All Phase TC

2023

How Lighting Affects Your Health

How Lighting Affects Your Health

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How to Improve Your Sleep by Improving Your Lights

Sleep has massive importance on your ability to perform at your best every day, but it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of health. If you’ve ever spent the night caring for an infant every hour or finishing a paper in the wee hours of the morning, you’ve experienced firsthand the effects of sleep deprivation. Focusing becomes next-to-impossible, and getting through the day awake can be a challenge. 

Improving your sleep is key to having a better mood, better cognitive functioning, and overall improved health. According to the Sleep Foundation, “light is the most important external factor affecting sleep.” Everyone knows it’s easier to sleep when it’s dark, but the link between lighting and sleep goes deeper than that. By learning more about this link, you can learn how to create an environment that will give you the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. 

The Effects of Sleep (and Sleep Deprivation)

Before we discuss changing your lighting to help your sleep hygiene, let’s talk about why sleep is so important to your overall health. When you sleep consistently, you can “think more clearly, have quicker reflexes, and focus better” (NIH). The National Institute of Health says, “sleep…affects growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health.” Part of caring for yourself includes improving your sleep.

When you don’t get consistent and continuous sleep (7-8 hours per night for adults), your health suffers. Some of the more obvious effects of sleep deprivation include a worse mood, impaired cognitive functions, and a shorter attention span. But, did you know that not getting quality sleep can also increase your risk of hypertension, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes? While you sleep, your body performs important functions. If you have trouble sleeping consistently without waking up, it’s time to think about your lights.

Circadian Rhythms

Light and sleep are two sides of the same coin. Light regulates your body’s circadian rhythm – your internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and wake. When light enters your eye, your brain processes information about the light and senses the time of day. Then, a signal is sent from your brain to your body to regulate organs and other systems in your body. (Sleep Foundation) 

If you lived in a world where you were exposed to natural light only, your circadian rhythm would align with sunrise and sunset. However, since we live in a modern world where bright lights are available at the flick of a switch, you need to be more intentional about selecting the lights you expose yourself to, especially in the evenings. The lights you’re using may be affecting you more than you realize!

Melatonin

Light also affects the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone your body makes naturally to help you regulate your circadian rhythm. It makes you feel drowsy and promotes quality sleep. The pineal gland in your brain (pictured above) initiates the production of melatonin in response to darkness. When you’re exposed to light, melatonin production slows down or stops. For some people, synthetic melatonin may be recommended or prescribed, but improving sleep hygiene should always be your first step toward healthier sleep.  (Sleep Foundation) 

Light and Sleep Hygiene

While we want you to sleep well no matter what, your body’s circadian rhythm can be a little sensitive. To account for that fact, you’ll need to manipulate your environment a little. Circadian rhythms are particularly sensitive to light two hours before bed and one hour after waking up. During these times, adjusting your lighting is imperative.

If you have bright household or bedroom lights, dimming them two hours before bed will prepare your body for better sleep. Increasing your light in the morning will keep you alert during the day. Getting dimmable lights is one way to control your lights’ brightness. Using several light sources (lamps, overhead lighting, etc.) is also an option. If dimmable overhead lights don’t work for you, find a dimmable bedside lamp instead! In the morning, turn on the brightest lights in your room and bathroom while you get ready to help yourself wake up. (CDC)

Light Color Effects on Sleep

The color of light you choose at different times of the day will also impact your circadian rhythm and night sleep. According to the CDC, blue and white lights make the biggest difference on your circadian rhythm, especially during the sensitive period at night. 

Blue and Bright White Light

White light contains blue light. Common sources of this light are the sun, LED lights, and digital screens. Exposure to white light can help to improve your mood and keep you feeling more alert and focused. During the day, using white light to wake up and to stay productive is a great idea.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s best to avoid blue and white light sources at night. Yes, that means you really shouldn’t be scrolling on your phone in bed – you might think it’s helping you to unwind, but that light is actively disrupting your circadian rhythm. Some phones have a “night mode” that you can enable that will warm up the temperature of the light, which helps a little, but you’re better off reading a book with a warm, dimmed light. 

