Plants, Hard Scape and LIGHTING!

September 5, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest posting on you guessed it….OUTDOOR LIGHTING. Just like the interior of your home, a well thought out lighting plan for the exterior of your home is very important to successful design. I like to take cues for fun outside lighting ideas from restaurant patios and hotel/resort outside spaces. S Interior Design will often work with their clients to design the patio areas of their homes which essentially are extended living and entertaining spaces. Colors and even material selections are chosen to create visual flow from inside to outside. Here in Scottsdale, Arizona we want to use our outdoor ‘rooms’ year round.

All layers of lighting should be considered.

Functional – light the walk ways to the front door, light the address at the front of your home, the garage entry.

Accent lights- up lighting on trees and planting areas, lighting to define a specific area of the yard, wall sconces on back patio areas.

Fun design lighting elements such as the string lights shown below.

Outdoor table and floor lamps powered by solar and batteries also can be used when designing an outdoor living space.

Cool Outdoor DIY Lighting Tips and Ideas

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Ever cruised or walked through a well-lit neighborhood at night and saw how outdoor lighting adds beauty to homes?

With outdoor lighting, you can create and enjoy a relaxed, well-lit space, which is especially handy when summer rolls in. Think barbecues with friends, star-gazing with your kids or significant other, backyard events. Night-time outdoor events create fond and lasting memories, especially when your outdoors is well illuminated.

DIY lighting tips

While it appears to be a daunting task, outdoor lighting can be done without any specialized knowledge or experience. You only need some ideas and creativity. So, here are some tips, advice, and ideas to get you going..

1. Use solar lights

Unless you don’t mind spending a significant amount of your monthly income on electricity bills, consider installing solar powered lights. Besides, they are easier to install and are good for the planet.

Solar lighting systems convert sunlight into energy that is stored in batteries for use at night. However, you need to consider your geographic location before installing outdoor solar lights – without enough sunlight, there won’t be energy to light up the bulbs at night.

2. Balance security and aesthetics

Whatever your reasons for outdoor lighting, they all revolve around security and aesthetics.

It is possible to achieve a balance between the two; lights that look good and provide enough illumination.

For starters, take a flashlight and take a walk around your home at night. Identify the dark areas that need to be illuminated for security reasons. Think about the type of lighting you need. Consider the types of light and the specific areas to place the light, such as pathways, patios, garage doors, among others.

3. Consider your neighbors

Like any good neighbor, there are two things you need to consider when placing outdoor lighting at your home.

First, the position of the lighting is essential. Please do not put the lights facing directly into your neighbor’s windows as this may create too much light at night, making it difficult to sleep.

Secondly, the brightness of the light should be taken into account. No one wants blazing spotlights facing their home. Fear not, there are some solutions. For example, installing epoxy flooring on your deck removes the need for high wattage lights as it is shiny and thus reflects light.

Remember, very bright lights consume a lot of energy, which only adds to your electricity bills.

4. Consider longevity

It will be costly to replace your outdoor lights every now and then. Don’t just go to the market and pick any bulb, no. Check the quality. Even if it costs more, you will save in the long run.

Go for outdoor lighting systems that require little or no maintenance – solar lights score high on this.

Outdoor lighting is exposed to harsh climatic conditions like rain, snow and harsh sunlight. So, look for solutions that are weather resistant. Alternatively, you can shield your lights using various materials.

What’s more, the bulbs can be stolen or destroyed by someone at night while you are asleep. Ensure that the lights are secured and protected against such conditions.

5. Color, style, and size

The color, size, and style of your lights come into play, especially if you are looking to decorate your home with outdoor lighting.

You can choose a single color or mix the colors to make your home more attractive. If you plan on using only a few bulbs, go for the larger ones. And again, the size will depend on the use of the light.

You can create different patterns or styles in different parts of your home. You can use outdoor lighting to direct your visitors/guests within your compound.

