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Eco-Friendly Light Sources

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Tips on Choosing Eco-Friendly Lighting

Eco-Friendly lighting in both residential and commercial buildings remains an important part of living green. The mode of lighting has an effect on our mood and health, in addition to the environment at large. Different elements, such as the type of bulb used, lighting source, fixture, material, and daily routines, determine the environmental friendliness of a room.

Lighting is a very essential quality indoors, and our days will be dull and unproductive without it, because as soon as it gets dark outside, work will be reduced. Therefore, green lighting is of high importance and it will have a positive impact on your health and the environment. Green power saves more energy and is several times more efficient than conventional power sources. Energy-saving bulbs last longer and consume less power than incandescent bulbs. The goal is to help your health and the environment and spend less while doing this. Below are some tips on choosing eco-friendly lighting. 

Use CFL and LED Lights

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) save a lot of energy and are more efficient than conventional bulbs. CFLs are available in different shapes, colors, and sizes, and this allows them to fit into different parts of the house for decorative or pure lightning purposes. They are a bit more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they last way longer (about 10,000 hours) and use only around a quarter as much energy. CFLs emit less heat and are beneficial during the summer. You do not have to worry about changing your bulbs frequently with them, and they help you save money in the long run. 

S Interior Design is does not recommend CFLs for residential applications

Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) use less energy and are beneficial to our health. Their longevity and energy efficiency are second to none. They cost more than CFLs by just a bit, but they last longer. It is estimated that an LED bulb can last for 100,000 hours. This is ten times the amount of time that CFLs use. Also, they convert about 95% of their energy into light, and just 5% is emitted as heat. LED lights are the best way to go green. 

S Interior Design recommends different temperature levels for LED lights depending on where they will be used.

Purchasing from quality brands such as Louis Poulsen lighting, and other reputable LED lighting manufacturers can make a huge difference for the environment and on the overall electricity bill.

Recycle and Reuse Materials

Lights don’t just stand on their own. They are accompanied by fixtures or lamps to help hold them down and beautify them. You should make use of recycled materials when making or purchasing your lights. This is essential for healthy green living because you will spend less and get more.

Lights made from natural materials such as cloth and wood, as well as those made from recycled materials like glass and plastic, are great options. When you use recycled lights, you help the environment and also save money on the side. 

Adopt the use of a Natural Light Source ( Sunlight) 

A day is never bright without sunlight. The sun is natural, and this makes it the most eco-friendly light source. A lot of people under utilize sunlight in their homes. You should make the most of it by opening up your windows and drapes during the daytime to allow natural light into every inch of the house. You can achieve your desired intensity and light angle by making use of tinted windows or patterned curtains.

Many houses now have skylights to serve as an extra source of direct sunlight into the home. These fixtures are present in living rooms, dining rooms, and some closets. You can style your house the way you want it to allow sunlight in. 

A great way to add natural light to a space is by using Solar Tubes when conventional sky lights are not an option.

Switching off lights when not in use 

What’s a more effective way to use lights than to turn them off when you’re not using them? You need to cultivate the habit of switching off lights in rooms no one is occupying. Whether you’re going to another room in the house or out, you shouldn’t leave the lights on. 

You should help your loved ones learn the efficient use of light till it becomes a habit. Turning off lights when they are not in use has no disadvantages but helps save energy and reduce heat in the house. 

Motion Sensors and Dimmers 

Motion sensors are really great for eco-friendly lighting. They turn on the lights in your room when you are present and turn them off when there’s no one in the room. This is a great way to save energy and money on electricity bills. With these sensors, you can avoid unnecessary expenses on lights and bills. 

Dimmers are amazing choices for green love. With them, you can set the light in your room to the brightness you need. They are great for conserving energy because when you reduce the light being emitted, less voltage is used and more energy is stored. This will help you save on electricity costs and also help the bulbs last longer in the long run. 

Invest in Green Power

“Green power” is electricity produced from natural sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro. You can reduce or totally avoid a carbon footprint by using green energy because it comes from natural sources and is completely renewable. 

