests in. (Plus, check out that perfectly-placed pendant that will light up the door at night!)

When you’re looking to add bright color, flowers are a great way to go. These gorgeous window boxes add a much-needed pop of color without feeling committed to a paint color. For the DIYers – window boxes are a great little project you can throw together with your scrap wood!

Whatever color you go for, make sure your trim and siding complement each other. Update one or both, but don’t forget to give your house a good power wash!

If your garage is looking a little worn out, a fresh coat paint is a quick fix. This house’s garage matches the trim and contrasts against the white perfectly. 

Tip 3: Decorate, decorate, decorate!

One of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to increase your curb appeal is by adding some decorative items. It’s a great way to make your porch feel more like an extension of your home than just a set of concrete steps. 

Decoration doesn’t have to be complicated. Add a simple wreath and cute doormat with an undermat to invite people in.

A front porch with furniture makes you feel right at home. Throw some chairs and a bench up for a cozy place to sit with your guests, or to watch your kids ride their bikes around the cul-de-sac. Pro tip: Add a few outdoor pillows for a pop of color! You’ll want to spend all summer outside and boost your curb appeal. Win-win!

Have you ever been looking for a house, but you can’t seem to find it? Your house numbers are an essential for guests trying to locate your house. If yours are feeling a little lackluster – changing them out is a very simple project with a big impact! This house’s numbers and door hardware match, pulling the look together. 

Shutters are a classic way to increase curb appeal. These shutters create some high-contrast visual interest by framing in the windows – and the symmetry pleasantly draws your eyes right up the path and straight to the front door.

Tip 4: Exercise Your Green Thumb

Landscaping is one of the first things you see when looking at a house. Is the lawn sickly and brown or thick and green? Are there bright flowers? Trees? You may not have a green thumb, but there are ways to make your yard and house stand out without getting (too) dirty.

Add some interest to your entryway with symmetrical pots next to your front door. Plant some easy-to-maintain flowers or greenery in them for a simple way to spruce up your front porch.

Update your garden beds with some plants and mulch. The contrast of the mulch in this house’s landscaping makes the greenery look lush and healthy. The depth of color helps the white paint on the house look bright and crisp, too. (Bonus points for the lights above the garage–we love the way they pop!)

If you’re a registered plant-killer, no need to fear! Pick low-maintenance plants that require little care – or take a look at getting some artificial outdoor plants. If you live in a place where water conservation is a concern, you can xeriscape (landscape with minimal water use) instead. Choose your plants mindfully, and your maintenance can be simple.

You could also consider planting less and adding lights to make what you do have pop (without all the hassle)!

Tip 5: Regular Maintenance

No matter what your house looks like, keeping it clean and dressed up will make a great impression. From state-of-the-art mansions to 50-year-old starter homes, regular maintenance will make any home look like a million bucks.

This house has clearly been well-cared for. The white is still white (not brown–yikes), the lawn is green and mowed, and the driveway is clear of yard waste. 

If you have pavement, make sure to get out your broom or leaf blower to clear it off! If you don’t, consider adding one. It creates a place to walk so your yard stays nice and creates a line for your eyes to follow up to the house. 

If you have limited time or resources, make sure to design your yard with maintenance in mind. Choose artificial plants or some that require little water. This house doesn’t have grass to mow, and the plants are low-maintenance.

Another tip to reduce maintenance is to use LED lights that don’t need to be replaced as often. Taking care of your house doesn’t have to take your entire weekend!

Curb appeal is what brings a smile to your face when you come home every day. It creates an atmosphere you’ll want to share with those you care about. Whether you’re trying to sell or just looking to impress your guests, updating your lighting, utilizing color, decorating, landscaping, and maintaining your house will make you feel at home and leave your guests with a first impression they won’t forget. Contact Illuminations or visit our showroom for more tips on boosting your home’s curb appeal!