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How to improve your game room with proper lighting? November 9, 2017 19:35

Having a game room means so much to the entire family because a proper game room has at least one thing for every family member. A game room like that has kid’s corner, adult’s corner, video game corner and even game table corner. Since the room is filled with different themes it is essential to properly light up the room because the light fixtures you use in the game table corner aren’t good for the video game corner. It would be a shame to see entire efforts go to waste because the lighting in the room isn’t good. So to avoid any problems with the game room lighting I am offering you few tips on what you can improve your relaxation oasis.

Lighting for the game table corner

Game table corner in your game room should be the brightest and the lights should be placed properly. If you don’t place them right you can have thousands of light bulbs and the light still won’t be good. The best way to place the light in the game table corner is above the table. No matter if you have foosball table, pool table or even air hockey table, use the brightest light in the corner above the table. That way you will have clear view on the entire surface and you can forget about the shadows on one side of the table. Another reason why it is necessary to have a good light with the game table is because the game is often very fast. If you score, no one can say that they didn’t see it.

Lighting for the video game corner

A video game corner is a completely opposite story. Most gamers love to play in the dark and the reason for that is the fact that they can focus on the screen. If you have mounted the TV on the wall you have to keep in mind that the light from the ceiling might reflect on the TV and that is not good. That is why it is a good idea to have lights below the TV and for that you can put them on the nightstand or tables you have in the room. The video game corner is great because you can turn it in your own home cinema easily which means that you will turn off the lights. Even better solution is to dim the lights down so you can see, but it is dark enough to make a cosy atmosphere.

Lighting for the kid’s corner

By kid’s corner, I am talking about playroom. The light here isn’t that important as long as it is bright. You don’t have to worry about the shadows or reflection but I would definitely recommend a wall lamp or ceiling lamp which don’t hang. Kids love to toss their toys which mean that they can easily break hanging lamps. Also, avoid glass lamps, use plastic ones and light ones after all, safety should come first.

Lighting for the adult’s corner

Adult’s corner is a place when your creativity can work wonders. By adult’s corner I mean your corner and that means you can use whatever you want. You can use table lamps, wall lamps, glass lamps and plastic lamps, whatever you want. If you have a bar in your corner I would recommend to put the light right above it because it will drive the focus on the bar and having a bar is cool. Everything else is entirely up to you and your style.

 

Author’s bio:

Mark is a blogger who writes on the Foosball Zone – a blog about foosball. If you want to learn more about foosball, check out his blog because it has everything one foosball player needs to know. 


How To Use Chandeliers, Pendants, And Lamps To Brighten Your Home Effectively August 23, 2017 00:00

What’s one of the biggest differences between walking into an office and stepping into a home?

Simple: one has style and exudes a sense of character, a personality, while the other… well the other one just… doesn’t.

And if you’ve ever been exposed to the chronic dullness of your typical 9-to-5, you’ll know darn well which is which.

While wallpaper and decorations are certainly some of the design elements that really contribute to a charismatic home, one aspect of any space that’s sure to solidify its charm is the lighting fixture.

That’s one of the reasons why we’re diving a bit deeper into the lighting choices in the world of interior design today. Because after all, the initial step of using ANY design element properly is knowing first and foremost what it is and where it works best.

A closer look at the show-stealing chandelier

When tasked with imagining a lighting fixture, few structures spring to the mind’s eye as quickly as the ever-elegant and dazzling chandelier.

These visually striking lighting elements are more often than not quite stunning and tend to act as the focal point of nearly every space they inhabit.

And while most people think of chandeliers as being especially ornate and detailed in their visual complexity, that doesn’t mean they necessarily always need to be intricately crafted.

In fact, some of the most striking chandeliers are of a simpler and cleaner design. What’s more, choosing to go with an understated style (like, perhaps, one that’s geometric rather than baroque) just may be the bold design choice that gives your home the personality you’ve been looking for.

Given their ability to really draw the eye, chandeliers are best used in entryways, dining rooms, and other spaces meant to impress.

Pendant lights: understated, simple, effective


If you’re looking for a suspended lighting option that’s both elegant and a bit more toned down than a chandelier, look no further than the ever-popular pendant light.

Rather than drawing attention to itself with artistic grandiosity and visual flare like the prior lighting fixture, the pendant light is more reserved in its nature.

