Green Living: Homes Made of Innovative Materials

May 20, 2015May 22, 2015 | honeyaubrey

When it comes to green living and innovative designs, these homes are like no other. Ready to hear about some amazing homes that you probably wouldn’t mind having? If you are in the process of building or remodeling, you might wanna take some notes, as these homes take the term “greenovate” to a whole new level. Read on….

SHIPPING CONTAINER HOUSE

http://tomecekstudio.com/work/dwellings/shipping-container-house/

Located in Nederland, Colorado, this house is made with two shipping containers. Can’t tell, huh? Eco-friendly strategies in creating this sweet far-from-the-norm house on a hill (literally) includes the use of recyclable materials, solar paneled roofs, and photovoltaics for electricity. One container holds two bedrooms and bathrooms, and the other container holds a kitchen. The center space between the containers is used for entry, dining and living room. Total living space is over 1500 sq. ft!

POP-UP HOUSE

http://www.popup-house.com/

Have a knack for building legos? You would absolutely love this pop-up house concept! Available in France and built in just four days, a pop-up house is assembled using insulated blocks separated by wooden boards, tightened by long screws. The modular capabilities allow for changes in layout, shapes and extensions. Considered a passive house, the pop-up house has low energy consumption, while capturing maximum solar energy. Wood is composed of Laminate Veneer Lumber (LVL), which is resistant to fire and earthquakes.

HEMPCRETE HOUSE

http://inhabitat.com

When you think of hemp, you don’t immediately think “I’m going to built my house with that!” When you hear concrete, then yes, of course, maybe. So hemp + concrete = hempcrete. Hempcrete is a building material that incorporates hemp mixed with lime-based binder. Hempcrete is making its way as a sustainable resource for housing and construction. It is strong, lightweight, breathable, and mold-resistant. Hempcrete is 3x more resistant to earthquakes than concrete. Over time, the material hardens and can last for hundreds of years. Hempcrete is a renewable resource and can be reused either as a building material or back to the soil as a fertilizer. America’s first hempcrete house was built in Asheville, NC in 2010 (pictured), and has since made a green statement in encouraging the use of hempcrete in residential and commercial use.

WATERNEST 100

http://www.ecoflolife.com/habitat/

Eco-House of the future! Designed by Italian Architect Giancarlo Zema for EcoFloLige, he got his inspiration from the aquatic nests of water birds, believing that we, too can live with a “floating experience in a natural habitat”. Made of 98% recyclable materials and energy saving techniques, the Waternest 100 is constructed of recycled aluminum hull and recycled timber, powered by solar panels. It is designed to be positioned along sea areas with calm waters, lakes, bay, rivers, etc. Since the earth’s water levels are increasing, we might just have to adapt.

ZEROHOUSE

http://zerohouse.net/

The Zerohouse is a prefabricated house that can be easily shipped and built, featuring a full kitchen, bath and two bedrooms. It is climate-controlled and has the ability to be operated independently, collecting solar power for energy. The Zerohouse can also store up to one week’s worth of energy usage. It gathers rainwater in an elevated reservoir and waste disposal connection is unnecessary as waste is processed into dry compost below the house. Master controls are wired to a central computer, so everything in the house is automatic. If you’ve always wanted to live in the desert or in the middle of nowhere, then the ZeroHouse is the perfect option for remote living, especially if you’re thinking of living far, far away from civilization.

All That Glitters Is…

May 8, 2015May 7, 2015 | honeyaubrey

…gold… and silver. They shine, they sparkle, and yes, they’re luxurious! In home design metallics are no longer just festive accents during the holidays. Modern and chic, whether in the spring or summer, gold and silver brings a dash of style and regality like no other colors.

How do you incorporate this glitzy trend in your home? Read below for some tips.

METALLIC 101

They might be flashy, but they can also be considered neutrals because they work with any color palette. Although, keep in mind metallic tones are reflective in nature. So it’s important to allow them to be the star of their own show, and make them pop. Gold and silver can make any space gleam worthy, you have to literally, make them shine. As accessories, the most dramatic impact is done in small doses. Otherwise, it will be overwhelming. If you decide to go bigger, as in metallic furniture, then by all means go BIG! Then keep everything else neutral. Lastly, you can mix and match gold and silver. It adds texture and creates a history- a not so monotonous “I actually live here” look. Like everything else, it’s all about balance.

