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6 Simple Ways to Turn Your Backyard into an Inspiring Oasis

by admin · Aug 11, 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 All-Phasehelp get you going! If you have any questions about how to get the light just right in your outdoor space, give us a call!

12 Tips for Choosing and Hanging the Perfect Dining Light

by admin · Aug 4, 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 Lit Living. We’re here to help you make your dream home!

Exhausted? Maybe It’s Time To Change The Light In Your Home

by admin · Jul 28, 2023

Feeling exhausted? Indoor light may be to blame. Because the average human is exposed to more artificial light than sunlight, our bodies are not able to receive the cues we once relied on. These cues include when it is time to wake up and when it is time to go to bed!

Naturally, melatonin should be released a few hours before bedtime, helping us to feel drowsy. But in this day and age staying up later is as simple as the flip of a switch. Reconnecting with the sun cycle allows humans to feel less drowsy during the day and teaches us how to get more energy naturally again.

Natural vs Artificial Lighting

Any interior designer worth their salt will tell you that one of the most important design element in a room to consider is the lighting. Lighting have the ability to transform the feeling of a room and affect the mood of everyone who steps foot in it. Good lighting comes from many sources, including both natural and artificial light. But how do these different types of light affect your energy?

Our bodies are designed to use sunlight as a cue for our circadian rhythm. Whenever possible, make sure you are maximizing the amount of natural light you have pouring into your space. Staying connected will help lift your mood, and help your body know when it’s time to go to sleep

When we fall out of sync with the sun, our body clock physically changes and our melatonin gets all out of whack. If your main exposure to light every day comes from artificial lighting – that is most likely causing you to feel exhausted throughout the day.

LEDs and Sunlight

LED lights are the closest artificial lighting can come to natural sunlight. The right LEDs can mimic the natural sunlight, helping your body clock stay in tune with the sun cycle.

While LED lights are similar to natural sunlight, they can’t fully replace what your body needs. Using LED lighting in combination with natural sunlight is the recipe for success. But, you need to pay attention to the color of light you use. Cool, blue, daylight LEDs are popular due to the clarity and brightness of the light they emit, but this light can also disrupt your body’s ability to produce that much-needed melatonin.

Winding Down

Winding down with the sun is just as important to your sleep cycle as getting natural light during the day – it sends a signal to your brain that it is almost time to go to sleep. Before bed, lower the lighting in your house and avoid the blue light put off by screens to promote winding down and relaxation. During this time, melatonin will begin to be released causing you to begin to get sleepy.

About Us

We strive to provide lighting systems that noticeably improve the safety and wellness of your space. We understand how light effects every aspect of your home and the way you use it, and we love nothing more than the helping you create the perfect ambiance in your home. Let us know how we can help you get started!

5 Reasons Why Your Next Lighting Purchase Should Be from a Lighting Showroom

by admin · Jul 21, 2023

Have you ever bought something online or from a big box store that ended up being a dud? It happens to the best of us! When you’re buying socks, it’s not a huge deal. But if you’re shopping for a light fixture to be the focal point of your living room, you shouldn’t leave it up to chance.

The lighting in your home shouldn’t be an afterthought. When you’re looking to update your home’s lighting, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by meeting with a lighting expert.

Big box stores with aisles of cookie-cutter option are convenient when you need to buy a hammer and a doorknob, but they’re not going to offer you the same level of service that you’d get in a lighting showroom. The next time you’re looking to buy lighting for your home, here’s 5 reasons why you should skip the questionable online shopping experience, and drive right past the big box stores to a lighting showroom.

1. Expert Advice

Lighting showroom employees eat, sleep, and breathe lighting. They have a wealth of technical know-how, and they’re eager to share it with you. They know everything about lighting design, and they’ll use this knowledge to give you personalized advice for your own home. Showroom experts care more about finding what’s right for you than on making a quick sale – they’ll help you consider all of the aspects of your lighting design, and can help you find options you may not have considered to get just the right fit for your space.

2. Selection

Online retailers have a massive variety of lights to choose from, but you have no way to know what it will look like in person until it shows up at your door. Big box stores have a small selection that you can see in person, but they’re limited to a few brands. Lighting showrooms have the best of both worlds. They have a wide variety of fixtures that you can see in person and access to extensive manufacturer catalogs with variations of just about any light you’ll see anywhere.

3. No Buyers Remorse

Get it right the first time. When you can see your light in person and discuss all of your lighting needs with an expert, you’re way more likely to find exactly what you need the first time around. You’ll be able to see how a fixture is transformed when it lights up, notice details you’d miss in a photo, and get the technical kinks worked out ahead of time. This kind of immersive experience takes the guesswork and stress out of buying your next light fixture, leaving you confident that you made a good purchase.

