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5 Simple Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

5 Simple Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

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They say not to judge books by their covers… but isn’t that what the cover is for? A book’s cover can give off a vibe that will help you decide on an impulse if that book is for you. Your house’s exterior is its cover. Based on its appearance from the street, or curb appeal, passersby (or potential buyers if you’re selling) will decide if it’s worth their time (and money) on a split-second impulse. 

Whether you’re trying to sell your house or increase its value, the look and feel of the exterior of your home has a significant impact on the bottom line. The good news is, giving your house a cover anyone would want to open is simple with these tips!

Tip 1: Add and Update Lighting

Light makes a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal. Choose modern fixtures or timeless classics, but make sure you have a variety of quality lights so that no matter what time of day, your house–and the landscaping you’ve worked hard to maintain–shines. 

These symmetrical sconces contrast with the white of the house perfectly and add some visual interest. You could also add matching ones by your garage for even more light.

If you don’t have room for outdoor sconces, consider a pendant light like this one. It adds a perfect lighting focal point without distracting from your picture-perfect entryway.

From top to bottom, this house will not be ignored! It draws your eyes toward it by using tons of lights. From the overhead light on the front porch to the lights under every roof overhang, you’ll see this beauty no matter where you are.

Add low-voltage outdoor lights or solar-powered lights to your driveway or walkway for a quick lighting upgrade. They’ll catch eyes, and guests won’t waste time looking for a path through your front yard.

Landscape lighting like this puts an emphasis on your garden beds, flowers, or other plants. You’ve worked hard to maintain them, so make it count–day or night. 

Tip 2: Utilize Color

You can use color to create a focal point for your house. It doesn’t matter whether you use neutrals, contrasting colors, or pops of bright color; careful color selection can really create an inviting exterior.

Don’t be afraid to be bold! This aqua-colored door with a bright floral wreath immediately draws the eye and invites guests in. (Plus, check out that perfectly-placed pendant that will light up the door at night!)

When you’re looking to add bright color, flowers are a great way to go. These gorgeous window boxes add a much-needed pop of color without feeling committed to a paint color. For the DIYers – window boxes are a great little project you can throw together with your scrap wood!

Whatever color you go for, make sure your trim and siding complement each other. Update one or both, but don’t forget to give your house a good power wash!

If your garage is looking a little worn out, a fresh coat paint is a quick fix. This house’s garage matches the trim and contrasts against the white perfectly. 

Tip 3: Decorate, decorate, decorate!

One of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to increase your curb appeal is by adding some decorative items. It’s a great way to make your porch feel more like an extension of your home than just a set of concrete steps. 

Decoration doesn’t have to be complicated. Add a simple wreath and cute doormat with an undermat to invite people in.

A front porch with furniture makes you feel right at home. Throw some chairs and a bench up for a cozy place to sit with your guests, or to watch your kids ride their bikes around the cul-de-sac. Pro tip: Add a few outdoor pillows for a pop of color! You’ll want to spend all summer outside and boost your curb appeal. Win-win!

Have you ever been looking for a house, but you can’t seem to find it? Your house numbers are an essential for guests trying to locate your house. If yours are feeling a little lackluster – changing them out is a very simple project with a big impact! This house’s numbers and door hardware match, pulling the look together. 

Shutters are a classic way to increase curb appeal. These shutters create some high-contrast visual interest by framing in the windows – and the symmetry pleasantly draws your eyes right up the path and straight to the front door.

Tip 4: Exercise Your Green Thumb

Landscaping is one of the first things you see when looking at a house. Is the lawn sickly and brown or thick and green? Are there bright flowers? Trees? You may not have a green thumb, but there are ways to make your yard and house stand out without getting (too) dirty.

Add some interest to your entryway with symmetrical pots next to your front door. Plant some easy-to-maintain flowers or greenery in them for a simple way to spruce up your front porch.

Update your garden beds with some plants and mulch. The contrast of the mulch in this house’s landscaping makes the greenery look lush and healthy. The depth of color helps the white paint on the house look bright and crisp, too. (Bonus points for the lights above the garage–we love the way they pop!)

If you’re a registered plant-killer, no need to fear! Pick low-maintenance plants that require little care – or take a look at getting some artificial outdoor plants. If you live in a place where water conservation is a concern, you can xeriscape (landscape with minimal water use) instead. Choose your plants mindfully, and your maintenance can be simple.

You could also consider planting less and adding lights to make what you do have pop (without all the hassle)!

Tip 5: Regular Maintenance

No matter what your house looks like, keeping it clean and dressed up will make a great impression. From state-of-the-art mansions to 50-year-old starter homes, regular maintenance will make any home look like a million bucks.