GO FOR THE GOLD

starburstmirror_decorpad — *Image Courtesy of http://www.decorpad.com*

Black and gold = sexy and lustrous. For fashionistas, think the LBD with a gold statement necklace. Rich gold also works well on rustic brick walls as it create a contrast of whimsy. Achieve this look by placing a gold starburst mirror against urban brick walls. For a sunny and more inviting atmosphere, play up yellow with gold. For a feminine touch, go for light gold and glass, such as our Rachel Occasional Table Collection here at Red Knot.

SEE THE SILVER LINING

AquaSilver_decoist — *Image Courtesy of http://www.decoist.com*

Silver works great with floral patterns as it softens the palette. Decorate with white tabletop accessories to enhance the silver. Cool shades of blue or white with silver and chrome accents creates a sleek and polished look, however you can warm up the atmosphere by adding warm tones of gold.

BE INSPIRED

Here are our 10 faves from Red Knot that can bedazzle any space.

1. Rachel Oval Cocktail Table, $339
2. Leather & Lace Wall Art, $549
3. Nyack 3-Drawer Mirror Chest, $399
4. Robinson Accent Table, $99
5. Silver Table Lamp, various styles – $129 & up
6. Dendrobium Silk Floral Arrangement, $79
7. Mercury Ball Decor, $24
8. Mirror Glass Tray, $59
9. Gold Star Tabletop Decor, $24
10. Silver Metal Sculpture Set, $59

As you can see, metallic furnishings and accessories give your interiors edge and glamour. So don’t be afraid to go for the gold (and silver) because it’s your home’s time to shine.

Even Your Mother Will Love Me

May 1, 2015May 1, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Mom’s the word in this special blog post featuring Red Knot items fit for mom this coming Mother’s Day. Celebrate her love for you and proclaim that she is, in fact, the best mom in the world.

Sunday May 10th, is just around the corner. If you haven’t gotten mom her gift yet, come on over and browse through our endless possibilities of gifts for mom.

In addition, starting today May 1st, until Monday May 4th, Red Knot is having a storewide sale for all accessories! 20% OFF ACCESSORIES! This includes rug, lamps, wall art, tabletop decor and other lifestyle accessories.

You know, there is a definitely a cool factor here at Red Knot that almost everything we offer, even your mother will love.

How to Dress Up Your Bed

April 23, 2015April 24, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Monacointeriors — *Image Courtesy of Monaco Interiors*

There is so much more to your bed than just being a place to relax and sleep in. Since you spend about one-third of the day in bed, it should be an intimate and beautiful sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate after a long day. In addition, beautiful bedding enhances your sleep as well as your mood. The challenge is creating enticing, much envied looks that you see in magazines, Pinterest and showroom floors.

Here are some tips to help you create your dream bed…

LAYERED COMFORT

decorny_bohobed — *Image Courtesy of decorny.com*

Dressing up your bed is all about layers. However, your bed should be a balance between fashionable and cozy. Choose a great base for your bed by buying the best mattress you can afford. If not, you can update an old mattress by adding pillow toppers or a feather bed to make it feel like new.

THE SHEET SET

Sheets can be easily changed at any time, so have fun with this. The sheet set generally includes pillowcases, a fitted sheet and flat sheet. You can choose solid colors, or coordinating patterns with the rest of your bedding.

ALL COVERED UP

Modern-bed-with-Mid-century-style_decoist — Image Courtesy of decoist.com

There are several options for bed covers. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your bed cover is the type of sleeper you are and the weather if it makes a difference. Summer months in Hawaii gets very, very hot! A quilt can be used as a bed cover, or an additional layer for warmth. It is made with three layers with a middle layer being thin cotton lining. Quilts are usually designed and sewn together with many pieces of cloth, although modern quilts can be solid colors. A coverlet, or comforter, is large enough to cover the whole mattress, sometimes hanging low enough to cover the boxspring and bedframe. It also has three layers- a woven top, a layer filled of material including polyester batting down feathers, wool or silk, and a final backing. A duvet cover is constructed shorter than a coverlet. It is designed for smaller mattresses (European), or for platform beds. It is like a giant pillow case as you can fill it with cushion in cooler months. If you wanted to, you can use it entirely as a single covering for your bed. If you’re in the mood for a DIY project, you can create your own duvet by stitching two different fabrics back to back!

PILLOW TALK

Selecting the right bed pillows is very important as it gives that luxury of making a bed much more inviting. They serve a functional purpose and make fabulous accent pieces. The pillows do the most talking, telling you to come on over!

