Are you one of those people who enjoys watching home makeover shows? If so, you may be feeling inspired and want to make some changes to your own home. On those shows, they make it look so easy. A person hands over the reins to a professional designer who then hires contractors to do the work and within half an hour a home is given an overhaul. In real life it isn’t quite that easy and is definitely not that fast, but you can give your home a makeover without going through a lot of trouble. You will need an electrician in Beverly Hills to make it happen. The crew at The Electric Connection can help you transform your home by simply replacing some outdated lighting.

If you have watched those shows, you have probably noticed they tend to favor recessed lighting in places like the living room and kitchen. The lighting is sleek and makes the room look bigger by simply leaving the ceiling area clear. When you install light fixtures, you lose several inches of space, that can make the area look smaller. When a Beverly Hills electrician installs recessed lighting, sometimes referred to as can lights, you are creating an area that makes it feel more open and the ceiling will feel and look higher.

This is a simple fix that you actually can have done in a single day. You would be amazed at the difference the removal of hanging lights and chandeliers will make in an area. It is very cost effective and you can add as much light as you want by talking with your electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will have a number of different design options to choose from. Your choices are absolutely not limited. Give The Electric Connection a call today to schedule your home makeover that starts with the lights.

image: dedeking.com for IKEA

Take the stress out of getting dressed in the morning and update your closet lighting design.  See colors more vividly and surround yourself in flattering illumination with the latest closet lighting tips.  Whether you are building a new closet or updating an existing one, there are specific rules for safely and effectively lighting this valuable space.

The options abound in closet design from choosing the number of shelves and drawers to the dimensions of hanging space and shoe storage.  Some closets may serve as dressing rooms with areas for makeup application, as well.  Providing sufficient lighting is tantamount to making the best use of your space; for all that planning is wasted if you cannot see well enough to distinguish a black sock from a navy blue one.

1. When using surface-mounted incandescent or LED(light emitting diode) luminaires within an enclosed light source, be sure to install fixtures at least 12 inches from all storage areas.  If opting for a single surface-mounted light fixture, size the fixture to allow for a clearance of 18-24 inches from the wall. Usually one centrally located surface-mounted fixture will be sufficient to illuminate a standard size closet.

2. For surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent light fixtures, a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the light source and storage space is required.  LED and fluorescent light fixtures run cooler than incandescent, so they are the top choice in closet lighting design.

3.  When choosing surface-mounted or recessed LED light fixtures, go for top quality luminaires and buy from a reputable dealer.  LED lighting may cost a bit more, but the energy-savings, maintenance-free operation and safety features of LED will prove to be well worth the investment.

1. LED Channel Rays

light boxes. They come in multiple colors and can be used indoors or outdoors. Of course the rated life is generally very high and energy consumption very low. A great new product you should definitely know about!

2. Solar Reading Lights

You’ve heard of LED tape, and you’ve heard of LED rope, but have you heard of their well-balanced offspring, the LED tape/rope hybrid? This product is really neat because it combines the versatility of LED rope with the flat shape of LED tape to create a product that can do all kinds of things in all kinds of conditions. You can use LED tape rope in the kitchen for energy-efficient under or over cabinet lighting; you can wrap your deck with it; you can slide into coves or under kick boards for indirect lighting, or you can use it in the yard for eye-catching landscape lighting. Efficient and inexpensive, this is a product you should know about.

4. Battery Operated LED Spotlight

Create a summer resort in the privacy of your own backyard or “add-on” living space by turning the deck or patio into an outdoor room. A few creative outdoor lighting ideas can transform an outdoor area into a relaxing retreat that restores serenity, encourages quality-time with the family and brings friends together. It’s all about setting the mood with lighting.

Outdoor rooms are an extension of the home. But it requires special planning to create a space that is inviting, relaxing and meets the needs of individual family members.

Here are a few outdoor lighting ideas to create the perfect setting.

Safety First

It’s essential to make outdoor spaces accessible and safe. Post mounted outdoor lamps brighten doorways, steps and walkways to help visitors navigate unfamiliar territory at night. Older people and those with reduced vision will especially appreciate having their paths well-illuminated. Use motion-activated flood lights, timers and photo-cells to make sure lights are on when they’re needed the most. Outdoor lamps not only add warmth and radiance to a home, they help to mitigate the risk of injury due to falls and improve personal security at night.

Outdoor Rooms

Outdoor rooms like indoor spaces are an extension of the homeowner’s individual taste and design capability. Today’s outdoor lighting is durable, affordable and available in a wide range of finishes and styles, giving homeowners tremendous freedom to conceptualize outdoor rooms in ways never before possible. A great selection of hanging outdoor lights, post mounted lights and task lighting provides an abundance of options.

– Small patios and balconies may serve several functions. Create a private oasis for reading the morning paper with hanging outdoor lights, such as outdoor mini pendant lights. For romantic evening hours, turn on wall mounted lanterns to spread a warm glow with subtle ambient illumination.

– Backyard decks or porches are often the entertainment hub where friends and family gather. Outdoor furniture, outdoor accessories and outdoor lights should work in unison for an atmosphere conducive to task-oriented activities such as food preparation and dining, as well as leisure-oriented activities such as socializing and lounging.

– Wall-mounted deck sconces, under bench deck lights and deck step lights are the perfect lighting for evening entertaining, as well as midnight stargazing. Their low wattage and stylish design provide the glow and charm that make the deck a favorite place to relax and enjoy warm summer breezes.

– Other outdoor rooms. Outdoor rooms aren’t always gazebos, decks or patios; they can be as simple as a bench in a garden, a trellis or arbor gate, or a grouping of plants around a fountain or birdbath. Low voltage landscape lighting tucked into the foliage adds drama and enchantment to outdoor rooms or secret gardens. Decorative path lights accent special landscape features and spread soft illumination along walkways, and they are available in styles from whimsical to classic traditional.

Dark Sky and Light Pollution

One additional consideration when working in your outdoor lighting ideas is the impact the lighting will have on your neighbors and the degree of “light pollution” created. The amount of light that is considered “excessive” may be a personal point of view, but take care to preserve the natural environment for nocturnal creatures and stargazers alike and select outdoor lamps designed to minimize glare and light pollution.