Best outdoor lighting ideas

Spotlights

These are lights that only point in one direction. If you want to illuminate your plants, patios, driveway, and statues, this is the best outdoor lighting solution for you. They come with an iris and a manual device, enabling you to change the intensity of the light and also adjust the angle of the beam.

Floodlights

Floodlights are very bright and can be used to illuminate a larger area. They are mostly placed above facing downwards to light up your patios, driveway, among other essential places in your home. These are great when you have a larger event happening in your backyard to lit up all corners.

Step lights

Tired of guessing which step to make on your deck? Step lights are usually placed on the sides of each step to help you traverse safely.

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String lights

String lights are pretty, especially when you are hosting a party or wedding at night. They are easy to install and are placed on poles or trees to create a picturesque scene. Most of them are weather-proof and can serve you for quite some time.

Bottomline

The above tips and ideas will help you light up your outdoors based on your needs. Whether you want to enhance the security of your home or to add some decor to your home, outdoor lighting makes it possible. And with the many variations of lighting solutions, there is no excuse to stay in the dark.

Home Patio Decor Ideas for Greater Sustainability

September 6, 2017 by Suzanne Lasky

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…]

Modernize the Look of Your Home with Stainless Steel Balustrades

December 12, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post from a writer in Australia about the wonderful ways a modern stair rail that incorporates stainless steel can update your home.

How to Modernize the Look of Your Home with Stainless Steel Balustrades

If you’d like to give your home a makeover but can’t afford to make too many alterations now, you’ll be surprised at the difference stainless steel balustrades can make! It can easily modernize the look of your home and make it look attractive and fresh. These also give your home a more elegant, modern twist, while carrying with them benefits such as versatility and durability. Installing these balustrades is simple, and you may choose to get the job done yourself if you’re a DIY enthusiast, or call in a professional.

IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO DO IT YOURSELF

If you haven’t installed a balustrade before, opt for a stainless steel handrail kit that usually includes detailed instructions on how to get the job done. Some suppliers also include technical support over call and videos so that you don’t have any trouble with the installation. Make sure that the balustrades are made from marine grade stainless steel so that you get the durability and finish that you expect.

GETTING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

Before getting professional assistance with your stainless steel balustrades, plan your budget so that you know how much you’re willing to spend, and chart out a plan for what you want to accomplish. You may choose these balustrades for your stairway or balcony, so having a proper plan in mind can help to a great extent when the actual installation is underway.

CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN

Working with these needn’t be a mammoth task. Designs are usually simple and sleek to give your home a modern touch, and most often, stainless steel alone will suffice. If you’d like to add a bit of extra ‘oomph’ to your home, complement them with glass. This helps for proper use of natural light making your home look more fresh and airy. You may also choose to pair off your steel balustrades with a wooden top if you’re using it with a wooden staircase, or if you’d like a subtle blend of contemporary and classic in your home.

INSTALLATION OPTIONS

Stainless steel gives your home a more sophisticated look and can bring out the beauty of an open balcony or bespoke stairway. Since this material is hard, durable and doesn’t get corroded easily, you can use it indoors or outdoors without worrying about rust. Even an older home can get a contemporary touch when stainless steel balustrades are used for outdoor staircases, balconies, swimming pools and terraces.

MAINTAINING YOUR STAINLESS STEEL BALUSTRADES

While stainless steel balustrades can add a modern touch to your home just with their rich, posh appearance, regular maintenance is needed if it is to last long. Be sure to clean your balustrades regularly with a mild detergent and a soft sponge. Use a window cleaning solution and a soft clean cloth to get rid of grease marks or fingerprints. While your balustrades don’t need extensive maintenance, periodic care will help to look it as good as new.

In summary, switching over to stainless steel balustrades can help you save a lot of money right now and in the long run, while modernizing the look of your home. Since it can withstand extreme weather conditions, it can be bravely used outdoors without the stress of erosion or rusting, and with minimum maintenance. You may choose to install balustrades yourself if it’s a smaller project, or call in a professional. Always choose high quality, military grade steel so that your balustrades will stand the test of time and the environment, while making your home look classy and sophisticated.