This house has clearly been well-cared for. The white is still white (not brown–yikes), the lawn is green and mowed, and the driveway is clear of yard waste. 

If you have pavement, make sure to get out your broom or leaf blower to clear it off! If you don’t, consider adding one. It creates a place to walk so your yard stays nice and creates a line for your eyes to follow up to the house. 

If you have limited time or resources, make sure to design your yard with maintenance in mind. Choose artificial plants or some that require little water. This house doesn’t have grass to mow, and the plants are low-maintenance.

Another tip to reduce maintenance is to use LED lights that don’t need to be replaced as often. Taking care of your house doesn’t have to take your entire weekend!

Curb appeal is what brings a smile to your face when you come home every day. It creates an atmosphere you’ll want to share with those you care about. Whether you’re trying to sell or just looking to impress your guests, updating your lighting, utilizing color, decorating, landscaping, and maintaining your house will make you feel at home and leave your guests with a first impression they won’t forget. Contact Pine Grove Lighting or visit our showroom for more tips on boosting your home’s curb appeal!

How Lighting Affects Your Health

How Lighting Affects Your Health

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How to Improve Your Sleep by Improving Your Lights

Sleep has massive importance on your ability to perform at your best every day, but it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of health. If you’ve ever spent the night caring for an infant every hour or finishing a paper in the wee hours of the morning, you’ve experienced firsthand the effects of sleep deprivation. Focusing becomes next-to-impossible, and getting through the day awake can be a challenge. 

Improving your sleep is key to having a better mood, better cognitive functioning, and overall improved health. According to the Sleep Foundation, “light is the most important external factor affecting sleep.” Everyone knows it’s easier to sleep when it’s dark, but the link between lighting and sleep goes deeper than that. By learning more about this link, you can learn how to create an environment that will give you the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. 

The Effects of Sleep (and Sleep Deprivation)

Before we discuss changing your lighting to help your sleep hygiene, let’s talk about why sleep is so important to your overall health. When you sleep consistently, you can “think more clearly, have quicker reflexes, and focus better” (NIH). The National Institute of Health says, “sleep…affects growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health.” Part of caring for yourself includes improving your sleep.

When you don’t get consistent and continuous sleep (7-8 hours per night for adults), your health suffers. Some of the more obvious effects of sleep deprivation include a worse mood, impaired cognitive functions, and a shorter attention span. But, did you know that not getting quality sleep can also increase your risk of hypertension, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes? While you sleep, your body performs important functions. If you have trouble sleeping consistently without waking up, it’s time to think about your lights.

Circadian Rhythms

Light and sleep are two sides of the same coin. Light regulates your body’s circadian rhythm – your internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and wake. When light enters your eye, your brain processes information about the light and senses the time of day. Then, a signal is sent from your brain to your body to regulate organs and other systems in your body. (Sleep Foundation) 

If you lived in a world where you were exposed to natural light only, your circadian rhythm would align with sunrise and sunset. However, since we live in a modern world where bright lights are available at the flick of a switch, you need to be more intentional about selecting the lights you expose yourself to, especially in the evenings. The lights you’re using may be affecting you more than you realize!

Melatonin

Light also affects the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone your body makes naturally to help you regulate your circadian rhythm. It makes you feel drowsy and promotes quality sleep. The pineal gland in your brain (pictured above) initiates the production of melatonin in response to darkness. When you’re exposed to light, melatonin production slows down or stops. For some people, synthetic melatonin may be recommended or prescribed, but improving sleep hygiene should always be your first step toward healthier sleep.  (Sleep Foundation) 

Light and Sleep Hygiene

While we want you to sleep well no matter what, your body’s circadian rhythm can be a little sensitive. To account for that fact, you’ll need to manipulate your environment a little. Circadian rhythms are particularly sensitive to light two hours before bed and one hour after waking up. During these times, adjusting your lighting is imperative.

If you have bright household or bedroom lights, dimming them two hours before bed will prepare your body for better sleep. Increasing your light in the morning will keep you alert during the day. Getting dimmable lights is one way to control your lights’ brightness. Using several light sources (lamps, overhead lighting, etc.) is also an option. If dimmable overhead lights don’t work for you, find a dimmable bedside lamp instead! In the morning, turn on the brightest lights in your room and bathroom while you get ready to help yourself wake up. (CDC)

Light Color Effects on Sleep

The color of light you choose at different times of the day will also impact your circadian rhythm and night sleep. According to the CDC, blue and white lights make the biggest difference on your circadian rhythm, especially during the sensitive period at night. 

