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Monday, October 17th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Rondure 1 Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconce 22497
Great design is not all about the kind of lighting that you choose. It is also about you considering the function for the space and then its lighting needs. For instance, kitchens and bathrooms need to be well-lit. Make sure that you use task lighting in the busiest rooms, after all, there is nothing worse than prepping dinner then you end up not seeing what you’re chopping. Incorrect lighting placement can put shadows on the busiest work spaces. This is why you need to have an efficient lighting plan.
Outdoor Lighting Types
Outdoor lighting is more complex to plan for because you are essentially extending the garden after sundown. Well-chosen lighting fixtures can also become wonderful security measures.
There are various lighting types to choose from but most fit into these two categories – accent and task lighting. The former draws attention to the areas that you want to showcase like sculpture and trees. This kind of lighting will also take the eyes away from eyesores such as the garden shed or clotheslines.
Task lighting, on the other hand, refers to practical lighting for your landscape. You could use this when you want to prepare food outdoors. This is also a kind of security and decorative lighting.
You now need to choose between halogen and LED (light emitting diode) lights for your outdoor paradise. Halogen lighting is the traditional landscape lights. These emit a yellow light, hence, they use up more energy than LED lighting. Halogen is a good way to romanticize the outdoors.
LEDs have a whiter light which will show the actual color of the landscape. They are also cost effective.
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Lighting Designs
There is an endless array of lighting designs to choose from. The main designs are – uplighting, downlighting, spotlights, surface lights, path lights, and wall lighting.
Uplighting is directed upwards since it is used to feature landscape wonders such as fountains and trees. Downlighting is positioned downwards such as fixtures found on the carport roof.
Spotlights are bright lights that are often aimed at particular features such as a sculpture, tree or any beautiful water feature. Surface lighting is built into step surfaces, decks and walls. This is the lighting that you need to enhance security in your home.
Path lighting can be placed on intervals on the walkway or pathway. Their function is pretty simple – so you won’t trip as you walk at night. Lastly, wall lighting is that flat panel that is built into your walls. It illuminates the feature wall and can even highlight the boundary for security measure.
Power Sources
There are often two power sources to choose from – solar or mains power. Solar energy is the best kind of energy source if you are environmentally-conscious. It is a renewable energy source which means you can recharge the batteries during the day and use them during the night.
You can say goodbye to unsightly cables if you choose to use solar-powered outdoor lights. These may not be as bright as electric lights, though, so make sure to weigh your options before you jump on the bandwagon.
If you pick electricity as your energy source, then you are going to need a transformer. This will act like a power board where the lights and power point are plugged in. Ask a professional electrician about the number of lights that are allowed to be assigned to one transformer. It is probable that you would need more than one transformer for your outdoor lighting.
Electrical lights require cables and wiring. You can do the installation yourself so long as you would just use a 12-volt transformer.
Tags: general lighting, home lighting, improving home lighting, landscape lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor lighting, pathway lights, security lights, shopping for lighting fixture, tips
Posted in Lighting, Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 20th, 2016
Winners Only Dining Room 60 Inches Farmhouse Leg Dining Table 53661A: The farmhouse appeal is perfect for this season.
While many enjoy summer and the happiness that it brings, there’s always that point when it must come to an end. It’s that time to redesign your outdoor space to make it more suitable for fall. Expect to host social gatherings and dinners during this season but don’t let these become the sole purposes of outdoor living. Know that you can add warmth as well as ambience to your patio or porch so that you can up the level of excitement there.
Choose the Right Kind of Outdoor Furniture
Yup, summer is over and the temperature is about to get coder. This does not mean that you have to stay indoors the entire season till winter. It also does not mean that you have to keep the patio or the porch untouched during the holidays.
If you actually think of it, fall is the best time to enjoy the outdoors. Go out and appreciate the season’s beauty. This means you must use only the best patio furniture that you could find. Be sure to keep the space’s welcoming vibe. But what kind of furniture should you invest in?
There are many factors that can help you decide. First, find out how durable the materials used are. Find the ones that can easily withstand the weather elements. Wicker is one such material which can still look cozy while being functional. Wrought-iron is also a durable material; it is especially hard to topple during storms or windy days. Aluminum can also easily survive outdoors as it can resist corrosion.
Function is another factor to consider when buying outdoor furniture. This is especially true when you are buying for a smaller space. An outdoor space used for romantic dinners can have a set of wrought-iron furniture in bistro style. If you have more guests to accommodate then you can add stackable chairs and a long wooden table.
