Styles & Trends

Trending: Mix it Up with Minimalist Lighting

by admin · Jul 11, 2023

Some interior design trends come and go so quickly that it’s hard to understand how they were ever popular (we’re looking at you, 1970s orange shag carpet).

Fortunately, some trends have a little bit more staying power. Minimalism is a timeless design trend that we just can’t stop coming back to. It’s all about doing more with less, and making a clean space where you have room to live your life to the fullest.

If your space needs a refresh and you’re not sure where to start, adding a touch of minimalism might be just what you need! The good news is, you don’t need to go all in and chuck everything in a closet to get the look! Take a look at what you have, then start looking for alternatives that feel more simple. It’s easy!

For example: Swap out your ornate coffee table with a simpler version, or just remove it altogether to open up the space. Trade out busy wall art with a piece that has fewer colors or shapes. Put away some of the tchotchkes you have laying around. Little things like these can have a big impact!

One of the hottest home decor trends we see right now is adding a bold touch of minimalism with lighting! Minimalist light fixtures are simple, unassuming, and stunning in the right context. Whether your home is mid-century mod, boho, or an eclectic mix that’s all your own, there’s a minimalist fixture out there that will fit seamlessly into your space.

Want to see how it works? We curated this list just for you, with some of the best ways to add minimalist-inspired lighting to your home. Remember, the beauty of minimalism is that less is more – start with one idea and see where it takes you!

Simple Lamps

*^{Shcherban Oleksandr/Shutterstock.com}*

One of the easiest ways to add minimalist lighting to your home is with a clean and simple lamp. Find floor or table lamps that are made of simple shapes like cylinders, rectangles, and circles. The fewer shapes there are in the design, the more minimalist it will feel in your space.

Sometimes a new shade will give an old lamp a completely new personality! If you’re not ready to commit to replacing your lamps, try just replacing the shade. Look for pattern-free lamp shades in simple shapes, and avoid any dangling crystals or tassels.

Unconventional Pendants

One of the best ways to declutter your space is to remove as much furniture from the floor as you can. While things like beds and couches need to stay, a floor or table lamp can go if you install a pendant light!

Pendant lights have long been used over bars in kitchens, but there are no rules against finding more creative places to put them! One of our favorite places is right over your nightstand, which clears off the space for your favorite book. You’ll need to hire an electrician to run electrical wire to the right places, but the jaw-dropping results will be totally worth it.

Pendant lights come in a massive selection of sizes, colors, shapes, and finishes, so you’re guaranteed to be able to find one you love!

Statement Sconces

Sconces are another great floor-space-saving minimalist lighting option. You see them most often in bathrooms above the mirror, but they can be used in so many other ways!

A pair of well-placed sconces will bathe your room’s best feature with light, like an accent wall or fireplace. A single wall light near your favorite chair will create a cozy reading nook. A row of sconces can dress up a boring hallway.

Stick to something low-profile in high traffic areas like hallways. For places like over the sink or bathroom counter, your sconce can take up more space. Look for fixtures that have a minimalist base, and shades made from basic shapes like globes, cones, or cylinders.

Bare Bulb Fixtures

The bare bulb minimalist lighting trend is very hot, but can also be a little polarizing. They often come with rustic Edison bulbs, but you don’t have to keep them if they’re not your style. You’d be surprised at how quickly a light fixture can go from farmhouse chic to modern with a new set of light bulbs! Go for a more modern globe-shaped style bulb to create the perfect blend of old and new.

The bare bulb trend isn’t for everyone and that’s okay! Get a similar look with a light fixture with clear glass shades surrounding the bulbs. They’ll help to diffuse and soften the light.

Hidden Lights

You don’t have to be able to see a fixture for it to have a stunning impact. LED light strips give off soft light from out of sight, which makes your space feel luxurious and custom-made.

They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can go almost anywhere that you want to give some extra oomph. You’ve probably already seen them under kitchen wall cabinets, where they shine light on the countertop to make cooking easier… but did you know that they can go almost anywhere?

Install them as back lighting behind your TV, headboard, or bathroom mirror. Illuminate the floor with light strips on the toe kicks in your kitchen and bathroom. Make your storage more functional with light strips on closet shelving or built-in bookshelves. Line your teenager’s room with a color-changing remote-controlled LED light strip so their room can change with their moods. The options are limitless!

