Category Archives: Lighting

Interior designers and homeowners use pendant lighting as a way to customize the look of a space. This style of light is primarily used in the kitchen due to the benefits they offer.

Unique Style

Pendant lights come in a variety of size, shape, and color options. Whether you have a sleek modern home or a traditional southwestern design, you\’ll be able to find a pendant light to match your home\’s design.

In addition to having a variety of options when choosing your kitchen pendant lighting, you can customize the amount of light you desire in the space. Unlike a traditional light, you can install a pendant as a single fixture, in pairs, or in any other grouping you desire. An electrician can help you determine the location and amount of light appropriate for your space.

Highlight Focal Points

Kitchen pendant lighting can highlight a focal point in your space. Imagine a beautiful granite kitchen island. Now picture that with the perfect complementary pendant lights shining down on it. When people walk into your kitchen their eyes will automatically go to the island.

Pendant lighting can be installed over your kitchen counter, island, or dining table. They can highlight a focal point in other rooms, such as a billiard table.

Bulb Options

If you\’re trying to find ways to save electricity, you\’re in luck! Choosing the right bulb for your space can be as important as picking the right pendant. The color and brightness of a bulb can really influence the feeling of the room. If using energy saving LED bulbs is important to you it\’s essential you verify the type of bulb your pendant can support.

Cost Effective

Fancy chandeliers can cost thousands of dollars. In addition to their expense, you only have one to display. Pendant lighting can be much more cost effective and customizable. They can start as low as $20 per light. Based on the material used to make the light the price can go up dramatically.

Customized Light

If you want to add light to the overall space, hang pendants evenly over your work area. In general, the larger the kitchen, the bigger the pendant you will need. However, there is a place for small pendants. Using this size over a sink or desk can focus the task lighting. You can combine multiple small pendant lights to create a more dramatic look.

To customize your light more you can have an electrician add a dimmer switch to your kitchen pendant lighting. Turn the pendants on full-blast when you\’re prepping food at your island for the best visibility of your food. Lowering the lights during a bedtime snack can help signify to young children that it\’s time to start winding down for bed. Adjusting the intensity of the light to match activities can make a significant impact on the feeling in the room.

Easy Maintenance

Kitchen pendant lighting is typically made from material that\’s easy to maintain. You can clean most pendants by simply using a duster. When they need a deeper clean most pendant covers can be wiped down with a damp, soft rag. Refer to the manual for specific cleaning instructions for your pendants. Whether you accidentally spray spaghetti sauce at the ceiling or there\’s just regular dust accumulation, it\’s a relief to have something simple to clean.

Pendant lighting comes in a variety of options. You can work with an electrician to choose what\’s best for your space. They can suggest what height will look the best. Adding a few pendants to your kitchen can really change the look of your space without costing you a fortune in renovations. If you\’re ready to install kitchen pendant lighting, contact Turn It On Electric.

Lighting can be one of the most powerful features in your home. Businesses have long known how to use lighting to create ambiance and increase productivity. With knowledge of indirect and direct lighting, homeowners can effectively illuminate every room in their house.

There are a few categories of interior lighting. Depending on what you want to achieve, one or more of the types may benefit your space. Lights offer increased visibility and safety. They can help set the stage by giving each area of your home a different mood inspired by indirect or direct lighting. If you install the right lighting it can change the whole look of your home.

Comparing Indirect and Direct Lighting

Fixtures that create indirect lighting angle to allow light to bounce off the ceiling and walls to illuminate a room. The equal distribution of light creates a comfortable glow.

Since indirect lighting can help create a warm glow it is often used to create ambiance in a space. A dining area can benefit from indirect lighting to create a softer look and to stage a more relaxing mood. Indirect lighting can be evenly spread throughout an area.

Direct lighting is often used to illuminate a workspace. Kitchens, offices, and any other areas that serve task-specific purposes benefit from this bright source of light. Pendant lights are good examples of direct lighting; the fixture illuminates one specific area.

Highlight the Positive

When a room looks like a shoebox, accent lights can add depth. You can use floor lamps or tabletop lamps to add additional indirect lighting. If you have a small display of dishes or collectibles, a puck light can help draw attention to them. A local electrician can install canister, pendant, and puck lights to suit your needs.

Light UP a Room

Shadows make a room feel smaller. If you have cabinets or shelves that stop just below the ceiling consider adding hidden, indirect lights. Over-the-cabinet lighting can make your room feel impressive. LED linear lights work best for this staging. A professional can install these and any other lights.