4. Value

It’s a common misconception that lighting showrooms are more expensive – but it’s just not true. Lighting showrooms care about providing value, so they carry higher-quality lighting, often for the same prices as the cheaper lights that you can find online. Showroom owners are very particular about their products. If they don’t trust in the craftsmanship of a light fixture, it won’t be in their lineup. You won’t get that same kind quality assurance anywhere else. High quality fixtures last longer, so you won’t have to worry about replacing a broken light again in a year.

5. Service

Showroom owners are pickier about their vendors than online and big box suppliers, and they choose companies that support their products. At a lighting showroom you’ll get better warranties and more help finding replacement parts. And, if you run across a problem with your fixture, lighting showrooms offer a return service that isn’t a headache in shipping labels and pick up office hours.

Bonus: Support Local Businesses

Lighting showrooms are independently owned by local families who actually care about you as a person. Buying from a lighting showroom supports a local business, which helps your local economy, creates jobs, and helps build a community. At your local showroom, you’re not just a number in a national sales quota report, you’re a neighbor.

The next time you’re looking for lighting, go ahead and look online. Gather ideas and find things you love, then turn off that computer and head over to Lit Living for unmatched expertise, guaranteed value, and honest service. We’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

Trending: Mix it Up with Minimalist Lighting

by admin · Jul 14, 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

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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!

5 Styles in 5 Spaces to Inspire your Next Home Renovation

by admin · Jul 7, 2023

Home renovation is no joke! But don’t let the magic of a home makeover get lost by the fear of time lost and money spent. With just a little careful planning the results far outweigh the costs and ARE worth the effort….both in how you feel…and how it improves the value of your home.

Understanding a few of the basic elements of interior design will help you zero in on what is most important and have you transforming the ordinary into a dream space in no time!

The Basics

Get started by learning these five basic design concepts. Understanding these will help ensure you get a balanced, well-rounded classy look.

The five basics of interior design are: line, space, texture, shape and form, and color.

1. Line refers to how the layout pulls the eye around a room. What do you see first, then next, etc. Are the eyes drawn vertically or horizontally?

2. Space is about understanding how to work with the architectural details in the room, like how to incorporate a railing or bay window.

3. Texture includes the feel of the elements in the room. A matte wallpaper, jute basket, metal frame, or glass table all contribute to the texture of the room.

4. Shape and form have to do with the kinds of pieces (furniture, art, plants, etc.) in the room. Organic shapes are more round, flowing, and irregular. Geometric shapes use more straight lines and create a sense of order in the space.

5. Color is perhaps the easiest for the non-professional designer. From wall paint to flooring, couch cushions to gallery walls, anyone can choose a color palette that they love and use it throughout the space!

Now that you’ve got those down, let’s see how you can use them to get focused on a renovation and spend your time and money most efficiently. Let’s dive into some popular design styles and see how we can apply these basics in a real space!

Industrial Kitchen

Contrasting textures set an industrial space apart. Wood and metal combine to create movement while keeping sharp lines. In a kitchen this could look like a metal or concrete countertop, metal and wood exposed shelving, and statement metal or glass pendant lighting.

Colors are usually kept neutral, again using a mix of a light base with dark accents to create dimension and interest.

Keep the space uncluttered to help the room seem as large and spacious as possible, favoring geometric or angular forms.

Mid-century Modern Bedroom

Mid-century modern has taken millennial homes by storm.

Balance is the most important characteristic in the mid-century modern style. This design blends soft organic and hard geometric shapes using furniture and materials with an uncluttered and minimalist aesthetic. The introduction of plants next to furniture with simple, clean lines furthers the sense of a perfectly orchestrated space.

In Mid-Century Modern design, colors play off each other by balancing a neutral base with pops of jewel toned furniture or art.

The room is often broken up by a ⅓ vs ⅔ line, with low furniture leaving plenty of wall space. Simple lighting will help maintain the flow of the room without distracting the eye.

Boho Living Room

Hello 60s and 70s free spirit! Texture is essential to the boho style. There is plenty of room to play with upholstery like a velvet couch or chair. Rugs and tapestries are also right at home in the boho style. You can even play with lighting with a wicker or beaded chandelier to add another element of texture. Accessorize your space to your heart’s content!