Is there a science behind arranging pillows for aesthetic purposes? See the visual below created by Marissa Waddell Interiors for ideas on how to arrange your pillows:

Rule of thumb in pillow sizes is from back to front it should be biggest to smallest. Vary the sizes of the decorative pillows in sizes, colors and textures, while keeping the overall look from getting too busy. Highlight the decorative pillows either by choosing a different color/texture from the sheet set, or pull colors from around the room to create a cohesive look, but at the same time giving them a decorative purpose.

COLOR STORY & PATTERN PLAY

nate-berkus-bedding — *Image Courtesy of bedroomfurnituredotcom*

Play up the color schemes with bright colors and patterns either for a casual or boho look. For a fluffy, I’m-sleeping-in-the clouds feel, go with all white in various textures. You can also offset this with a highly patterned coverlet for an artistic feel. For a modern room choose color palettes in shades of grays and whites, with strong accents of color such as red and violet. Textured decorative pillows (neckrolls, bolster and boudoir) can bring a bit of whimsy. Think faux fur, embroideries, appliques, burlap, etc. Pops of color and texture on your bed add layers and personality to a sleek and monotonous room.

FINISHING TOUCHES

nicespace-me_modernbed — Image Courtesy of nicespace.me

For a final touch, add a throw to your bed spread. You can simply fold the throw blanket, just lay it over your bed or drape the throw on the bottom corner.

Another thing to remember is to dress up your bed like you would dress yourself! Let it be an expression of you!

Choosing That Perfect Rug

April 17, 2015April 17, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Image Courtesy of http://www.decoratorsbest.com

Area rugs are the essential decorative accessory in a room. It is a functional piece (protects the floor and your feet) while enhancing design elements to the space. The styles, colors and materials to choose from are endless! Sometimes it can feel like it’s tricky business when it comes to selecting that ideal rug, but it’s a lot simpler than you think.

There are several main elements to keep in mind during this process. Finding the right rug can create a space to perfection but the wrong one can make it feel unfinished, awkward and even uncomfortable.

Color, size, texture and materials are some things to carefully consider. Read on for tips on mastering the challenge of choosing the perfect rug.

Image Courtesy of http://www.obeliskhome.com

COLOR

Color and style choice is important as it sets a mood and creates a story or relationship between your room and the rug. About one-third of a room’s color is dominated by the color of the floor covering, so a rug will seem as one of the largest pieces of “furniture” in the room. Plan your color scene depending on the colors of the rug.

Darker colors help define a more intimate space while lighter colors create a more spacious feel. Fiery hues such as yellow, orange or red add warmth while cool colors (blues, greens) creates a calming mood. For a cohesive look, choose a rug that compliments two or three main colors in the room. If there are a lot of color and pattern going on in your space, then choosing a neutral color rug is okay, but don’t play it too safe. Choose patterns and bright colors if your primary furniture is a solid color. Geometric prints are best for modern settings while floral prints work better for a more traditional look.

SIZE

Since rugs come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, remember that choosing your rug is also dependent on room size. A rug should fit the size of your seating area. All furniture should be placed on the rug. In a living room the rug should be large enough so at the very least the front legs of the furniture are on it. In the dining room, area rugs should cover beyond the chairs. To get the correct measurement, measure the table and add roughly about two feet. You can also sit on one of the chairs and measure the distance from the table, and add it all around. In the bedroom, you want to feel the luxurious rug on your feet so that you wake up every morning on the soft side, not the wrong side, of the bed!

A 5×8 area rug is a good choice for a medium sized room, such as the bedroom or under the coffee table in the living room. 8×10 rugs work best in dining rooms and master bedrooms. Square or round rugs are great choices for square rooms, and rectangular rugs oriented in the same direction in rectangular rooms.

TEXTURE

Texture adds layers to a room so don’t overlook this aspect when choosing your rug. The way the rug feels also (literally) adds to the feel to the room. Shoot for contrast- use the texture of your existing pieces to guide you. Sleek leather sofas go great with shag rugs or rugs with fluffier pile. A soft, velvety sofa go best with hard rugs like jute and sisal. Wool rugs are elegant in texture and add warmth and definition to a room that has shiny or smooth surfaces.

