Summer's Last Hurrah

This weekend marks the symbolic ending to summer. With Labor Day weekend upon us many are thinking of celebrating with friends and family. Whether you are celebrating with a traditional backyard BBQ or having some friends over for an indoor dinner party, sprucing up your home with some festive accents is more than appropriate. For both decorations, whether indoors or outdoors, lighting plays a significant factor in your decor. Bright and well lit spaces offer your guests a happy and energetic vibe. One way to add some easy (and inexpensive) charm to any space is with the use of paper lanterns and rope lights, these are easy to install and great for those hard to reach areas. To add some color into the mix, simply swap out your regular bulbs that are in your preexisting fixtures for colored bulbs. These bulbs add a magical effect to any environment.

So get started on your preparations and give your guests an atmosphere that is both warm and inviting. Watch the video below for tips on how to build a backyard that is ready for any event!

A Trick of The Eye

Mirrors can make any room look much larger which is great for when you have a property in a great location, but only a couple hundred square of living space. There are a couple of secrets to proper placement   of mirrors to make your home look roomier. The first trick is to place a mirror behind a light source. Whether its behind a candle, pendant light or lamp it will instantly create even more light and provide an almost magical effect. Another trick is to place a mirror exactly opposite of a window, this doubles the natural light coming from the window and provides you with even more pleasant outdoor views. Mirrors expand walls and amplify light, two perfect solutions for tiny spaces. Some mirror products even come with lighting already built in, providing two functions in one.

Play around with a cluster of mirrors and hang them as you would a grouping of art. This type of grouping with mirrors as art pieces break up a space, so it is perfect for a wall with a bold color or busy wallpaper design. Check out the video below and catch some great ideas on how to make your home look much larger than it is!

No Effort Decorating

We all like to peruse the Internet. Correction: We all love to shop on the Internet. Many people get anxious just thinking of having to fight through the throngs of discount shoppers and crying children. The Internet wipes away that fear and lets shoppers get down to real shopping. Shopping without pressure from sales people, without having to hurry that your partner will fly the coup, is difficult and quite rare. Pull up a chair to your computer and calmly dedicate some time to seeing what is available. Not only is this a great way to price shop and find the style that speaks to you, it is also a way for you to save time and money. Many companies now offer free delivery with purchase. Free. This saves you that trip you were dreading to make and saves you some of that expensive petrol we have all began to hoard. So start looking around websites such as HGTV.com and discover that wonderful addition that your favorite room was missing. Additions such as the fixture seen below speaks volumes. Make your house your own with character pieces that bring you joy.

Once you finish your online shopping the real fun begins! Nothing perks people up more that getting a present, especially when you picked it out yourself. So sharpen up those installation skills or invite over a handy friend and relish in your new stylish find. Watch the video below and check out the different styles available on the Internet with free shipping!

Unique, Stylish, and Affordable

Decorating your home does not have to come at a hefty price. With the price of gas and milk skyrocketing how can someone still have a stylish home? With research and keeping an eye out for companies that understand the common plight of the penny pinching fashionista, we can still bring style and design into our humble abodes. Batalion Imports is one of these companies. With their selection of unique, stylish, and affordable lighting fixtures our homes can still give off that air of sophistication we are always looking for. Batalion Imports blends a variety of natural elements, such as earth crystals and metals to create wonderful pieces that will bring your home's "look" together. Offered as ceiling lighting and wall lighting, these fixtures work in any room. Radiant and affordable, you will not have to go on a diet to afford these fixtures.

If you are looking to amp up the volume in a room, simply swap out your old ceiling fixture for one that you absolutely love. Your eyes will always be drawn to it when you enter the room and you can decorate the room around your new favorite fixture. Watch the video below to see more fixtures available from Batalion Imports!

Pier Lamps

Pier lamps have gone far too long without praise. Used to add light to outdoor spaces and patios, they have a tendency to require only low voltage lights. This makes it easy for them to be installed further from your home and main electrical source. Extremely durable and weather resistant, these lamps will look like new for years to come, despite the harshest of climates.

Not only will these lights provide you with that warm summer glow, perfect for BBQ's and outdoor fiestas, they also provide security. Let the light reach those dark and mysterious corners of your backyard to ensure that you will not have to set the chihuahuas loose on a burglar...yet. If you live in a tropical area, ensure that the lamp that you will install is certified to be in a wet location. Check out the selections available to you and have some fun decorating your outdoor area!