Make a Statement

Bold can be confident, resilient, and beautiful. An oversized floor lamp can add light as well as become the focal point of a room. Ask your Phoenix electrician about installing dimmers to your statement lights. These will allow you to customize the lighting throughout the day to match the atmosphere you want to create.

Electrical Lighting Projects are Not DIY

Many homeowners enjoy taking on a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Electrical systems can be complex and confusing. Without a full understanding of how your system works you risk danger to yourself and damage to your home. These mistakes can be much more costly than hiring an electrician.

Replacing an old light fixture may seem like a project you can handle. However, outdated systems or previous code violations can leave you open to problems. Sometimes a \”simple\” fixture upgrade can require new wiring or circuit upgrades.

Faulty grounding can be dangerous for your family and pets. If you install indirect or direct lighting and don’t get the wiring right, the best-case scenario is higher electric bills. Electrical shocks can be fatal.

Electrical Service

Contact Turn It On Electric to learn more about ways lighting can enhance your home and increase your property value. Whether you\’re looking to make a few upgrades or you’re building a new home, our LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified team can work with you to give your home a safer, smarter, and sustainable electrical system.

When redecorating your home the lights you select can make a significant impact. Choosing the right light fixtures can make a room look more impressive. For example, hanging a unique pendant light or chandelier can spruce up a foyer or entryway. The right type of lighting can make a space more functional.

Types of Lighting

Understanding the types of lighting can help you select the right fixtures for your Phoenix home. Layering multiple kinds can create a more useful space.

• Accent. These are meant to highlight specific features in your home. For example, spotlights can draw attention to artwork or a beautiful fountain.
• Ambient. The general lighting in a room is referred to as ambient lighting. It provides a soft glow and can be found in most rooms of your home. Examples include a wall sconce in a hallway, recessed lights in a living room, or pendant lights in a kitchen.
• Decorative. This type of lighting is one way to accessorize a room. Depending on the style of your home these decorative lights may be sleek and modern or feature ornate designs. Their purpose is to add some light, but mainly to add beauty or visual interest to a room.
• Task. If you want to illuminate a specific area of a room task lighting can help. This type of light directs attention where it is aimed. It provides you with light to do specific activities. For example, bathroom vanity fixtures shine light downward to provide sufficient light for getting ready or putting on makeup.

Tips for Choosing Light Fixtures

Choosing light fixtures starts with selecting the right type of lighting. Consider the purpose and the effect you want to create.

• Is there a piece of art that you want to highlight in your living room? Choose accent lighting that will illuminate this feature.
• Is your hallway a long, dark alley leading to the back of your home? A few strategically placed wall sconces could add ambient lighting to create a soft glow in the area.
• Is your living room looking outdated, but you aren\’t ready to buy new furniture to change the look? Add a few decorative lamps to improve visual interest without breaking the bank.
• Do you need better lighting while preparing food in your kitchen? Choose under cabinet task lighting that shines brightly on the countertops below.

Depending on the look you want to create you can choose subtle or decorative ambient light fixtures. For example, LED track lighting can keep a modern design looking sleek. On the other hand, a chandelier with fine details may fit well in a home with a classic design. Working with a professional can help you narrow down the type of lighting that you need. This can help limit your light fixture options.

What to Avoid When Selecting Light Fixtures

When you’re selecting light fixtures for your home there are a few things to consider.

• Convenience. Avoid choosing lights that end up being too much work to maintain. A chandelier with dozens of crystals to polish may be more work than it\’s worth.
• Height. Your space needs to remain functional. A pendant light that hangs too low over your kitchen island will be nothing but trouble if you hit your head every time you prepare dinner.
• Size. Choose lights that are an appropriate size. For example, don’t choose a standard size ceiling fan when you have a large living room with high ceilings. The fixture you select will need to provide enough light for your space.

After you’ve selected the right light fixtures for your home it’s important to make sure they’re installed correctly. Using a professional electrician can help decrease the risk of electrical problems during and after installation.

Are you in the process of redecorating your Phoenix home? Contact Turn It On Electric for assistance with all of your lighting needs.

When you plan on hosting summer parties and gatherings at your Phoenix home, consider adding custom outdoor lighting. Using this type of lighting gives you a way to illuminate the features of your home’s exterior, yard, or other outdoor areas. Keep the following tips in mind before your next party.

Reasons to Choose Decorative Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting for summer parties can serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Some of the reasons you might want to install it include the following:

• Highlight features. Decorative outdoor lighting offers a way to highlight the features of your home’s exterior. For example, you might have a grand fountain that you want to draw attention to when guests arrive.
• Added value. Custom outdoor lighting can boost your home’s value. Compared to other remodeling projects, updating outdoor lighting is relatively easy and inexpensive. Imagine changing your builder-grade patio light to a custom fixture that complements your home\’s design.
• Safety. Outdoor lighting helps lower the risk of having party guests trip and fall while trying to walk around in the dark. Whether you have a summer party in your yard or on your patio, it’s important to provide enough lighting for your guests to see where they\’re going.
• More safety. Decorative outdoor lights can also provide enough visibility to deter intruders all year long.

