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Welcome to Hill Country Lighting in Kerrville, Texas! We specialize in bringing exceptional outdoor lighting solutions to transform your outdoor spaces. One of the key elements in creating a stunning outdoor environment is pathway lighting. Today, we'll share our top tips to help you choose the right pathway lighting for your outdoor spaces. Shop today!

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The first impression is everything, and when it comes to your home's entryway and hallways, proper lighting can make a significant difference. Whether you want to create an inviting ambiance or showcase your unique style, Hill Country Lighting and Home Center, a Kerrville lighting store, has the perfect lighting solutions to help you make a grand entrance. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of lighting in hallways and entryways and how we can transform your space....

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With the new year right around the corner, you may be thinking about ways to improve your life and your home. After all, you spend so much of your time at home (especially if you work from home) that you want it to be bright and cheery at every turn. Here at Hill Country Lighting and Home Center in Kerrville, Texas, we offer the best indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, as well as landscape lighting, home decor, furniture, and more. Below, we'll take a look at some great modern lighting ideas for this coming new year....

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dining room lighting

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be wondering how to ensure every detail is right for your guests. From the food to the homey, welcoming atmosphere you want to create, your to-do list is growing.

Here at Hill Country Lighting and Home Center, a local lighting store in Kerrville, we offer exceptional dining room lighting for your holiday needs. Learn some tips on how to hang your new dining room lighting fixtures, and stop by today!

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Chandelier hanging in a hallway with holiday decor

Hill Country Lighting and Home Center is proud to be a modern and traditional lighting center located in the heart of Hill Country, Texas. Our certified lighting designers are passionate about ensuring your residential or commercial indoor and outdoor living spaces are simply divine, being both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

With the holidays fast approaching, many of our customers wonder what they can do to spruce up their home or office's lighting to celebrate the season. Below, we'll take a look at the beauty of holiday...

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Your kitchen island is an important part of your home’s function. If it has a sink or other items, such as a dishwasher, you may even use your kitchen island many times a day beyond just cooking on it. Kitchen island lighting can provide both task lighting while also playing an important role in your kitchen's overall design feel and mood.

Hill Country Lighting and Home Center has more than 30 years of helping homeowners, builders, interior designers, and contractors in the Texas Hill Country have the best lighting selections to meet...

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home lighting renovation

There's a lot going on and to think about when it comes to a remodeling project for your Kerrville, Texas home. From layout and floor plan to paint colors, home decor and accents, and furniture, there are many decisions that have to be made throughout the home renovation process. Thus, the importance of lighting can often be overlooked.

Here at Hill Country Lighting and Home Center, our team is dedicated to helping you find the best indoor and outdoor lighting, as well as fan and home decor, for your Kerrville home. With more than 30...

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hill country fans

When the summer heats up, utility bills can heat up, too. Air conditioning is a modern marvel that has improved our lives significantly. However, AC units require a lot of energy to run. You can combine your AC unit with fans to help reduce your skyrocketing energy bills.

Here at Hill Country Lighting and Home Center, our family-owned lighting store is proud to offer the residents of the Texas Hill Country with indoor, outdoor, and landscaping lighting fixtures, as well as ceiling fans and home decor. Learn some tips on how to save...

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When looking for lighting, there's no doubt you have options. With the internet at your fingertips, you could shop online rather than your local lighting showroom. However, there are many benefits to shopping at your local lighting store in the Hill Country. Today, we'll take a look at some of those great benefits. Stop by Hill Country Lighting in Kerrville today!

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Hill Country Lighting is a local lighting showroom located in Kerrville, Texas. We offer indoor, outdoor, and landscape lighting, as well as ceiling fans, furniture, and home accents. Below, we'll go over why you should shop at our local Kerrville lighting showroom. Stop by today!

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For the most part, many people have made the switch to LED light bulbs. That being said, there are many benefits to using them that you may not be aware of. Hill Country Lighting and Home Center is a Kerrville lighting store serving all of the Hill Country. Below, we'll take a look at four of the great benefits of using LED light bulbs. Contact us today!

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Bathroom remodeling and/or updating can be an exciting time, especially if your bathroom is long overdue for a new look. Hill Country Lighting is your local lighting store located in Kerrville and serving all of the Hill Country. Below, we'll take a look at the best bathroom lighting for remodeling. Shop with us today!

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Bathrooms can be hard places to light, and one area in particular — the vanity — is a sticking point for many. Hill Country Lighting offers a wide variety of lighting to suit your needs, from landscape and outdoor to indoor and bathroom lighting. Below, we'll take a look at bathroom vanity lighting. Shop at our Kerrville lighting store, or browse online today!