Not only is its design humble, usually only consisting of a single light source covered in a decorative casing, it’s also typically used to brighten a space in groups.

So, while a single chandelier may brighten up an entire entryway, a group of three pendant lights may be used simply to add some accent or task lighting to, say, a kitchen island or countertop.

But don’t be fooled by the pendant light’s lack of illuminating power; this lighting option can be critical in injecting a subtle and strategic burst of style and color to any living area.

Traditional and versatile – That’s the way of the lamp


This one hardly needs any explanation or introduction. A lamp, after all, is just a lamp. Right?

Wrong.

Lamps have come a long way since their humble beginnings as simple providers of illumination without all the frills and thrills of those other fancy lighting fixtures.

And while hanging lights like pendants and chandeliers are unquestionably all the rage right now, the truth is that the tried and true lamp has a lot more to offer than many people think.

Part of what makes these fixtures so useful in interior design is their versatility. First off, they’re completely unencumbered by having to adhere to ceiling mounts and other structural challenges.

All you need is a plug and, in some cases, an extension cord and this particular fixture can bring illumination to nearly any space.

But beyond that, lamps are also getting more and more unique and stylish with each passing day.

And part of the reason why lamps lend themselves better to more creative design schemes is that they don’t have nearly as many spatial limitations as other lighting options.

There’s an enormous difference, for instance, between having a radically designed lamp at waist level compared to the same design suspended from the ceiling. One merely contributes to personality of the room rather than dominates it.

It’s helpful, then, to look at lamps as a type of lighting that you can play with, that you can use to interact with other elements to paint an overall picture of the feel you want to communicate.

Whereas with other fixtures, you’d better be sure you’ve found the right design because there’s simply more at stake with these hanging elements.

The question is which lighting option gives your home the right kick?

While you can of course mix and match all of these options throughout your home, which do you think create your home’s character the most? Does one lighting choice really embody the style you’re going for more than the rest? Let us know in the comments below and don’t miss out on the variety of lighting choices over at the Flux Smart product page today!


9 Vintage Lighting Tips To Give Your Home Rustic Character August 16, 2017 00:00

If there’s one thing that’s always been true about the world of aesthetics, it’s that whatever’s in style won’t stay that way forever.

But on the other hand, most things that do end up going out of style tend to come back around full circle.

Hey, look at bellbottoms.

The same goes for the world of interior design. There’s a new craze hitting the scene and it’s all about vintage.

That’s why we put together this quick list of nine vintage lighting tips to give your home some of that trending rustic character.

So, come along and let’s get old fashioned.

Embrace the flaws

If there’s only one core aspect of vintage style it’s that not everything has to be perfect. In fact, it downright shouldn’t be.

Vintage décor is all about the character, the history, the life of an item. If it looks a bit beat up or like it’s seen some rough times, that just means it’s past is all the richer. And as with any other art form, sometimes the story behind a piece of art is what truly makes it valuable.

As such, don’t sweat the kinks, the chipped paint, or the fading varnish. Instead, you may just want to seek it out.

Look for “filament” bulbs

While few types of bulbs harken back to a simpler time more than good old-fashioned filament bulbs, the truth is that they simply aren’t economical anymore. They have the shortest lifespan on the market, they’re incredibly inefficient, and they’re also pretty terrible for the environment.

But luckily, you can still get that gorgeous look of a filament bulb without all those nasty other qualities. In an LED bulb no less!

These bulbs have that same beautiful vintage style and last for decades. You can’t beat that!

Focus on warm lighting

Generally, types of light are found on a single spectrum. This spectrum ranges from reddish yellow light (referred to as warm) to a bluer kind more akin to natural daylight (also known as cool light).

As you’ probably know, these two different types of light can have a drastic effect on both the look and feel of nearly any space.

And while the rule isn’t necessarily set in stone, in most cases cooler light lends itself well to modern décor while warmer light jives well with a classical approach.

So, if you’re trying to add a bit of vintage charm to your home, you’ll want to be very careful to choose bulbs that give off a warm light rather than cool.

Or better yet, find bulbs that give you the option of changing colors so you can fine tune them to your tastes!

Let your creativity run wild



One of the best parts about vintage décor is that it really lets you get creative with how you decorate your home.

Have an old mailbox? Use it as a paper towel holder. Don’t know what to do with that grain sieve? Turn it into a chandelier!