Showcase Your Treasures

If you are not someone who collects art or crystal figurines, but you are someone who can master any of Julia Child's recipes then embrace your passion and flaunt the tools of your trade with lighted pot racks. After spending countless hours researching pots and pans to add to your wedding registry they deserve to be showcased.

Shine the proper light on them with fixtures that not only act as spotlights for your glowing gravy pans, but that also hold them. Add a chandelier made of your favorite tools to your kitchen and relish in the shiny adornments as they hang over your kitchen island in all of their splendor. Available in both traditional and contemporary designs, there is sure to be one that is worthy of gracing your kitchen. Want to be creative? Build your own pot rack and add some designer pendant lights to the mix to make something perfect for the space your are envisioning. Watch the video below and learn how!

Modern Contempo

Modern Contempo is the name of a certain style that has been getting tossed around a lot lately, but what does it really mean? Is it simply modern or is there something different about the use of the word "Contempo" trailing behind it? Modern style is the decor derived from the very late 1800's emphasizing a more Scandinavian approach to design. Modern style is known for its simplicity and function. Contemporary style is similar to its counterpart, yet it allows for many more variables. Known sometimes for its stark designs, the contemporary style can be much more bold than modern designs.

Put those two designs together and you get a style that is smooth with clean lines and that rocks an artistic flair. Discover which style you prefer or meld the two to create the perfect balance for your home! Watch the video below and see what kind of changes you can do to turn a traditional room into one that boasts an up to date style.

An Homage to the Past

Lanterns have been around the block a few times. Previously used with candles and then with gas, these simple devices were used in ancient Greece and have even been found among the treasures of many 15th century European ruins. Today we can forgo the task of scraping out old wax from out lanterns or potential fires from the gas ones. Modern lanterns come in a variety of styles and use efficient (and less messy) light bulbs. Evoke the spirit of the past with classic looking lanterns that can grace your foyer for a touch of vintage style or place outdoor lanterns along your driveway to illuminate the cobblestone path.

Decorate your home with stylish finds that not only look good, but work great. Find easy ways to spruce up your home's entrance with the video below!

2 Thousand Degrees of Amazing

It is not just the way things look, but also the story behind how things are made. Spark up a conversation at your next dinner party with the prettiest thing to catch your guest's eyes...your lighting fixtures. 2 Thousand Degrees creates brilliant works of arts in amazing designs and using sizzling colors. Available as ceiling fixtures or as wall sconces, these lighting fixtures make a bold statement.

The name, 2 Thousand Degrees, is derived from the actual temperature needed to mold the glass into their artistic shapes. The molten glass is then manipulated to make the lighting fixtures that they have become famous for. Add these lighting fixtures to your home and see what kind of conversations you can spark up with these functional eye candy designs.

Lighting That Sizzles

Your backyard getaway deserves to shine. It is after all your favorite place to entertain, whether it is hot dogs for game night or grilling up something for a romantic evening with your spouse, your backyard is what makes entertaining fun. Proper lighting is a must-have when it comes to this space. A well lit area is needed for the BBQ so that you can see if things are caramelizing at the right speed and to get your guest's mouths watering. Sitting areas, such as your outdoor patio table and swing set, need to be lit with a comfortable glow so that you can easily see the happiness on your guest's faces. Lighting fixtures for your outdoor areas come in endless styles, from LED rope light you can wrap around your garden to ceiling fans with built-in lamps. Do not forget that lighting can also function as a highlighter. So show off what you are proud off and enjoy the outdoors.

Summer in the City

Build your own urban oasis this summer and enjoy decorating your home with touches of cooler climates. Use cool tones and functional lighting fixtures, such as ceiling fans, to not only cool your home but to provide a modern resort style.

Live a life closer to what nature intended even while living in the concrete jungle. Spruce up your balcony or roof space with lush pot plants and outdoor furniture. Take advantage of your outdoor space with the addition of umbrellas and throw pillows in a multitude of cheerful shades. Make the space your own with comfortable seating so that you can enjoy a chilled glass of chardonnay while in your after work slippers. Add that missing breeze to your retreat with a floor fan that is a pleasure to have in your presence. Floor fans with hip lines and a non-traditional design will spice up any space. Design a retreat for yourself and enjoy the summer heat in style. 

Lighting Your Home to Sell

Staging your home to be able to sell it within your timeline and without having to dip below your asking price can be done with the right staging. The first step in staging your home for prospective buyers is to depersonalize it. Remove family photos and personal artifacts to keep buyers from becoming distracted. The next next step is to de-clutter. Remove decor items, clean off counter tops, and remove all books to allow the prospective buyer a blank state so that they may envision their own items on the shelves.

