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Shedding Some Light on Lamps
Lamps
are essential home decorating accessories. The right lighting can
really make or break a room's look and feel. The style and finish of a
lamp is as important as the wallpaper, carpet or paint used in a
room. Some of today's most popular finishes are neutral tans, bronze
and brushed nickel. Choosing the right size is as important as
choosing the right style. Here are some helpful hints to guide you
when selecting lamps.
 Table lamps are usually anywhere
from 25" to 32" in height and are used for general purpose
lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and family rooms.
Usually, a table lamp should be roughly the same height as the table
it is sitting upon. However, if you find a lamp that you love that is
a little too short for the space you need, consider putting it on a
couple of books to raise the height. Desk lamps are generally
12" to 20" high and are used to provide task lighting for a
specific work area. Accent lamps can be used in bedrooms, bathrooms,
hallways, entrances and any spot that may need extra lighting.
Because they are generally under 20",
they provide just the right amount of accent lighting.
Floor lamps, an excellent source of overall illumination, a re especially useful in dark corners
or areas that regular lighting may not reach. Torchiere
lamps (which typically have no shade and light up instead of down)
can be a lovely source of ambient or mood lighting. When table space
is limited, wall lamps or sconces can be a good alternative.
Bedrooms, foyers, and hallways are popular spots for these lamps.
Helpful Hint: If you purchase a lamp with a three-way switch,
remember you'll need to purchase a three-way bulb. A three-way
switch, on its own, will not provide three levels of illumination!
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AURORA TAKES HOME
TWO AWARDS FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
At its Evening of Excellence Awards Dinner on Friday, January 15, the
Central Jersey Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling
Industry (CJNARI) presented two of its coveted annual Contractor of the
Year (CotY) Awards to Aurora - one for a
difficult kitchen remodeling project and the other for a complete
master bath makeover.
All entries were scored by an independent panel of judges in five
separate areas: problem solving, functionality, degree of difficulty,
craftsmanship, and innovation. Look for more details about these
projects in upcoming newsletters.
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Green Choices for Homeowners
1. Decorate with Plants
Plants can act as natural air filters, removing harmful chemicals like
benzene and carbon monoxide from the indoor air. And they look great too,
giving your home a more natural and vibrant feel. The best plants for
improving indoor air quality include the peace lily, bamboo palm and
gerbera daisy.
2. Maximize Daylight
Maximizing daylight -- through skylights, open shades, and south-facing
windows -- substitutes electrical lighting with the natural light of
the sun, saving money and preventing the emission of air pollutants and
greenhouse gasses.
3. Use Energy Efficient Lighting
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use a third of the energy of
regular incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer. Replacing a
traditional incandescent bulb with a CFL can save you more than $30
over the lifetime of the bulb and prevent the emission of air
pollutants and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. They
come in better colors now that mimic natural light more closely. Look
for the Energy Star label.
4. Choose FSC Wood Products
Much of the wood that we buy comes from unsustainable operations in
endangered forests, including the Canadian Boreal, Cumberland Plateau,
and the rainforests of Borneo. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is
the only credible international certification organization for
sustainable harvested wood and wood products. Look for the FSC label.
5. Select Efficient Windows
Windows are a significant source of heat loss in the winter and
unwanted heat in the summer. Energy-efficient windows are lined with
special coatings that reflect heat and provide superior insulation,
keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Efficient windows save money on reduced heating and cooling bills and
prevent the emission of greenhouse gases. Look for the Energy Star
label.
6. Opt for Low VOC Products
Many common household products, including paints, carpets and furniture, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
that can be harmful to human health. When buying these products, look
for those with a low VOC content.
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Remodeling?
Redecorating?
Think Aurora!
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Do you know anyone
who is planning to get some new furniture, talking about wanting a new
bathroom or dreaming of a new kitchen?
Don't forget to
let them know that no matter what they need,
Aurora can help.
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Telling your friends and family about us
is the highest compliment
we could receive. Thanks for keeping us in mind!
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