Blue and Bright White Light

White light contains blue light. Common sources of this light are the sun, LED lights, and digital screens. Exposure to white light can help to improve your mood and keep you feeling more alert and focused. During the day, using white light to wake up and to stay productive is a great idea.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s best to avoid blue and white light sources at night. Yes, that means you really shouldn’t be scrolling on your phone in bed – you might think it’s helping you to unwind, but that light is actively disrupting your circadian rhythm. Some phones have a “night mode” that you can enable that will warm up the temperature of the light, which helps a little, but you’re better off reading a book with a warm, dimmed light. 

Yellow, Red, and Orange Light 

Warm Light, seen as yellow, orange, or red, comes from places like a fireplace or an edison bulb. LED bulbs can also be purchased that give off this type of light – they’re often called “warm white” or “soft white.” Yellow and orange lights have very little effect on your internal clock, so picking these colors for your room shouldn’t interfere with the sleep you’re dreaming of. Red light is the only color that has no effect on your circadian rhythm. 

Get Better Sleep with Smart Lighting Choices

Changing your environment to promote better sleep can be as simple as switching out a few light bulbs. Pay attention to which kinds of light you have in your home, especially in the places you spend time at night. If you spend your evenings in the living room under bright white bulbs, that could be impacting the sleep you’re getting.

Fortunately, switching out the color of your light bulbs is a relatively easy fix for most fixtures. To give yourself the best lighting for a good night’s sleep, we recommend choosing warm white bulbs for your bedroom and bedside tables, and for the rooms you use in the evenings, such as the dining room, den, or living room.

Rooms where you need to focus, like the kitchen or your office, often have bright white lighting. Minimize your time in these places, or look at adding lamps or under-cabinet lighting that can allow you to use the room with a warmer, less bright light. 

The multi-use spaces in your home where you need to focus during the day and relax at night can be the hardest. Lamps and/or dimmer switches in these areas are a must for good sleep hygiene. Another option would be to install color-changing bulbs that can take you from bright white to soft white throughout the day. Color-changing bulbs usually require you to change the color manually with a remote. If you’re willing to spring for smart bulbs, many can be programmed to change throughout the day or on command.

We know that fixing your lighting environment won’t magically take away all of the things that keep you up at night. But we can guarantee that making smart lighting choices at home will help you to go from early-morning alertness to late-night drowsiness without your light bulbs messing up your internal clock. 

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Choosing the right lighting is important for your health. If you need help optimizing your home’s lighting for a good night’s sleep, give the lighting experts at Pine Grove Lighting a call, or stop by our showroom to chat in person! We’d love to help. Sweet dreams!

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*Disclaimer: Lighting, while important, won’t replace expert health care. If you have concerns about your sleep, please remember to make an appointment with your doctor.

Eco-Friendly Interior Design: 5 Tips For a Sustainable and Stylish Home

Eco-Friendly Interior Design: 5 Tips For a Sustainable and Stylish Home

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There are many advantages to making your space more eco-friendly. By reducing your home’s carbon footprint, you can save money and even improve your home’s air quality. The trick is doing it without compromising on style. If you’re struggling to find sustainable yet stylish swaps for your space, look no further! Below we have rounded up some of our favorite eco-friendly interior design ideas.  

1. Bring The Outside In 

Indoor plants make for great decor – they are lush and give your space dimension, texture, and color. House plants can also be powerful air purifiers and help reduce the levels of CO2 in your home. If you’re already a plant parent, you may want to consider an indoor vegetable or herb patch. These small but mighty gardens look great on any window sill, plus you can eat their produce! A dedicated LED grow light will ensure you can harvest your indoor garden all year round.

2. Opt For Natural Fibers 

Whether you’re in the market for a new rug, light fixture, or pouf, look for items made from natural fibers such as jute. Jute is a material made from the jute tree, which is a fast grower and needs very little water to survive. Jute is also bio-degradable and recyclable – making it super eco-friendly!  When it comes to upholstery, opt for bamboo fabrics. Latex is another solid option as it comes from the rubber plant. 

3. Pick Low or Zero VOC Paints 

One of the most important decorating decisions you will likely make is the color of your walls. Your color palette will determine the mood of your space and set the tone of your home style. The problem with paint is that many contain harmful VOCs – or volatile organic compounds. The best eco-friendly interior design paints are labeled “low VOC” or “zero VOC.” These paints are water-based, are lower in odor, and are a more eco-friendly option.