And if you ever feel like you can’t come up with something new, the vintage movement has an enormous following so there’s always something different to try as long as you know where to look.

Be careful with modern lighting

Mixing and matching your vintage lighting with modern ones can be a bit of a slippery slope.

One the one hand, certain modern fixtures can be incredibly helpful when it comes to setting up a properly layered lighting design. Creating ambient light in particular is much easier with row after row of recessed lights compared to good old-fashioned lamps.

And while it might be reasonable to mix lights because of the type of illumination they give off, you’ll want to be careful with combining your vintage décor with modern fixtures in particular. Odds are, they simply won’t mesh.

Avoid “direct” lighting

There are two types of lighting out there to choose from: direct lighting and indirect lighting.

While they both have their own pros and cons, when it comes to giving your home that rustic panache, you’ll definitely want to opt for indirect lighting if you’re faced with the choice.

Not only will it give your space the soft illumination reminiscent of simpler times, it’ll also keep you and your guests more at ease compared to if you’d gone with direct lighting.

Get industrial


And finally, don’t be afraid to get industrial with it! The truth is, exposed pipes and gritty fixtures are in. Whereas fifty years ago these qualities would suggest destitution, today the same ones are becoming a sign of wealth and style.

The takeaway? Embrace it!

So, how will you give your home some rustic character?

Which tips have you put to good use to give your space that vintage style? Do you have any other lighting techniques that help to achieve the effect? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to check out the smart bulbs from Flux Smart today!

6 Ways To Modernize Your Home's Lighting August 9, 2017 00:00

Sleek. Cool. Invigorating. Crisp. Simple.

These are the tenets of contemporary interior design. This eye-catching approach features high contrast elements of décor and an uncomplicated style, all while still exuding an arresting visual appeal.

And if you want to reflect these same bold qualities in your home, the first major step is getting your lighting just right.

Below, we take you through six lighting tips from the pros to ensure any room radiates nothing but pure contemporary class.

Keep it simple

One of the defining characteristics of modernized home décor is a sense of simplicity. Surfaces are clean and distinct. The design elements are sleek and lacking clutter.

And when you’re trying to find that perfect contemporary look for your home, you should apply these same principles to your lighting.

Avoid gaudy decoration and over-the-top design. Prioritize the well-defined lines and angles of “geometric” styles rather than the unpredictable asymmetry of “organic” ones.

And when it comes to your color scheme, black and white are more than likely going to bring the most modern feel to any space. But that doesn’t mean you should be afraid of a few accent colors here and there either.

Prioritize cool color temperatures over warm ones

Color temperature is another important concept when it comes to your home’s interior design, even though many novices may not even notice it.

And that really is a shame because having the wrong color temperature in a space can radically alter practically any room’s personality.

You see, the type of light a bulb produces is rated on a scale that ranges from the red and yellowish light (warm) like that you’d get from a candle, to bluish-white light (cool), the kind that more closely resembles natural sunlight.

For a more contemporary feel, lean towards higher color temperatures that end up on the cooler side of the spectrum. This will help give your home a crisp, energizing quality that is sure to go well with the rest of your modern décor.

Don’t neglect colored lighting as part of your design

Contrary to popular belief, modern décor doesn’t have to be all about black and white. Sure, high contrast is certainly an important quality of contemporary interior design (which we’ll talk about later) but that doesn’t mean you can’t inject a bit of color into your home too.

In fact, adding a few bursts of bright hues into a space’s modern design can be all the more impactful on a black and white backdrop, as shown by the above kitchen.

But throwing in accent colors isn’t just about wall paint or physical décor. In fact, many modern designers are now using colored light itself to help make their interiors pop.

And there’s simply no easier way of cycling through all the different light hues at your disposal than by using a smart bulb.

These handy lighting elements let you switch between more than 16 million different colors, all right from your smart device. This kind of versatility has never been easier to use - simple as that.

Take advantage of the four main modern lighting fixtures

Sticking with the principles of simplicity and lack of clutter, you’ll want to make sure your home is outfitted primarily with four types of fixtures: pendants, recessed lighting, chandeliers, and track lighting.

While there are an enormous variety of fixture options out there, these four are key in that they’re all ceiling-based. That means no standing fixtures to fill up the room and more open air to give your space the sleek look you’re going for.