Recessed Lighting

Also called can lights, recessed lights are installed up and inside your ceiling, so they light your room without any visual clutter.

Recessed lights are really versatile- they work with every design style, and can go in any room in the house. Plus, the latest technology for these lights is awesome. LED recessed lights give off virtually no heat, which makes them incredibly safe. They also come in dimmable and color-changing options, so you can switch up the atmosphere in your room with just the touch of a button.

Color Coordinate

If buying all new light fixtures isn’t in your budget just yet, don’t dismay! With just a weekend or two and some basic supplies, you can give the lights you already have a minimalist makeover.

Choose a finish that you love like matte black or brushed nickel, and head to your hardware store for some sandpaper and spray paint. Any light fixture can be repainted – just tape off the electrical components and glass shades before you get started! Don’t forget to turn off your power at the breaker box before taking down wired fixtures!

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel – take a look around your space and choose a finish that will work with what you have. This will unify your space and make it feel more streamlined and clean. We love how well these black porch lights play off the black trim on the windows!

Choose One and Get Started!

No matter how you embrace minimalism in your lighting, it’s guaranteed to make your home feel more streamlined and clean. Remember, less is more with minimalist lighting, so keep it simple to make it stunning!

If you need help finding the perfect minimalist lamp or need a recommendation for a trustworthy electrician to install that new pendant or recessed light, give us a call! Our lighting experts know all of the ins and outs of minimalist lighting – and we’re excited to help you get started!

Outdoor Lighting: 27 Easy Ways to Light Up Every Season

by admin · Jul 4, 2023

The shifting seasons signal change, and the use of your outdoor lighting also changes with the seasons! The days get longer and shorter, the weather can be wild, and our activities vary to adapt to the temperatures. In some seasons good lighting is good enough to just look good, but in other cases, it serves an important function for safety, convenience, or task performance.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of ideas that will help you stay on top and on-trend this year. While many of these ideas work best in a certain season, all of them can be used year-round. Creativity is key, so you have our full permission to let your imagination run wild!

Spring

1. Green and Gold

Golden lights look stunning against greenery. It’s a quick way to make your outdoor decor pop, and one of our favorite looks for spring. String lights are one of the easiest ways to spiff up your bushes or topiary, but feel free to experiment with lanterns or even LED lights.

2. Spotlight Your Statues

Flowers may not be blooming yet, but that doesn’t mean your yard can’t be eye-popping! Lanterns and spotlights can highlight your unique yards décor, such as water features or statues. This way, the yard still has decorative focal points while any greenery develops.

3. Down Below

If you prefer a low-profile look for your lights, in-ground lights are a great option to consider! Embedded in your pathways or curbing, these lights are especially appropriate if you’re concerned about children or pets crashing into a typical post light.

4. Garden Path

It’s a classic look for a reason. Use posts, in-ground lights, shepherd’s hook lanterns, or anything else you can think of to light your beautiful walkway. As an extra bonus, it enhances safety in addition to the atmosphere! Just wait until sundown and enjoy it.

5. Hanging Out

It’s standard to hang grouped indoor lights at varying heights, and the design principle works just as well with outdoor lighting. One way to achieve good light layering outdoors is to use trees. Try hanging lanterns or pendants from the branches, having several usually works best.

Summer

6. Solar Pegs

Do you love those long summer days? Make good use of the stretching daylight by converting that sunlight into brighter nights! Solar lighting is a no-brainer for varied outdoor uses since it’s eco-friendly, incredibly versatile, and easy to install.

7. Bar and Grill

Taking dinner outside? Post bright lights around your prep area. It’ll serve a dual purpose: plentiful lighting for your cooking tasks, and distracting lighting to draw bugs away from your food and drinks while you’re dining.

8. Summer Nights

Colorful lights get the excitement going at any party. Achieve a festive look with string lights, an LED spotlight, or another event-specific lighting. For maximum spread, shine them on a white wall or across your pool.

9. Walk, Not Run

Pool lighting is primarily a matter of safety, but it can be fun too! LEDs and white light are great for providing bright, natural-looking light. Plus, they’re the most energy-efficient type of lighting, so you’ll rarely have to change a bulb.

10. Patio Fans

On those gorgeous, warm afternoons, treat yourself to a cool breeze from an outdoor fan. They’re treated for weather, dampness, and other outdoor conditions, so kick back and keep things classy with a nice patio fan.