4. Swap Your Bulbs 

Every good interior designer knows that a room’s lighting will make or break the space. To make your existing lighting more eco-friendly, opt for high-quality LED bulbs. They consume less energy than regular bulbs, and they last much longer. This means fewer bulbs are being manufactured and ending up in landfills – and your utility bills will be lower.  

5. Dim Your Lights

Dimmers are excellent for many reasons, and they can totally transform your space. With just your fingertips, you can go from bright and fresh to warm and moody. Dimmed lights also use less energy than regular lights, which is good for the planet and your wallet. Interior designers also love dimmers for the plate switches. They are sleek and sophisticated and are sure to elevate any room. 

To find out more about sustainable lighting options, give us a call or stop by our showroom. Our lighting experts can help you find exactly what you need to go green.

5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home Office

5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home Office

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More people are working from home than ever before! Because of this, having a dedicated home office space has moved to the top of the home improvements list for many homeowners seeking refuge from daily noises and distractions at home. (Who can focus in a kitchen with a 2-year-old belting “Let it Go” at the top of their lungs?) 

Global Workplace Analysis estimated that “we will see 25-30% of the workplace working at home on a multiple-days-a-week basis.” If you’re included in this work-from-home exodus, then you understand what a difference having an office that’s both functional and comfortable can make for your workday.

Fixing up your office doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking – making just one small change can significantly impact the way your home office feels. We put together a list of 5 tips that will make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home office. 

Just remember, you don’t need to do all the things (unless you want to!) – any one of these projects on their own will still make a noticeable difference!  

1. Refresh with Paint

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of changing the mood of any room is painting. Whether you go for light and airy, bright and colorful, or moody, sometimes all you need is a color refresh to get back that inspiration.

A fresh coat of paint can completely change the mood of your home office. Check these out for some inspo on your office update!

Light and Airy

This pretty peach wall and breezy curtains create a peaceful haven where you can get the job done.

Bright and Colorful

These terrazzo-inspired colors bring life into this space and complement the floor perfectly. Talk about inspiration for your work!

Moody

The dark grey walls of this office create a moody ambiance where work can take first priority.

2. Add Lighting

One of the most important elements in a home office is its lighting. Harsh fluorescents are headache-inducing and feel more like a hospital than a haven of inspiration and productivity. Dim lighting is perfect for taking a snooze, but may not be effective when tasks are begging to be completed.

Unfortunately, most people don’t have floor-to-ceiling windows. And even if you do, using a variety of lights is critical in creating an effective working environment without headaches or unintentional naps.

Overhead Lighting

A chandelier or pendant light will do the trick for indirect lighting that will give your office soft, all-over light.

Task Lighting

Functional task lighting is also important in a productive workspace. With the flip of a switch, there won’t be any more squinting to read the post-it-note reminder you scribbled for yourself in a rush earlier. A desk lamp, pendant lights, or wall lamps work perfectly when positioned above the desk.

Lamps

Now that you have overhead lights and task lighting, look around for places that need an extra boost of light! One idea is to create a nook with a cozy chair, then add a floor lamp. Otherwise, consider a side table and table lamp. Lamps with shades add ambient light to the various workspaces in your office so you can see your work no matter where you’re seated.

3. Have Multiple Seating Options

Using a variety of seating options always helps when you get restless. Sometimes changing positions is all you need to get the job done! A comfortable office chair is a must, but you could also consider adding a couch (if you have the space) or a cozy armchair with a side table and lamp. 

4. Declutter and Create a System

In the North American Journal of Psychology, researchers say “indecision and behavioral procrastination [are] related…to high degrees of office clutter.” Visual clutter is stressful, and it often leads to poor work performance. 

Everything in your workspace should have a purpose and a place to live. Toss out the things you don’t need, and make homes for the things you do. Once you have a system down, you’ll be able to move more quickly from one task to the next.  No more searching for a working pen when you need it.

Hide those cords, get bins or a filing system to keep your loose papers in, and make sure you have adequate storage. Built-ins or a bookshelf go a long way in creating a solution. 

5. Accessorize

Don’t be afraid to play around with accessories you find or have hanging around. Books, wall hangings that inspire you, and even functional accessories like pencil cups can give your space a more lived-in feel without being cluttered or uninviting. Adding plants also will breathe life into an office that may be lacking. Try different pairings and get creative!

Office update: check! Now your Frozen-obsessed toddler can sing “Let it Go” behind your closed (and locked) office door while you get the job done. For more help with your design needs, contact Pine Grove Lighting or visit our showroom! We’d be happy to assist and give you more tips like these.

5 Easy Steps to Create a Modern Minimalist Interior

5 Easy Steps to Create a Modern Minimalist Interior

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With an intentional lack of furniture and decorations, minimalist design can sometimes come off as cold and uncomfortable. Over the past few years, as we’ve spent more time in our homes than ever before, the need for comfort in a home design has been made crystal clear.