MATERIAL

When selecting rugs, think practical and choose materials depending on the traffic area of the room. The material that dominates the world of rugs is wool due to its low maintenance and high durability; however some people may be allergic to the fibers. Shag rugs can become a tripping hazard for elderly people because of the raised pile. Also keep in mind the maintenance of the rug. Jute, grass and sisal rugs have interesting textures and often cost less, but they stain easily, difficult to clean and don’t last as long. If you spill coffee or red wine, it’s time to say bye bye.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Image Courtesy of http://www.arearugsclub.com

*Consider adding a rug pad, especially to flat weave rugs to add a layer of comfort.
*Place dark-colored or patterned rugs under your dining table as they are better at hiding stains.
*There is a huge misconception to buy the rug last. Big no-no. When it comes to decorative accents, choose the rug first because it is THE piece that creates a dramatic impact and ties the room together.

After finding your perfect rug, you can move on to your throw pillows, then curtains and other decorative pieces like wall art and table tops.

Wait… did someone say pillows? Stay tuned for next week’s blog post on layering pillows. Meanwhile, shop for your perfect rug here.

Design Inspiration

April 10, 2015April 10, 2015 | honeyaubrey

As you already know here at Red Knot we have an undeniable love for design. Through our blog we are able to share with you tips and inspiration to bring out your inner creative and design-savvy dweller. Truth be told, we also have our list of favorite blogs we frequent- they, too, inspire us with extraordinary ideas and amazing designs that stir our minds, we couldn’t wait to share them with you!

Apartment Therapy

An essential blog for resources in home improvement and design tips. The site feature topics in homekeeping, DIYs, renovation, tech, and entertaining. The site is updated frequently with posts from different parts of the world. Apartment Therapy is mostly pictorial, with lots of jaw-dropping photos of interiors all the while providing practical home décor ideas. Founder Maxwell Ryan was known as the “apartment therapist”, described as “one part interior designer, one part life coach,” who would visit his clients’ homes to help them make their spaces beautiful, organized and healthy. In their mission statement they believe that “a calm, beautiful home is linked to happiness.”

Centsational Girl

“Fabulous, for less” is Kate Riley’s motto in her blog, Centsational Girl. Centsational Girl is an incredible resource for design, home improvement and DIY projects and how to bring affordable style to your home. The best guide for designer style on a budget, you will find tips, tricks and tutorials on designing your home in the most creative and inexpensive ways through furniture makeovers and craft projects. Kate shows you how “fix up your place and with finesse, one do-it-yourself project at a time”. Browse the Project Gallery for article archives, the Style Files for inspiring home improvement and interior decorating ideas, and Kate’s other site, Best of DIY for over 1,000 DIY projects.

Design Milk

“Always fresh + never sour, Design Milk fills your thirsty cup to the brim with design finds from around the world.” An incredible go-to resource for information about art, architecture, interior design, home décor, fashion, and technology. They have a number of regular columns and features that make interesting reads such as Design Store(y) (inside look at a retail design shop), Skim Milk (minimalist design) and Where I Work (offices and tools to help unleash creativity of top designers) to name a few. In their Interiors page, there are a pages of eye-candy photos of striking and much coveted spaces.

Savvy Home

The Savvy Girl believes in the notion that the decorating is an ongoing adventure. Influenced by a love for the coastal lifestyle, Savvy home was founded in 2010 by Gabrielle Savoie out of a beach apartment on the coast of South Australia. It is a great source for décor inspiration, expert tips, shopping and décor services. The site features blog posts on interior design, entertaining, travel and house tours. You can also purchase featured furniture and accent pieces in their Shop page.

Remodelista

Remodelista is one of the best home and design websites to visit. They have design perspectives from all over the globe, from here in the U.S to Australia to Europe and Asia! Talk about online globe-trotting, visit their Travel category for exquisite interiors throughout the world! Their Home Inspiration category feature blog posts with amazing inspiration for the home, where you can find art and decorating ideas, color palettes, and home accessories in a range of styles- modern, rustic to minimalist. In the Experts category you can browse a selective listing of design firms and design professionals. You can get remodeling advice from DIYers, remodelers, and architectural enthusiasts.

Color We Love – Green!

March 27, 2015March 27, 2015 | honeyaubrey

Here at Red Knot we do color. Lots of color! And since spring is in the air, we are celebrating one of our favorite colors by going (bright) green!

A mixture of yellow and blue, the color green is a secondary color on the color wheel. Since yellow is a warm color and blue is a cool color, green is considered the color of balance. There are more shades of green more than any other color – the range is almost infinite.

Green can look completely different depending on the balance of yellow and blue. The brightness can be muted by mixing in white or gray, but can be turned into a dramatic and more masculine hue by mixing in black.

Physically, green is believed to mentally soothe and encourage relaxation. The color works beautifully in spas, doctor’s offices and health clinics. It is the most restful color to the eye optically because of its neutral spectral wavelength. It is also the color used for night-vision goggles because the human eye is most sensitive to and able to distinguish the most shades of that color. Psychologically, green is believed to alleviate depression and reduce nervousness and anxiety. No longer just a color, the term “green” is universally associated with Mother Nature and the mentality that we should be taking care of our environment.

Don’t be afraid to use green when it comes to home furnishing and design. Because of its placement in the color wheel, green can match virtually anything. It can be a pop of color in a room through accent pieces, but it can most definitely be the focal point of the space as well!

Some of our favorites here at RK are below.

Did you know that traffic lights ALL over the world are green?

So don’t stop, and go… green! 🙂

Let’s Talk Texture!

March 20, 2015 | honeyaubrey

In home furnishing, there are different types of textures and textiles. Below are some of the industry’s basic textures and some FYIs to assist you in making the decision between one or another.

COTTON
Cotton is the world’s oldest and most used fiber, making up 50% of the textile industry. It is highly versatile, being available in a huge range of different colors and prints. Cotton is a plant-based fiber and varies in thickness and length depending on the species of cotton. Organic cotton can be used in upholstery fabric and is considered renewable resource.
DURABILITY: Cotton fabric is absorbent, breathable, soft to touch and static resistant. Upholstered cotton will feel good against your skin no matter the temperature or the humidity. It is also cost efficient.
DRAWBACKS: Cotton is not wrinkle resistant, and prone to shrinking (when wet) and stretching. Cotton is highly vulnerable to sunlight, causing it fade over time. It is also prone to staining because of its great absorbency characteristic.
CARE: Always blot spills immediately. Do not rub! Spot clean with a damp cloth or sponge, and let air dry. Keep out cotton from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

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POLYESTER
Unlike cotton, polyester is a man-made fiber. Microfiber, a fabric popular in the home furnishing industry, is made of 100% polyester. It has a suede-like texture, almost like a rich, velvety feel.
DURABILITY: Known for its durability, polyester has high strength, excellent resiliency, and a high abrasion resistance. Low absorbency allows the fiber to dry quickly. It is resistant to shrinking, stretching and creasing. Unlike cotton, it is resistant to sun-fading. High-resiliency helps to prevent the saggy look some sofas get as they age. Microfiber is water repellent and handles spills well by keeping them on the surface rather than soaking them in.
DRAWBACKS: Polyester is a product of the petroleum industry- it is not considered organic or from renewable resources. It is vulnerable to high temperature, heat and burns.
CARE: Clean with a soft cloth, water and mild liquid soap. Because of its weakness to heat, avoid removing cushion covers and putting them through the drier. Also avoid other heat sources such as curling irons or lit cigarettes from coming in contact with the sofa.

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LEATHER
Leather is a natural product, made from animal skin. It is the most expensive cover used in upholsteries. Leather is luxurious, sophisticated and eludes an aura of prestige. It will never look dated and over time will develop character, a great advantage when it comes to longevity and value. There are upholsteries that are matched leather (100% leather on the seating area and vinyl on sides and back) and all leather (seating area, sides and back are 100% leather).
DURABILITY: Leather is exceptionally durable and long lasting- the longer you have it, the leather will become softer and more comfortable. It will even develop it’s own patina. It is resistant to tearing and easy to clean. Leather does not attract or collect dust and is resistant to dust mites.
DRAWBACKS: Leather adjusts to your body temperature, so it gets really sticky and uncomfortable in hot weather conditions.
CARE: In general, leather sofas are easier to keep clean than fabric. a regular vacuum and a damp cloth is all you need. Proper conditioning will also help to protect and prolong the life of your leather upholstery.

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WOOD
Wood has many uses and purposes, and is a favorite choice in home furnishing. They are divided into three types- hardwood, softwood or engineered wood. One of the factors determining the quality of your furniture is the type of wood. There are also wood veneers. A veneer is a thin piece of premium, high-quality wood over a lower quality piece of wood.
DURABILITY: Hardwood (deciduous trees) includes oak, mahogany, cherry, teak and birch. These are the most durable as they have strength and stability. Softwood (coniferous trees) includes pine and redwood. They are easier to carve and craft. Engineered wood includes plywood and particleboard/fiberboard. Plywood will have 3-5 thin pieces of wood glued together, and particleboard is created from milled lumber. They are less susceptible to splitting or warping. Veneers are used even in expensive, high-quality furniture so don’t be fooled by the term.
DRAWBACKS: Hardwood is not easily carved or crafted. Softwoods are more prone to scratches, marks and dents. Engineered wood does not last as long as hardwood. Fiberboards will soak up water and other liquids causing it to swell. A wood veneer is so thin that it is limited to the number of times an item can be refinished.
CARE: Dust thoroughly using a feather duster, lint-free/microfiber cloth or terry towel. Do not clean wood with water, or use all-purpose cleaning sprays. Instead, use a paste or wax that is made specifically for wood furniture. For slight scratches, use a felt-tip touch-up pen to fill in scratches.

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MELAMINE
Melamine is plastic resin created with formaldehyde and hardened through a heating process. It comes in a large variety of colors and patterns, and is applied to wood or particle board to make melamine furniture.
DURABILITY: Melamine is flame-resistant and is used in aprons, thermal liners and firefighters’ uniforms. It has a very smooth texture and will not scratch as easily as a veneer. It is also environmentally friendly as most melamine is used over particle board, a recyclable material.
DRAWBACK: Melamine is flat and cannot be curved at all.
CARE: Remove all dust thoroughly either using a duster or a damp washcloth. Use mild soap and water as your homemade cleaner solution- avoid using household cleaning products. Use a sponge to wipe down sprayed solution, then a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe away your cleanser. Clean once or twice a month.

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LACQUER
Wood furniture takes on a different look and protection with lacquer finishing. Lacquer is a type of sprayed-on finish giving furniture a smooth texture and high-gloss look. Lacquer is often mistaken as a trait of modern furniture, but it actually originated in East Asia hundreds of years ago.
DURABILITY: Lacquer finish does not turn yellow, unlike shellac or polyurethane. It also last longer without flaking or chipping.
DRAWBACKS: Like any varnish, lacquer finish is vulnerable to scratches. Select lacquered furniture that requires little to no day-to-day use of its tabletop.
CARE: Clean with liquid soap and warm water, and dry with non-abrasive cloth.

Turn The Light On!

March 6, 2015March 6, 2015 | honeyaubrey

There’s something about having perfect lighting. Whether it be for photography, dinner parties, or even working from home– there are many different types of light you can use. In this post we feature the characteristics of various lighting types. Since they are all designed with a certain use in mind, let’s go over where they would work best in your home.

INCANDESCENT
The oldest form of lighting, incandescent is the most common bulb most people are familiar with. It provides a warm, steady light and is used mostly in residential applications. It is also compatible with control dimmers, timers, and photo sensors so they are also widely used in commercial lighting. Life span is between 700 – 1000 hours. Incandescent light is inexpensive to manufacture, however, it is not as energy sufficient as other lighting options. Fun Fact- Incandescent light is on its way out, as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) mandating that low-efficiency light bulbs be gradually removed from production.

HALOGEN
Halogen lighting has the advantage of being more efficient and a longer life than the incandescent bulb. Halogen lights are smaller in size and are compatible with dimmers. They are more expensive and burn at a higher temperature. They emit “white light”, similar to natural daylight in which colors appear sharper. Halogen bulbs are fragile, so be careful with handling- never use your bare hands to change the bulb as the oil can shorten or even end the light bulb’s lifespan. Design Tip- Halogen bulbs are used for car headlamps and work lights. At home, they work best as under-cabinet lighting.

CFL
Fluorescent light gives a flat, cold light, often bluish and harsh and can also be loud and flickery. CFLs are the compact fluorescent bulbs- they can be used anywhere you would use an incandescent light bulb. Contrary to regular fluorescent lights, CFLs are quiet, instant-on and have warmer, color-corrected tones. A normal lifespan is up to 10,000 hours and because of the small amount of mercury contained in the bulbs, they should be recycled when burnt out. Unlike incandescent and halogen light, most CFL bulbs cannot be used with dimmers. Design Tip- Use CFL bulbs for indoor and outdoor lamps, and decorative lighting.

LED
LED light, or “Light-emitting diode,” provide only directional light, making them ideal for task lighting. They are low in power consumption and have a long life span. LEDs are small, with common colors such as amber, red, green, and blue. Many LEDs have a rated lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. Since LED is not diffused light, the bulb will not work solely for general room illumination. Because of these features, LED lights provide unique design opportunities. Design Tip- LED strip lights = unlimited DIY projects, including illuminated closet rods. How brilliant!

**images courtesy of houzz.com**