• Home and Garden
    Some key pointers to help you buy bulbs efficiently

    With festivities right around the corner, it’s that time of the year when we all start renovating our houses and start celebrating with friends and family. The first thing that usually all of us like to change is the lighting and light fixtures. After all, nobody likes a dingy house with lights not lighting up properly. With all of the new options available, both online and out, it can be quite daunting to buy lights. With new LED lights promising to light your house for 20 years along with saving energy and money, it becomes quite difficult to pick up the best lights. Another confusion is the authenticity of the lighting sale and discount lights that have taken over the e-market.

    If you are planning to buy lights for your home, LED lights are the best option. Now although it might seem as a huge investment as these lights demand a good investment, the savings are quite apparent. Here are some handy tips that will prove quite beneficial when you plan to buy lights for your home. These points are quite specific to LED light bulbs and will help you make the right decision.

    • LED lights have taken over the marketplace with a boom. Having captured the conventional lighting marketplace, LED lights are a good buy because of their extended lifespans, low energy consumption and also does not require too much maintenance. An energy efficient lighting technology, LED has changed the future of lighting in the US. Energy Star rated products are a must but for residential use, as they help save energy, and last up to 25 times longer when compared to normal bulbs.
    • When you plan to buy bulbs, LED bulbs are a good option as they provide full brightness and remain unaffected by rapid cycling. This means that their efficiency is not affected by the number of times it’s switched on and off in a day.
    • Another reason why you should buy bulbs that are LED is that they are environment-friendly. Normally the ordinary light bulbs generate power which eventually gets converted into radiated or infrared rays. Ultraviolet radiation and excessive heat imposes fear and prove hazardous for people. LEDs, on the other hand, emit no infra-red or ultraviolet rays.
    • Since LEDs can be easily be dimmed, they help in maintaining the equilibrium and a feel in the room. Also since they light up quickly (in 3 minutes to its full capacity), they are a great buy as they can be easily put on printed circuit boards.
    • It is great to buy LED bulbs as they are mercury free, and not like the cheap fluorescent lamps.
    • Since LEDs are of solid components, they are not fragile and do not break down because of an external shock.
  • Home and Garden
    Points to note if you are planning to buy lights online

    With the festive season coming in, it’s time to buy lights and other decorative fixtures to accessorize your house. Lighting or illumination helps in lending an aesthetic effect to the surroundings, Lighting includes not only natural sunlight but also artificial light bases like lamps, light fixtures, etc. it is very important to find the best lighting for your home and to make it a brighter and a happy place

    Since lighting is a major purchase make sure that it is done right. After all, nobody likes a shady chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Since you are planning to buy lighting online, the following will help you make the right choice and will ensure that your purchase is a good one.

    • Be sure of the company you are looking for, especially, when you are planning to buy lights online. Since the online platform is flooded with a zillion manufacturers, it is a possibility that you might get confused. Whilst shopping online for lights, be sure of the company and its reputation. Also look for online-seller certifications, which are usually displayed on the website.
    • When you plan to buy discount lights ensure that you have checked the terms & conditions, return policies, shipping charges, etc. These are all additional costs that have to be incurred whilst buying lights online.
    • Before you plan to buy lights online, be sure of what you actually want – a chandelier or pendant, recessed or track lighting, etc. Do you want something bold that serves as a focal point or you are a fan of artistic traditional lightings? Also be clear about your budget and how much you are willing to spend if there are additional purchases you need to make. All this will help you make the right choice without losing on credibility and style.
    • Another important point to keep in mind when planning to buy lights online is to check images of lighting options you like. Narrow down your list as it helps you understand your choice and preference.
    • Think about the materials you would like to have. For instance, having a crystal chandelier in the kitchen is not a good idea as cleaning it can be quite a task, especially after a homemade fried chicken dinner.
    • Measurements are the key. A critical point when shopping discount lights online. For instance, if you are looking to change your vanity light, you cannot do it without knowing the dimensions of the mirror and the wall where it will be placed. If you are planning to buy a dining room fixture, it is important to measure the room size, ceiling height along with the table size.
  • Home and Garden
    Perks of buying wine racks for your mini home bar

    Wine racks come in different shapes, small wine rack can hold up to two bottles, and the medium ones are good enough for your home collection. These racks are available in different material like wooden or metal case and can be kept on the floor or hung from the ceiling.

    When purchasing a wine rack, it should be ensured that it is capable of storing the wine in the required way. For instance, having a titled wine rack is not a very good idea as it can lead to drying up of the cork or even leads to sediment formation on the cork. Thus, it is always safe to go for horizontal wine racks as these help in keeping the cork moist and also prevents undesirable air from making its way in the bottle. Metal and wooden wine racks are the most preferred ones.

    The following conditions should be kept in mind to ensure proper wine maturing:

    • Maintaining required humidity.
    • Ensuring that the temperature remains constant at cellar equivalent
    • There should be no or minimum direct or bright light.
    • Restricting movement of the wine.

    These conditions cannot be met if the correct wine rack is not used. The basic criteria for checking the thrust of a wine rack are its ability to hold and store all your wine. There are several designs to choose from, including wall mounted wine racks, wine racks that stack, and side mounted wine racks.

