2021

Trending: Mix it Up with Minimalist Lighting

by admin · Jun 1, 2023

Some interior design trends come and go so quickly that it’s hard to understand how they were ever popular (we’re looking at you, 1970s orange shag carpet).

Fortunately, some trends have a little bit more staying power. Minimalism is a timeless design trend that we just can’t stop coming back to. It’s all about doing more with less, and making a clean space where you have room to live your life to the fullest.

If your space needs a refresh and you’re not sure where to start, adding a touch of minimalism might be just what you need! The good news is, you don’t need to go all in and chuck everything in a closet to get the look! Take a look at what you have, then start looking for alternatives that feel more simple. It’s easy!

For example: Swap out your ornate coffee table with a simpler version, or just remove it altogether to open up the space. Trade out busy wall art with a piece that has fewer colors or shapes. Put away some of the tchotchkes you have laying around. Little things like these can have a big impact!

One of the hottest home decor trends we see right now is adding a bold touch of minimalism with lighting! Minimalist light fixtures are simple, unassuming, and stunning in the right context. Whether your home is mid-century mod, boho, or an eclectic mix that’s all your own, there’s a minimalist fixture out there that will fit seamlessly into your space.

Want to see how it works? We curated this list just for you, with some of the best ways to add minimalist-inspired lighting to your home. Remember, the beauty of minimalism is that less is more – start with one idea and see where it takes you!

Simple Lamps

*^{Shcherban Oleksandr/Shutterstock.com}*

One of the easiest ways to add minimalist lighting to your home is with a clean and simple lamp. Find floor or table lamps that are made of simple shapes like cylinders, rectangles, and circles. The fewer shapes there are in the design, the more minimalist it will feel in your space.

Sometimes a new shade will give an old lamp a completely new personality! If you’re not ready to commit to replacing your lamps, try just replacing the shade. Look for pattern-free lamp shades in simple shapes, and avoid any dangling crystals or tassels.

Unconventional Pendants

One of the best ways to declutter your space is to remove as much furniture from the floor as you can. While things like beds and couches need to stay, a floor or table lamp can go if you install a pendant light!

Pendant lights have long been used over bars in kitchens, but there are no rules against finding more creative places to put them! One of our favorite places is right over your nightstand, which clears off the space for your favorite book. You’ll need to hire an electrician to run electrical wire to the right places, but the jaw-dropping results will be totally worth it.

Pendant lights come in a massive selection of sizes, colors, shapes, and finishes, so you’re guaranteed to be able to find one you love!

Statement Sconces

Sconces are another great floor-space-saving minimalist lighting option. You see them most often in bathrooms above the mirror, but they can be used in so many other ways!

A pair of well-placed sconces will bathe your room’s best feature with light, like an accent wall or fireplace. A single wall light near your favorite chair will create a cozy reading nook. A row of sconces can dress up a boring hallway.

Stick to something low-profile in high traffic areas like hallways. For places like over the sink or bathroom counter, your sconce can take up more space. Look for fixtures that have a minimalist base, and shades made from basic shapes like globes, cones, or cylinders.

Bare Bulb Fixtures

The bare bulb minimalist lighting trend is very hot, but can also be a little polarizing. They often come with rustic Edison bulbs, but you don’t have to keep them if they’re not your style. You’d be surprised at how quickly a light fixture can go from farmhouse chic to modern with a new set of light bulbs! Go for a more modern globe-shaped style bulb to create the perfect blend of old and new.

The bare bulb trend isn’t for everyone and that’s okay! Get a similar look with a light fixture with clear glass shades surrounding the bulbs. They’ll help to diffuse and soften the light.

Hidden Lights

You don’t have to be able to see a fixture for it to have a stunning impact. LED light strips give off soft light from out of sight, which makes your space feel luxurious and custom-made.

They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can go almost anywhere that you want to give some extra oomph. You’ve probably already seen them under kitchen wall cabinets, where they shine light on the countertop to make cooking easier… but did you know that they can go almost anywhere?

Install them as back lighting behind your TV, headboard, or bathroom mirror. Illuminate the floor with light strips on the toe kicks in your kitchen and bathroom. Make your storage more functional with light strips on closet shelving or built-in bookshelves. Line your teenager’s room with a color-changing remote-controlled LED light strip so their room can change with their moods. The options are limitless!

Recessed Lighting

Also called can lights, recessed lights are installed up and inside your ceiling, so they light your room without any visual clutter.

Recessed lights are really versatile- they work with every design style, and can go in any room in the house. Plus, the latest technology for these lights is awesome. LED recessed lights give off virtually no heat, which makes them incredibly safe. They also come in dimmable and color-changing options, so you can switch up the atmosphere in your room with just the touch of a button.

