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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.

9 Bathroom Trends for 2022

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Below is a guest posting on the design and material trends to look out for in 2022 and beyond. Some of the concepts may seem a bit ‘out there’ conceptually such as a sink less or mirror less bathroom space. Read on to learn more!

The trends in bathroom design for 2022 reflect the trends in the rest of the world, including eco-friendly design, minimalist design, and more. And while some of these trends might sound like they don’t make sense at first, they’ll start making sense when you get to know them better. Here are some of the bathroom trends for 2022 to watch for.

9 Bathroom Trends For 2022 To Watch For

The bathroom is one of the most essential rooms in a home. It’s a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day, and it’s also a place where you can get ready to go out and have some fun. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest trends in bathroom design. 

In this blog post, we will look at nine of the most popular trends for bathrooms in 2022. So whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or just looking for some inspiration, be sure to read on!

There are many reasons people should hop on the bathroom trends for 2022. It’s not just about decorating your bathroom and making it look nice. The right bathroom design can impact your health and wellness, as well as that of your family members and guests who use your restroom. 

There are also environmental benefits to consider when deciding how to make slight changes to improve your toilet, shower, and sink space.

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs have become popular in the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great way to add a focal point, luxury, and relaxation to your bathroom, and they also make a statement. 

If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching addition to your bathroom, then a freestanding tub is the way to go.

Eco-friendly Bathroom Design

There are a lot of eco-friendly bathroom design concept trends that have been steadily picking up momentum over the past year. One popular trend is going back to nature by incorporating plants into your design. From bathroom tiles to wallpaper to living plants, these are some of the biggest trends that will be impacting the way we use our bathrooms for years to come.

Another trend is designing your bathroom with sustainability in mind. Many people are using sustainable, eco-friendly materials like bamboo or cork flooring and paint with low VOCs. These create an overall feel of cleanliness and help save on energy costs.

Using Plants in Your Bathroom

The latest trend in bathrooms is incorporating plants into your design. The idea of nature and sustainability coming together to make the most beautiful and peaceful space is what many designers strive for. The natural environment can create a soothing space that gives you peace and tranquility, which we see happening in this bathroom.

Figurines, flowers, and plants are all ways to incorporate the natural beauty of the outdoors into your design. You can use different kinds of plants, such as succulents, ferns, or mosses. You won’t need to worry about over

watering these plants because they need little care and will add to the serene feeling of your bathroom. This bathroom has a variety of plants in different containers around the room, and it looks like there’s even some moss on the walls.

One of the biggest trends in interior design today is going back to nature with natural materials like plants, wood tones, and stone. In 2022, don’t be surprised if you see some plants inside your bathroom, some stone counters, and maybe even a little bit of wood mixed into the walls or furniture around the room.

The Future of Sustainability

Many trends are starting to change over to more eco-friendly designs. As we mentioned, one of the most recent trends is incorporating plants. For example, in one bathroom, a woman has created a green wall that stretches from the floor to the ceiling.

Incorporating plants into your design can help with humidity, cleanliness, and even improve energy levels in the space. Plants also can filter out toxins from the air in your bathroom, which is an excellent benefit in smaller areas with few windows or no windows at all.

A growing trend is sustainability. Consumers want to be able to use their bathrooms without being wasteful, which means they will be looking for environmentally friendly products made from recycled materials when it comes time to remodel their bathrooms. 

In 2022, you’ll see both consumers and designers looking for sustainable designs that focus on reducing waste as well as the quantity of material used when designing a bathroom space.

The minimalist wet room trend has been popular in recent years with clean lines, but it’s starting to take off. This is because people and interior designers are looking for more privacy in their bathrooms without sacrificing the beauty of the space. With this new trend, there are fewer distractions and more simplicity.

Wallpaper In the Bathroom

Wallpaper in the bathroom has been another big trend for quite a while. It’s not just for walls anymore. There are many different styles of wallpaper designed to be utilized for the walls, floors, ceilings, and even your toilet seat.

Mirror-less Bathrooms

Mirror less bathrooms are a trend that is starting to take hold. The idea behind mirror less bathrooms is that you can use technology to monitor what’s going on with your body rather than using a mirror, especially in a powder room. 

The toilet company Toto has been using this design for years, and now it’s becoming more popular in the United States. One of the most significant benefits of mirror less bathrooms is that they require less maintenance because mirrors don’t get dirty or smudged over time.