    Another important consideration while buying a wine rack is its size and capacity. While a small-medium wine rack is good enough for domestic usage, there are also available wine racks that can hold thousands of wine bottles. And then is the design bit. There are several designs in which wine racks are available, like antique wine racks, sleek wine racks, contemporary wine racks and much more.

    As discuss earlier, the best wine racks are those that have horizontal storage capacity. Horizontal wine racks are not only economical and pocket-friendly but can also be extended when required.

    Now, when comparing the material, it has been seen that metal wine racks are more solid and durable as compared to the wooden ones. Metal wine racks are usually available in iron, steel, and chrome. Wooden wine rack, however, has its own advantages. Such racks are quite flexible and can easily be extended by adding new wooden racks.

    Remember, a wine rack is a good investment for all wine lovers. Not only it helps you showcase your collection but also helps to store your wine in such a manner that is beneficial for its maturing and also prevents wine coming into contact with unwanted air. Never let direct sun light hit your wine rack, it will spoil all your collection. Also, keep an account of all your wines so that you know when it is the perfect time to open a new bottle.

  • Home and Garden
    Tips to help you design the outdoor kitchen of your dreams

    The designs or layouts of a modular outdoor kitchen have different types of patterns. After choosing a suitable location, the real fun starts with designing your dream kitchen. However, the layout of your outdoor kitchen should be created before buying any appliances. You should ensure to settle down for a plan to accommodate everything so that working in an outdoor kitchen can be smoother.

    The kitchen triangle is quite popular in this regard and it’s very much simple. The shape of the triangle is formed by a freezer or refrigerator, a cooktop, and a sink in a typical outdoor kitchen design. It’s important to calculate the leg of the triangle which mustn’t be beyond 10 feet and, moreover, there should be no obstruction in between the triangle in the form of cabinets, etc. This regulation is easy to maintain in a modular outdoor kitchen as it’s made in a smaller area.

    One can consider the idea of a kitchen triangle while finalizing the ultimate design. In case of large-size prefab outdoor kitchens with appliances and equipment, one may need to adjust the design and layout accordingly to provide unobstructed access to the main areas for cooking, storage, and cleaning up.

    If you are designing outdoor kitchen plans for the first time, fret not! It’s pretty much similar to the indoor one. The determinants include the style and degree of cooking, necessary space to get everything done, and obviously the budget. Here are a few outdoor kitchen ideas for your consideration.

    Kitchen island: This one is undoubtedly one of the most common outdoor kitchen designs that helps place all important appliances in one main unit. A kitchen island is budget friendly and popular for entertainment purposes with socializing zones.

    Straight-line kitchen: This is somewhat equivalent to the kitchenette of the indoor one and it’s set against one wall. If you have a smaller space to cook and want a pocket-friendly design, then this one is really useful. Do remember to select non-combustible things for safeguarding the siding as it’s set against the wall.

    U-shaped kitchen: Do you have a sufficiently large space to accommodate a sink, freezer, bar, grill, and so on? Then you can go for this type of kitchen layout.

    When you are planning to estimate the area layout for your prefab or modular outdoor kitchen, ensure to keep certain things, such as the following, in mind.
    – The landing space to the left and right of the grill or pizza oven must be 12″ at one side and twice of its size on the other.
    – When it comes to the cooktop or burner, the landing space must be 12″ on either side. If it’s about the sink, then the area should be 18″ on either side of the sink.
    – As far as the area of the under-counter freezer is concerned, a space of 15″ can be divided in between the sink area and the cooking zone.
    – As a whole, the basic and minimum area to work in an outdoor kitchen can be around 36″ W x 24″ D.
    – For the storage option, at least 21″ of space is okay for straight storing.

  • Home and Garden
    Design your living space with stainless steel home appliances

    Paired with premium features and extraordinary designs, nowadays stainless steel home appliances are a great alternative to other conventional home appliances. With unique designs molded with shiny coatings, mainly black stainless steel appliances make a bold statement and at the same time of complement your living space. Furthermore, detailed attractive features together with satin-textured handles balance these delicately brushed metals of any black stainless appliances. Even, the paint-shielded finish of each of these home appliances easily resists any sorts of smudges or fingerprints, and so your every home appliance stays in a remarkable condition for years.

    Today, the surfaces of the most popular home appliances of stainless steel are annealed. However, different home appliances manufacturers offer varieties of other exceptional finishes, such as brushed, patterned, polished, and much more. Among all, grit line is a relatively new rolled design that appears like a highly polished surface and thus provides a higher corrosion resistance. With patterning finish, different home appliance manufacturers have achieved different enhanced combinations of function as well as design. Some of the standard designs are linen, micro linen, laser, haze, leather grain, square, diamond, etc. Besides, you can find a large variety of stainless steel home appliances with patterned surfaces, each with reflective and glossy effects.

    Some of the most common advantages of using stainless steel home appliances include the following

    • Stainless steel appliances possess a unique artistic look and are sturdy too.
    • These appliances are extremely easy to clean.
    • Stainless steel appliances don’t suffer from problems like discoloration or staining.
    • The appliances are resistant to corrosion, and thus surfaces are highly durable and last long for several years.