Wall sconces are another clutter-reducing fixture option and they might go blend into your contemporary home as well.

Use your light creatively

As with any other interior design element, contemporary lighting done well takes one essential quality: creativity.

After all, a boring modern décor is just as unappealing as boring traditional one.

That being said, don’t be afraid to test the limits when it comes to figuring out your home’s lighting personality.

Use lighting to frame a statue’s silhouette instead of as a direct spotlight. Highlight architectural elements like stairs or center columns to bolster a room’s character. Use bias lighting strips to outline virtually everything from your television to a bathroom mirror.

The sky really is the limit when it comes to interior design, and contemporary décor is no different.

Accentuate contrasts


And finally, embracing and accentuating contrasts (especially black and white) is one of the hallmark qualities of modern design.

The harsh juxtaposition of dissimilar design qualities and colors helps give your space a sense of organization and structure.

Which techniques do you find give your home contemporary flair?

Have you found any other modern design lighting strategies that worked well in your home? Which décor tip is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below and start your journey to a contemporary design scheme with the versatile smart bulbs from Flux Smart today!


Indirect Lighting 101 August 2, 2017 00:00

Have you ever stepped into a room and noticed the lighting was, well, just not right?

Maybe it was a friend’s kitchen or an over-lit hotel bathroom. No matter where it was, you probably felt uneasy. On-the-spot. Just plain uncomfortable.

The truth is, most of the time you experience this type of feeling it isn’t actually because of the room’s brightness. Instead, the true culprit was more than likely the wrong type of lighting.

To help ensure your home doesn’t leave your guests feeling this way, take a few minutes and enroll in Indirect Lighting 101.

Direct vs. Indirect: What’s the difference?

When it comes down to the various types of lighting, interior designers have two general options: direct lighting and indirect lighting.

As the names suggest, the core difference between the two is how the light travels from the fixture to the target.

If, for instance, a vast number of recessed lights pour illumination straight down onto the kitchen below, this type of lighting would be considered direct.

If your living room is brightened up by a series of shaded lamps and upward-facing sconces, this space is using indirect lighting instead.

Ultimately, if you can see the actual bulb that’s producing the light, then the area you’re in is being lit by direct lighting. And if you can’t see the actual bulb, then it’s more often than not going to be indirect lighting.

Direct or indirect: Which is right for me?

So, the question is: what type of lighting is right for my home?

And the answer is: it depends.

Want to brighten up a particular area to make it easier to perform certain actions like chopping food or working on the computer? Sounds like a job for task lighting and you’ll want to focus on a direct lighting fixture.

What about providing a space with more general illumination? That’s got ambient light written all over it. Indirect lighting can gently accomplish this aim without making you and your guests feel uncomfortably “on-the-spot”.

Need a little accent lighting to add some flare to your décor? Both types can be useful, depending on what your creative aim is. If you want a spotlight effect on, say, a beautiful vase then direct lighting is certainly the way to go.

If you’d rather highlight an architectural aspect like perhaps cabinetry or an interesting staircase, indirect lighting might be better suited for your goals.

What kinds of indirect lighting are there?

In the world of interior design, there are two major categories for the different types of indirect lighting available. Each have their own pros and cons as well as their own unique stylistic character.

  • Indirect Fixtures – This is by far the most common type of indirect lighting. Think of a lamp. Almost any lamp will do. What do you see? The light itself and, of course, the lampshade.

A lampshade or any other semi-transparent encasing for that matter is one way that direct light is transformed into indirect light. It helps to tone down the harshness of the radiation while still giving your space an uptick in brightness.

It’s generally an exceptionally versatile method of injecting some indirect lighting into your home without having to worry about installing mounted fixtures. After all, what could be easier than plugging in a lamp?

  • Reflective Lighting – While not quite as popular as the other subcategory of indirect lighting, the visual effect of reflective lighting can be incredibly powerful.

This type of indirect lighting will typically use a structural surface as it’s diffuser. So, whereas indirect fixtures may shine their light on an enclosure attached directly to the light itself, reflective lighting may use a wall or the ceiling instead.

This is one of the best ways to create beautiful and unobtrusive illumination in your home. Upward facing pendants and chandeliers, wall sconces, and LED light strips along structures like cabinets are just a few examples of reflective lighting.