Sinkless Bathrooms

A sinkless bathroom may not be for everyone. These bathrooms do not have a standard built-in version and instead have a countertop with a container where you can wash your hands. You will need to dry your hands with a paper towel before leaving the bathroom. 

Sinkless bathrooms are typically found more in commercial settings like hotels and restaurants because they often do not need sanitizing, but rather cleaning with soap and water.

It’s important to note that this trend isn’t limited solely to sinkless bathrooms. It is also used throughout the bathroom design, from shower curtains to sinks themselves. With more and more people becoming environmentally conscious, more industries are opting for sustainable designs that don’t rely on water as much as traditional ones do.

Showerless Bathrooms

One of the newest trends is the idea of having a showerless bathroom. The showerless bathroom is all about using your sink for washing up and then using the toilet to do your business. 

With this trend, you’re saving water but also saving floor space instead of having a walk-in shower. This bathroom design, together with a sink spinner is perfect for families that want to save on space or want to be more sustainable.

Bathroom Windows

In recent years, there’s been a trend where more homeowners are putting windows into their bathrooms because it brings in natural light and makes a space seem bigger than it is. Because of how popular they’ve been lately, expect to see a lot more homes incorporating windows into their bathrooms in 2022.

The Future of Toilets

The future of toilets will be a lot different than what we have now. One of the biggest changes will be with the functionality. Soon, our toilets will have a more futuristic design and use some technology to make things easier for us. 

A new toilet design includes:

  • An automatic toilet seat (so you don’t have to touch it!)
  • A reading light
  • Speakers for music or podcasts

It’s these small changes that can make your bathroom experience much better!

The Future of Bathrooms

Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in your house. It is the place where you get ready for your day, take a break from work, and relax at the end of the night. When it comes to bathrooms, many outdated designs need to be updated.

One of the most popular bathroom trends is natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly ideas. Many new designs, such as patterned tiles and biophilic design, incorporate natural textures and images into their bathroom design and wallpaper. One example is wallpaper with aquatic images like fish or waterfalls that will refresh your mind while you use the bathroom.

Another trend is using more natural materials such as bamboo tiles instead of ceramic tiles, which can be harmful to the environment when they aren’t appropriately recycled after they’ve been used.

Using Sustainable Products In the Bathroom

Nowadays, people also care about how their everyday products impact them, which extends to their bathroom. Bamboo toilet paper rolls and bamboo toothbrushes are trending right now because they do not contain nasty chemicals like bleach or chlorine that can be harmful to your health.

There are also many new ways to change the light bulbs in your bathroom, such as using LED lights which will save on energy costs over time.

These trends show how we will be changing our bathrooms over time and innovations we need to keep up with to make sure our homes run smoothly for years to come!

Conclusion

Bathrooms are places of retreat, and it’s important to be mindful of the design of the space where you will be spending some of your most private moments.

2021 COLOR TRENDS & MORE

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S Interior Design was recently interviewed on the topic of the hot colors for 2021. In summary, colors are warmer and draw inspiration from nature with a lot of green tones which evoke thoughts of new beginnings and life. Take a read of the entire article here:

https://www.fixr.com/blog/2021/10/27/color-of-the-year-2022/

The article itself is entitled “Color Me Comforted”. We all are seeking the feeling of comfort and safety in what continues to be challenging times due to health and economic conditions.

As written in the article an interesting difference in this years’ color picks by the major paint manufacturers versus prior years is the similarity in the selections versus the usual push to differentiate themselves from each other .

Other note worthy trends are the continued interest in textures and organic shapes. Hard right angles are being joined by curves in upholstered furniture and accent pieces. Natural materials are found in everything from area carpets to light fixtures and of course accessories.

The trade magazine Furniture, Lighting and Decor published this in their November issue:
https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=44489&i=726158&p=22&ver=html5

One thing that isn’t new is the fact that one of the quickest and easiest things to do to your interiors is to change the paint color on the walls. So, if you want to go with the trend, or you just want a change, maybe it is time for you to do that in your home. As always, S Interior Design is here to assist you in making your paint color selections.

Time To Paint Your Walls?

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S Interior Design has often said one of the quickest and least costly ways to get a big change to the look and feel of your home is to paint the walls.