Yellow, Red, and Orange Light 

Warm Light, seen as yellow, orange, or red, comes from places like a fireplace or an edison bulb. LED bulbs can also be purchased that give off this type of light – they’re often called “warm white” or “soft white.” Yellow and orange lights have very little effect on your internal clock, so picking these colors for your room shouldn’t interfere with the sleep you’re dreaming of. Red light is the only color that has no effect on your circadian rhythm. 

Get Better Sleep with Smart Lighting Choices

Changing your environment to promote better sleep can be as simple as switching out a few light bulbs. Pay attention to which kinds of light you have in your home, especially in the places you spend time at night. If you spend your evenings in the living room under bright white bulbs, that could be impacting the sleep you’re getting.

Fortunately, switching out the color of your light bulbs is a relatively easy fix for most fixtures. To give yourself the best lighting for a good night’s sleep, we recommend choosing warm white bulbs for your bedroom and bedside tables, and for the rooms you use in the evenings, such as the dining room, den, or living room.

Rooms where you need to focus, like the kitchen or your office, often have bright white lighting. Minimize your time in these places, or look at adding lamps or under-cabinet lighting that can allow you to use the room with a warmer, less bright light. 

The multi-use spaces in your home where you need to focus during the day and relax at night can be the hardest. Lamps and/or dimmer switches in these areas are a must for good sleep hygiene. Another option would be to install color-changing bulbs that can take you from bright white to soft white throughout the day. Color-changing bulbs usually require you to change the color manually with a remote. If you’re willing to spring for smart bulbs, many can be programmed to change throughout the day or on command.

We know that fixing your lighting environment won’t magically take away all of the things that keep you up at night. But we can guarantee that making smart lighting choices at home will help you to go from early-morning alertness to late-night drowsiness without your light bulbs messing up your internal clock. 

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Choosing the right lighting is important for your health. If you need help optimizing your home’s lighting for a good night’s sleep, give the lighting experts at All-Phasea call, or stop by our showroom to chat in person! We’d love to help. Sweet dreams!

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*Disclaimer: Lighting, while important, won’t replace expert health care. If you have concerns about your sleep, please remember to make an appointment with your doctor.

3 Ways to Layer Light and Level Up Your Interior Design

3 Ways to Layer Light and Level Up Your Interior Design

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Have you ever been to a friend’s house whose home has that X factor? Something that made it seem really inviting even if their decor wasn’t notably upscale? That friend probably had great lighting.

Color, shape, and texture are the building blocks of interior design–but lighting dictates how everything comes together. So, what goes into a well-lit room? Design experts recommend having 5-7 different light sources in any space. These “layers” of light make it so that you can customize the mood, function, and comfort level of a room depending on how you’re using it.

There are three basic layers of lighting to consider: ambient, accent, and task lighting.

Read on to see how these layers of light work– we’ll show you exactly how things like location, bulb choice, and design combine to give you the perfect lightscape. Then the ball’s in your court! Working layer by layer, and with just a little bit of insider lighting know-how, it’s easy to give your home that X factor too– without having to replace a single decorative pillow.

Layer One: Ambient Lighting

The most basic level of lighting for any room is ambient lighting. Ambient lighting is the light that fills the room, casting an even glow from overhead. In most homes, this will come from a central flush mount (often the dreaded “boob” light), a ceiling fan and light combo, or can recessed lights.

Let’s dive into top considerations to creating great ambient lighting.

Location

If you are using one large light as your ambient light source, keep it central with maximum light flow. It’s usually a good idea to use a glass covering instead of metal or wicker shades to avoid creating shadows.

If you want to create ambient light with a grid of recessed lights instead, spacing is critical. An easy trick to determine how far apart your recessed lights should be is to divide the height of the ceiling by 2. For example: For 8-foot ceilings, divide 8 by 2 (8÷2=4) – consider staggering your can lights about 4 feet apart for optimal lighting.

Pro Tip: This formula will get you started, but there’s a lot to consider if you’re installing a new grid of recessed lights in your home. The size and trim can vary greatly, which will have a big impact on light coverage– and you need to take the shape and layout of your room into account. If you want help getting your recessed lights spaced correctly, stop by our showroom and check in with one of our lighting specialists!