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Are you blinded by your glossy finishes in your rooms that you are craving a change? If so, Hill Country Lighting can help. Our lighting store in Kerrville offers many different types of lighting finishes to meet your needs for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Below, we'll take a look at some matte finished design trends you'll love. Stop by our lighting store today!

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With spring and summer just around the corner, it's probably time to spruce up your outdoor lighting, so you can enjoy the long summer days in Kerrville. Hill Country Lighting offers a wide array of outdoor lighting, so you can have the perfect outdoor oasis. Take a look at some of our favorite outdoor lighting, and stop by our lighting store today!

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In our last blog, we talked about four different types of fans you can have in your Kerrville home or office space. Today, we'll continue that discussion by taking a look at four more. Visit our lighting showroom, or shop Hill Country Lighting and Home Center's lighting selection online today!

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There are many different types of fans to suit your needs all in different styles and with different looks. Here at Hill Country Lighting and Home Center in Kerrville, Texas, we've been helping homeowners and business owners have the best possible lighting for more than 30 years. Below, we'll take a look at some of the different types of fans available. Stop by our lighting showroom today!

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Bathroom remodeling and/or updating can be an exciting time, especially if your bathroom is long overdue for a new look. Hill Country Lighting is your local lighting store located in Kerrville and serving all of the Hill Country. Below, we'll take a look at the best bathroom lighting for remodeling. Shop with us today!

Layer Your Bathroom Lighting

When you layer light, you ensure the space is well-lit and offers a balance in lighting. There aren't any dark shadows lurking due to no light penetration. By layering your bathroom lighting during your bathroom...

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It can be difficult to get outside during the winter months, especially during the work week when it's often already dark by the time you get home. While the weather of course plays a factor in year-round ourdoor living, proper lighting - and maybe some oudoor heaters or a fire pit - enable you to enjoy your outdoor living space throughout the year.

The first thing to consider when lighting your outdoor space is safety. Ensure your pathways and steps are properly illuminated. Doing this will naturally provide a warm glow around your outdoor space and make the area more welcoming....

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Bring out the best in your home with the right light to accessorize your style

These days people are spending more time enjoying their homes, inside and out. Put your home in the best light and pull everything together with these simple tips:

Light in layers. Lighting is most effective if it utilizes overhead, task and ambient light sources. While this idea is commonplace for inside lighting, it's just as important for outdoor lighting where there are not typically boundaries and borders. By having three ...

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This fall and winter more than ever, many of us will be spending most of our time at home. Creating a comfortable and cozy space to relax and enjoy family time will help make the days spent indoors more enjoyable. While it’s fun to create a festive ambiance to match the season, it’s not always practical or feasible to completely change a room’s décor. Use these simple tips to create a space that will carry you through cozy autumn nights and beyond.

1. Layer Up

We all know that layering clothes in the winter is a great way to stay warm, but did you know layers of light can...

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Mountain home design style may conjure up thoughts of moose heads, bearskin rugs, and rustic cabin décor, but that look has had its day. Enter Modern Mountain, a streamlined, contemporary style with distinct connections to the natural environment that takes the mountain home to an elevated level of design. Designers of both new construction and home renovations are applying a clean-lined aesthetic that inspires a relaxing connection with nature but remains in keeping with a mountain home's original intent of providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A bond with...

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Each year brings a profusion of new design trends for the home, and new lighting designs play a crucial part in setting style. Lighting manufacturers launch hundreds of products every January at Lightovation, the industry's largest trade show, where discerning showroom buyers select the most popular styles for their market. Here's a sneak preview of a few of the fabulous new lighting trends that will brighten up homes in 2020.

Natural Materials

Emphasis on nature and sustainability continues to trend in home design, as protecting the world's environment is top of mind....

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First came the farmhouse design trend, a humble, nurturing style that is a nostalgic throwback to a simpler time. Early farmhouse style was born of necessity: farmers used the plentiful wood and natural materials like stone found on their land to build simple, practical homes. As time went on, building and décor materials became widely available, and farmhouses gave more attention to creating a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. Today, the farmhouse look incorporates apron sinks, reclaimed wood furniture, shiplap, and traditional fabrics, which were staples of the practical life of original...

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Just the word “chandelier” can bring to mind an ornate, candle-bedecked light glimmering over the center of a dining room table. While the dining room may be the traditional spot to place a chandelier, today's trends are all about finding unexpected ways to use classic lighting.

Quite simply, chandeliers transform a room, no matter where they are hung. Chandeliers are often found in living rooms as a statement-making focal point in the center of the room, but one of the latest trends is to install an eye-catching chandelier directly over a sofa. And it’s even better if you have two...

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Just the word “chandelier” can bring to mind an ornate, candle-bedecked light glimmering over the center of a dining room table. While the dining room may be the traditional spot to place a chandelier, today's trends are all about finding unexpected ways to use classic lighting.