Solar energy is the most eco-friendly energy source, and when you implement it in your home, you will be enjoying more light while saving a lot on electricity bills. You can also sign up for green power with your electric utility. 

Invest in Creating a Smart Home

Eco-friendly lighting is essential for smart homes. Who wouldn’t want to have a house that can control the lights and temperature according to how they like them? If you can afford it, then it’s a great choice to go for. Smart homes record information in the house about rooms you use and those you don’t, in addition to your preferred temperature according to the general weather. 

You can have everything in your house on autopilot, from the bulbs to plugs, thermostats and more. They will detect when they’re not being used and switch off themselves. When you are ready and available to use them, they will turn back on automatically. This is really great for green living as you will only use the energy you need every time. Most excesses are cut off with smart homes.

Summary

Eco-friendly lighting is energy-efficient and very sustainable. The low impact it has on the environment is very important for the planet and one’s health. With the low power consumption and low cost of acquiring some eco-friendly lights and fixtures, you can save a lot on electricity costs and bills.

Follow the above tips to make an excellent choice when choosing eco-friendly lighting.

Fake Grass for Pets: 5 Common Questions

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Make your backyard a dream come true for you and your four-legged companions! Pets require time outside and deserve a place to play, relax, and enjoy themselves. Artificial grass may give all of the benefits of natural grass without the hassles of upkeep, pesticides, and herbicides, as well as dealing with dirt and holes.

S Interior Design believes good design and pets as part of our families go ‘hand in paw’. As a dog owner located in Scottsdale, Arizona who has a back yard with grass I have often wondered about the pros and cons of using artificial grass. This article answered many of my questions.

Explore the greatest alternatives below if you’re ready to take the next step with fake grass that’s suitable for your visitors and pet companions. Many pet owners are naturally irritated by having to wipe their dog’s muddy paws every time they let him out in the garden. And the dirt they carry inside not only causes a mess, but it may also make your house smell bad and attract unwelcome creatures like fleas and ticks.

Additionally, actual grass might expose your dog to a variety of health risks. For these reasons, dog-proof artificial grass appeals to a large number of pet owners across the country. However, many people have worries or queries, such as: Is it true that pee has an effect on the grass? What is the greatest dog-friendly artificial grass? What is the best way to set it up? Is there any upkeep required?

We have written this guide to help answer those questions and to offer a complete guide to dog-resistant turf that’ll help you decide if artificial grass is right for you and your pet.

We are inherently inquisitive creatures. We demand answers to all of our questions! What exactly is this? Why do I desire it? What am I going to use it for? And we want to make sure that whatever investment we make pays off. When making a major decision like installing artificial turf, you’ll want to be sure you’ve made the best choices possible.

We want to assist you in making that decision.

Question 1: Is It Harmless to Dogs?

Artificial grass is completely safe for pets. Artificial grass that is of good quality can endure the wear and tear of doggie nails and teeth. Artificial turf cannot be dug through by dogs, thus there is no risk of ingesting or injury. There are types of artificial grass that have a filler that may be placed in the turf to assist reduce urine odors.

Artificial turf is, in some respects, safer for dogs than natural grass. Unlike a weed-free yard, turf does not necessitate the use of hazardous chemicals for maintenance.

Question 2: Is it Simple to Remove Dog Urine From Fake Grass?

If an installer tells you that the rain will wash it away and that you don’t need to clean it, he isn’t the correct fit for you. If the installer claims it’s maintenance-free, he doesn’t understand the science of odor, and you’ll be stuck with a stink. If he tells you to apply a cleaner on your grass on a regular basis, he’s someone who understands what he’s talking about.

Question 3: Is Artificial Grass Water-Required?

Natural grass lawns and sports fields consume tens of thousands of gallons of water each year, which is one of the reasons why so many homes, companies, sports teams, and schools are opting for synthetic turf as a low-water alternative. Synthetic lawns, on the other hand, are not water-free solutions. Your fake grass does not require water for the most part, but there are a few instances where you may need or want to water it.