Bulb Choice

Each room of your home will have different bulb requirements. For your kitchen, bathroom, and office, lean into brighter, cool light. These bulbs will activate your brain for better concentration and focus. Look for bulbs that say “bright white” or “daylight” on the packaging.

 

On the other hand, bedrooms and living rooms are usually dimmer and warmer to encourage relaxation. These bulbs will say things like “soft white” or “warm white” on their box.

Design Tips

While there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution, great ambient lighting will completely transform the way your room feels. Here are a few tips that will translate across most rooms and decor styles:

  1. Consider replacing the standard “boob” lights. While they’re great at lighting a space, the shape of these lights can sometimes feel boring or dated. Don’t be afraid to get creative– there are so many other options available!
  2. Play with paint colors: the color and tone of your walls have a big impact on how the ambient light reflects. Check your paint samples at different times of the day to see how they look with both daylight and your light fixtures. 
  3. Think about going bigger! If a flush-mount fixture feels underwhelming, take a look at other options like ceiling fans or pendant lights. Chandeliers are also making a comeback– they’re not just for vintage vibes! You can play up crystal delicacy for a soft touch in a modern room or branch out with wood beads or other designs.

Pro tip: If you’re planning on replacing your ceiling fixture yourself, make sure your new light is properly supported. You might need to install a sturdier electrical box to support the extra weight of a larger fixture– just check the installation guide before you get started!

Layer Two: Task Lighting

The next layer of your lightscape is task lighting. Task lighting shines extra light on a space to make doing a specific task easier and/or safer. It’s especially helpful for tasks that involve working with small objects, like sewing, or that require concentration, like reading.

Location

You need task lighting anywhere you are performing detailed work. Your home likely already has some task lights installed in common places, such as a bright wall sconce over the bathroom mirror where you get ready, and pendants or recessed lights above a kitchen counter. 

Lamps are the real MVP of task lighting, because they can go anywhere you can run a cord. You’ll find them sitting on a desk, in the garage over a workbench, illuminating the music on a piano, next to a cozy reading nook, on the bedside table, and more. 

Bulb Choice

Task lighting usually uses bright white light to get the best view and activate the attention centers of your brain. There are a few exceptions, however. If you’re lighting a reading nook or a bedroom you’ll want softer and/or warmer light to get that cozy comfort.

Design Tips

Even though task lighting is “task-oriented,” it doesn’t need to be 100% utilitarian. Here are a few ways to think about making your task lighting both beautiful and functional:

  1. When possible, work with odd numbers of light– it will feel more organic. For example, 3 or 5 pendant lights will look usually better over a kitchen counter than 4. 
  2. Experiment with different materials for lampshades. A glass shade will maximize the glow, woven shades will give a light filtering effect that softens the light, and opaque shades will concentrate the light. You can completely transform the way a lamp or pendant lights your space with a simple shade swap! 
  3. Don’t forget your bathroom vanity! Most vanities have a light above the mirror– but that’s not necessarily the best placement for getting ready. Face-level light on either side of your mirror is best for doing things like applying makeup.

Pro tip: Did you know that LED light is widely considered the best lighting for applying makeup? It’s the closest to natural daylight! Try a backlit mirror or LED strips at facelevel to see your makeup’s true colors.

Layer Three: Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is the fun layer– it leans much more into design than function. The purpose of accent lighting is to create a mood, or to highlight a specific feature in a room like an architectural detail or a piece of art. 

Location

Unlike ambient or task lighting, accent lighting doesn’t have a simple rule for best placement. Whether it’s hanging from the ceiling, sitting on a shelf, or standing on the floor, accent lighting can come from anywhere and shine on anything. 

One way to determine where you need accent lighting is by thinking about your favorite evening activities. For example, where do you and your family cuddle for movie night or bedtime stories? Turn off your ambient lighting and see where you need a lamp, some sconces, or LED strips.

Pro tip: Plan on having 2-3 sources of accent light per room.

Bulb Choice

Accent lighting that’s highlighting a feature is typically small and bright. For accent lighting that’s creating a mood, look for dimmable options. Either way, you’ll need warm bulbs to achieve a cozy glow! Look for bulbs that say “soft white” for the gentlest light, with “warm white” as a close second. 

