The competition is steep and the lighting designs are sensational.  Among the leaders in the race for the most unconventional ceiling light fixture designs of the year, these standouts are exquisitely different and–although they may not fit in with everybody’s interior design scheme–they make for mind-altering artistry that brings the “wow” factor to a select few who are daring enough to shine outside of the box!

TEN:  Attractively AKIMBO

“Akimbo” from Tech Lighting

NINE: Outer bound with ORION

“Orion” from ET2

EIGHT: Unearthing URCHINS

“Urchin” pendant light from Varaluz

SEVEN:  Cultivating CASSINI

“Cassini” from Trend Lighting

SIX: Mixing it up with MIMI

“Mimi” from Maxim Lighting

FIVE: Hoodwinked by HOUDINI

“Houdini” chandelier from Corbett Lighting

FOUR:  Zanny ZIUM

“Zium” from Elán Lighting

THREE: Captivating CATALYST

“Catalyst” from Fine Art Lamps

TWO: Metaphysical MICRO

“Micro” from Eurofase

ONE:  Spellbinding STRANDELIER

Home maintenance can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start. Roofs that need re-shingling, carpets that have seen better days, that occasional leak you still have yet to place… there’s usually always something that needs fixing. Problems that are visible are usually easy to track and stop before the problem gets worse, but what if there’s an issue inside your walls?Outdated wiring is an issue all homeowners will eventually face. Homes that are at least 30 years old are likely to have outdated wiring not designed to operate with the modern homeowner’s lifestyle. Older homes with 60 amps can’t handle powering multiple appliances at once, not when the typical homeowner needs a house with at least 100 amps. It’s important to note that old wiring isn’t just an issue of inconvenience, but safety.

One of the best ways to save on your energy bills is to limit the amount of energy you use in the bathroom. Easily save money and energy in your bathroom by following these 9 simple steps.

Water heating is the second largest household energy expense, after heating and cooling. Cutting your shower time by two minutes can reduce your water use and lower your energy bills.

Lowering your water heater’s thermostat to 120 °F can help you to improve the performance of your water heater and cut your water heating costs. If you plan to be away from home for at least three days, turn off your water heater or turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting.

Lighting accounts for about 10 percent of your household electricity costs. Turning the lights off when you leave the bathroom is an important energy conservation measure.

Switching to energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to start saving energy in your bathroom. When shopping for light bulbs, look for the Energy Star label to identify energy-saving products. For further energy savings, choose LED light bulbs, which typically use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs.

Leaving your bathroom extractor fan on too long can remove heat from your home. Save energy by turning off your fan when you leave the bathroom.

Ventilating your bathroom can go a long way toward creating an energy-efficient environment; research reveals that it costs less to cool or heat a dry environment than a damp one. Improve the ventilation in your bathroom by leaving a window open when you’re taking a bath or shower.

Sealing any air leaks with caulk, weatherstrips, or sealant can cut your energy costs and create a healthier indoor environment. For best results, focus on filling gaps around your windows and plumbing.

Older water heaters can use more energy than new ones, so replacing them can help you cut your energy bills. When shopping for a new water heater, consider the size, fuel type, and energy efficiency before making a purchase.

Leaving appliances plugged in wastes energy, even when they’re not being used. Be sure to unplug your appliances after using them, or switch them off at the wall.

Learning how to conserve energy in the bathroom doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following the above tips, you can maximize your energy savings and cut your energy bills.