Places to Install Decorative Outdoor Lighting

One of the decisions you’ll need to make is where to install your new lighting. You may simply want to replace outdated fixtures with something more functional or modern. You might decide to have lighting added to places that aren’t currently well-lit. There are several areas you should consider adding custom outdoor lighting.

Ceiling Fans Under Overhangs

As the Phoenix temperatures climb, ceiling fans offer a way to keep patios cooler during gatherings. Consider adding a ceiling fan with a light. In addition to keeping guests more comfortable, you\’ll have the added function of an overhead light. Many outdoor ceiling fan models have adjustable settings so you can increase or decrease the fan speed and the light brightness. This customization allows your guests to be comfortable no matter the time of day.

Hanging Lights Under Overhangs

Pendant lights and other types of decorative hanging lights are ideal for overhangs. These lights provide the right amount of lighting for guests as they sit and eat, play card games, or chat on the patio during your party. Hanging a pendant light above your high front door is a unique design feature your friends will surely notice. You can choose from a wide range of hanging lights in different styles and designs to match your home.

Wall Sconces on Home Exteriors

Wall sconces offer a way to illuminate impressive features on your home’s exterior while adding some decorative flair. Sconces also provide lighting so that guests can see where they’re going when it’s dark. Wall sconces are available with many options to suit any home. From contemporary to southwestern style, there really is something for everyone.

Garage Sconce Lighting

Garage sconce lights offer custom lighting that helps illuminate the front of your property, including your driveway. This can make it easier for guests to get to and from their cars when it’s dark out. These lights also come in a variety of designs that can enhance the appearance of your garage.

Hire the Professionals

If you’re interested in sprucing up your home\’s exterior by updating the look of your outdoor lighting, contact Turn It On Electric. Our electricians can work with you to install decorative lighting that enhances your home’s exterior.

Home security is about protecting your family and your belongings. Motion sensor lights you can help protect your home, family, and much more. However, there are additional benefits to using them, too.

Deter Criminals

Using a light outside your home can help deter intruders. A burglar is much more likely to attempt to break into a dark home than they are to try the well-lit house. Consider putting motion sensor lights in these key places to deter unwelcome visitors:

• Backdoors
• Front Doors
• Garage
• Hiding spots or blind spots near landscaping
• Windows

Finding the ideal spots to install your lights may seem easy but save this job for the professionals. They can work with you to make sure the lights are hung at the right height and in the right location.

These lights are beneficial if you go on vacation and ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your house. If they see the lights come on at your home, they can take a look or call the police. Motion sensor lights are also helpful when you are home.

Convenience

Whether you live by yourself, are married, or have kids, these lights are convenient for when people come home at night. Imagine fumbling with your keys, while balancing the groceries…in the dark. Maybe you feel \”creeped out\” when you\’re walking from your car to the front door. Motion sensor lights can help ensure you have enough light to see what\’s around you.

Deter Animals

If you have issues with animals, from rabbits to javelinas, motion sensor lights can help keep them away from your home. Many desert animals are nocturnal and forage at night. If they see a light turn on, chances are they\’ll move away from your house and find a darker place to explore.

Financial Savings

Motion sensor lights can also save you money on your electric bill. Do you usually leave your front light on while you\’re out to dinner and then forget to turn it off when you get home and go to bed? Do you work a graveyard shift and leave the light on while you\’re at work? Having your lights on all night can waste a lot of electricity. Motion sensor lights only come on when they are triggered, which means you could be saving money on energy bills.

Longer Lasting

Light bulbs suck up a lot of energy when they are on for hours. Motion sensor lights go on when they sense movement so they will typically only be on for a few minutes each day. This means that the lifespan of the motion sensor lights will most likely be higher than a regular bulb.

Use motion sensor lights in conjunction with other home security products such as infrared lighting, infrared cameras, and more. In fact, it\’s in your best interest to use a combination of products to keep you, your family, and your home as uninviting to invaders as possible.

Learn More About Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights work quickly and easily. When they detect movement, it will trigger the lights to come on immediately. Other types pick up heat signatures from people and animals; these will turn on when they see those signatures around your home.

If you would like to learn more about PIR motion sensor lights or you\’re ready for a professional to install them, contact Turn It On Electric.