Accent lighting opens the door for you to get creative! Check out some color-changing smart bulbs or LED strips that can really change the way your room feels with just the touch of a button!

Design Tips

Accent lighting is very specific to a person and their space, so there aren’t any hard-and-fast rules. Here are a few ideas to get your imagination flowing:

  1. Fill in the blank: if you’re missing a color or texture in your room, try bringing it in with an accent lamp. Warm up a modern space with a wooden or stone lamp, or balance your color palette with a new lampshade. 
  2. Choose the unexpected: use sconces and pendants where you’d normally place a lamp. For example, if you have a couch tucked into a corner that could use more light, save floor space by hanging a pendant above the seat.
  3. Track lighting isn’t just about the lights– it can elevate your room by highlighting other decor and collections! Try placing them above your gallery wall to elevate your wall to an art museum experience. 

Pro tip: Renting or want to avoid hiring an electrician? You can still use pendants and sconces! There are special varieties that use a plug– no hardwiring required. 

Ready to Customize Your Lightscape?

Now that you have the guiding principles ready, the possibilities are endless! If you’re ready to get serious about your home’s lighting and design, the experts at Lit Living can help you connect to a showroom near you. Contact us today!

7 Ways to Glow Up Your Pool: Lighting Tips from Lighting Experts

7 Ways to Glow Up Your Pool: Lighting Tips from Lighting Experts

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Having a pool in your backyard is an incredible luxury. But what takes a nice pool to a jaw-dropping show-stopper is excellent light scaping. So if you’re prepping for a high-impact pool renovation, your lighting is sure to give you the luxury factor you’re looking for!

Great lighting highlights your pool features and turns them into a breath-taking statement even when you’re inside. And it extends your pool party to after-dark!

But great pool lighting can be very different from landscape or interior lighting. That’s because pool lighting requires a lot of finesse, keeping glare to a minimum. So we’ve compiled seven tips to help you keep your pool area bright, luxurious, and inviting.

Let’s dive in!

Moonlighting– General Lighting Without Glare

There’s not much that’s better than a swim in the moonlight. Unfortunately, you can’t always count on a full moon and a cloudless sky, so a lighting technique called moonlighting is the next best thing. 

Moonlighting uses an elevated light source that softly concentrates light downwards– basically, it mimics the moon! It creates soft, ambient lighting without a harsh glare on your eyes or reflecting too much light off the water. And there’s no denying that moonlighting will bring your pool from basic to luxury!

Expert Tips:

  • When you can, tuck moonlighting fixtures away in trees or your roof to make it feel more like natural moonlight.
  • Use warmer, more yellow light to keep the pool area a relaxing space. Bright white lights are more likely to create a harsh glare.
  • The size of your pool deck will determine how many lights you’ll need to get the glow just right. If you’re unsure how many you need, it’s better not to guess. Too many, or too few, won’t create the illusion. Before you buy, contact a local lighting showroom to get expert advice on your yard’s unique dimensions and needs. 

Light the Water

Another great way to gently increase visibility is to light up the water in your pool. A bright pool makes it easy to swim or chat on the deck without disrupting the mood. So put lighting the water on the top of your pool upgrade list!

Expert Tips:

  • Always use underwater-grade lighting. Electrical safety is critical when you’re around water, so make sure you get the right bulbs.
  • Proper placement matters. Keep the lights relatively close to the water’s surface, spaced at least 3-4 feet apart. It’s easy to overdo it with underwatering lighting, so remember – the fewer bulbs, the better.
  • Lighting an existing pool? Unfortunately, installing underwater lights in an existing pool is pretty difficult. Your best bet is to contact a pool installation expert to see what it will take to get your pool equipped with underwater lighting.

Keep Stairs and Walkways Safe

Your pool renovation has to keep the surrounding area in mind. Whether entertaining or playing with your family, safety is always a top concern. So always keep walkways, steps, and pool borders clearly defined and visible. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice style to be safe! 

Expert Tips:

  • Tuck lights under the stairs to hide the light source and reduce glare. You can also light your stairs from the side with stylish fixtures that create visual interest while lighting the way.
  • Use reflective materials around the sides of your pool to highlight the edges so they’ll catch the light without having to shine light upwards.
  • Solar lamps are an excellent option for lighting walkways. They’re very low-maintenance and come in an almost endless variety of styles.