11. Water Features

Subtle lighting on your water features will add to their natural beauty and make your backyard feel even more luxurious. For extra effect, place your fixture in a bed of rocks or plants to emphasize that sparkling water.

12. Beam-ing

If you have outdoor beams or a pergola, lights at a mid or high level will make them more inviting. Add that to some comfortable seating, and you’ve got the makings of a social hotspot.

Autumn

13. String Together

These are quickly becoming a staple for any outdoor space. String lights can take any shape, and they create a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. The real question is, bulbs or fairy lights?

14. Warm Light

The color of light affects us psychologically, and warm light is known to help the brain relax. It’s a good pick for autumn, with the dwindling excitement of summer and cozy vibes of the season. Spread some warm light on those chilly evenings and settle into these beautiful, cooler months.

15. Glowing Lanterns

Autumn decor is all about the rustic look. For some seasonal vibes, place mobile lanterns near furniture and walkways. Pumpkins are optional, but encouraged!

16. Smart Lighting

When the sunset becomes unpredictable, smart lighting ensures that you’re prepared for any activity at any time. Set automatic schedules for a boost in home security or adjust the lights manually from your device.

Winter

17. Holiday Cheer

Keep it simple or go all out—it’s your choice! There are plenty of creative options to suit any type of dwelling, landscaping, and style. Use string lights to outline structures, or add a few personal touches with illuminated character decor. You can’t go wrong!

18. Archway

Archways are a classy space for some creative fun. Add some pizzazz to the most barren season by lighting up an at-home archway. Color the lights for a specific holiday, or keep some warm, white lights shining all winter long.

19. Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Why be satisfied with lighting that just looks good? Multifunctional items are the way to go, with specially designed lamps that provide both heat and light. Better yet? They use electrical current to warm you up, so there’s no gas or fire.

20. One Step at a Time

Keep stairs well-lit and you’ll be glad you did! Especially when the ice hits… We recommend individual lights for each step, as they give much better coverage than one generic overhead fixture. They also add some visual intrigue to the side or under steps.

21. Outdoor Chandelier

One fixture can transform “simple” into “simply amazing”. Standalone chandeliers catch attention like no other, so if you want an easy way to elevate, this is for you. Modern and classical designs both work well, even in a natural outdoor setting.

Year-Round Strategies

22. Make an Entrance

Curb-appeal is what you make it. Attractive entrance lighting lends a “welcome home” feeling to your space. In fact, the light that shines from the top downwards adds emphasis, so you could even consider adding exterior lights to upper floors and trims.

23. Driveway

Guiding posts for your driveway will not only add visual appeal but can help drivers pull in straight every time. They’re great for everyone, but especially any new drivers in the family!

24. Properly Addressed

Courtesy is in the little things. Help others find you by spotlighting or backlighting your address numbers. Simply connect lights to a switch or use smart lighting to save energy when it’s not in use.

25. Motion Sensing

Whether it’s raccoons or robbers, you should know when you have uninvited guests. Update your home security system or start one with motion-activated lights. These lights will help your cameras catch valuable footage, even if it’s only of the neighbor’s cat.

26. Up and Away

For those that love to make the outdoors their centerpiece, consider recessed ceiling lights on your porch or patio. It’s a subtle way to light the space without taking away from nature’s beauty.

27. Upscale for Cheap

Putting LEDs in furniture, fences, or privacy features will add some extra style to the functional pieces in your yard. Add them to bland focal pieces and enjoy the extra atmosphere!

Come rain or shine, you can have outdoor lighting that improves your quality of life and looks stylish. Whether you opt for automated lighting, string lights, or traditional fixtures, we hope this has inspired you to light up your piece of the world. When you have lighting needs, whether design or electrical related, consider Illuminations—your friends who get it done.

Choosing the Perfect Ceiling Fan

by admin · Jun 20, 2023

When carefully chosen, a unique ceiling fan will add to your home’s beauty, value, and ultimately save you money. Whether you are shopping for your first fan or you’re updating an old-fashioned relic, the process can be enough to make anyone’s head spin. Fans should be functional as well as attractive, but it’s easy to get buried in all of the expert recommendations and lighting lingo. If you give up and just pick the first fan you see that matches your room, you could be setting yourself for disappointment. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when searching for the perfect fan to complete your space:

Location

Before you do anything, you need to decide which areas in your home need better airflow and temperature control. Every house has a room or two that’s always hotter than the rest of the house! Also, consider putting a fan in the spaces where you entertain. When you have guests over it’s nice to be able to get the air moving to keep your guests comfortable.

