If you are planning on renovating or sprucing-up your kitchen, it’s probably a good idea to map out a detailed lighting plan as well. Most people find this a little strange as they feel that lighting in a kitchen isn’t something that needs too much of consideration or planning. It’s just a place where you cook and probably where you have an informal meal after all.

However, the fact is that it’s important to plan kitchen illumination well if you want to make optimal use of your kitchen spaces. Here, we would like to share some basic lighting ideas to create the right balance of functionality and aesthetics.

If you want to get a better idea about what type of lighting would work best for your kitchen, it’s vital to understand how your kitchen spaces relate to the different type of lighting. Let’s start off with understanding what type of bulbs you can use for the best effects:

These bulbs emit a yellowish light and you will now find many artistic versions of these on the market today.

These bulbs throw off a flat, cold light that has a bluish tinge, which lends a very harsh effect to the room.

These have a warm light that makes the place look very inviting and comfortable

These are the latest in light bulb technology and are available in a range of effects including white, cool daylight, warm light, yellow and a range of other colours and hues. Aside from this, LED bulbs are also 80% more energy-efficient than standard bulbs; and most property owners are now opting for these fixtures.

In addition to the types of bulbs used, the style of lighting or the lighting effects are what impact the ambience and appearance of a room. With this in view, here we discuss the different lighting effects that can be used in your kitchen:

This is one of the simplest ways to create the right lighting effect in your kitchen. This type of lighting is designed to help you move comfortably around the room. In most instances this type of lighting comes from grid-style can lighting, widely-spaced, wall and ceiling lamps, semi-translucent skylights or even the natural light that streams in through glass windows and doors. This is the base layer of any lighting plan.

In your kitchen, task lighting would be required to illuminate kitchen counters and food preparation spaces. Since you will be cooking in your kitchen every day, it’s important that the task lighting be planned and installed well. If you have only recessed lighting fixtures in your kitchen, you will feel the lack of focused light when you are cleaning, cooking or prepping in that space.

If you install one-dimensional lighting in the kitchen, it creates unsightly shadows in different areas of the room, while ceiling lighting is ineffective in illuminating spaces like sinks, under counter or cabinet areas etc. On the other hand, if you add special pendant lamps over the counters or even your kitchen island it can prove to be a more practical solution. Under-cabinet lighting can also help in illuminating the cabinets that are positioned there.

This effect doesn’t seem as necessary as ambient or task lighting does in a kitchen space, as the illumination it provides isn’t as functional as the first two. However, it can have a significant impact on the way your kitchen spaces look. If you want to enhance the appeal of your kitchen (regardless of whether you are getting it entirely renovated or are opting for a lighting upgrade), it’s important that you plan your accent lighting well.

Did you know that proper surge protection could help avoid short circuits and fire hazards?  In fact, using up-to-date surge protectors (suppressors) for your appliances, or even your entire house, could save you thousands of dollars in property damage. These are just a few reasons why surge protection should be of the utmost importance for you and your home this holiday season.

What are power surges?

First, before diving deeper into the different advantages of protecting your home against power surges, it’s important to understand what electrical surges are, and why they’re such a concern. An electrical surge, also known as a “voltage surge”, is an electrical disturbance that can be caused by a variety of spikes in voltage. More specifically, these surges are usually caused by lightning strikes, power outages, short circuits, or tripped circuit breakers. Problems occur when these short spikes in electrical power overload circuits in home appliances and other electronics.

Why is it so important to protect your home against power surges?

For starters, power surges can be very dangerous for you, your family, and your house. Surges are one of the most common causes of house fires, usually resulting from a combination of faulty wiring and irresponsible electronics hook-up by homeowners. This is especially apparent around the holidays.

According to the Cheltenham Fire Department, “when putting up holiday lighting, surge protectors should be used instead of relying on extension cords.” Now, more than ever, people should be cautious about electrical disturbances and the possible danger they pose to their electronics—and even more importantly—their lives.

Even if a power surge doesn’t turn out to be dangerous, it can still be very costly.  As a matter of fact, power surges can pack enough of a punch to short the power supply in a desktop computer, television set, or even a microwave. Basically, anything with internal electronic circuits can be affected by a voltage surge.  That’s why it’s imperative that everyone use surge protectors for each and every appliance in their home.  At the very minimum, one should consider whole-house surge protection, or even just safeguarding higher-priced appliances such as LCD Televisions, microwaves, and desktop computers.

The Benefits of Power Conditioning and how controlled voltage delivery could save you money

Aside from protecting your home from voltage surges, you should also consider the amount of energy that is wasted from many of your appliances. And remember that with wasted energy comes wasted money.

One money-saving solution may be installing power conditioners in your home. Simply put, a power conditioner is a device that delivers clean (steady) power to your devices. It is designed to distribute a stabilized and continuous voltage level which eliminates dips and line static—important for all of you who own surround sound systems in your home theater.