Color Coordinate

If buying all new light fixtures isn’t in your budget just yet, don’t dismay! With just a weekend or two and some basic supplies, you can give the lights you already have a minimalist makeover.

Choose a finish that you love like matte black or brushed nickel, and head to your hardware store for some sandpaper and spray paint. Any light fixture can be repainted – just tape off the electrical components and glass shades before you get started! Don’t forget to turn off your power at the breaker box before taking down wired fixtures!

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel – take a look around your space and choose a finish that will work with what you have. This will unify your space and make it feel more streamlined and clean. We love how well these black porch lights play off the black trim on the windows!

Choose One and Get Started!

No matter how you embrace minimalism in your lighting, it’s guaranteed to make your home feel more streamlined and clean. Remember, less is more with minimalist lighting, so keep it simple to make it stunning!

If you need help finding the perfect minimalist lamp or need a recommendation for a trustworthy electrician to install that new pendant or recessed light, give us a call! Our lighting experts know all of the ins and outs of minimalist lighting – and we’re excited to help you get started!

Choosing the Perfect Ceiling Fan

by admin · May 25, 2023

When carefully chosen, a unique ceiling fan will add to your home’s beauty, value, and ultimately save you money. Whether you are shopping for your first fan or you’re updating an old-fashioned relic, the process can be enough to make anyone’s head spin. Fans should be functional as well as attractive, but it’s easy to get buried in all of the expert recommendations and lighting lingo. If you give up and just pick the first fan you see that matches your room, you could be setting yourself for disappointment. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when searching for the perfect fan to complete your space:

Location

Before you do anything, you need to decide which areas in your home need better airflow and temperature control. Every house has a room or two that’s always hotter than the rest of the house! Also, consider putting a fan in the spaces where you entertain. When you have guests over it’s nice to be able to get the air moving to keep your guests comfortable.

Looking for outdoor fans? Pay attention to the rating. Wet rated fans have a special coating to help avoid water damage and rust. If your fan may come in direct contact with ocean spray, rain, or snow, a wet rated fan is what you need. Damp rated fans aren’t meant to come in direct contact with water, so they’re better suited to covered patio areas.

Outdoor fans can be used anywhere, but you should never hang an indoor fan outside.

Size

Once you’ve picked the perfect spot for your fan, take a look at the size of the space it needs to cool. Is it for a smaller space like a bedroom, or a larger area like a living room with vaulted ceilings? If your fan is too large, it will overpower your room and make it feel like you’re in a wind tunnel. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to move the air in the room, which will leave you disappointed.

Ceiling fans are measured by the diameter of the blades, and there are a couple of ways you can figure out which size is right for you. The first option is to measure the longest wall in the room.

Wall Length	Fan Size
12 ft or less	36 in or less
12-15 ft	40-48 in
15 ft or more	52 in or more

The second option is to calculate the square footage of your room. Most manufacturers have recommendations right on the box based on square footage, so you’ll definitely want to know that number!

Square Footage	Fan Size
Up to 100 sq. ft.	18” – 42”
100 – 225 sq. ft.	42” – 52”
225 – 400 sq. ft.	52” and up
Over 400 sq. ft.	Multiple fans

Height

The next step is to find the perfect height to hang your fan, and it all depends on the height of your ceilings. So grab a friend and pull out that tape measure!

If you have high, vaulted, sloped ceilings, you’ll need a downrod fan. A downrod is the metal bar that separates a ceiling fan from the ceiling itself. It’s purpose is to move the fan to the sweet spot in a room where it can circulate the air the most effectively.*

Ceiling Height	Downrod Length
10 ft	12 in
11 ft	18 in
12 ft	24 in
13 ft	36 in
14 ft	48 in
15 ft	60 in
16 ft	72 in

*If your ceiling fan includes a light kit, reduce the length of the downrod by 12”

For more standard, 8-10 foot ceilings, you should look into a flush mount ceiling fan, often called a hugger. It does just what it sounds like: hugs the ceiling so the blades stay safely above the average person’s head.

Light Kit

Most – but not all – ceiling fans come with a light kit, making it a multi-purpose fixture. The blades circulate air and the light kit provides ambient light. If you’re replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, double check your fan to make sure it comes with lights so that you don’t end up in the dark!

Style

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, you’re ready to find your fan. Ceiling fans are a lot harder to swap out that throw pillows, so it’s really important to pick out a fan that matches your style! Here are some things to consider:

1. Light shades: This is the hardware that covers the bulbs on the light kit. Some shades are clear, providing ample light, while others have a more frosted look to soften to the glow. They come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, so don’t be afraid to ask around if you don’t immediately see something you love at our showroom!. Our lighting experts can get you pointed in the right direction quickly so that you don’t have to waste hours of your life comparison shopping online!