Today’s modern minimalism prioritizes simplicity with a decluttered and uncomplicated aesthetic, while also emphasizing the need for comfort in a space. You’ll see more color and accessories than the minimalist interiors of the past had, but they’ll be thoughtfully chosen extras that provide warmth and life to the space without going overboard. 

Whether you’re interested in adopting a minimalist lifestyle or just love the simple yet dramatic design aesthetic, modern minimalism is an achievable aesthetic for just about anyone! 

To help you get started, we broke down the basics of modern minimalist interior design into a handful of easy steps you can use to confidently focus on the right essentials. 

1. Create an Open Floor Plan

Focus on creating as much connected open space as possible. Obviously, taking out walls is the easiest way to create an open floor plan. But if you’re not in a place where you can tear down walls, there are some simple and subtle tricks you can use to make adjoining spaces feel more connected. 

One way to connect spaces in your home is to use the same flooring and wall paint colors for the entire space. This will make rooms look like they belong together, even through a doorway. 

A unique accent, like this minimalist pendant light, grabs your attention through the doorway from across the way, which helps your brain perceive the two spaces as one.

Finally, play around with your furniture placement to maximize your space. In smaller spaces, this often means keeping large furniture close to the walls to keep open pathways throughout but don’t underestimate the power of a simple, low-profile, floating sofa used to define a space.

2. Choose a Small Color Palette

A classic hallmark of minimalist design is a neutral monochromatic color palette, typically in warm grey, white, or beige tones. Contrast is important – add dimension and balance with a mix of darker and lighter shades within your color palette.

If an all-neutral color palette just isn’t your thing, you can still get a modern minimalist look with color – you just need to stick to a small palette. Keep most of the colors you use very light, to increase the feeling of airiness and reflect light best. 

3. Functional Design is Key

It doesn’t matter how pretty a room is, if it’s inconvenient or difficult to use you’re not going to be happy with it. When you’re trying to adopt modern minimalism, understanding how to pare down to only the essentials can be hard. When you’re going through your room, ask yourself:

 “Does this serve a purpose?”   “Do I already have something that serves this purpose?”   “Is there a multipurpose option that will serve this purpose and others?” 

Just remember, there’s no hard and fast rule for what it means to be “functional” – and you don’t need to justify every item you love to keep it in your home. A funky decorative pillow that makes you smile when you see it is serving a purpose (and it’s making your couch more comfortable – so it’s multifunctional!) 

A huge part of functional design is organization. Decluttering for a modern minimalist space involves reducing “visual clutter” too! Things not actively being used should have a home where they can be tucked away until they’re needed. 

Opt for storage options that have doors that will hide the things you’re not using.  When styling open shelving, choose items that match your color palette, leave plenty of open space, and use boxes or baskets to organize and hide loose items.

Don’t be surprised if you get down to the basics and you aren’t in love with what you have left. You’ll likely need to start making smart trades here and there to end up with a set of basics that you love.

4. Add Light – Lots of It

Like most modern design aesthetics, modern minimalism focuses on filling the space with light. Where possible, introduce as much natural light as you can. The light colors on your walls and floors will reflect it – making your room feel open and airy. 

In addition to natural light, a modern minimalist space needs a well-thought-out interior lightscape. Make sure your general ambient light is bright without being harsh, and add extra lighting in dark corners and over workspaces. Hidden lights, like LED strips under a cabinet, are an inexpensive DIY trick with a big payoff! 

Because minimalism is all about doing less with more, it’s okay to be choosy about how you add light to your space – you don’t want to clutter up your home with a floor lamp in every dark spot! When you’re shopping for fixtures, stick to simple shapes that can double as design elements.

5. Finish it Off with Thoughtful Accents

Little pops of color and texture are what take a modern minimalist space from blah to wow. You can do this in a number of ways, but remember to keep it simple. Start with just one color or texture and see how it feels before committing to more. 

When possible, look for ways to upgrade your existing decor rather than adding extra items. Look for functional pieces that you need in your space, but feel a little lackluster, and find a more interesting alternative. Replace an old, overstuffed sofa with a simpler version in a deep color (as long as it’s in your color palette!) or give an old end table new life with a coat of paint.

Pro Tip: If you have a hard time committing to color, consider using houseplants! They introduce a vibrant green color and soft, organic textures, which can balance out a minimalist design quite nicely.

By far, one of the most effective ways to accent a modern minimalist design is with an interesting light fixture. Your room will always need light, so it might as well be an integrated part of the design! 

