It is that time of year again—the holidays are here and family is calling, the darkness falls early and our homes are starting to feel more like hibernation dens…. it is time to refresh our interior environment and get set for the winter months ahead.

Combat the oppressiveness that comes with the shorter days and decreased sunshine…bring in the light, uplifting accessories and comfortable décor to make your home or office space a more easeful and gratifying place to grow, work and dwell.

1.  Invest in the best lamps (bulbs) –instant on/off, quiet operation, dim ability and the most welcoming lighting effects are available in the latest energy-efficient LED, CFL and halogen light sources.

2.  Shaded fixtures—Dark Sky outdoor fixtures, as well as, decorative shades for indoor light fixtures make a huge difference in allowing for control and providing welcoming and soothing illumination.

3.  New LED reading lamps and desk lamps are designed to offer plentiful, focused illumination for the comfort and health of your eyes.

4.  Novel lighting controls and updated switches give you the utmost in convenience and energy-savings for all your lamps and light fixtures. In larger homes or offices, it is a good idea to install switches, novel  lighting controls and automated systems that may be digitally programmed and labeled.  This is also an energy-saver, as it limits the chances of you mistakenly turning on and off the wrong lamps and having to constantly think about which switch goes with which light.

5.  Work with the natural light streaming in through windows and skylights.  A couple of task lights and a single torch lamp may be all you need to provide comfort and illumination in rooms with generous windows and plentiful exposure to bright sunlight.

6.  Accessories such as comfy pillows and throws will not only dress up your seating areas and bedrooms, they are essential in blanketing your home with warmth both visually and functionally.

7.  Choose just the right occasional tables and whimsical furniture for form and function.  Look for dual-purpose accessories to make the most of your interior space.

8.  Candles, tea lights and mini portable lamps provide soothing illumination and create ambience for quiet relaxation and romantic lighting effects.

9.  Invest in LED night lights for hallways and bathrooms to supply energy-efficient security lighting and comfort.

10. Above all else:  Do not stress about getting everything done. Enjoy the decorating process and take your time to find just the items that help to define your space according to your specific needs and unique style.

The right illumination has been known to help us cultivate healthier habits whether it be eating more slowly or studying more intently.  Make it your intention this year to surround yourself in the right light.  Comfort is really the ultimate luxury and the right lighting is the key to comfort.

Satisfy your hunger for delectable design with novel accessories and light fixtures.  Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or 1800lighting.com to view the latest in comfort and control for the most luxurious holiday season ever!

Illumination from Varaluz Lighting is not only good for you; the company’s creative and artistic compositions are eco-friendly, too!

Contemporary designer lights, over head lighting and accessories from Varaluz are composed of at least 70 % recycled or reclaimed steel and decorative glass compositions are crafted from 100% recycled materials. The “eco-luz” label indicates Varaluz designs are committed to preserving a healthy planet, while providing ingenious artistry for the home.

At Varaluz, company designers believe lighting – from modern lights, to green lighting to contemporary lighting – should not only be interesting, but sustainable. From outdoor wall lighting and mirrors to chandeliers and table lamps, Varaluz Lighting features an eclectic mix of elements uniquely fashioned into highly functional works of art.

For up-scaled modern glamour or edgy transitional sophistication, Varaluz delivers contemporary designer lights and over head lighting designs to elevate your style with eye-popping and imaginative innovation.

Have more fun with home illumination and enjoy the latest marvels from Varaluz Lighting…

Check out the latest lighting compositions from Varaluz at 1800lighting.com and all Capitol Lighting showrooms.

The holiday season is shifting into gear, and first up is our sometimes spooky favorite, Halloween! But as many homeowners know, while some costumes might spark a fright, the true terror comes from looking at those holiday electric bills. Planning on doing some decorating but worried about those inflated energy costs? The experts at Hoffman Electrical have some solutions for you!

My wife and I are the happy parents of a sixteen-month-old boy. Having a kid has turned out to be every bit as wonderful and exhausting as our family and friends told us it would be. We can see why everyone we knew with children, including our own parents, told us with that knowing smile, “Your life will never be the same.” They were right. There’s never a dull moment, is there? Every day presents new challenges and responsibilities.

For example, a couple hours ago, my son was screaming at his grandma for taking a bite of his banana. Nap time soon? Sheesh.

3. Use an In-Wall Night Light

Instead of that old incandescent night light just begging to be pulled out of the wall by your young one’s inquisitive hands, consider a safer and greener alternative. LED night lights will safen and cozy-up baby’s room in elegant and energy-smart fashion.