Looking for outdoor fans? Pay attention to the rating. Wet rated fans have a special coating to help avoid water damage and rust. If your fan may come in direct contact with ocean spray, rain, or snow, a wet rated fan is what you need. Damp rated fans aren’t meant to come in direct contact with water, so they’re better suited to covered patio areas.

Outdoor fans can be used anywhere, but you should never hang an indoor fan outside.

Size

Once you’ve picked the perfect spot for your fan, take a look at the size of the space it needs to cool. Is it for a smaller space like a bedroom, or a larger area like a living room with vaulted ceilings? If your fan is too large, it will overpower your room and make it feel like you’re in a wind tunnel. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to move the air in the room, which will leave you disappointed.

Ceiling fans are measured by the diameter of the blades, and there are a couple of ways you can figure out which size is right for you. The first option is to measure the longest wall in the room.

Wall Length	Fan Size
12 ft or less	36 in or less
12-15 ft	40-48 in
15 ft or more	52 in or more

The second option is to calculate the square footage of your room. Most manufacturers have recommendations right on the box based on square footage, so you’ll definitely want to know that number!

Square Footage	Fan Size
Up to 100 sq. ft.	18” – 42”
100 – 225 sq. ft.	42” – 52”
225 – 400 sq. ft.	52” and up
Over 400 sq. ft.	Multiple fans

Height

The next step is to find the perfect height to hang your fan, and it all depends on the height of your ceilings. So grab a friend and pull out that tape measure!

If you have high, vaulted, sloped ceilings, you’ll need a downrod fan. A downrod is the metal bar that separates a ceiling fan from the ceiling itself. It’s purpose is to move the fan to the sweet spot in a room where it can circulate the air the most effectively.*

Ceiling Height	Downrod Length
10 ft	12 in
11 ft	18 in
12 ft	24 in
13 ft	36 in
14 ft	48 in
15 ft	60 in
16 ft	72 in

*If your ceiling fan includes a light kit, reduce the length of the downrod by 12”

For more standard, 8-10 foot ceilings, you should look into a flush mount ceiling fan, often called a hugger. It does just what it sounds like: hugs the ceiling so the blades stay safely above the average person’s head.

Light Kit

Most – but not all – ceiling fans come with a light kit, making it a multi-purpose fixture. The blades circulate air and the light kit provides ambient light. If you’re replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, double check your fan to make sure it comes with lights so that you don’t end up in the dark!

Style

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, you’re ready to find your fan. Ceiling fans are a lot harder to swap out that throw pillows, so it’s really important to pick out a fan that matches your style! Here are some things to consider:

1. Light shades: This is the hardware that covers the bulbs on the light kit. Some shades are clear, providing ample light, while others have a more frosted look to soften to the glow. They come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, so don’t be afraid to ask around if you don’t immediately see something you love at our showroom!. Our lighting experts can get you pointed in the right direction quickly so that you don’t have to waste hours of your life comparison shopping online!

2. Blades: Fan blades come in a variety of finishes, including black, white, natural, oak, etc. Many fans have double sided blades, so that you can try both options in your space and choose the one you like best.

3. Hardware: Fan housings and hardware typically come in metallic hues like brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, or a painted color like black or white. Take a look at the other finishings in your room – if the handles and doorknobs in your room are silver, you probably won’t want gold hardware on your fan. Similarly, a sleek fan with black blades and chrome hardware would feel out of place in a country cottage.

If you see a fan that you love but the finishes are off, don’t be afraid to ask! Many ceiling fan models are available in more than one set of finishes.

Efficiency

Did you know that an inefficient ceiling fan will cost you money on your electric bill every month? To avoid this costly mistake, consider these tips:

Look for Energy Star rated fans. These fans can use up to 20 percent less energy, helping you reduce your energy bill.
Think airflow. An underpowered fan will need to be left on at all times to keep a room cool. An overpowered fan will use more energy than you need. Make sure your fan is properly sized for your space.
Change the blade direction. Nearly every ceiling fan will have a small switch near the blades that will change which direction they spin. In the summer, run your fan counterclockwise. This pushes air downwards, which creates a cool breeze in the room. In the winter, run your fan clockwise. This pulls air upwards, which pushes the warm air trapped near the ceiling back down into the room.