Highlight Water Features

A waterfall or fountain brings a home pool from a fun time to a luxurious experience. But the magic shouldn’t stop after sundown! Lighting your water feature will upgrade it to an around-the-clock art experience.

Expert Tips:

  • Color-changing LEDs help to match the mood and keep your water feature flexible. Check the packaging to ensure they’re safe for outdoor use and have color-changing capabilities.
  • Tuck light sources behind or underneath the stream to light the way. You’ll need water-grade lighting for a safe light show.
  • Highlight the fountain or waterfall architecture to complete the experience. While these lights may not be underwater, you’ll still want to make sure they can handle the strain of the elements in your climate.

Make Landscaping Pop

Your home landscaping plays a vital role in every swim, day or night! So play up your trees, shrubs, and flowers in your pool renovation with a few of these lighting tips.

Expert Tips:

  • Silhouetting uses a ground light source behind a row of shrubbery to create a shadowy effect on a wall behind them.
  • Highlighting also uses a ground light source but shines in front of trees or other plants to make them look like they’re glowing.
  • Hang fairy or string lights around or between trees for a soft, enchanting touch. Plus, these are easy to hang yourself and take down for the off-season.

Bring in Island Vibes

Want to bring a piece of island living to your backyard? A few careful lighting tricks can land your home beach bash in a true paradise. And it may be easier than you think to pull off this luxury pool vibe!

Expert Tips:

  • Nothing says exotic like firey displays. So use tiki torches or a feature firepit to heat up the party!
  • Color-changing LED accent lighting transports your party anytime! Bring in island blues, pinks, and greens with a touch of a button.
  • Use highlighting techniques to bring your tropical trees and flowers into the experience.

Brighten Surrounding Architecture

Your pool may be the center of your backyard entertainment– but the surrounding architecture of your home, gazebo, or pool house is the backdrop. Don’t let your unique architecture go to waste when the lights go out. So pull the rest of your home into the pool experience with your pool upgrade!

Expert Tips:

  • Highlight arches and beams to show off beautiful architecture around the clock. You can install small spotlights, use recessed lighting, or play with string lights for a custom look.
  • Downlighting or Uplighting? You can position accent lights to shine down walls or use ground lighting to literally light up your home exterior.
  • Brighten doorways. Direct guests and family members to the right places with beautiful sconces or spotlights.

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at Lit Living for advice on your project!

 

 

 

Keywords: pool renovation, upgrade your pool, luxury pool

2023 Interior Design Trend: Creating a Cozy House that Feels Like Home

2023 Interior Design Trend: Creating a Cozy House that Feels Like Home

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It’s 2023 and this is your wake-up call! Your home needs you – it’s ready for a refresh! This year, we’re all looking for a respite from the stress that always seems to work its way in. Designing a comfortable home will make you feel the extra happiness and productivity you’ve been in desperate need of. These 3 expert tips will make your home a haven you’ll be itching to get back to at the end of the day!

1. Choose a Soft Color Palette

It’s no secret that colors have a huge effect on your mood and the feel of a room. These rooms knock the color palette out of the park without sacrificing personal style or comfort. Achieving a soft color palette doesn’t have to be difficult – go with neutrals, a pop of color, or choose a monochromatic color scheme and you’re set!

Neutrals

A neutral color palette seems like an obvious choice when you’re going for comfort, but it can be tough to pull off – without color, other elements like texture or shapes will have to do the heavy lifting.

The heavyweight champions here are definitely the plants! Adding some green to an otherwise neutral-heavy space brings some life and vibrance without destroying the tranquility you desperately need. Finishing this look with a variety of textures and shapes from the hard wood edges to the pair of round tables to the woven area rug makes this space feel comfortable, creative, and cozy.

This neutral bedroom incorporates beige and white with black accents to ground the space. The night stands with pendants hanging above elevate the space, giving you lighting and a gorgeous focal point! We love how this space feels lived-in without looking cluttery. With neutral tones, the soft textures of the rug and blankets are what make this room feel comfortable and cozy.