Last but definitely not least, maximize the lighting in your home. Remove your drapes, make those windows sparkle, and make sure that your rooms are saturated with natural light and the glow of lighting fixtures. Give your prospective buyers the ability to see the home in its full glory. Watch the video below for more tips on how to make your home look lively and fresh!

Lighting Strips

Have an area in your home that you would like to highlight, but that your main lighting source just cannot reach? Lighting strips are discreet strips of LED's that produce a warm glow. Fabulous for those hard to reach places, such as over tall cabinets or weaved through your outdoor garden. Weave some of this mysterious glow into your home and see what kind of effect you can create. 

There are so many uses for this type of lighting, such as bar top lighting, TV back lighting, display case lighting, etc. Your creativity knows no end with this easy to install and easy to place strip. This strip is dimmable and also has a remote-control to switch from that warm white glow to a rainbow of colors for you to enjoy. Spice it up with lighting strips and see how this specialty light can brighten up your home. Watch the video below and see why using LED's as your lighting source is such a great choice!

Purely Decadent

For those who have an addiction for unique and wildly decadent objects, look no further than Maxim Lighting. With an exciting mix of contemporary and classic lighting solutions, they have a fixture that I am sure will make your heart go pitter-patter.

This creator of artistic lighting solutions offers entire families of matching chandeliers. Now the average homeowner does not need or simply have room for a family of chandeliers, but adding one fixture to your home that draws your eye to it every time can be a wonderful investment. Lighting that offers an artistic flair while performing a job function (lighting your home) is a great way to add character to any space. Find the light fixture for you with Maxim Lighting or simply go and peruse through a lighting store...you will not go home empty handed. Watch the video below and learn more about what Maxi Lighting offers!

 

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

If you find yourself always reapplying makeup in the car or having to run a comb through your hair again once you get to work, you might be in need of a new bath vanity light. Handsome fixtures that match any decor are available with the capability to use the correct bulbs needed to freshen up your space. Watch the video below to get some great ideas on how to properly choose and place lighting in your bathroom!

Appropriate bulbs allow you to see in detail whether or not you look suitable to leave the house. Try compact fluorescent bulbs to provide a "warm" light. this type of lighting is not only energy efficient, but is also flattering. So illuminate yourself appropriately before hitting the road and feel great about yourself with the warm glow provided by the correct bulbs for your bathroom. Be creative and find the right lighting for you!

Helping the Breeze

Summertime can be a harsh time. Finding solace in your shady patio sometimes does not provide you with the oasis you might have been searching for. Sticky and hot, wishing for a breeze is all you can do. Give nature a hand with cooling you down with an outdoor ceiling fan. They might not be able to provide you with cooler temperature, but the evaporation effect sure makes a difference during the hot months. Find one that matches your style with tropical varieties that have blades that resemble large leaves or contemporary fans with clean lines.

Current damp and wet rated fans are a far cry from the soppy fans of the past. Sturdy and made to last, these ceiling fans are more than just a pretty accessory. Find the one for you and watch the video below to learn how to install it!

Turn Up the Romance

Mood lighting is essential to any home. Temper the end of your workday with a light that reflects your mood...mellow. Having a proper light dimmer set up with lighting fixtures can create the effect you are looking for. Whether you are in the mood to entertain, read, or relax an appropriate level of lighting is needed. Make your home inviting with skillful application that can alter the experience of your guests. To provide a more elegant effect do not simply rely on overhead lighting to illuminate your space, small sources of light provide a very welcoming effect. Higher levels of light generally produce cheerful effects and stimulate people to be more active.

Lower levels of light create an atmosphere of relaxation and intimacy. Lamps in bedrooms should exude an adjustable low level of illumination to create a quiet mood. Find the lighting fixtures that work for you and create the right mood for yourself.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Discover the sunny tones of Tuscany and find a decor that is both elegant and warm. Incorporate the natural colors of terracotta and brick with the outdoor landscape elements to bring this look to life. Copper finishes are very common in Tuscan design and it is an easy element to scatter throughout your room design.

Tuscany is famous for its wine and vineyards. Bring in the deep Merlot color by adding to the walls or furnishings to create seemingly tucked into the Tuscan countryside. Get inspired with the video below and bask in the warm Tuscan sun yearlong.