Finding the right fan doesn’t have to be a headache. If you follow these steps, you can feel confident in knowing that you are choosing the best ceiling fan for your room.

Come on in and see us! You can check out your new fan in person before you take it home to make sure it’s exactly what you want! And our lighting specialists are happy to help you with any step along the way, from choosing to installing the perfect ceiling fan for your home.

6 Popular Interior Design Styles You Need to Know

by admin · Jun 13, 2023

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the styles and options when it’s time to make an update to your home. There are hundreds of design tips and style trends out there, and it’s hard to know where to start! We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular design trends with simple explanations and some ideas to get you started! Get ready to transform your home into a space you’ll never want to leave!

Minimalism

The main concept of this interior design style is that “less is more.” The hallmarks of Minimalism are few furniture pieces, limited or monochromatic color schemes, clean lines, streamlined shapes, and no clutter.

Start creating your Minimalist space by removing all clutter and accessories then find furniture and fixtures that have simple shapes and clean lines. Minimalist designs need plenty of light to give a sense of openness, but the goal is for the light itself to blend into the design without the fixtures distracting the eye. Hidden perimeter lighting, recessed lights, and simple track lights are good options in main areas. In your kitchen and bathrooms, try LED light strips underneath cabinets and at the bottom of floating vanities. In every space, stick with a limited neutral color palette, or go monochromatic for a big visual impact.

*^{Teeraphan Pensupha/Shutterstock.com}*

For more Minimalist design inspo, check out Leibal for some truly awe-inspiring minimalist designs that’ll have you thinking hard about paring down!

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern design is full of perfectly balanced juxtapositions. Soft, organic lines and natural wood are combined with harder, geometric shapes and man-made materials like plastic, vinyl, and Lucite. Form follows function in this design which has strong ties to minimalism, so furniture and accessories should serve a purpose and help to keep the room clutter free.

To get the look, find functional furniture pieces that will help keep your space organized and clutter to a minimum. Look for one or two showstopper pieces that you love and use them to anchor your room, then finish out your space with geometric and organic pieces that work together to give your room a polished feel. Keep the minimalist feel by only using accessories that serve a purpose, like a vase or a light fixture. Mid-Century light fixtures and lamps come in a huge variety of materials, colors, and price points, which makes them an ideal way to add your own personal touch to your Mid-Century design!

For more Mid-Century Modern inspiration, take a look at the incredible designs over at Destination Eichler to see great ways you can incorporate this design style into your home!

Scandinavian

Scandinavian design came to be in the 1930s, and is inspired by the nature, climate, and simple designs of the Nordic region. While similar to Mid-Century Modern design which often explores deeper colors and designs, Scandinavian design is all about maximizing light with lots of whites and neutrals. It has a minimalist feel with no clutter, simple yet beautiful and furniture that’s functional, and a light neutral color palette with pops of playful accent colors.

To get the look, avoid wall to wall carpeting and opt for light or white walls. Choose furniture that is both simple and functional that will help keep your space feeling organized and fresh. Maximizing natural light is very important in Scandinavian design. If your space isn’t blessed with big windows, fun and playful Scandinavian-inspired pendant lights and floor lamps are easy to find! Add them anywhere in your room that’s shadowy to bring the light in! Add warmth to your space with soft organic fabrics like a chunky wool blanket. Look for functional accessories with soft edges and clean lines, and don’t be afraid to mix in vintage and traditional elements to get that Scandinavian design vibe just right.

If you want to see more of this style, Niki Brantmark at My Scandinavian Home runs a delightful blog full of light and bright Scandinavian designs that’ll have you painting your walls white and installing a new pendant light by next weekend!

Eco Design

For the environmentally-conscious individual, this next design style is all about sustainability. Eco Design appears very similar to Minimalist and Scandinavian designs due to the simple, paired back feel and the use of natural materials, but it centers around sustainability.

To get this style right, pay attention to the materials you choose when you’re designing your space. Look for earth-friendly materials like cotton, bamboo, wood, and recycled materials. Upcycle when you can, and look to nature for your color palette. Accent your space with plants to help bring the outside in. Natural light is best, but if you live somewhere that doesn’t have a wall of windows, you can bring in extra light with eco-friendly lamps and fixtures like a bamboo pendant light. This is a great design style for those who love to repurpose and restore!