Quite simply, chandeliers transform a room, no matter where they are hung. Chandeliers are often found in living rooms as a statement-making focal point in the center of the room, but one of the latest trends is to install an eye-catching chandelier directly over a sofa. And it’s even better if you have two...

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The days are growing shorter and darker, and less daylight means it’s time to use lighting and seasonal elements to brighten up the home. Here’s how to impress guests as soon as they walk in the door with a few easy ideas that don't involve a visit from the electrician.

A natural place to start is with the front entrance. Whether it's a stately foyer or a simple front hall, add some pleasing autumn décor. Bring the outdoors inside by using seasonal flowers, pumpkins and gourds, leaves, branches or boughs to decorate a hall table. Surround the display with two or three lanterns, and...

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Adding the perfect amount of exterior lighting will brighten up a dark landscape, giving a home after-dark curb appeal while also providing safety for visitors and family. And just like inside the home, exterior lighting should be designed using layers of light.

The first layer will be the ambient or general layer of light that provides overall illumination. This layer typically uses light sources that are positioned along pathways, as well as lighting that washes light up and down the walls of the home.

Stagger pathway lights about six to eight feet apart to offer just enough...

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Many home designs incorporate an open floor plan, where cooking, dining, and entertaining are enjoyed in the same space. Even a small space can feel bigger and brighter when walls are opened up, and the light is let in. Planning the right lighting is a crucial part of designing beautiful, light-filled, open-concept spaces.

Consider the architectural features of the open floor plan, such as high ceilings, lack of interior walls, and numerous windows, as all of these factors add to the overall light of the space. To avoid over-lighting an open floor plan, think in layers: ambient,...

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Every day can be a beach day when your home's décor has a light and airy Coastal style. Sun-soaked colors and natural materials and the liberal use of white epitomize the new coastal aesthetic: it's far from the traditional, nautical styling of the past.

With popularity stretching well beyond the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, today's coastal design is about bringing in colors and styling that call forth a soothing and inviting environment, creating a haven from the hectic pace of daily life. Through the use of natural light, soft tones, organic textures, and a clean look, it's...

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Indoor-outdoor living is more than just a trend- it's become a lifestyle. Many homeowners are choosing to bring the functionality of their inside kitchen to their outdoor space so that they can enjoy the luxury of cooking and dining in the open air.

A well-designed outdoor kitchen will add value to a home and extend the length of the outdoor cooking season. It can be as simple as placing countertops near an outdoor grill, or as elaborate as a kitchen designed with a sink, stove, refrigerator, and even a smoker. Having a proper lighting plan is critical to ensure that the kitchen is...

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From new finishes to new inspirations, to products that typically aren't even considered to be lighting, there are many notable design trends in today’s lighting market. Here’s a roundup of three notable trends that are “in” for 2019 and beyond.

Trend One: Brutalist Lighting

First of all, what is Brutalism? A step beyond industrial, Brutalism was coined as a design period after World War II, when low-cost housing and government buildings were built of primarily raw, unrefined materials. The designs were meant to project a sense of strength born of hard edges and a...

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The days of matching the same metal color for lighting, cabinet hardware and plumbing are over. Today, designers and homeowners are getting creative and letting their personal style shine with mixed metals. Although this may seem complicated, there is a simple recipe for successfully mixing metals: pick a dominant metal finish for the room and coordinate accent metals with that. Try for a 70/30 ratio, where the dominant metal choice is on 70 percent of the lighting, accessories, hardware and plumbing, and add one or two metallic colors to make up 30 percent of the accent choices.

As...

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Although LED technology is commonplace today, confusion still arises for the home user when it comes choosing LEDs over traditional light bulbs. When faced with the question of whether or not to switch to LEDs, consider that though more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs have myriad advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs.

LEDs last 10-20 years in home applications and can be used in existing fixtures with typical screw-in options or, if necessary, retrofit kits. The long lifespan of LEDs makes them a cost-effective option that, in the long run, actually...

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Today’s kitchens are more than just a place to prepare food, they are gathering spaces for family and friends, serving different purposes throughout the day. The growing popularity of open-concept homes have also made kitchens the center of the living space, opening up to family rooms, dining rooms, entryways and more. Therefore, achieving ultimate style and functionality in the kitchen is more important than ever before.

Cabinetry, countertops, door pulls, backsplashes, appliances and decorative features all play a key role in the design and functionality of a kitchen, but none of...

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Your living room is likely one of the most frequently used rooms in your home. From relaxing with family and friends, to watching television, to reading a good book, this room serves many purposes, and proper lighting is key to making your space multi-functional.

As with every room in the home, layers of light are crucial. To get the most use and enjoyment in your living area, be sure it has all three main layers of light: ambient, task and accent.