As a consumer, it’s important to be informed about devices and services that can save you money, improve the longevity of your investments (e.g., Flat-panel television, etc.), and even protect your home.

If you have any more questions about power surging, or if you decide that you would like to look into protecting your home against electrical surges, contact our helpful team at ElectricMan Inc. We are here 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you.

Reduced Utility Bills Ceiling fans can reduce your overall energy expenses by as much as 30 to 40 percent. While the actual operation of the ceiling fan is not going to decrease the room’s temperature, the draft will make that room feel much cooler. You can reduce the thermostat because the room will feel much cooler.

Adding Style Ceiling fans are style driven, which are available in various styles, designs, finishes and so forth to complement the room’s décor and style. They can be used as a room’s focal point or make a statement in your room’s style and appearance.

Versatility for any Room Ceiling fans are versatile, so they can be used in virtually any room of a home. The more fans that are used throughout your home, the greater the overall savings on your utility bill. They can be used in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms or screened-in porches.

Functional Illumination When you use a ceiling fan, you get functional and attractive illumination. If you want to take advantage of general illumination, choose a ceiling fan that has a built-in light or one that offers easy installation of a light kit into the fan.

Year-Round Value While many people think about ceiling fans for warmer months, they can also be used to help circulate warmer air during the cold months. Therefore, ceiling fans are great for all seasons, and can be used in a variety of climates.

Show off your style and freedom of choice with superb outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixtures from “All American” home lighting and furnishing vendors.

Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern feature outstanding designs manufactured exclusively in the USA and infused with American pride.

HANOVER LANTERN

Hanover Lantern with roots near historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania brings in the endearing elements of small town USA.  Trusted Old World values live on in their custom made-to-order outdoor lighting compositions.

Hanover Lantern’s commitment to creating an American-made, quality product is highlighted in their cast aluminum outdoor lighting products and accompanied by superb accessories, including mailboxes and address signs. Featured on the finest homes, businesses and resorts throughout the United States and Canada, Hanover Lantern is now a Philips Company.

Philips Company, the largest lighting manufacturer in the world, has put their name behind Hanover Lantern and lives up to their slogan: “Tailor Made to Fit Your Style.”

HUBBARDTON FORGE

Hubbardton Forge Lighting fosters an environment infused with collaborative energy as designers, engineers and craftspeople work side by side free to connect, explore and create.

Housing “The Modern American Blacksmiths,” Hubbardton Forge is the oldest and largest commercial forge in the country with a team of over 200 people creating hand-forged compositions infused with timeless beauty and artistry.

A company that is accessible and always responsive to special design requests and individual decorating requirements, Hubbardton’s strong commitment to outstanding design and the development of energy-efficient lighting solutions is showcased in every piece.

Structural integrity in heavy gauge steel, durable finishes, hand-welded arms and shafts, and premium grade internal components ensure products last for generations.

Pioneers of environmental cleanliness and innovative manufacturing processes, Hubbardton light fixtures are composed of raw steel from a high percentage of recycled materials and a state-of-the-art powder coating finish free of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals associated with liquid finishes.

Resistant to rust and corrosive elements, creative works from Hubbardton Forge Lighting lend splendid illumination to your indoor and outdoor lighting design.

In addition to awe-inspiring outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixture designs, skilled artisans at Hubbardton Forge also create unique home décor items, including mirrors and bathroom accessories.

When you own a Hubbardton Forge pendant, lamp, chandelier or outdoor hanging lantern, you own a piece of Vermont-made art of enduring value.

NORTHEAST LANTERN

Handcrafted light fixture compositions from Northeast Lantern come to light right in the state of New Hampshire.  Light fixture designers and craftsmen are trained by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to present a finished product in a clean and green manner.

From the classic “Colonial” collection to the modernistic “Midtown” collection, light fixture designs from Northeast Lantern represent the enduring spirit of American life.

Enjoy reasonably priced outdoor lighting fixtures made of solid brass and copper from Northeast Lantern.  Northeast Lantern products are custom designed with unique variations in hand-applied natural finishes.  Outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixtures will darken and weather over time; retaining their beauty, they will never rust, peel or chip.

With the exception of glass, Northeast Lantern guarantees all products for life.

Enjoy the best of America; check out new “Boston” and “Concord” collections from Northeast Lantern.

From Generation to Generation, Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern Continue to Provide the Best

Keep your stars and stripes shining true with top quality outdoor hanging lanterns and outdoor light fixture designs.

Celebrate July Fourth Weekend with these American Beauties…

New from Northeast Lantern

The “Independence” outdoor lighting collection.

New from Hubbardton Forge

The “Modern Prairie” collection 36-5710

New from Hanover Lantern

B9976 “Four Sided Series” outdoor hanging lanterns

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or shop 1800lighting.com to view the finest in home lighting and accessories.  Celebrate your American pride and enjoy spirited new designs from Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern!