Lighting is the hidden element that can create an entire mood in your household. But there is such a wide variety of lighting fixtures to choose from, and they all have different attitudes and vibes. It seems like there is so much to consider as you search. Finding the proper lighting for your home can be difficult, but it’s not impossible; here are the different types of indoor lighting for your home.

Recessed Fixtures

Recessed fixtures are the reliable stars of the lighting world—they add an air of sophistication and class to a space. Loved by many for its appearance and light output customization, recessed lighting is a popular addition to modern renovations. These lights wedge right into your ceiling, allowing the eye line to move without interruption and making a space look cleaner.

It is common to “DIY” their installation. However, there are risks when you install recessed lighting yourself—a licensed electrician should do this work. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are in households that have a modern and luxurious feeling. They can take a dimly lit hallway that was previously a means to an end and transform it into a sleek corridor. Wall sconces are one of the many different types of indoor lighting for your home. With them, making a statement is easy, as they come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Their installation is easier than other kinds of lighting, as some sconces come with a plug-in. That means the most challenging thing for you will be figuring out how to blend your wire.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers stand out in spacious areas with high ceilings and are in houses that make a statement. The chandelier itself will be the most significant point of attraction in any room. Having any flashy décor competing with this light fixture can create a burden on the eyes. Often found in entryways, chandeliers start the house off with a bang, as it is the first object a guest’s eye will land on, creating a lasting impression.

Outdoor spaces built with pavers and patio bricks craft an I-Deal-Lifestyle. There are many common uses for these building materials around your home. Let’s look at some of their applications for inspiration for your next outdoor project.

Pool Decks

Many pool decks on the West Coast utilize pavers. They can stand up well to water splashing on them, as they’re quite durable. Pavers make the outdoor space look dynamic and often achieve better results than a concrete deck. Repairing cracks in concrete decks can get costly, depending on the extent of the damage.

On the contrary, pavers are easier to repair. If they start to fade or you notice any cracks, these are signs it’s time to replace your pavers. Switch out your old paver for a new one—a far more affordable solution than fixing a concrete deck.

Patios

Pavers and patio bricks are commonly used in patios, as they work efficiently together. Even if your outdoor space utilizes a cement base, patio bricks can enhance the concrete patio by creating a border or small wall around the edge. This accent makes the space much more eye-catching and helps divide up the space in the backyard.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to build a patio from scratch, pavers are an affordable choice and very low maintenance. Since many types of pavers exist, you can tailor the design to your tastes. Plus, they’re versatile, so you can create just about anything with them for the I-Deal-Lifestyle, from fire pits to benches.

Elevated Gardens

People with green thumbs will want to take their gardens to the next level. While pavers look great around a garden, they also are highly functional. These stones lend themselves well to flowers and vegetables by providing protection and drainage.

Pathways

We often think pavers and patio bricks are synonymous with pathways. Like the other projects mentioned, you can take plenty of creative liberties when crafting an entryway to your front door or a path to your garden in your backyard. You can do one solid path or have a divided path to make it unique. Contrasting patio bricks also provide a nice accent to pathways when you use them as an outline.

Outdoor areas like decks and porches are a beautiful way to enjoy a moment of peace and make the most of your home’s outside space. However, if you want to keep these spaces in good condition, they will need updates and upgrades from time to time. Here are some simple ways to upgrade your home’s deck or porch.

Make Repairs

The first way you can upgrade your deck or porch is by making repairs. Over time, your outdoor space can experience wear and tear from the elements and extreme weather conditions. Therefore, repairing it whenever you notice significant damage is a good idea. For example, you could fix hand railings, posts, and loose or broken boards.

Restain the Wood

Restaining the wood is another great way to update your decks and porches. Consistent sun exposure can cause your deck or porch’s wood to fade over time, making it look dull and drab. But you can fix this problem easily by restaining it. First, you’ll want to wash your deck and let it dry for 24 to 48 hours. Then, you can choose a stain of your choice and apply it to the wood’s surface.

Include Outdoor Lighting

You can also include outdoor lighting on your porch or deck to make the most of your home’s external space. Installing lights is a great way to upgrade your outdoor area so that you can enjoy it all day long, even in the evenings. There are several outdoor deck lighting ideas to enhance your space. These lighting systems will allow you to illuminate your nights with friends and family so that you can entertain and spend quality time together.

Decorate the Space

Decorating the space is another exciting and simple way to elevate your porch or deck. Decorating is also one of the best ways to make your patio more attractive. There are many interesting ways you can add decorative touches to your deck. For example, you can add outdoor furniture, string lights, potted planters, statues, bird feeders, wind chimes, and more. Get creative with your ideas, and before you know it, you’ll have a stunning space for you and your friends to enjoy.

Now that you know how to upgrade your outdoor deck or porch, you can use these strategies for your home today. Put in the effort so that you can make the most of your home’s outside space.

Concrete patios are durable and affordable; however, they lack some of the attractive design elements of other types of stone patios. Fortunately, if you’re looking for ways to make a concrete patio more attractive, there are many methods you can implement. Keep reading for several tips on designing and decorating your backyard patio.

Update the Edges

By changing the edges of your concrete patio, you can create a more uniquely shaped space. For example, rounding the edges of your stone patio creates a circular or ovular patio shape instead of a square or rectangular slab. This can add instant charm and appeal to even the most basic concrete installations.

Add a Wall or Border

Another way to improve your concrete patio’s appearance is to add a surrounding wall. Consider installing a low wall that frames your patio but doesn’t obstruct the view of your backyard or beyond. Adding a stone wall can also help section off areas of your backyard. This addition organizes the space, directs foot traffic, and contributes to a more luxurious feel for your patio.

Invest in Stamped Concrete

If you haven’t already poured your concrete slab for your patio or walkways, consider investing in a concrete service that offers stamped decorative concrete. This type of concrete installation involves the contractors pressing decorative stamps into the wet concrete to create a specific design. Contractors can decorate concrete to look like individual stones and bricks or even wood finishes. This can be a smart option if you’re looking for an affordable and durable patio option.

Add an Outdoor Rug

Finally, if you’re seeking an affordable option or don’t want to add another construction project to your list, you can accessorize your concrete patio with an outdoor rug. Choose from outdoor rugs in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, and pick an option that matches your personal design preferences and patio space. Pairing your rug choice with your patio furniture and other accessories helps you achieve a cohesive design and feel.

If you want to create a more appealing backyard space, implement these tips for making a concrete patio more attractive. You’ll find that you can turn even the most basic of concrete slabs into a stylish space.

Every home has a unique smell that distinguishes it from other places. As most people consider smell "human's most powerful sense," it often tells you a lot about your environment.

When it comes to residential properties, a fresh-smelling home is usually a great sign and what most homeowners strive for. On the other hand, odors from moisture, trash receptacles, and pets tend to transform an abode for the worse.

Luckily, here you’ll discover a simple guide to having an amazing smelling home that could help you freshen the air around you. Continue reading on to learn more!

Consider Baking Soda Your Best Friend

Not-so-fresh scents are infamous for taking over the atmosphere and sending your nose on an undesirable roller coaster. However, you can combat odors from becoming a nuisance by using baking soda throughout your home.

Most people know of the baking soda technique as an efficient strategy for absorbing smells in their fridge. Fortunately, you can place a few bowls around the house to deter odors in their tracks when cooking; you’ll want to replace them weekly.

Assess Your Home’s Moisture Levels

Sadly, moisture is one of the leading causes of household odors. In this case, you’ll want to consider using a hygrometer to assess humidity levels in each room. If you come across a reading that indicates over 60 percent humidity, you may want to acquire a dehumidifier to regulate levels.

It’s worth noting that dehumidifiers can be expensive, so you may want to start with one unit and incorporate more based on its performance.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Your kitchen sink is home to many food remnants that can get caught in your drains or garbage disposal. The more time food particles spend in your garbage disposal, the more your sink develops unpleasant odors.

You'll want to use a dollop of lemon-scented soap down the chute to clean drains, run your water, and turn on the disposal.

For a more natural approach, you may want to grind lemon or lime peels through the disposal, followed with running water. As a reinforcement, you can pour ½ cup baking soda into the disposal and run warm water.

Change Your Air Filters

A contaminated air filter is a significant red flag that affects your home in more ways than its smell. A clogged air filter may have difficulty trapping contaminants and fumes into your residence, allowing these invisible menaces to affect your air quality.

As part of the indoor air quality home checklist, you want to change your air filters every three to six months to promote a consistently good-smelling home.

Simmer Herbs and Fruits

Who doesn't love the sweet yet citrusy smell of fruits? This strategy uses a large pot, some citrus slices, and a few herbs like mint or lavender. After filling up your stock pot and placing it on the stove, add your lemon rinds, orange slices, and lime peels.

Afterward, let them simmer on low heat for a couple of hours. The steam will then carry sweet citrus notes throughout your home and kick out those bad smells for good.

No matter how often you clean your residence, odors develop naturally and affect your quality of life. However, this simple guide can help you achieve an amazing smelling home and fix those malodors.

Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |

Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff

Are your electric bills unusually high? Your home may be energy inefficient. If that’s the case, it’s time to make a change. You don’t have to suffer from high energy bills. Instead, learn how to make your home more energy efficient. We’ll show you how below.

Remember Your Insulation

Insulation is a key part of making your home more energy efficient. Ensure your windows, attic, walls, and doors are properly sealed. If you feel any drafts, you can caulk them yourself or call in a professional. Regardless, insulation is usually one of the first things to consider. You can use different insulation mediums, such as foam and fiberglass. The insulation company will tell you what is best for your needs. This is a great way to ensure your home is more energy efficient. 

Go Solar

Solar panels have a high ROI. Depending on where you live, they can save you a ton of energy. Some electric companies will even pay you for the excess energy that your solar panels produce. In addition to this, you’re harnessing clean energy. Going solar is a great step when trying to do your part and save the environment. As long as you possess a solar battery—which has many benefits—you’ll be able to get power daily, at night, or even during power outages.

Buy Energy Efficient Appliances

Your appliances could be the culprit behind your high energy bills. Because of this, Energy Star appliances are your friend. They give you great energy bill savings and contribute to fewer greenhouse gas emissions overall. Poor energy use is the main cause of these emissions. Check out your utilities as well. This goes back to the point about insulation, but your HVAC system could be why your bills are so high. Anything from an older boiler and furnace system to leaking air ducts can be a serious problem for homeowners. If you find that that’s an issue, it might be time for a replacement.

In short, it’ll be easy making your home more energy efficient. You have to identify the problem areas and replace or mitigate them. Any of the previous tips will help you do just that. They are a force multiplier when it comes to being more energy efficient. We hope you enjoyed them!

Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff

Businesses that wish to experience continual growth rely on the foundational members of their teams to carry out their tasks and meet expectations. The best way to achieve this end goal is to create a team that is both fluid and efficient with its tasks. When your workers are too independent, members of your team become more likely to stumble over each other. These are some strategies to improve communication in the workplace.

End of the Week Meet-Ups

A team with members who are comfortable with each other and know one another on a more personal level is more likely to operate with success. While it is important to focus on business goals and quotas, it’s also important to remember that your workers are still human at the end of the day. By setting up regular end-of-the-week meetings for a casual break from the rest of the day, you’ll help your employees gradually become more comfortable.

Efficient Communication Channels

It is not enough to have a team that is comfortable with each other; members should also be capable of efficiently transferring information to one another. While emails and office programs are great, more active jobsites are not able to rely on those methods. This is especially true for dangerous situations. It’s wise to train your employees to use a two-way radio in an emergency on the off chance that something goes wrong.

One-on-One Chats

Sometimes, people do not work well in group settings. This is not the end of the world for that employee. Team leads who routinely communicate with members individually are better able to act as professional social anchors for those members. So long as the worker is comfortable enough with one person, they can contribute in their way while being kept up to date on the progress of their peers.

Managing a workplace is tough, but luckily, you’re not doing it alone. Having naturally sociable members and understanding leaders creates a comfortable work environment where people can flourish. These strategies to improve communication in the workplace are a great place to start for newer businesses working to create a steady foundation for interpersonal communication.

Want the look of a nice bathroom without the high price tag? Bathroom remodels can cost anywhere from 6,000–15,000 dollars. While you can cut these prices down quite a bit by doing most of the work yourself, some materials and renovations cost a lot of money. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for your next bathroom remodel.

Look Into Alternative Flooring Options

Tile is expensive and labor intensive, so consider other options. If you love the look of hardwood, consider engineered wood; it looks like hardwood, but it’s much less expensive. It’s also better suited for the bathroom than hardwood—engineered wood is water-resistant, while hardwood isn’t. Plus, you can install it with gorilla glue or a nail gun.

Do you have your heart set on tile? Consider peel and stick tile. You’ll get the look of tile without the price, and it’s also much less labor intensive and easier to remove.

Laminate flooring is the least labor-intensive option of these three. That’s because it snaps into place over your existing floor. You’ll also size it to your room, so measure your bathroom’s dimensions before purchasing it.

Replace the Vanity, Keep the Counter

While it’s more expensive than repainting, replacing your vanity base is another budget-friendly idea for your next bathroom remodel. If you love the look of your countertop or replacing it is over budget, this is the DIY project for you.

Buy a topless bathroom vanity and confirm that it’s the right size for your current countertop. If your countertop isn’t cutting it, choose a vinyl film or laminate countertop to lay over the existing surface.

Recalibrate Your Space

One of the best ways to get an airier bathroom is to clean up excess clutter. And better yet, this step is free! Once you’ve pared down your lotion collection, put an organization system in place to help keep it clutter-free. Add baskets to cabinets or the back of the toilet, install shelving and drawer dividers, and place hardware on the back of your door for easy hanging.

Swapping out small details can also make a big impact. Replace your towels or shower curtain to change the feel of the space. Paint or reframe your mirror to refresh it without replacing it entirely. You can thrift many small items like these, or you may find them at garage sales; baskets, bins, décor, and glassware are all great items to buy at thrift stores.