A stunning ceiling light with a simple shape will stand out as a piece of art against a minimalist backdrop and elevate the entire design of the space. 

Pendant lamps are popular in modern minimalist design because they come in simple shapes with lots of finish options, so it’s easy to find something that will match your aesthetic. 

If replacing a ceiling fixture isn’t an option, you can get a similar impact with a carefully chosen floor lamp! Lamps are the MVP of accent lighting for a reason – they’re easy to move, replace, and rearrange, and come in a HUGE variety of styles. You can go for something small that blends in, but we also love the way a large, yet simple, lamp like this one makes a statement without taking over. 

That’s all there is to it! Just to recap, here are the 5 easy steps to create a modern minimalist interior: 

  1. Create an open floor plan – Tie separate spaces together with color and materials and rearrange furniture to maximize your space.
  2. Choose a small color palette – Neutrals are your friend, but it’s okay to add in a little bit of color to make your space feel like you.
  3. Remember functionality – Use multipurpose furniture, and organize, organize, organize. Store things that aren’t being used so that they’re not cluttering up your space.
  4. Add light – Having lots of natural and indoor lighting is what makes your space feel open and airy. Light up dark corners and workspaces.
  5. Finish it off with thoughtful accents – Don’t over-accessorize. Pops of color and texture give life to a space, but try to incorporate these add-ons with the functional elements of your space – like a colored sofa or an upgraded light fixture.

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Modern minimalist design can be a difficult concept to balance, but it’s very forgiving and so beautiful when done correctly. If you need help finding the right lighting for your modern minimalist home, our experts at Pine Grove Lighting can help!

Your Bathroom Lighting May Be Ruining Your Look- Here’s How You Can Fix It

Your Bathroom Lighting May Be Ruining Your Look- Here’s How You Can Fix It

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Picture this: You wake up early on a workday (a feat to be proud of). You don’t necessarily have to, but you’ve got the time, so you decide to spend some of that extra time on your makeup. After one last quick check in the mirror, you head out the door, feeling yourself and the look that you’ve created. Then, on a bathroom break at the office, you take a peek in the mirror and are surprised to see that your face here looks nothing like it did at home. What happened? Sure, the lighting isn’t great at the office, but there’s no way it could do all of this… right?

If this sounds familiar to you, take heart. Your makeup skills are probably not to blame – it’s more likely that your makeup lighting at home isn’t right – and it’s messing with your look.

Unfortunately, most standard bathroom lighting types aren’t a great help for flawless makeup. You might need to tweak the lighting set up at home to get it working for you instead of against you. This article will compare some of the common pitfalls of builder-grade lighting, and tell you exactly what you need to look for to upgrade your makeup space. 

Remember, the purpose of makeup lighting is to show your face as true as possible, so you know how the look will translate outside of your home.

NO: Windowless Rooms

Hopefully, your home was built with windows in the bathroom to help balance the lighting. However, if your bathroom doesn’t have a window and it’s not in your budget to install one, we recommend you get ready for the day by your bedroom or office window. Not only will this improve your makeup accuracy, but it will add dimension to the styling of your bedroom.

YES: Natural Light

Expert makeup artists all agree that natural light from the sun is the best light for doing makeup. If you can do your makeup facing a bright window, this is the best choice. However, many people do their makeup early in the morning or don’t have a windowed area suitable for makeup.

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NO: Fluorescent and Colored Lighting

Fluorescent Light

Everyone knows that fluorescent light is the most unflattering possible. While many spend days under fluorescent light in the office, it is typically offset by some natural light coming through windows. Bathrooms are often windowless, completely isolating the makeup artist in the worst lighting possible.

Yellow Light

While warm, yellow light could be soothing for a home spa experience, it exaggerates flaws in the mirror. The yellow glow will bring out yellow and green tones in your skin, often making you appear sickly or washed out when you aren’t. This effect commonly results in putting too much makeup in the wrong places and then looking cakey once you step out onto the street.

Pink Light

Pink or rosy light has the opposite effect of fluorescent and yellow light― it hides flaws! This might feel good while applying makeup, but you may notice that you failed to cover certain areas as soon as you get to the office.

YES: Warm White Light

Warm white light is the best artificial light for doing makeup. It most closely mimics the effect of the sun, so what you see in the mirror will match what everyone else sees in the office or at dinner. Many experts recommend backlighting your mirror with LEDs to achieve this effect.