While most other design styles use a neutral base, Boho styles encourage floor to ceiling use of blues, pinks, greens or other bright colors as the base. If that doesn’t feel comfortable, don’t worry! Minimalist boho style has also emerged as an option for those that love the color and freedom of this style, but want to combine it with a neutral color scheme and a less cluttered feel.

Transitional Office

Transitional style blends traditional and contemporary styles into a happy mix of the past and present. This style usually favors a more neutral color scheme, but adding in some restored vintage furniture can be a fun and exciting way to add some texture and a pop of color. Mix it up with modern touches like a contemporary chandelier to ensure the room doesn’t get stuffy!

Clean and straight lines are hallmarks of the transitional style. When choosing accessories like art or rugs, go for more angular pieces.

Rustic Dining Room

Whether you love farmhouse or cottage core, or you just longing for a more cozy and woodsy feel, a rustic dining space will deliver on those natural and comfy vibes.

Color and texture are great places to focus. Keep the overall scheme light, bright, and neutral. Pops of color in patterns like florals and plaids are definitely welcome!

Bring nature in by incorporating lots of warm, wooden textures. To keep the space from becoming one note, layer other natural textures in the room like stone and iron. Incorporate these harder materials in flooring and furniture, or go bold with a rustic chandelier hanging from a wood beam ceiling. Comfort is very important in a rustic room, so add in some soft textures to get that cozy feel with upholstered seating, a woven rug, curtains, or a table runner!

Help is here!

Renovating a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Remember to focus on an overall theme, and apply these basics to create your game plan. No matter the size of the project, updating old light fixtures is an easy way to instantly change the whole feel of a room.

Still not sure where to start? Let us help! Our lighting design experts are ready and waiting to help with any of your lighting questions and needs.

Before and After: 10 Stunning Bathroom Remodels That Will Inspire You

by admin · Jun 30, 2023

Whether you’re anticipating an upcoming bathroom remodel or simply brainstorming for a future day, this collection of bathroom remodels is sure to inspire! Below you’ll find bathrooms of all sizes, styles, and layouts. Some undergo a professional transformation while others are budget-friendly and DIY. Let the remodels begin!

1. Green to Pristine

This bathroom remodel cost under $100 dollars! This basement bathroom feels like new, thanks to some fresh paint, a plank wall, a quaint wire light fixture, and some homemade décor. Find more pictures of the project and how-to advice here.

2. Less Wall, More Light

These designers transformed a dingy bathroom by knocking down the wall between the toilet and vanity. The extra space lends itself to a well-lit, airy bathroom with a unique hanging globe, golden accents, and a clean wooden vanity.

3. Rethink the Pink

This too-pink tile was dated and dysfunctional– so a fresh remodel brings clean, white tile all the way up to the ceiling. Blue accents and a boxy bar light add some additional style to a totally new space! Check out how the homeowner’s daughter inserted some designs of her own in the process.

4. Wallpaper Power

Anything would have been an improvement in this unfinished space, but this homeowner went all out with a stylish vanity, bright patterned wallpaper, and two eye-catching sconces flanking the mirror. We love the bold look!

5. Chandelier and Atmosphere

In this professional makeover, an average bathroom becomes a something totally new. Raised double sinks and framed mirrors add functionality and flair, and the chandelier compliments the luxurious walk-in shower for an atmosphere of glamour.

6. Bland Whites to Bold Blues

This DIYer was bored with an all-white bathroom and found a solution in this navy, hexagon tile floor. The new black and white vanity basks in light from stainless-steel sconces, and the greenery balances and freshens the space.

7. Minimize to Maximize

With little available space and a little too much teal, this small bathroom felt cramped and outdated. Minimizing the vanity and eliminating the old cabinet storage created some much-needed space. A light coat of paint does wonders here with some modern sconces, adding much-needed light to the bathroom.

8. Eye-Popping Fixtures

This handy couple used a stunning black over-the-mirror fixture, along with a black curtain rod, to add a lovely sense of contrast in this bright, airy space. Décor and storage make all the difference here with wire baskets and floating shelves.

9. Wall Textures for the Win

These DIYers transformed their space by accenting their vanity and mirror with custom board and battens. The wall texture is incredibly refreshing, especially juxtaposed with bright towels and a dark, moody paint on the upper half of the wall.

10. Clean and Crisp

This walk through bathroom began with blaring floral wallpaper and insufficient light. A few budget-friendly fixes like painted walls, a repainted vanity and some updated décor transformed it into a very comfortable space.

Feeling inspired? We are! With a little planning and a lot of work, the perfect bathroom is always within reach. For questions about a new fixture or even how to pick a paint color that makes a room feel bright, call us at Lit Living. We love to make your projects easier!

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