Ambient lighting provides general illumination to a room, allowing you to use the space. Task lighting is needed in the working...

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The holidays are upon us, which means sparkling, shimmering lights are all around. While these beautiful lights and holiday decorations bring warmth and glow to the season, they can leave your normal home decor seeming lackluster in comparison. If you’re looking to add a little glamour to your house that can last all year long, consider a beautiful crystal chandelier.

Crystal chandeliers are no longer reserved for over the dining room table or grand entryway. Today, crystal chandeliers and other crystal fixtures come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, which lend themselves to...

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Purchasing lighting for a home is an exciting experience. Lighting is the finishing touch to a room’s design, the element that changes the mood of the room and gives life to the space. There are many options for home lighting, and it can be intimidating to think about making the right decisions for each room. However, local lighting showrooms are here to help with design inspiration, lessons on the latest technology, and selecting the perfect lighting for a space.

Before visiting a lighting showroom it’s...

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From elegant chandeliers to simple modern pieces, lighting has evolved from being a way to brighten a dark space to becoming a decorative statement for the home. Whether redecorating or building a brand-new house, making the proper lighting choices will add function, personality and a special flair to any room.

No matter which room or what type of space, there are many choices and options available to fit every need. A local ALA showroom is the best place to view the many different styles, sizes and shapes...

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HOW THE RIGHT LIGHT BULB CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

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Want to make your home as cozy, calm and relaxing as possible? Try hygge (pronounced: hue-gah), a Danish lifestyle trend that has captured the imagination of the interior design profession. More than just a décor trend, hygge is a state of mind – one of cozy contentment while appreciating the simple things that bring joy to your life.

Lighting is a key element in hygge, which takes a minimalist concept and punctuates it with warmth, texture and glow. One of the most effective ways to create a warm and cozy atmosphere is by the placement and adjustment of lighting in the...

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Today, LED bulbs are the most efficient, longest lasting, and often the most suitable choice for residential lighting. However, the slightly higher upfront cost, along with the variations in light output and color temperature, can make the switch to LEDs feel somewhat daunting.

The best place to start for the highest-quality LED bulbs is an ALA-member lighting showroom. The experts there are well versed in all aspects of lighting and can help ensure the bulbs you choose are compatible with specific...

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While functionality is still key, stylish and unique bathroom lighting designs are becoming increasingly popular. To meld the two, we recommend utilizing creative ways of installing fixtures and layering light.

The bathroom is used for various, task-oriented activities from applying makeup, to shaving, to getting dressed. Therefore, proper lighting is first and foremost when producing a bathroom lighting layout.

To create an illuminated sink area, the days of just a simple bath bar above the mirror are in the past. Today, people are installing fixtures around the mirror in...

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Many of today's light fixtures lend themselves to various types of installations. Some fixtures have multiple lights that can hang clustered together or, with the addition of a support frame, can be spread out in a more traditional chandelier fashion. Pendants can be grouped in a number of ways without requiring multiple holes in the ceiling by using a canopy accessory that attaches to a single electrical box.

Fixtures can also be hung in unexpected ways to add visual interest and function to any room. Consider flanking your fireplace with sconces, or hanging pendants above your...

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Good design begins with a great lighting plan. From ambient lighting, to statement chandeliers and trendy LED fixtures, layering your home with light is the key to creating spaces that welcome, comfort and inspire. Recently, Executive Editor of Lighting Magazine and The Meredith Luxury Home Portfolio Samantha Hart sat down with ALA to provide an update on the latest trends in lighting.

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When it comes to lighting and connectivity at home, everyone has pet peeves. Whether it’s lights being left on in an empty room or the phone charger somehow always magically disappearing, high-tech, yet stylish and functional controls offer several solutions to help combat these everyday problems.

1. Lights carelessly being left on: Constantly reminding children (or your partner) to turn of the bedroom lights? Motion sensor lighting is the way to go. Motion sensing controls are a great way to save energy and add functionality to any space. These controls don’t have to look like the...

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When it comes to outfitting a room with lighting, most homeowners start with the overhead lighting – either one main fixture or a grouping of pendants. From there, lighting experts suggest adding two additional layers: task and accent.

Task lighting can be achieved with sconces, portable lamps or recessed fixtures. Accent lighting all depends on the item or area to be highlighted. It may be inside, above or under cabinets. Another example of accent lighting could be mini spotlights directed at artwork or a shadowy area. Once each light layer is covered, the use of dimmers will...

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Outdoor spaces are no longer afterthoughts in a home's design and decor plan. The outdoors set the stage for the rest of the home, create a welcoming ambience, and provide a space to relax, gather with friends and family, or steal a few quiet moments away in the midst of a hectic day. An outdoor area, whether it is a small porch or a large patio, needs to be styled and decorated to match both the functional and practical requirements of the space, as well as the cohesive design aesthetics that tie it in with the rest of the home.