    Easy way to clean home appliances of stainless steel
    Stainless steel appliances are not only known for its ability to resist corrosion and rust but also are long-lasting and easy to maintain. Thus, these home appliances are the most popular choice to be used in kitchens or bathrooms.Dust, grease, or dirt may put your stainless steel appliances and can alter their look. Also, water stains or fingerprints tend to ruin the surfaces of stainless steel dishwashers, oven, refrigerators, or chimney. In order to keep your stainless steel appliances clean in a secure manner you just need to use simple home remedies with water, white vinegar, lemon juices, olive oil, etc. without spending money for any expensive products. If you are using commercial cleaning agents, ensure that they are free of any harsh chemicals that can harm the surface of your stainless steel home appliances.

    If you are planning to buy a stainless steel home or kitchen appliances, then consider top-selling brands like Bosch, Thermador, Miele, GE, Whirlpool, Viking, Kenmore, etc.

  • Home and Garden
    How to make your house entryway look great

    For a smart homeowner, the entry way is an opportunity for creating a good first impression. It often reflects the personality of the owner, and it also gives an idea of what to expect inside. So,how to create an uncluttered and organized entry way?

     Keep the entryway uncluttered:

    If you want your entryway inviting and organized, you should keep it clear of clutter. When the way remains cluttered, the first impression is gone, and everything looks chaotic. You need to remove everything that makes the place look cluttered. Cluttered appearance makes you as well as the guests feel overwhelmed. Everybody should get an inviting ambiance, and it can be achieved by placing elegant and stylish entryway furniture.

    Choose storage solutions that go well with space:

    If you own a large space, you can make use of large entryway furniture pieces. Placing an armoire in a large entry is not a bad idea, and it can be described as a nice way for housing outdoor wear umbrellas, boots, and other related items. If you do not have the luxury of a large space, you can select a single table or bench equipped with storage compartments.

    Focus on providing the correct flow:

    You need to encourage flow through the entry way. No house owner wants to make the guest feel bored and uninterested, and the energy must be allowed to follow in a natural way. The correct flow can be achieved using the right artwork, mirrors, and lighting. When you make use these types of things effectively, you can guide your visitors through the entry way effortlessly.

    Never undermine the importance of color:

    You just cannot forget about color. The color conveys a lot, and you must use the effective utilization of the color to create a positive feeling in the minds of the visitors. The most common entryway furniture colors are blue and yellow because they offer a clean, whimsical and light ambiance. At the meantime; these colors are modern and sophisticated as well. If you are not interested in creating bright, colorful walls, you can think about accent pieces. The storage bins can be painted under a table for adding color.

    If you are trying to create an inviting and organized entryway furniture space, you must look for these types of creative solutions. Proper placement of the entry way furniture is an important aspect, and you must do everything to make the entry way space uncluttered. The storage solutions need to compliment the space available, and it is always advisable to use the most suitable colors to make the entry way welcoming for the guests.

    Good entryways always make guests feel welcomed when they are stepping through the door.

  • Home and Garden
    Tips to find the ideal shower bases

    Planning to renovate your old bathroom? You want to give a complete makeover to the bathroom and are looking for the latest amenities? Whether you are decorating the bathroom of your new house or getting the old one renovated, you cannot afford any mistake in this process. Every accessory that you select for the bathroom has to be worthy and increase functionality. Whether it is the tap or the shower, sink or the faucet, shower curtain or the shower curtain rods, each and everything needs to be picked with due care. When you are decorating a bathroom, you need to be quite cautious about the selection of shower bases. Finding the right shower base can be easy if you follow some simple tips.

    Size of your bathroom- Space saving is the main idea behind the installation of shower bases. However, that does not mean, only bathrooms with small area need these bases. You can also use it in spacious bathrooms as well. You need to measure the area carefully. The base that you select should be in sync with the area of the bathroom as well as the area that covers the top shower. An excessively large size base will not only waste the space but also it will dampen the look of your bathroom.

    Full resistance- Nowadays, you can find different types of shower bases for bathrooms. However, that does not mean, picking just any of them will be a good choice. Be it an acrylic base or a tiles base or ceramic one, you should ensure that the user will not trip and fall while bathing. Particular care should be given if children or elderly will use the base.

    Scratch resistance- The shower base that you install for your bathroom can turn ugly with multiple scratches on it and may seek a frequent replacement. If you do not want to waste your money in frequently replacing the shower bases, you should go for the scratchresistance models as these will retain their newness for a prolonged period.

    Budget and preference- Last but not the least, when purchasing shower bases or shower curtain rods you should also give due importance to the money that you spend for the purpose. Though these are important, it does not mean, you will compromise with the other necessities. Therefore, before browsing through the types of shower bases, make sure to determine your budget. Also, give importance to your personal preference and purchase the one that you find the best.

    Nowadays, shower bases and other accessories such as shower curtains and shower curtain rods are available online. You can purchase any of them and get the best piece without leaving the comfort of your home. Yes, make sure to place the order carefully.