Add the Element of Surprise!

When helping individuals select new lighting for their home, I often end up asking them my favorite question…” where is your element of surprise?” 

There is a vast sea of decorative light fixtures out there that can make home lighting selections a bit daunting, to say the least.  When I see people steering onto the commonly traveled path of same family selection for every room and location, I ask this question because I feel that it is important to add the unexpected.  Meaning, add some element of surprise in a location that is meaningful to you and intriguing to others.  Whether it be the colorful hand-blown glass pendants hanging proudly above your new kitchen island, a trendy barrel shade chandelier hovering your dining room table, or a touch of sparkling crystal in your bedroom- adding the unexpected to your space is a way to steer clear of the “every body else has it” syndrome, leaving your home to be desired by others, and adored by you.

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The most common question I get asked regarding LED lighting is, “Can I replace my lightbulbs with LEDs ?’  This is a simple question, but requires a bit of a long-winded response.  The short answer is, Yes- LED light bulbs are ready for your home.  However, the cost of top-quality LED light bulbs that mimic incandescent bulbs can be upwards of $100 each. 

Yikes!

True, one can stroll down the aisle of a big-box store and find LED light bulbs for as little as $15.  These bulbs are disappointing to say the least.  If you are happy with dim, bluish light from dicey manufacturers, then these bulbs will meet your expectations.  If what you are after is crisp, white, pleasing, bright illumination, then you’ll either have to shell out the cash or wait for the next generation of LED bulbs.  This next generation of bulbs promises to bring great leaps in performance, quality and design.

Philips’ EnduraLED light bulb may just be the catalyst that the LED industry has been looking for.  Using just 12 watts, this bulb has been specifically designed to give consumers an alternate to the traditional 60-watt light bulb.  This new LED bulb will give off the same true light as the old heaters, while using 80 percent less energy and lasting 25 times as long.  Once rigorous testing is complete, we could see this bulb on store shelves as soon as the end of 2010.  Pricing has not been determined, but expect it to be much more affordable than today’s lower-performing options.

If you are an early-adopter of new technologies (i.e., you are reading this blog on your iPad), then go ahead and replace your home’s bulbs with today’s LED offerings.  If you are like me, wait a year or so until the first real knock-your-socks-off versions are rolled out.

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The heart of every ceiling fan is the motor. The motor is responsible for producing quiet operation while driving the blades for air movement. Look for high-quality motors with heavy-duty windings and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated. Smaller, less powerful motors found on lower quality fans may produce higher operating temperatures, lower air circulation and noisier operation.

Motors come in several sizes to create the appropriate airflow. A room that has a high vaulted ceiling, as well as being roughly 200 square feet or larger, would benefit from a heavier duty motor. A heavy duty motor will provide excellent airflow to accommodate the larger space.

A superior motor will provide excellent heat dissipation, maximize torque at high speeds, ensure lasting performance through quality copper wiring; all while keeping the fan performing quietly and wobble free. A lifetime motor warranty is not uncommon on high quality motors.

Recently, Eco friendly motors have been introduced to the market providing high quality motors along with high efficiency.

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It’s that time of year when we start thinking of summer and the warm days ahead. Before you know it we’ll be thinking of ways to beat the heat.  A ceiling fan is a great way to cool a room and also add a decorative element. Of course, there are some general guidelines when choosing a fan.  Ceiling fans should generally be centered in the room, with the edge of the blade no closer than 18″ from the wall. For optimal cooling, fans should  be suspended 8′ or 9′ above the floor. In spaces with low ceilings, fan blades should not be lower than 7′.  (Hugger style fans or low ceiling adapters work well in this situation.)  Here are some helpful hints:

These guidelines should help in the selection of your fan, now you just have to pick your favorite!

Here are some great ceiling fan options: Ceiling Fans

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