When it comes to choosing exterior lighting fixtures,...

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Lighting a sidewalk or other pathway is attractive and a safety feature of outdoor lighting. Make sure any outdoor fixture casts its glow downward, so that is does not obscure the vision of you or your guests.

Another key tip for outdoor lighting is to avoid pushing light into a window – yours or a neighbors. The goal is for the light to illuminate only the area outside.

Visit your local ALA-member showroom for more tips on lighting your outdoor walkways. They'll also be able to show you all the...

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All ceiling fans are not created equal, especially when it comes to size, weather resistance and speed. When determining which fan to buy for your room, in addition to appearance, consider these three things:

Location – Ceiling fans are separated into three location ratings: indoor-rated, damp-rated (not for direct moisture) and wet-rated (good anywhere outdoors, including in the rain). While you can use wet-rated fans anywhere inside or out, you cannot use indoor-rated or damp-rated fans in wet locations.

Width – On average, ceiling fans start at 36 inches wide, however, fan...

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The myriad advancements in technology are making it easier for designers to create pendants, sconces and chandeliers that push horizontal and vertical boundaries. Slim, flat fixtures evoke a contemporary attitude and showcase the versatility of LED technology. Geometric designs feature circles, squares, rectangles and hexagons with built-in or exposed bulbs that highlight each fixture's graphic shape. And sputnik-style chandeliers embrace the eclecticism of mid-century, modern style.

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The time for backyard barbecues, afternoons at the pool and hours of summer fun is here. If you’re fortunate enough to have an outdoor space that lends itself to one of these activities, you know style and comfort can make all the difference when it comes to hosting this summer. Of course, as temperatures rise, sometimes a break from the heat inside is necessary, so creating a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces becomes more important than ever.

Layer your light

As with indoor lighting, ...

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We are always talking about how great ALA-member lighting showrooms are. With the help of Lighting magazine, we've broken down 6 of the top reasons showrooms are truly something special when it comes to shopping for lighting.

1. Choices

In a big box store, your choices are extremely limited—but that’s not the case in a showroom. In addition to whole families of a single fixture style, you’ll find loads of...

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Wondering what's trending in lighting right now? Look no further than these eight design trends from Lighting magazine, then visit your local ALA-member showroom to make them a part of your home.

1. Botanicals - Pretty blooms and foliage offer an interesting riff on pattern, like in the Basilica by Eurofase.

2. Matte metals - Subtract the sheen for a more restrained accent, even...

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Whether you're looking for a five-minute fix, or you've got a little more time and money to dedicate to an update, you can make an impact on your home through a lighting makeover. With the help of your local ALA-member showroom, you can easily incorporate one of these ideas into your home.

Five-minute fix

Switch out one of your light bulbs for an LED. We love this quick lighting fix for a couple of key reasons. LED light bulbs use less energy and last longer than their incandescent counterparts, so...

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When it comes to lighting design, spaces not typically seen by guests sometimes do not get the attention they deserve. Household jobs are easier to tackle in an organized, well-lit space.

The laundry room, for example, requires adequate task lighting to be most functional. It is important to make sure the lighting in this room does not create distracting glare and shadows. Under-cabinet lighting may help illuminate darkened areas. An overhead light source is also a must.

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You start and end almost every day in your bedroom, so shouldn't it be the place where you feel most comfortable? Through expertly curated fixtures and beautiful layers of light, your bedroom can quickly become your favorite room in the home - and not just because it's where you get your beauty rest.

Overall Illumination

The ambient, or general lighting in your bedroom is important for day-to-day activities, such as getting dressed or cleaning. You'll want a substantial, overhead fixture such as a chandelier or ceiling fan with a light kit to provide this key illumination....

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Often overlooked, bathroom lighting is more than simply a functional light source. Lighting in a bathroom is obviously key for providing proper illumination for specific tasks, such as makeup application and shaving. Yet, the confines of such a small space make bathroom fixtures all the more noticeable and impactful on overall style and ambience.

When selecting lighting for a bathroom, consider the tasks that will take place in that particular bathroom. For example, is it for everyday use, just for kids, a powder room for guests?

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When lighting a media viewing space, it is imperative to consider all sources of light. Natural light from outside is as influential as light from indoor fixtures. Multi-purpose spaces generally have windows, which create the need to control that light during the daytime as well as at night when even minor reflections can be distracting.

Motorized shades are a convenient and effective way to manipulate ambient light. Just as important as your light source is the time of day and season, all of which affect the amount of light coming in as well as the angle and intensity of the light....