Lastly, you don’t need to compromise the furniture design for function. There are now a lot of furniture sets that offer both. If you want to be true to the vibe of this season, then it’s time to embrace a rustic or country appearance.
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Light a Fire
Since the temperature is colder, you can literally add a warmer glow to your outdoor space by lighting up a fire pit. This allows you to entertainment people with just cocktails or cups of hot chocolate. Don’t expect to hold dinners, of course, but you can have seating for guests to rest on.
See if you prefer wood or gas fire pit.
Pick the Right Lights
Have you ever seen houses lit like coffee shops? These are known as twinkle or café outdoor lights. They can add a more serious ambience to the outdoors. They are also budget-friendly so you can have them installed anytime.
Have them placed over the balcony railing or an outdoor dining area.
Use Outdoor Textiles
Apart from having a fire pit, you can also have warm rugs and soft blankets brought out. Simply bring the indoor comfort to your outdoor space. Don’t worry too much about the rain since you can easily bring the stuff in when it starts to rain. If you want to maintain the chic look even during wet seasons, then consider buying materials that are manufactured for all kinds of weather.
Add Natural Elements
Don’t forget to add fall elements like the following –
Tags: fall preparation, indoor-outdoor furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting, outdoor living, outdoor view, outdoors furniture care, patio furniture, porch furniture, preparing for fall
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Saturday, February 20th, 2016
FFDM Harbor Spring Collection features this dining set that’s perfect for the patio.
If you are given a chance to choose between a patio or a deck, which one would you want? The patio is a courtyard that is not necessarily surrounded by walls. It can be attached to a house or detached from it. The patio is versatile as it can take on any shape or be built with different materials. You can find a patio made with concrete, tiles, stone, pebbles, or rocks.
Many patios are installed on a concrete slab or a pebble base. And since they are built at ground level, they do not need to have safety railings.
When you have a landscape that comes with different plant textures and types, then you don’t have to worry about adding more patterns. Take it easy, what you need is just a visual relief which can contrast the scenic view already offered by nature. Interesting furniture should provide that needed contrast.
If your patio is shielded from the harsh elements, unluckily, it is also shielded from the breezes that come during the summertime. A pergola or a roof overhead can protect the ceiling fan that you will install. This can drop the temperature during the summer season to as much as 10 degrees. You can also outfit the ceiling fan with light so you can have a little illumination during the evenings.
For homes that have limited backyard space, set up a screened seating area for the family. This should give you with a private space where the prying eyes of neighbors will not reach. There are other visually pleasing ways to gain some privacy. You can install an attractive fence, plant tall trees, or have a hedgerow.
Outdoor lighting comes with different functions. It can ensure safety on the walkways or provide a cozy ambience as the sun goes down. Lighting should therefore be a crucial part of your patio design. Pendant lighting would be nice above a dining area. It will provide a cozy feeling during those intimate dining moments with the family.
Bricked or paved patio that ends suddenly will not pair well with a larger landscape. Rather, you can transition materials then reinforce a link between the two. Pavers can provide the needed pathway from the lawn to the patio. Containers and mulch subtly segue to the planted spaces.
One excellent way to create gentle borders in your patio is to use tall trellises. They can also be the home for your flowering vines. Just check out the area’s lighting condition so that the vines won’t disrupt the illumination.
The fragrant scent of the vine will even attract the attention of passersby. Closer slats on your trellises will create a denser border for your flowering vine.
Consider borders such as different sizes of stones to separate the seating and eating areas. Red bricks can be used to define the dining area. Stone floors may also transition to stone borders that surround the patio. These can also be built to a certain height that can be used for seating.
The front yard is a curious spot to put a patio in but you can actually take advantage of this space. Decorate the area properly and you will have a lovely spot to engage with your neighbors or visitors. A planted bed can transition to the lawn.
Decorative elements can be used in a patio especially when the space is protected from the elements. For those who embrace an eclectic style, then the decor should be mainly wood, with a touch of metals, and it should use the colors of nature.
A single use patio may be too limiting for large families. You can also use the patio as your home bar. Shop for the right bar table and chairs, add bottles of wine and other liquor and you’re good. This can also be your breakfast nook.
Cap your patio design with a birdbath or a small fountain to ensure visual delight.
Tags: indoor-outdoor furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting, outdoor view, patio, patio design, patio style
Posted in Outdoors Style | No Comments »
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