Fall is Coming–Get Outside

August 17, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky

Here in Arizona we think a bit differently about the ‘seasons’. We are anxiously awaiting days with temperatures under 100 degrees during day time hours so we can fully enjoy our outside rooms.

S Interior Design is working with a client to help furnish their multiple outdoor living spaces in anticipation of that day that will be here by late September (we hope!). Once of their spaces includes a raised area that we are transforming into a Zen relaxation space for the home owner. It is not covered patio space so one of our criteria is to make sure we have seating with a built in shade structure of some type. During our research to find the perfect options, we have come across some great unique finds we wanted to share with you.

Here are our top 4 options.

Let The Outside IN!

June 15, 2016 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on the subject of sliding glass doors for homes. As an interior designer in Arizona, I place and re-place quite a few doors like this since one of the goals for those of us who live here is almost always to enable indoor / outdoor living environments both visually and physically.

That said, we live in a world where security is of concern so the glass doors need to have reliable locking mechanisms. No reason to compromise between beauty and security. So if you are in the market for new glass sliding doors, don’t forget the security component.

The author of this guest post from Australia is promoting secure sliding glass doors.

Top 6 Reasons for Getting Sliding Security Glass Doors for Homes

The popularity of sliding security doors is being realized by both homeowners and businesses. Sliding glass doors are mostly used by people as entrance to the garden or patio. Security doors prevent burglaries and protect homes from intruders. Besides security reasons and aesthetics, they are installed for greater visibility and air flow. When it comes to locking system, there are various options available. You can choose central lock system or side lock system. You can buy different varieties of sliding security doors from different online shops, but you must also buy a material that can be cleaned and maintained very easily.

6 main reasons for installing glass sliding security doors!

When compared to the traditional doors, sliding security glass doors offer an added security since they are swung open with the hinge. Sliding security doors are secured with the latch, making it difficult for intruders to meddle.
If you install sliding doors, you will enjoy more space inside the building premises and house. It increases the space available as it narrows down the obstruction both indoors and outdoors.
When it comes to sliding doors, there are various options available in the market. More and more manufacturers have embarked on the production of glass sliding doors in different styles and patterns. These doors are the ideal options to choose when you consider doing your office renovation, or of you want the perfect office fit-out at a reasonable price.
Sliding doors are much easier to clean and maintain. Do-it-yourself cleaning solutions are available to remedy the glass if anything happens to it. Glass cleaning solutions can be availed at budget friendly rates.
The sliding security doors comprise glass material can give the room an instant facelift. The door offers a chic and modern look to the interior. The once drab room can become elegant and beautiful in no time.
With glass doors, you can have a better look of your landscape area or patio. The home will also enjoy natural lighting. One can also use curtains and drapes to dim the light.

Get rid of the traditional doors!

Those who crave to get rid of old-fashioned and traditional look of their home; they can install glass sliding doors. Find the best sliding security doors to match up your needs. Check the internet or pay visit to a hardware store to see the variety of gates sold. It can add it to the curb appeal of the home while making it modern.

Traditional glass security doors and modern security doors!

Modern glass security doors have a huge advantage over the traditional ones. The major change in the glass panels is the reason for installing modern doors. When traditional doors used only a single panel, the modern security door has multiple panels of glazed glass. These doors are also the best for your garden area, as you can regulate the entry and exit into your garden, with these security sliding doors.

Enjoying the outdoor view!

You may be having a beautiful landscape area and willing to enjoy the outdoors from inside your home. If you want to see the outdoors from the interior, while not compromising on the safety of the family, then you should choose sliding security doors made up of glass to enjoy a clear view. Make sure nothing is visible from the outside.

At the big box hardware store, you can find hundreds of choices with respect to sliding security doors. Have a look at the frame of the door since that needs to be factory constructed in different styles. Choose an appropriate one for your needs.