If you need some Eco-friendly design inspo, Moore House Family is a company that restores old homes using natural and sustainable elements, and they love to break the mold in their designs!

Industrial Loft

This style got its start when big cities started converting old industrial warehouses into housing. These spaces had large windows and open floor plans, and became home to a community of artists and creatives who added modern touches, but left the original character of the building. Today, Industrial Loft design is making its way into townhouses and suburban homes as homeowners everywhere are falling in love with this unique combination of raw textures and modern finishes.

To get this look, find ways to incorporate raw and rustic materials into your space like exposed brick, cement, and steel. To keep it from feeling too harsh and cold, warm up your space with reclaimed wood furniture and accessories, and overstuffed armchairs or leather sofas. Light your rooms with warehouse-inspired, powder-coated light fixtures with exposed bulbs. This design loves to tell a story, so look for vintage lighting and accessories with a history to add some character to your space.

To see some breathtaking Industrial Loft designs, check out My Warehouse Home’s Instagram page to get your ideas flowing!

Maximal Minimalism

This design style is a bold and exciting compromise between Minimalism, which is all about simplifying, and Maximalism, a design style where bigger, bolder, and busier all mean better. If the calm, clean, relaxing vibe of Minimalism appeals to you but it feels too sterile, and the bubbly, bold, creative feel of Maximalism feels inspiring but chaotic, then this unlikely combination of minimalist ideals and maximalist colors, patterns, and textures might be for you!

You can keep your sleek and uncluttered aesthetic, but go ahead and throw that neutral color palette out the window! Go big with a bold mural on the wall or a brightly colored sofa. Light your minimal with simple fixtures or recessed lights, but use your lighting to add to your design. Consider adding LED bulbs or rope lights that change colors with the push of a button to add some drama to your space when the time feels right! This design style is still minimalism at heart, but it’s very art-centered. Give your space a personality! The goal is to give your clean lines and simple shapes a beautifully artistic backdrop.

It’s Time To Get Started!

You make the rules in your space! If Mid-Century Mod is your thing, dive in! If you like bits and pieces of a few different styles, don’t be afraid to mix and match! Making your space reflect your own style is the best way to make your house a home. Be bold, experiment, and love where you live!

Does your home need a style refresh? Don’t forget to update your light fixtures too! Call the experts at Illuminations and they’ll help you figure out how to get the perfect ambiance for your new space.

6 Amazing Uses for LED Strip Lights

by admin · May 30, 2023

Good lighting is about so much more than just light bulbs and switches. When it’s done right, lighting can transform any space, increase the value of any real estate, and even fuel your soul and energize your body. It’s a proven fact that using the right lighting can dramatically change your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re building a valuable asset, setting the mood or pulling a late night, choosing the right lighting makes all the difference.

It’s time to use lighting better and LED light strips are one of the easiest ways. Take full advantage of modern lighting technology to change your home for the better by using LED strip lights to illuminate your surroundings. LED strip lights (often called LED tape or ribbon light) are small, flat, flexible, circuit boards with small LED lights embedded along the surface. They are an easy choice for DIYers of any level looking to upgrade their space because they come with an adhesive backing, can be cut to any length, and their low profile means they can be hidden or tucked into very small spaces.

LED strip lights are a great place to start when that can invigorate your senses, change the atmosphere in your home, and even increase your safety. Here are six unexpected ways you can use LED strip lights to energize and brighten your life!

Customize Your Kitchen

This may sound like an unusual place to start, but LED strip lights can really make your kitchen shine. All you need to do is place the strip under your kitchen cabinets! It will make your cooking area brighter and easier to use, give your kitchen a bright and custom-made feel, and create a soft glow for mood lighting to compliment your evening wind down.

You can even line the inside of your kitchen cabinets or drawers with LED strip lights to make it easier to find exactly what you need.

Feature Your Collections

You’re displaying your prizes, pictures, and awards for a reason: you are proud of them! Why not give them the spotlight they deserve? By illuminating your shelving with LED strip lights, you’ll create the perfect glow that will make your special items pop.

LED strip lights also are the perfect medium for highlighting mirrors and artwork on your walls. Create a beautifully back-lit design by installing an LED strip around the perimeter of your mirror or art between it and the wall.