Indirect lighting tips

Properly wielding the power of indirect lighting in your home’s décor can be tough at first. But once you get used to the unique benefits and characteristics of this particular lighting style, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Here are just a few tips to get you started.

  • Have a purpose in mind – Throwing any design element into a space without carefully considering the feel you’re going for is bound to lead to a room that clashes.

This same principle applies to lighting. If you want an area to be brightly lit so you can see all the fine details, direct lighting might be better suited to this area. Indirect lighting isn’t suited for spaces where you prepare meals, read magazines or books, or work on the computer for long periods of time.

  • Consider the fixture – Many indirect lighting fixtures have decorative aspects built right into them.

Pendant lighting is encased in decoratively painted glass enclosures. Chandeliers are wildly eccentric and structurally beautiful. And even a simple lampshade can add character to any space.

When you’re picking out a new source of indirect lighting then, be sure to think about how the design of the fixture itself is going to contribute to your home’s style.

  • Mix and match carefully - A well-lit room (both in terms of illumination and style) is accomplished with a mix of both direct and indirect lighting.

  • Having said that, indirect lighting can easily be washed out completely if you already have a fair amount of direct lighting. Finding the right balance of the two is key to getting your lighting just right.

    What’s your favorite way to use indirect lighting?

    What kinds of indirect lighting tips and tricks do you use to give your home some extra style? Let us know in the comments below and brighten up your home with the always-versatile Flux Smart bulbs.


    Designing Your Interior With Light: Today's Modern Trends July 26, 2017 00:00

    Light bulbs have come a long way in their 137 years.

    With the simple beginnings of Edison’s humble bulbs all the way to the computationally intensive designs of today, it’s hard to imagine what still lies ahead.

    And few industries have benefitted from these advances quite as much as interior design. In fact, clever designers are now using light itself as decoration, similar to how they use other elements like paint.

    Below, we take you through just a few ways you can start painting with light just like the pros.

    But before that, let’s take a look at the three basic advances modern illumination has brought to the design world.

    Color Versatility

    One of the biggest factors that separate the light bulbs of today from those of yore are the immensely useful color changing capabilities. Many higher-quality smart bulbs now come with the ability to create light in over 16 million different hues and freely switch between each.

    And if you’re restyling your home interior, few design elements are as important as color.

    Flexibility

    In addition to color, having a flexible lighting setup can truly do wonders for your décor. While this category used to consist solely of the ability to dim lights (which is still invaluable), now light bulbs come with a huge variety of settings.

    For example, you can assign settings for brightness, color, and lighting transitions for a group of lights to a custom scheme and return to that scheme whenever you want.

    That way if you want to watch a movie, set the stage for a romantic evening, or deck out your home for an unforgettable party, all you have to do is select the appropriate scheme and presto! Perfect lighting.

    Accessibility

    And finally, the modern lightbulb with all its versatility and flexibility is now more accessible than ever. And while a big part is a constantly dropping price tag, there’s more to it than that.

    Modern smart bulbs can now be controlled by any connected device. No more light switches, no more forgetting to turn your lights off, and no more lack of complete control, no matter where on Earth you are. Pretty cool, huh?

    With the combination of these three elements of modern lighting comes a whole new world of design possibilities.

    Modern lighting in interior design: a few pointers

    When it comes to creatively and beautifully lighting your home, there’s practically nothing you can’t do with the modern light bulb. But it all depends on if you know how to mix and match each of these three factors effectively.

    All it takes is a bit of imagination and the willingness to try something different.

    That’s why we’ve put together just a few tips to get you started.

    But remember: getting your home to convey the character and attitude that’s perfect for you isn’t an exact science. As such, take the tips below and try to expand on each and give them your own personal flair.

    After all, your home’s design scheme is meant to be an expression of yourself. If you just copy the décor from a magazine, where’s the individuality in that?

    Use light to complement other decor

    Accent lighting is crucial to draw the eye to a particular design element for two reasons: it illuminates a particular object more than the surrounding décor and it can actually use light to point to that object.

    The jar above, for example, is made all the more alluring by the surrounding light reflected by the wall it rests in front of. You instinctually know where to look thanks to this lighting technique.

    Or use light alone to fill a space

    Rather than just using light to help reveal other design elements, it can also be used by itself to add creative visual appeal to an area by itself.