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Ready for a redo? Many homeowners resolve to kick start a new year by making improvements to themselves as well as their home. When it comes to home renovations, the first place on which most people focus their attention is the kitchen. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), popular trends in finish-outs and appliances are impacting kitchen lighting choices.

In general, kitchen design is trending toward the contemporary side. Jeff Dross, corporate director, education and industry trends for Kichler Lighting, explains that homeowners with previously traditional taste...

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The beginning of a new year is an opportunity for a fresh start for your home. One easy change that will make a big impact is a lighting update. Simply changing a fixture – a chandelier, a few pendants or even just a table lamp – can give a room a whole new look. Whether you are considering a minor update or a major renovation, stay on top of the latest lighting trends with a few tips from the American Lighting Association (ALA).

Mix and Match

Your home is a reflection of your style and personality. Create your own look by bringing in fixtures of various styles and...

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Your bedroom is the perfect place to let your personal style shine, and the right lighting can provide the perfect finishing touch to your space. Whether your style leans towards more traditional, or you prefer clean lines and modern finishes, there are endless options.

Because the bedroom is a space where its critcal to have layers of light to adjust to your needs throughout the day, it's a particularly fun room to light. You'll first want to consider the sources of light you need. Most people perfer an overhead or ambient light source; task lighting on the bedside table and in...

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Whether getting dressed, shaving, applying makeup or styling your hair, there are a variety of important tasks that take place in the bathroom mirror. Therefore, the quality of light in the bathroom is more important than ever. There are a few key aspects to your light bulbs you want to consider when choosing bathroom lighting:

1. Temperature - Use bulbs between 2700 - 3000 Kelvin color temperature for an appealing, warm tone.

2. CRI - This stands for color rendering index. To see the subtle colors of skin, makeup, hair and clothing, a CRI of 90-100 is best.

3. Placement...

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When planning your dining room lighting, keep these easy tips in mind.

FIRST STEP: A chandelier in the middle of the room defines the space. Choose that fixture first, then work out with accent lights.

HANGING AROUND: Choose a chandelier with a diameter 12 inches less than the width of your table. The bottom of the chandelier should be 30 inches above table.

TALL ORDERS: For ceilings nine feet or higher, consider a two-tier style chandelier to fill the space from the fixture’s top to the ceiling.

DIMMER SHIMMER: Always use a dimmer on dining room lights. Light...

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Proper office lighting is key to setting the stage for a productive workday. Whether setting up the lighting for a home office or adding touches to a public office space, it is critical to ensure the lighting provides optimal working conditions.

General lighting should be bright enough to provide for a comfortable workspace, but not so bright as to create undue glare off of your papers or computer screen. If your desk is in the center of the room, consider using two large LED ceiling fixtures on each side of your desk or four 6" recessed fixtures evenly spaced in the room with two of...

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One of the most popular lighting layouts in kitchens is the use of shaded or hooded chandeliers above an island. Whether the island is used as prep space or seating, the shades provide glare control and reflect light down to where it is needed. Pendants and chandeliers come in a variety of styles. Currently, the biggest trends in kitchen aesthetics fall into six primary style categories:

Rustic – natural materials with a national park meets Central Park flair

New classic – timeless and simple; elegant without being overly ornate

Industrial – back to basics with simplicity...

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To give your home’s exterior a fresh look, upgrade your outdoor lighting to complement existing landscaping and architectural elements. The same principles used for lighting your home’s interior apply for the exterior. You still need a mix of general, task and accent fixtures to get a comprehensive lighting design. While general lighting might be an overhead light with a few torchieres for accent, you can add path lights to serve as task lighting to help guests safely maneuver walkways. You can also draw attention to the unique architecture or outdoor features of your home with spotlights...

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Today’s dining rooms reflect consumers’ changing lifestyles. Once solely for daily dining, this room has become more multipurpose. During the week, many homeowners now use the dining room as a task area for homework, crafts and meetings. On the weekends and special occasions, it is a gathering place for parties and meals. Consequently, dining rooms must be versatile with multiple lighting options that can go from functional to fashionable in the flick of a switch.

To get the best balance of illumination in the dining room, opt for layers of light. A dining room does not look well-lit...

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Whether your TV is in the family room, dedicated media room or even an outdoor living area, everyone's viewing experience will be optimized with proper lighting. Poor lighting can be a distraction to relaxing family time and make viewers physically uncomfortable. Your investment in a high-definition big-screen TV and a quality sound system will be diminished if your set-up does not include proper lighting. Whether your space needs recessed cans with a pair of sconces or some other lighting configuration, an ALA-trained professional can recommend the best lighting products for your media...

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You don't have to plan a lavish vacation to relax this summer. With the right lighting, your back yard can become your own private retreat, allowing you to enjoy a mini getaway without leaving your home.