Picking a neutral color palette for this sitting area really make the shapes shine. We love how arches are carried throughout the design from the furniture to the architecture. This chair looks like a cloud and with the gorgeous light above it, anyone sitting here would feel like they’re in the heavens!

Pop of Color

A cozy home doesn’t have to be colorless! If neutrals don’t speak to you, try mixing them with a pop of color. It’ll give your room some excitement, but not so much that it’ll feel busy or chaotic.

This living room took a bold color and ran with it. The navy blue is a stunning contrast to this cozy tan leather couch. If we could copy and paste this look into our homes, we would! The neutrals pop against the accent wall and we couldn’t be more obsessed.

These red velvet pillows and drapes contrast with the neutral room and bring in some cozy texture. The bright colors spice up what might otherwise feel like a bland living room.

Monochromatic 

Choosing a monochromatic color scheme is a 2023 trend we love. It’s bold, but still soft. In a true monochromatic space, there isn’t extra visual stimuli for your brain to process. This gives your brain a sense of peace and calm you may not feel in a room with more going on in terms of color. These rooms use a simple color palette and the effect is cozy with a touch of elegance. 

Green is one of the most soothing colors. It can bring a sense of peace and harmony to your home. This couch and wall combo is no exception! Choosing to pair them with beautiful browns makes this sitting room look like it was plucked straight from nature, then given a facelift.

This kitchen uses the monochromatic color scheme to make it look bigger than it is. We especially love that extra wood cabinet with accent lighting both for functionality to store more and for decorative purposes. The calming blues make this a space you’d want to do some stress-baking in!

2. Add Soft Textures

Texture is a vital tool in an expert’s tool belt, especially when comfort is your end-goal. A space can be gorgeous, but if it feels like a place your grandma will yell at you for touching anything in, it won’t really feel comfortable. Texture is what takes a space from formal and austere to a beautiful, cozy space you can actually live in.

There’s no question this bedroom is gorgeous, but it also feels like a space you could spend time in without completely messing it up. The intentionally unkempt linens on this corner of the bed add simulated texture that makes it feel like home. We also love the green velvet accent pillow and floor pillows for an extra cozy touch! A lamp and pendant allows you to have dimmer or brighter lighting to accommodate your changing needs.

There is no world where a chunky-knit blanket and lots of pillows won’t scream comfort. The touches of fur on the rug and the side bench give it an extra dose of coziness. Anyone would love to curl up and hibernate here all winter! Light a few candles in the lanterns and switch on the pendant for the perfect reading spot at night.

This feminine bedroom is a corner of paradise! The colors are soft and gorgeous, but the textures are what really make this space magical. The velvet headboard brings delicate softness to the space. The textured pouf and cane-detailed night stand here are working overtime – and they should get paid for it! They bring elements of texture and give some seating and storage space. The blanket and soft rug are the finishing touches that would have anyone making excuses to retreat here for peace and quiet.

3. Soften Your Lighting

Harsh lighting is the opposite of comfortable! It’ll leave you with a headache and can actually make it harder for you to sleep at night. To bring in some much-needed comfort, you’ll need to soften up your lighting. In a room with soft lighting, the transition from light to dark is gradual and easy on the eyes. Avoid harsh shadows and balance your lights out using these three tips and your eyes and mood will thank you!

Dimmable Lighting

Switching to dimmable lights is a relatively simple way to soften your lights and make your lighting customizable. This cozy room is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Dim the lights 2 hours before bed to help yourself sleep better, then brighten them in the morning to jump start your mood and your day!

Layer Your Lights

Layering your lighting is a fool-proof way to give you adjustable light. Every room in your house should have at least a few light sources to make it feel more comfortable and eliminate any dark corners. Adding a few lamps across a room and some pendants will give you flexibility to have more or less light depending on your need and mood.

Accent Lighting

Accent lights are the finishing touches that make a room feel complete. They’re the piping on top of the icing on the cake! Adding them makes a room instantly feel warmer and more comfortable. Plus, they soften up your lighting by eliminating harsh shadows in areas that might otherwise go overlooked. Put sconces on an empty wall, strip lighting under cabinets like in this kitchen, or pendants above conversation areas. A room with warm, balanced lighting is a guaranteed ticket to having the relaxing ambiance you need for comfort.