The most typical application of water on artificial grass is to rinse it clean of dust and dirt. Most people can maintain their lawn clean and green by spraying it down once or twice a month, but if you live in a very dusty location, you may need to spray it down more frequently. You’ll also need to use water to hose off any locations where your dogs go to the bathroom. After you’ve removed the solid trash, wash the area with a garden hose to get rid of any liquids.

Some people like to sprinkle their fake grass with a garden hose before their children or dogs play on it with bare feet or paws in particularly hot, sunny places. Some schools and organizations softly spritz down synthetic turf before games or practices to lessen the risk of some sorts of injuries, making this another way that some artificial grass pitches may require water on occasion.

Question 4: Can Dogs Damage the Fake Grass? 

Turf is a strong competitor! An artificial grass lawn would be nearly impossible for your dog to destroy. A nefarious digger will have a far easier time ruining your grass lawn than an artificial turf lawn. In addition, unlike natural grass, artificial turf will not discolor as a result of dog feces.

In general, a synthetic grass lawn is a fantastic alternative for dog owners. To obtain that beautiful, always-green look, there is minimal upkeep. We’re willing to bet your spoiled pup won’t notice the difference.

Question 5: How To Clean Artificial Grass for Dogs?

Liquids drain efficiently through the material to a lower subfloor when using fake grass for dogs. You can keep your fake grass rolls and carpets clean by cleaning away any dirt or debris and hosing them down on a regular basis. You can clean your fake grass using a moderate home detergent and warm water solution for minor stains and imperfections.

If you’re worried about the scent of animal urine, a solution of distilled white vinegar and equal parts water can freshen and clean your artificial grass. You may use this simple, DIY cleaning solution on a weekly basis without harming your pet’s health.

Conclusion

Installation of artificial grass is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. In place of regular lawns, an increasing number of dog parks and daycare centers are also installing pet turf. This is because it is a surface that is pleasing to both animals and people. You may have heard the benefits of artificial grass: it can be used all year, requires no maintenance, and looks just like genuine grass. It may restore a discolored lawn’s green color and give a safe haven for children’s dirty paws.

2021 Design Color and Materials

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Every year Sherwin Williams presents the color palettes they feel will be relevant in the coming year. They compile vast amounts of research to present the underlying environmental components that are contributing to the color palettes’ appeal. Below is a snippit of some of those trends for your consideration.

INFLUENCES

S Interior Design had written a post about Interior Design Trends and Biophilic Design was featured as Trend 1 in the post. Take a read to learn more!

Related to Biophilic Design in our opinion is getting design inspiration from Organic Elements; those found in nature.

Not at all surprising given the reality of our world this year, Security both physical and emotional are paramount concerns that manifest in color choices that make us feel more secure.

Again related to the unsettled anxiety of our status right now, we want to re-visit times when we felt more secure and safe. However, we do inject the nostalgic design with a modern current over tone to feel current.

Here are the four paint color trend categories from S.W.

As always, S Interior Design will suggest that regardless of trends that you use the colors and materials in your homes that work best for your personal styles and preferences.

We are looking forward to helping you all realize your interior design dreams in 2021!!

Home Patio Decor Ideas for Greater Sustainability

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Below is a guest posting on the subject of how to utilize eco-friendly material options for your patio/back yard hard-scape materials and furnishings.
Here in HOT Scottsdale, Arizona, the season to enjoy our outdoor spaces is not ending, but rather coming ….hopefully by the beginning of October if the climate gods are kind to us :)).  [Read more…]

Rustic and Modern Can Be Happy Together

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Below is guest post discussing how rustic and modern design elements can work beautifully together.  S Interior Design sometimes refers to this blending of styles as ORGANIC CONTEMPORARY.  This mixture can deliver a warm, inviting design outcome.  There are a lot of opportunities to create spaces with unique design elements included when you work in this design spectrum.

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