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NO: Light From Above or Below

Kids love to make scary faces at sleepovers by shining a flashlight upwards from their chin. Overhead makeup light can create the same results (although not as dramatic). As the light shines down your face, it will naturally exaggerate certain features, like shadows under the brow, nose, and mouth. It can also catch more harshly on wrinkles. Once again, the results are too much makeup in the wrong places.

YES: “Face-forward” Light

“Face-forward” light shines directly towards your face rather than shining down on you. When your lighting is set up this way, it will reduce false shadows, making it easier to decide where to apply makeup. Many add LEDs around their mirror – it’s is an easy, inexpensive way to customize your makeup table and get the truest lighting for your look.

Pro Tip: If you’re renting and can’t replace your bathroom lights, a ring light is a solid option. They come in a wide range of prices and sizes, so it won’t be hard to find one that will fit both your counter and your budget. Position a smaller ring light around face height. Larger ring lights are designed for you to look through them, so the light shines on your face from all sides to eliminate shadows, as seen below:

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Kick that Crappy Lighting to the Curb

Replacing, or adding to, your bathroom lighting isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Swapping out an old fixture with a new one is a relatively simple project that won’t cost much to have done. It’s also very beginner DIY-friendly – most homeowners can do it on their own. (Just remember to turn off the breaker first!)

A simple lighting upgrade can totally transform your makeup experience, and give you the confidence to trust that what you see in the mirror at home will translate across to the rest of your day. Whether you have a full makeup studio or you’re sharing a small vanity with a partner, you’ll be surprised at how a small change can make such a big difference. 

If you want some help choosing the best lighting upgrade for your makeup area, stop by our showroom and take a look at the options we have available. You’ll be able to see for yourself how you look in different lighting, and our experts can help you find the right options to dress up your space. Stop by, or give Pine Grove Lighting today for a free consultation! 

Top Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Safe

Top Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Safe

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Household accidents cost time, money, and suffering. From burns to falls, break-ins to credit fraud, it can feel overwhelming to protect your home and family. 

In this article, we’ll cover some top tips to keep your home and family safe. In this article, we’ll cover some top tips to prevent household accidents. The good news is that you’re probably already doing most of these – and many of the fixes are low-maintenance and low-cost.

Fire Safety 

Parents often think of the stove or oven when they think of fire hazards (we’ve all heard the Thanksgiving turkey mishap stories!), but forgetting to maintain fire prevention measures in the home is just as dangerous.

Fire Extinguishers & Smoke Alarms

Since people rarely need to put out a fire in their home, many homeowners forget where their fire extinguisher is, and it ends up buried in the back of a closet or cupboard. Fire extinguishers need to be replaced about every 12 years, and often need recharging as soon as six years. Be sure that your extinguishers are ready to go and that your family knows where it is and how to use them. 

Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years. Keep batteries on hand and replace them once a year. It’s best to test them once a month – it’s a great opportunity to do a family fire drill! Set up a meeting place and practice getting out of the house quickly so that kids will know what to do in case of an emergency. 

Candles

Candles are fun for mood lighting, but they are also a fire hazard. Never leave a candle unattended! For safer mood lighting, consider switching to softer light bulbs and dimmer switches. Color-changing LED bulbs are a fun option – some can be controlled by an app that lets you customize the lighting in your room with just the touch of a button.

Old Wiring

Electrical wiring is encased with a plastic or silicone coating to prevent fires, but that coating wears off over time. Electric codes also change over time, so many older homes may already have outdated and unsafe wiring. If your circuit breakers trip regularly, your lights flicker, or you hear a buzzing sound by your outlets, you should have your wiring professionally checked. Need a recommendation for a good electrician in the area? Give us a call!

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Childproofing 

Homes are filled with hazards for curious little ones― washing machines, driers, water heaters, and even daily toy messes can lead to serious injury. Here are a few simple ways to keep kids safe!

Appliances 

Appliances are everywhere, and kids love to help grownups with laundry and cooking. Make sure the washer and dryer are in their own enclosed space and that the doors are sturdy. Help your children know that the laundry room isn’t a place to play or hide. In the kitchen, simple tools like burner locks ensure that little chefs don’t start cooking on their own. There are also locks to ensure that oven doors can’t open either.

Toy Clutter

Tripping over toys is another leading cause of falls― bumped heads, sprained ankles, and avoidable tears. Keep walkways clean by confining toys to bedrooms or toy rooms. Encourage cleanliness by installing low shelves or get kid-friendly storage containers!

Lamps and Sockets

Most parents know that electrical sockets need to be covered – it’s childproofing 101. But what is there to do with the outlets in use? Most homes use lamps in one form or another. They’re great for adding a little extra light in a dark corner and for giving soft light in calm spaces, like a child’s bedroom. To childproof a floor lamp, place it behind a large piece of furniture so that it can’t be pulled over. For table lamps, make sure it’s out of reach up high and that the cord is inaccessible. 