Secure Your Staircase

The right amount of light can completely transform your dark or dangerous staircase into the beautiful bright staircase of your dreams. Add an LED strip across the bottom edge of each stair or even along the bottom of your handrail to make your staircase a bright and beautiful feature in your home. Not only will this add more character to your home, but it will also make your staircase much safer by properly lighting the stairwell and stairs for your treks up and down between floors. No more tripping on shoes or backpacks in the dark!

Highlight Your Backyard

Your backyard is the place where you go to reconnect with the outdoors and to spend quality time with the people you love. Whether you like to read on your porch swing, play catch with the kids, or entertain guests around the firepit, take full advantage of your outdoor living space! Incredibly, LED strip lights can be used outdoors too! Liven up your backyard with LED strip lights by lining the patio, flower beds, or even your swimming pool. This will add an extra layer of cozy lighting for you to enjoy year-round.

Create a Relaxing Retreat

Getting the right lighting in your bedroom is arguably one of the most important things you need to do for yourself when planning your home design. At the end of a long day, you need a place where you can get the ambiance just right so that you can relax and unwind. Look for places that are easy to line with LED strips like a doorway, the perimeter of your ceiling, or your headboard or bed frame. Then you can turn off your harsh, overhead light and instead bask in a soft, ambient glow that will help you relax and recover from the day.

Travel In Style

That’s right: You can make your vehicle explode with light by adding LED strip lights to the inner and outer surfaces. Make your interiors feel custom and expensive by lining the seats, floor boards, dash, and ceiling to get a slick glow. On the outside, add LED strips to the bottom of the frame and around your tires as an added safety feature that comes with a serious wow factor.

If your ride has 2 wheels instead of 4, LED strip lights will be your best friend. Adding LED lights to your motorcycle or bicycle helps other drivers see you more easily on the road, making your night time travelling safer. For those that are more concerned about the cool-factor, line the bottom of your motorcycle with LEDs to make it look like you are floating, or you can line the entire frame of your bicycle and you’ll be the star on the bike path! Either way, you’ll have a conversation starter!

*^{Alexander Mogilevets/Shutterstock.com}*

Please read up on the laws and guidelines in your area before adding LED lights to your vehicles, as some colors or installation locations might be outlawed if they’re distracting to other drivers.

With a little bit of help from LED strip lights, you can brighten your home and yard, show off your collections, get that sweet after-market look on your vehicle, and make your spaces a little safer. These lights really can be used almost anywhere, so don’t be afraid to explore the many different ways LED strip lights can enhance your life. You never know, what you find might surprise you! And, as always, if you have any questions about your next lighting project, contact Illuminations today. We are always willing and happy to help you get started!

12 Tips for Choosing and Hanging the Perfect Dining Light

by admin · May 23, 2023

Whether it’s time to impress your new neighbors or host an important business dinner, your dining room is a high-impact space that communicates a lot about you. Some dining rooms are an informal extension of the kitchen, while others are a spacious, separate room. No matter what yours looks like, choosing the right design (and light) can create the perfect setting for all occasions.

Size

1. To determine the best size for your fixture, use this formula: Length + Width = diameter of your ideal light. Example: 10’ (length) + 14’ (width) = 24” (width of your light). It’s a general rule, so use it at your own discretion and adapt to suit your preferences!

2. Long dining tables call for bigger lights. Consider a long track light or even mount two fixtures on either end of the table. It’s a great way to emphasize your lovely, lengthy dining space!

Style

3. The style you select reflects your personal taste, but also affects the function of the light. Shaded lights provide soft, subtle light, while glass fixtures diffuse light more brightly and evenly. Exposed bulbs provide the most clear, crisp light.

4. If your dining room branches off your kitchen, consider matching the finish of the dining light to the finish of kitchen lights or hardware.

5. If your dining room is separate from the kitchen, feel free to choose a distinct finish for a unique dining room atmosphere. Just remember that it should still ‘live well’ with any visible fixtures from surrounding rooms.

Height

6. Know your ceiling height before selecting a light. Most fixtures are designed for an 8-foot ceiling.

7. If you have a vaulted ceiling, use some of that space for the fixture, but keep it mounted low enough that it still feels like a cohesive part of the dining table ensemble.

8. Proper mounting height is 30-36 inches from the top of your table to the bottom of the fixture. That figure can be a little higher on a taller ceiling.