It's easier - and less expensive - than you might imagine to transform your existing patio, deck or pool area into a space you'll love. A new lighting scheme can turn your back yard into an oasis by enhancing your existing outdoor furniture, landscaping and other amenities.

Layer Your Lights

Just like with indoor lighting, outdoor lighting is most effective when it...

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At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than retreating to a luxurious, spa-inspired bathroom. You can create that same feel in your own bathroom with the right fixtures.

Decorative sconces, pendants, even chandeliers are popular in master bathrooms. If hanging fixtures over a tub, be sure they are at least 8 feet above the highest portion of the edge of the tub, including a 3-foot radius around the tub. Be sure to add dimmers to give your fancy fixtures the ability to soften the mood and create the perfect atmosphere. Get all the safety facts and see the latest fixtures at...

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Office spaces are the perfect place to blend style with functionality. A stunning chandelier can add an unexpected element to a room, but it's not all about design. A high-quality, beautiful chandelier can also provide functional lighting to an office space.

Chandeliers add flare and a decorative focal point to almost any room in the house. They have traditionally been used in the dining room but are now commonly used in various rooms all around the home. Part of what makes chandeliers so great is their ability to serve as both a light source and a work of art. Adding a mid-century...

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Until recently, shopping for light bulbs involved primarily focusing on wattage. After 2012, when the Department of Energy set standards specifying how much energy light bulbs can use, things became slightly more complicated.

Surprisingly, the tried-and-true wattage measurement we were all using to shop for light bulbs really wasn't telling us about the most important aspect of the bulb - how much light it puts out. Watts measure how much electricity is used by the bulb, not the bulb's light output.

However, for years, this wattage measurement was sufficient for determining...

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Wall sconces are incredibly versatile lighting fixtures. While they are often used to add flare to a room, they can also serve very practical purposes. As a result, they are a great choice to add anywhere in your home.

Where to hang wall sconces

Where you hang your sconces depends on the lighting design you hope to create and the space in which you’re working, as they can be used for ambient lighting, task lighting or accent lighting.

If you are working in a large space, such as a living room, you may want your sconce to contribute to the room’s overall lighting – or...

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Whether you're tackling a home remodel, a new build, or simply looking to update your dining room chandelier, the best place to start is always with a trained ALA-member lighting showroom professional.

When should I contact my local ALA-member showroom?

Of course, the earlier a lighting professional is involved in your project, the more they will be able to help ensure you have the optimal lighting for your space. It's never too early or too late to visit an ALA-member showroom to discuss your...

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This weekend marks the start of daylight saving time. As we welcome longer days and warmer weather, now is the perfect time to start thinking about updating your outdoor space.

Outdoor lighting serves a variety of purposes, from safety and security, to adding style and interest to your home or garden. While daylight saving time means more hours of sunlight in the evenings, it is still important to consider your outdoor lighting design, especially if you plan to entertain guests over the spring and summer months.

Highlight Your Home

Adding landscape lighting to your home...

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When developing a lighting plan for any room in your home, it is important to consider the three basic types of light - ambient, task and accent. The best lighting plans combine all three types to light an area according to function and style.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting, or general lighting, provides an area with overall illumination. Ambient lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness without glare and allows you to see and walk about safely.

Various types of fixtures can provide overall illumination to a room, including chandeliers, ceiling fans with...

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With the options available today, choosing a light bulb has become slightly more complicated for the average homeowner. If you find yourself wondering what bulb you need, here are a few tips to consider.

Know What's Available

There are three basic types of light bulbs available today:

  1. Halogen Incandescent
  2. CFL (Compact Fluorescent)
  3. LED (Light Emitting Diode)

The halogen incandescent is very similar to the traditional household incandescent bulb, except that it is somewhat more efficient.

The CFL is more efficient still, but its use is...

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Your bathroom is where you typically start and finish your day, so creating an inviting space can set the tone for a great day and a restful night's sleep. Unfortunately, many homeowners are left uninspired by their bathroom lighting design.

Where to Start

With bathroom lighting, you need to first think about the types of lighting fixtures you want to use. Many home designs use recessed LED light fixtures for overall illumination. This will illuminate your bathroom space efficiently, and adding dimmer switches will allow you to control the mood immediately.

Additionally,...

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The right decor lighting this holiday season can help your guests appear more photogenic, boost their mood and make an amazing display.

When people think of the holidays, they think of string lights, glowing angels and motion-sensor reindeer. What about interior lighting? Your holiday decor shouldn't be limited to garland and a few cranberries.

We're here to help you bring some of the holiday magic inside this year.

Creating Gathering Spots

When hosting a holiday event, it is important to have plenty of cozy spaces throughout your home where family and friends can...