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Prevent Trips and Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury worldwide in adults over 60 years old. Although falls are most serious for the elderly, all ages are at risk of injury from falls. Every homeowner should review common fall zones to protect family and guests.

Banisters

Make sure that all stairways have a banister for support. A sturdy banister can be the difference between a simple slip and a broken leg. Ensure that all banisters are secure and won’t pull away from the wall when yanked on.

Stair Lights

Simple stair lights help you see where you’re going, even when the overhead lights are off. Installing them can be a large or small project – it just depends on your budget and willingness to DIY. LED strip lights and motion-sensing stick-on battery lights are easy beginner projects that will make your stairway safer. You can also hire a contractor to hardwire lights to a switch if you don’t want to worry about replacing batteries. 

Loose Carpets or Rugs

Loose flooring is another common tripper― whether it’s your kindergartener running at full speed or your partner with a tall load of laundry, rugs should not get in the way. If you notice your carpet is pulling up at the edges, contact a professional to help reinstall it or find a DIY method. Only use rugs with flat edges and avoid ones that curl upwards.

Safeguard Personal Information

From hackers to natural disasters, it’s essential to keep personal information safe. Here’s some basics:

Computer Safety

Be sure to keep security software updated, so you have the best protection possible. Update your passwords regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. It’s also a good idea to keep computers out of sight when you’re out of the house― you never know who’s checking for valuables when you’re away.

Credit Monitoring

Hackers are everywhere. The 2017 Equifax Data Breach showed how important it is to monitor our credit reports. Many monitoring services are easy to use. Some lock your social security number so that no one but you can use it. Safely store or destroy documents with bank account information or social security numbers.

Prevent Fire or Water Damage

Birth certificates, titles, and passports are important documents – and you don’t want to be without them in an emergency. The best practice is to store these documents where they’ll be safe from fire or water damage. Small home safes are an excellent option for most. For high-value items, getting a security box at your bank may be necessary for peace of mind. Whatever your preference, make sure you’re housing your documents safely.

Intruder Prevention

Did you know that 34% of burglars simply walk in through an unlocked front door? Or that most break-ins occur between 10 am and 3 pm when houses are usually empty? A few simple tools and habits will keep you well prepared against burglary.

Lock Your Doors and Windows

It’s always a good habit to keep your doors and ground-level windows locked. Most robberies are the result of opportunity, not a criminal master plan. A simple fix here would be to upgrade your deadbolt or add a second lock up higher on the door. 

Security Alarms

Security alarms and smart doorbells have become much more popular in middle-class homes. There is a wide range of security systems and providers. Many security systems pair with apps so you can alarm or monitor your home from anywhere. Finally, most security providers will give you signs with the security systems. Posting that you have a security system may be one of the most effective deterrents to theft.

Motion-activated Lights

Keep the exterior of your home well-lit to discourage nighttime crime. If you use video surveillance, it’s important to make sure you don’t have blind spots in your lighting. No matter what, it’s a good idea to have lights on your property’s front, sides, and backyard, especially near the entrances. Motion-activated lights are a great option for most people – they conserve power (which lowers your electricity bill), and they’ll often scare away potential intruders when the light turns on.

Outdoor Safety

Summer nights are a fun time to be together as a family. A few tips and tricks will create quality memories without emergency room visits.

Outdoor Lighting

Proper outdoor lighting will make your yard safer, no matter the time of day. Whether it’s a powerful light on the driveway for evening basketball games or soft lights on the back patio for an outdoor dinner, consider the ways you use your yard and choose lights that will make it the safest for you and your family to enjoy.

Pool

The CDC states that there are an average of 33 drowning incidents per day in the United States. To keep your home’s pool safe, maintain a sturdy fence around the pool area if you have young children or pets. Always have a buddy whenever someone is in the pool, and always have life vests on hand. Keep pool maintenance chemicals in a safe location.

Landscaping

Maintaining a yard is a lot of work, and it comes with a lot of tools. Keep play areas and walkways clear by trimming back bushes and trees, and consider lighting well-used walkways (like the path to your front door or to your backyard shed) to make them safe after dark. Store yard tools somewhere safe when not in use, and make sure chemicals like gasoline and pesticides are either up high or behind a lock. 

Expert Help

We understand that making your home safe is of the utmost importance. The lighting in your home should play a central role in both safety and comfort! For help choosing lighting that will make your home and family safer, stop by our showroom or give us a call to speak to our lighting experts!