    This bedroom’s accent wall is made all the more interesting by the end table lamps below, the light of which matches the shape and flow of the wallpaper it shines upon.

    Take advantage of unique fixture

    Some fixtures allow for unique design opportunities simply because of how they spread their light around the room.


    The intricate interplay between illumination and shadow can have an infinite number of patterns and, as such, gives you just as many options for sprucing up your home’s décor.

    Color is key

    We can’t talk about using light to influence interior design without addressing color. And thanks to smart bulbs, changing the hues of a space’s design has never been easier than it is today.

    The bold style of the space above, for example, is made all the more impressive by adding a single string of radiant purple light to the room. Nothing says confidence quite like that!

    Highlight design elements

    And finally, you can use light to accentuate your home’s design by calling attention to them. Think of light as a kind of outline.

    This technique is especially effective when it comes to features like cabinetry (as in the picture above) or in stairways, hallways, or even countertops. It works great for long, straight surfaces but a bit of creativity can find a use for it absolutely anywhere.

    How have you painted your home with light?

    What kinds of insider tricks have you come up with using light to decorate your home? Which of these tips has revolutionized your interior design? Let us know in the comments below and get painting with some of the most creative lights on the market, Flux Smart bulbs.


    Choosing The Right Fixtures To Accentuate Your Home's Style July 19, 2017 00:00

    An adept interior designer knows that a single change in a room’s décor can transform its entire feel in an instant.

    An accent wall can give a run-of-the-mill kitchen a fresh burst of modernity.

    A boring old family room can explode with style thanks to a new rug and curtains.

    And a few different lighting fixtures can inject new life into practically any space at all.

    That’s why it’s crucial to know that, when it comes to your lighting fixtures, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from – because even the smallest change can revolutionize the look and feel of your home.

    Wall sconces

    These lighting fixtures, like pendant lights, are growing in popularity. And many times, their design schemes have a subtle beauty that other fixtures just can’t match (also like pendant lighting).

    This type of lighting is typically used only in smaller spaces like bathrooms or hallways where less light is required.  

    Pendant lighting

    For those of you looking for a touch of sleek modernity, pendant lighting is by far your best option.

    These low hanging single-bulb fixtures can be used in groups or by themselves, though most people find they look best in numbers. They’re ideal for areas like kitchen islands and dining rooms.

    Cove Lighting

    One of the rarest types of lighting to be sure, cove lighting is placed on a ledge or shelf near the ceiling. This creates a small patch of indirect light above structures like cabinets or dressers.

    More a type of accent lighting than anything else, this unique lighting choice is creative, attractive, and can add a burst of style to almost any space.

    Recessed lights

    An increasingly popular choice for homeowners around the world, recessed lighting offers a functional way to brighten up a space without having to deal with the visual appeal of a fixture – both a blessing and a curse.

    What’s more, using too much recessed lighting can make a room feel quite uncomfortable and is one lighting mistake that definitely detracts from your home’s interior design.

    Floor and table lamps


    Highly versatile and a classic choice for any occasion, floor and table lamps are what most people see when they think of lighting.

    They come in a nearly limitless number of designs, you can move them practically anywhere, and many lamp shades are interchangeable, giving you a whole new layer of decoration to experiment with.

    What’s not to love?

    Soffit lighting

    Instead of projecting light out into the room below, a soffit light shines directly onto a vertical surface like a wall.

    Similar to cove lighting, soffit lighting is a rare sight to behold indeed. Which is unfortunate, because this kind of lighting can really add a type of character to a space that’s hard to achieve without it.

    Chandeliers

    If you were to ask any group of people which lighting fixture is the most elegant, by far the most common answer would be the chandelier. And it’s no wonder. These hanging congregations of glass and light are designed to be the aesthetic centerpiece of any space.

    And if you’re looking for ways to boost your ambient lighting with drama and style, there’s no better choice than the classic chandelier

    Under-cabinet lighting

    A relatively modern development in the world of illumination, under-cabin lighting first got it’s kick when LED lights started becoming affordable for the average homeowner.

    As the name suggests, they’re typically used underneath kitchen cabinetry to provide some task lighting for activities like chopping and cooking.

    More and more, they’re also being used in bathrooms to light the way in the night or just to give the space a little more character.