9. Fixtures with decorative pieces or hanging crystals may hanger lower than the recommended 30-36”. For these fixtures, measure to the frame of the light instead.

Wattage

10. The general recommendation for dining light output is 300 watts. This is especially true for rooms with lighter paint colors.

11. In dining rooms with darker paint, consider choosing bulbs that provide 400 watts or more.

12. For additional control and extra ambiance, use dimmable bulbs and install a dimmer switch in your dining room. It’ll serve equally well for full-light projects and dimly-lit romantic dinners.

Make your dining room an inviting space with an expressive, efficient fixture. For any additional questions, feel free to contact our expert team here at Illuminations. We’re here to help you make your dream home!

6 Simple Ways to Turn Your Backyard into an Inspiring Oasis

by admin · May 16, 2023

Whether your backyard is large or small, verdant or concrete, you want to make the most of your outdoor space by making it a beautiful and comfortable place where you want to spend your time. No matter what you have to work with, we’ve put together 6 suggestions that will help you make your backyard feel like a true oasis from the world.

1. Create cozy spaces

Make your outdoor space feel comfortable and inviting by adding soft elements to your space. Cushions and pillows made with durable outdoor fabric will add a pop of your favorite color to your space while also making it feel more relaxed and cozy. Boost the coziness factor even further with some candles or install some dimmable bulbs on your home so you can adjust the light level to get the perfect ambiance every time.

2. Protect your seating

Keep your outdoor space comfortable no matter the time of day or season by adding flexible shade and shelter. Look for a roller shade in a color you love, hang some outdoor curtains, or go for something like these umbrellas that can be raised or lowered and will keep you safe from the sun or rain. If you live somewhere where the winters get chilly, look for shade options that can also act as wind protection, like a trellis, awning, or an evergreen tree or shrub.

3. Hang some string lights

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There’s a reason this inexpensive upgrade never goes out of style. A few well-placed strands of string lights will add a soft, dreamy light to your outdoor space and create the perfect ambiance for your late night summer BBQs.

This can be done by DIYers of any level! To get started, draw out your space and where you want your lights to be. If you want, you can add poles in the ground or attach them to your deck or fence to make extra places to hang lights, but this isn’t necessary! Measure how many feet you’ll need (add extra length if you want them to drape), and find a style you like. Don’t forget to buy zip ties or exterior hooks to hang them on! When you’re ready to hang them up, make sure you start on the end with the plug so that you get the right distance to your power source. This project is so simple that it’ll only take an afternoon to install them start to finish, then you can enjoy them all year!

4. Add a living feature wall

Create a visually stunning backyard space by planting a vertical garden feature wall! Look for hanging planters that attach to your fence, or secure small flower pots to a trellis. If you have a blank wall on your house that you want to transform, look for planters that can be installed safely right onto the exterior of your home! Plant some pretty annuals to get a pop of your favorite color, or stick to all green to make a statement. You could even mix in some container-friendly garden plants like strawberries or peas!

5. Upgrade your covered patio

This backyard glow up idea might require you to swap out your shovel for a screwdriver, but there’s no denying the way it transforms your space! Is that tiny little sconce by your front door leaving you in the shadows once the sun goes down? Are you constantly swatting at mosquitoes and gnats? Talk to an outdoor lighting specialist and ask them how to add an outdoor ceiling fan to your covered patio. You’ll be amazed at the way better lighting and airflow can transform your patio into a whole new living space! Outdoor ceiling fans are surprisingly affordable, and they’ll light your space while keeping the bugs and the heat away!

6. Simplify

If gardening isn’t really your thing, making your yard low maintenance is the key to being able to spend more time enjoying your space. Large open flower beds look beautiful, but they need hours of weeding each week to keep them looking pristine. Try filling in the gaps with gravel or pavers. If you still want more greenery, add potted plants. They’ll add life to your yard without all the extra weeding! When you’re finished, sit back and enjoy the cozy and beautiful oasis you’ve created in your own back yard.

In an age when so much of our world is online, it’s more important than ever to get outside and disconnect as often as you can! Bookmark this list of ideas, then turn your computer off, set your phone down, and go outside! Take a look at your outdoor space and see what you can do to make it a true oasis. Go ahead, get started! You’re gonna love how it turns out.

Let the experts at Illuminations help get you going! If you have any questions about how to get the light just right in your outdoor space, give us a call!

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