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A longtime lighting staple of dining rooms and foyers, chandeliers are gaining popularity in unexpected places. This classic lighting piece can be found in kitchens, bedrooms, walk-in closets and even bathrooms.

Not only are these eye-catching fixtures a great source of ambient light, they can also serve as a focal point around which you can build the design of an entire room.

If you're considering installing a chandelier, here are a few tips to help you select the perfect fixture for your space.

Consider the Unexpected

Traditionally, chandeliers have come with...

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Your interior lighting design has a huge impact on mood, productivity levels, sleep quality and more. It shouldn't be surprising then how important your home lighting is to a successful holiday.

With their versatility and energy efficiency, LED lights offer an array of options to light your home for the holidays. However, because LED lighting is relatively new to the residential market, it can be confusing when trying to implement this technology into your home. The holidays are not the time to play the guessing game, so consider this information when updating your bulbs and...

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The holiday season is right around the corner, which makes this the perfect time to spruce up your home before entertaining friends and family. Whether your guests are coming just to watch the big game or to stay for an extended period of time, your media space will no doubt be a popular gathering spot. The American Lighting Association suggests a few ways to enhance everyone’s viewing experience.

No matter what kind of space you have, whether it’s a dedicated media room, a simple TV nook or something in between, the fundamental components are comfort and appropriate lighting. For...

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Decorative lights are the unsung heroes of great lighting design. These statement fixtures are important in conveying specific design themes, and can also be used in light layering.

Choosing light fixtures can be a complicated task. Lighting and ceiling fans are crucial in not only the functionality of the rooms in your home, but also the design. Decorative light fixtures come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can help you fulfill the important task of including layers of light in your design.

Typically, decorative lights play the role of adding a layer of adornment to the...

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No longer do you have to choose between comfort and design when it comes to your home. Once thought of as purely utilitarian, today's ceiling fans offer sophisticated styling, designer finishes and glamorous accents.

According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), ceiling fans are a unique home cooling option, as they blend aspects of both form and function to improve comfort while enhancing home décor. Indeed, there are many ceiling fan models available that can serve as an eclectic centerpiece for any room, without sacrificing cooling air movement.

Modern features, such...

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One of the main goals of home décor is to make your space inviting. The right interior lighting adds the perfect amount of warmth to any room. For interior designers, a major point of direction will often be your home's lighting design. With numerous styles to pick from, it can be overwhelming to decide how to best light up your home.

Floor lamps can be a little tricky to perfectly incorporate into your home's design. Here are some simple tips to make floor lamps a significant part of your home lighting:

1. Look to Small Spaces

Floor lamps can provide additional ambient...

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While there are plenty of ways you can bring new life to your home through lighting design, there are also some common mistakes to avoid.

If there seems to be a void or a piece missing in your home's lighting design, here are five common lighting mistakes to consider:

1. No Control Over Your Lights

It might sound simple enough, but light dimmers, motion sensors, timers and automated systems all help you stay in control of your lighting. When you're unsure if the room is too dark or too bright, dimmers help you solve the problem with a middle ground. Moods change, and so...

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One of the bigger trends in home design is using natural elements to bring the outdoors inside. It's a design aesthetic that people have tried to perfect for generations, as organic looks and elements tend to create a serene environment in the home.

At the same time, bringing home lighting designs into your organic and natural décor can be a tricky task to tackle. However, there are some ways to get you moving in the right direction - toward efficient and practical lighting - while still maintaining the natural elements in your home.

Simplicity Brings Peace

For many...

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The shift toward LED light bulbs in interior design is happening quickly, as manufacturers and homeowners find more ways to use these new types of lighting inside common areas of homes.

LEDs come in a wide variety of hues and colors that can transform an ordinary bathroom into something that will give you an artistic experience when you get ready for work in the morning.

According to The Wall Street Journal, not only are LEDs extremely efficient and effective at reducing home electricity costs, but they are allowing light designers to get...

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Entrances, hallways and foyers all have a major commonality: These spaces are typically the focal point to the entrance of your home. Guests are greeted in these areas and you use the spaces as a means to get to other rooms throughout your home.

While these spaces are one of the first you and your guests will see upon entering your home, they can be some of the harder spots in a house to light. These areas are difficult because most foyers or entrances are not alike, which means you have to take into account the design of your home.

Creating a Grand Entrance

If you're...

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Artificial light is a necessary feature for home kitchens. In this space, you work with sharp tools and depend on your eyes to chop, read labels, inspect food and to clean up afterward. With so much importance on kitchen lighting design, you have to be practical. However, this shouldn't limit you from making a bold statement in your kitchen.

Since each kitchen is different, you have to ensure your lighting design is optimal for your particular space.

Find the Focal Point of Your Kitchen

Because each kitchen is different, you want to make sure you focus on the focal point...

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