    Desk lamps

    More of a task lighting fixture than an ambient one, desk lamps are the go-to choice for, well, desks. But don’t be fooled by their size – desk lamps like their larger counterparts come in a wide variety of styles that extend from classic and understated to over-the-top and modern.

    They’re the ideal choice for anyone looking to brighten up their home office or give themselves some light to read by in bed.

    Track lighting

    This type of lighting is easily one of the most adjustable. Lights are placed on a track attached to the ceiling and can be moved and manipulated to brighten up any area you turn them towards.

    While not the most visually appealing fixture, there’s certainly something to be said about the flexibility this type of lighting provides.

    What type of fixture is your favorite?

    Do you prefer the classical elegance of a chandelier? Or maybe the modern simplicity and color of a pendant light? Let us know in the comments below and take a look at some of these beautiful Flux Smart bulbs today.


    9 Eco-Friendly Interior Design Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint July 12, 2017 00:00

    Doing your part to help the environment used to just be a passing interest.

    Sure, recycle a few cans here and there. Donate to an eco-friendly charity once in a while. But other than that, most modern households weren’t too concerned with how their actions were affecting the earth.

    Nowadays however, it’s absolutely essential that we each do our part because frankly, the planet has never been more fragile than it is today.

    But luckily, being eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style when it comes to your interior design.

    Below, we’ve put together nine ways to go green while still staying chic.

    Seek out natural bases made of wood or stone

    Few design elements scream out “nature lover” like ones that come straight from the earth like stone and wood.

    Granite countertops, bamboo ceilings, and reclaimed barn-wood walls not only look amazing, they also cut down on pre-market processing where the bulk of polluting takes place.

    Prioritize organic materials for your comfort needs

    The same principle as above applies to the not-so-structural elements as well. Natural materials like organic cotton, wool, silk, and other natural fibers are all extremely versatile and can be used in pillows, comforters, mattresses and even floor coverings.

    Keeping your distance from synthetic fibers not only takes some of the energy-intensive manufacturing out of the equation, it also reduces the use of the petroleum-based chemicals which can be required to make them.

    Take advantage of sunlight as much as you can

    If your home is lucky enough to get natural sunlight but you aren’t making use of it, that’s a mistake that could really be holding back your interior design.

    Sunlight is bar none the best quality light you can get. It brings out colors, isn’t overwhelming, and, of course, is 100% natural.

    What does that mean for your home décor’s carbon footprint? The more natural light you bring into your home, the less you have to spend on artificial lighting.

    So go ahead, open up those shades up a bit.

    Aim for energy-efficient light bulbs

    When you can’t bring the Sun’s radiance into your space, the next best choice for illumination is undoubtedly LED lighting. These bulbs are 75% more efficient than tradition incandescent bulbs and are even more eco-friendly than compact fluorescents.

    And when you consider all the other environmental benefits of modern smart bulbs today, there are few changes you can make around the house that rival the simplicity and effectiveness of smart lighting.

    Consider using multi-purpose furniture

    Furniture design has changed over the years. And one of the most exciting new developments in the field is multi-purpose design.

    Through creativity and ingenuity alone, furniture designers all over the world are creating couches that transform into beds, desks that morph into complete dining sets, and chairs that double as storage.

    Besides being incredibly clever, these creations help to take advantage of space and cut down on production materials too.

    Read your labels carefully

    Environmentally friendly production has actually become a selling point for a lot of companies. And that means materials of all sorts will tell you whether their processes are eco-friendly.

    Some even come with a VOC (volatile organic compounds) rating right on the packaging so you know if they contain harmful air pollutants.

    So next time you’re picking out a new paint shade to add some character to your living room, be on the lookout for eco-friendly choices. You probably won’t have to search too hard.

    Pop in a few plants

    This one shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. What’s more pro-environment than plants anyway?

    In addition to adding a splash of color to your space, plants help to filter your air by removing fine particulates and absorbing carbon dioxide. If you’re looking for a fresher feel for your interior design, bring mother nature into the equation.

    Secondhand furnishings are chic and eco-friendly

    There was a time when brand new furnishings were the peak of elegance. But, as you’ve probably noticed, secondhand objects are starting to take over as the pinnacle of style.

    Whether it’s the story behind a driftwood-carved coffee table that was found in a thrift store or the character conveyed by the slightly-off stitching in your family room rug, the charm of secondhand furniture is putting it in first place.