As we all spend more and more time literally ‘staring at our walls’, you may be entertaining thoughts of painting them. Seems easy enough right? If you haven’t painted the interiors of your home before you may want to know the best way to proceed.

Below is a guest post on the pros and cons of using a paint roller or a paint spray gun when painting.

Should You Paint Your Walls With A Roller or a Spray Gun

If you plan on painting your walls, just know that at the bare minimum a brush is needed. There’s still no way around using a brush for cutting in near ceilings, baseboard, and around window/door trim. The next question to approach though is whether to use a roller or spray gun for the rest of the job.

It might seem like a slam dunk that using an airless paint sprayer would be the obvious preferable choice for your DIY painting job. Sprayers definitely get the actual painting task done much faster, but there are still situations where a roller is preferred. Here’s what you definitively need to know when deciding to paint with a roller or sprayer: 

Cost: Sprayers vs. Rollers 

If you have a sprayer, it would be a no-brainer to use it for your DIY paint job. For the majority of homeowners however an airless paint sprayer simply isn’t a part of the average tool arsenal. 

Paint sprayers start off around $50 at secondary markets and can range up to $400 or more for high end models. Of course tool rental companies will often have paint sprayers available but they also charge by the day, meaning time would be a concern. Comparatively, a bundle of a paint roller, roller covers, a tray, and multiple tray liners could be had for $40 or less. 

Another thing to factor in about cost is paint waste. A lot of the atomized paint drifts away when using a sprayer but rollers get nearly 100% of the paint on the surface. 

Time: Sprayers vs. Rollers

Using an airless paint sprayer hands down get the painting job done quicker, right? Yes…and no. Once you get set up, using an air sprayer is a breeze but it’s getting to that point that pushes the timeline between a sprayer and a roller nearly even. 

The whole room must be masked off to prevent paint damage from overspray when using a sprayer. Trim, baseboards, and molding still must be taped off when rolling – but also when using a sprayer. 

There are some applications where the time saving of using a sprayer is obvious though. This includes when painting a door that has grooves or when doing the exterior of a home where not as much masking off needs to be done. Using a sprayer is also a much faster way to apply a textured paint. 

Another thing to consider when comparing the time of a sprayer and a paint roller is the cleanup. After using a sprayer it must be cleaned extensively to prevent jams and clogging in the future. Roller covers and tray liners can simply be thrown away and the frame rinsed. 

Convenience: Sprayers vs. Rollers 

Simply put, using a paint roller can be a physically demanding undertaking, especially on ceilings and in high areas. That being said, it is much more convenient to simply tape trim and baseboards when using a roller instead of masking off an entire room. Skilled painters don’t even have to tape when cutting which means you can grab a roller and go. 

Rollers are more convenient for smaller rooms and for wall sections with shorter widths like near doors and windows. A sprayer on the other hand is very convenient for new home builds and remodels where overspray damage is not an issue. 

The actual equipment needed when rolling is also very minimal. Grabbing a roller, roller cover, tray, liner, and paint is a very easy setup. A pneumatic sprayer needs an air compressor and dragging that hose around especially in a smaller room. Airless sprayers do give a bit of a convenience edge in this regard. 

Quality / Technique : Sprayers vs. Rollers 

Another important thing to note about sprayers vs. rollers is that paint does attach a bit better with a roller. This is key when painting on a dirty wall as there’s more leeway with the initial coat from a roller. What many professional painters do is spray first for speed and then do a back roll for coverage. 

It is easier to get streaks and lumps when using a roller, especially if the painter is on the inexperienced side. That being said, there is a technique involved with using a sprayer. Holding the sprayer close gives a heavier application but a narrower spray pattern. Moving the nozzle back widens the spray pattern but with a thinner coat. “Mastering” this process does take a bit of time. 

So, Should I Use a Sprayer or a Roller? 

For the exterior of your home and in remodelling situations a sprayer is the preferred option. On the interior, using a sprayer for ceilings would be more convenient than a roller On interior walls however or when painting on a budget it may be better to go with a roller. Then again, you could always use both as well! 


BIO

Daniel has been scrubbing down walls, cutting in lines and perfecting wall painting for many years through DIY techniques, since he first started working on fixing up his old family home. Home improvement has become a passion of his and he aims to share some tips and techniques to others. He is a blog writer for PaintAccess online paint shop.