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Listen, it’s 2023 and it’s time you started living your life in comfort! Choosing to design a cozy home is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about overall wellness! You deserve to live in a home you love, so it’s time to get started. With a little inspiration, the expert tips above, and help from All-Phaseyou’ll be set! Give us a call and we’ll help you soften your lighting and give your home the extra relaxing boost it needs.

Kitchen Light Fixtures 101

Kitchen Light Fixtures 101

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Whether you’re building or renovating, understanding your lighting options and making smart choices will completely transform the way your kitchen looks and feels.

Keep in mind – your kitchen will look best with multiple types of lighting! One light overhead just won’t do the room justice – and it probably won’t give off enough light to cook safely. Your best bet is to go with a mix of ambient (overhead, general lighting) and task (specific to place or purpose) lighting to make your kitchen both beautiful and functional.

 Here’s a quick guide to the different types of light fixtures you’ll find in kitchens.

Pendants

Pendant lights hang down from the ceiling, and typically only have one bulb. They’re most often used over countertops like a kitchen island or peninsula. Pendants come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and styles.

Recessed

Many modern kitchens now include recessed lighting. Recessed lights give off great light without having a fixture in the ceiling that blocks the view and needs dusting. Recessed lights can be used all over the ceiling to create general ambient light, or placed over countertops to create task lighting for chopping and cooking.

Chandelier

While this look may not be for everyone, for those who love having some extra sparkle in their kitchen, a chandelier is an excellent choice. A chandelier is a light fixture that hangs down from the ceiling and has multiple lights that shine out and around the room.

Skylight

Okay, so this might not be a light fixture, but this type of kitchen light is unconventional in the best way possible. When combined with other light fixtures, a skylight makes a stunning statement that earned it an honorary place on our life. A skylight is, essentially, a window in the ceiling or roof of the house. It lets natural light flood into the room, filling it with bright white light. While they may only be “useful” during the day, they’re a beautiful addition to any kitchen. 

Under-Cabinet Lighting

These tiny fixtures pack a powerful punch! Mounting lights underneath your wall cabinets will brighten your countertops, making it an easy place to prepare food. They’re also a great addition for late-night snacking – they give off enough light to see in the kitchen without having to be blinded by the full power of the ceiling lights. Under-cabinet lights come in a lot of shapes and sizes – you can get small, individual lights like these, or strips of LED lights that give off an even glow. Many are battery-powered, so they’re easy to install – but you can also have them hard wired to a switch (our favorite option!)

Cove Lighting

If your kitchen has a beautiful coved ceiling like this one, adding a small strip of inexpensive LED lights around the interior of the structure can create a beautiful, high-end look for next to nothing. 

Ceiling Fan

While it may not be the first thing you think about when you hear “kitchen lighting” – a ceiling fan can be a great choice for the kitchen! It’s most commonly found in kitchens with high ceilings or in large great rooms (spaces that combine kitchen, dining, and living areas) to help keep air circulating and comfortable across the larger space. It’s also the perfect option for outdoor kitchens to help keep insects at bay while you’re preparing and enjoying your meal.

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Regardless of which fixtures you choose for your kitchen, as long as you make sure that your countertops are well-lit and the light levels are comfortable for the way you use the room, you should be in great shape to enjoy your kitchen for years to come. 

If you’re not sure which fixtures would be best for your kitchen, or if you need help arranging your fixtures in the best positions for your space, stop by our showroom and chat with one of our lighting specialists! We’ll give you expert advice tailored to your room and help you get on your way to lighting your home just the way you like it.

How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Every Season

How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Every Season

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20 Beautiful Front Porch Pictures to Inspire Your Seasonal Project

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

Spring

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Tips to Create the Dreamiest Porch

5 Tips to Create the Dreamiest Porch

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

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

1. When in Doubt, Add Plants

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

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

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

Flowers

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

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

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

2. Let Your Door Speak for Itself

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

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

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

3. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting

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

Sconces

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

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

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

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

Pendants

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

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

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

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

4. Less is More!

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

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

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

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

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

5. Pick Comfortable Seating

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

Porch Swings

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

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

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

Rocking Chairs

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

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

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

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