    Shop and ship local whenever possible

     

    And finally, try to get as many materials as you can from vendors who source their products locally. The less fuel it takes to bring those products to you, the better.

    What eco-friendly techniques have you used in your home décor?

     

    Do you have any little-known interior design strategies that are pro-environment? Let us know in the comments below and start going green with these eco-friendly Flux Smart products.

    How To Recreate Movie Magic With Smart Lighting, Right From Your Living Room July 5, 2017 00:00

    smart lighting theater

    Photo by Hashi Photo via Wikimedia


    Is there anything quite like the feel of going to a movie?

    The smell of the popcorn, that enormous screen that lets you see every single detail, and a sound system that can shake you to your core. And when the house lights finally lower – there are few feelings that can compare!

    While smart lighting can’t do anything about the intoxicating smell of popcorn (not yet anyway), it’s certainly one of the best tools around for recreating the look and feel of a movie theater in your very own home.

    Here are just a couple of ways smart lighting can be used to turn your blasé movie nights into a truly cinematic experience.

    Use colored lighting to add a bit of drama

    colored smart lighting can add drama

    Want to add a bit of flair to your favorite flick? Try watching it in a whole new light – literally!

    Smart bulbs give you the power to change your lighting to nearly any color you can imagine. In fact, many high-end bulbs have over 16 million different hues to choose from.

    Try watching an underwater shark thriller like Deep Blue Sea while your home theater’s bathed in dark blue light. Or maybe a jungle action flick like Tarzan while immersing yourself in a rich green hue. A deep red for desert films like Lawrence of Arabia will really put you in the heat of the Sahara!

    And with smart lighting, adding this extra level of immersion is as easy as flipping a switch, especially when you’ve got TV bias light strips around your set.

    Setting the scene



    Arguably the best part about smart lighting is the ease of use. No matter where you are in your house or even in the entire world, as long as you’ve got a connected smart device, it’s like you’ve got a light switch right in your pocket.

    But these bulbs can do more for you than just let you shut off your home theater’s lights right from your couch. They also let you create fine-tuned lighting environments that can improve nearly every experience, and that goes double for watching a movie.

    For example, if you’re in the mood for a cheery romantic comedy, you can find out what lighting scheme works best for the genre (maybe a bit darker with some light pink coloring), save it, and use it again whenever you’d like.

    Or maybe there’s a new horror flick that you just can’t bring yourself to watch in the dark (it’s okay – we’ve all been there before). Just flip on your fully customized horror film lighting setting and you’ve got the perfect environment to enjoy the scares without getting too immersed.

    Setting the mood has never been easier!

    Automate the theater experience with smart lighting 

    automate the theater experience

    Have you heard of IFTTT? It’s an awesome new way to connect the various abilities of different apps. Automatically turn off your lights when you leave home, change your bulb’s colors to match the weather, the possibilities are really endless.

    And when you apply this powerful functionality to your home theater, you can accomplish some pretty amazing things.

    For example, you might be able to set up your system to automatically dim the lights, turn up the volume, and set your system’s picture to movie mode, all by simply starting a film.

    Or maybe you want your hallway lights to brighten up whenever you pause a movie. No more fumbling in the dark on the way to the fridge.

    And when you add Alexa integration into the picture, you can perform it all completely hands-free!

    Get your lighting just right

    smart lighting products

    What’s one of the most important factors when it comes to enjoying your favorite flicks? That’s right – it’s all about the lighting.

    Whether you’re watching a heart-wrenching drama, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, or even just a slapstick comedy, every single emotion, scare, or laugh is intensified when you feel like you’re fully immersed in the film.

    That’s why movie theaters are so dark – it helps cut out distractions and lets you feel like you’re right there in the scene.

    Unfortunately, the contrast between the bright light of the screen and the pitch black of the surrounding room can have some pretty devastating consequences for your eyes.

    That’s where TV bias light strips come in. These handy LEDs attach right to the back of your television set and help brighten up a small area right around the screen, thus reducing the contrast.

    That means less eyestrain for you and your guests and an overall more satisfying cinematic experience.  

    Get immersed in your favorite film!

    movie theater smart lighting closing

    What kind of creative lighting tricks do you use to really get into the cinematic mood? How have these smart lighting tips helped you get immersed in movie night? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to head over to the Flux Smart products page!