2. Blades: Fan blades come in a variety of finishes, including black, white, natural, oak, etc. Many fans have double sided blades, so that you can try both options in your space and choose the one you like best.

3. Hardware: Fan housings and hardware typically come in metallic hues like brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, or a painted color like black or white. Take a look at the other finishings in your room – if the handles and doorknobs in your room are silver, you probably won’t want gold hardware on your fan. Similarly, a sleek fan with black blades and chrome hardware would feel out of place in a country cottage.

If you see a fan that you love but the finishes are off, don’t be afraid to ask! Many ceiling fan models are available in more than one set of finishes.

Efficiency

Did you know that an inefficient ceiling fan will cost you money on your electric bill every month? To avoid this costly mistake, consider these tips:

Look for Energy Star rated fans. These fans can use up to 20 percent less energy, helping you reduce your energy bill.
Think airflow. An underpowered fan will need to be left on at all times to keep a room cool. An overpowered fan will use more energy than you need. Make sure your fan is properly sized for your space.
Change the blade direction. Nearly every ceiling fan will have a small switch near the blades that will change which direction they spin. In the summer, run your fan counterclockwise. This pushes air downwards, which creates a cool breeze in the room. In the winter, run your fan clockwise. This pulls air upwards, which pushes the warm air trapped near the ceiling back down into the room.

Finding the right fan doesn’t have to be a headache. If you follow these steps, you can feel confident in knowing that you are choosing the best ceiling fan for your room.

Come on in and see us! You can check out your new fan in person before you take it home to make sure it’s exactly what you want! And our lighting specialists are happy to help you with any step along the way, from choosing to installing the perfect ceiling fan for your home.

7 Ways to Transform Your Bathroom

by admin · May 18, 2023

Your living room shouldn’t be the only room in your home that showcases your style – it’s time to show your bathroom a little love too! Wondering how to get started? Here are 7 tips, and plenty of inspiring examples, to show you how you can transform your bathroom into a space that you can be proud of!

1. Use Striking Wall Colors

Coloring with contrasts make for a striking match with any vanity set. A simple, yet functional brass light fixture ties the whole look together, while still providing the bright light you need to get ready every morning.

Sometimes, simplicity makes for the best design. Matte black task lighting, bright yellow bulbs, and a textured black backdrop create a truly showstopping combination, adding a dramatic effect that’s sure to leave any guests talking.

2. Color-Coordinate Your Hardware

Make any vanity look luxe with gold features. Coordinate your drawer handles, faucets, and light fixtures for a put-together feel. Especially when paired with simple blacks and whites, these accents really shine!

This bathroom uses a brilliant geometric design as a wall accent, then simplifies the space with a clean-cut, over-the-mirror light fixture in a pretty accent color. The result is an engaging, but not overly busy, bathroom look.

3. Use Chandeliers to Make a Statement

Create a primping room fit for a Hollywood A-lister by using some surprisingly simple décor essentials: a classic vanity, glamorous chandelier, and patterned walls. The result? A bathroom with a touch of flair, lots of style, and a slight air of drama. We love it!

Want a more understated room with just a touch of glitz? You can still lounge in luxury as you soak beneath a dazzling chandelier.

4. Mix Natural and Modern Elements

Bring all of the soothing spa vibes to your own bathroom while still keeping it chic. Here, natural wood elements are balanced with sleek, simple light fixtures and mirrors that provide an understated modern touch.

This bathroom makes a great use of natural touches with wooden shelves and small potted plants. To top it off, the light fixture’s wavy, modern design sends an organic “go with the flow” impression that matches the tone of the room’s décor.

5. Choose Bold Color Accents

If you want a pop of color in your bathroom, but you aren’t willing to commit to a full accent wall, try colorful light fixtures! These red lights are a bright spot in a white room that draw attention and add style without being overwhelming.

If you’ve got some fun color elsewhere, like this vintage yellow toilet and sink, that’s great! This black fixture blends with the style and lets the colorful toilet and sink truly shine.

6. Embrace Classic Elements

If you’re looking for a simple, sophisticated bathroom, this one will suit your tastes. The vanity set and walls have subtle detailing, while the silver light fixtures boast clean lines and an elegant silhouette.

Here, a large, gorgeous vanity takes center stage. Combined with modest, shaded light fixtures, the overall effect is timeless and elegant.

7. Play Around with Interesting Shapes

Hoping to create a quaint, charming wash room? A minimalist vanity, pretty wall pattern, and small vase of flowers are a good way to start. The light is a beautiful finishing touch: it’s simple enough to highlight the other design elements, but the double-sided fixture is unique enough to add some extra flair.

In this bathroom, diamonds are everyone’s best friend. Flanking the mirror with unusual diamond-shaped light fixtures creates a distinctive, fashionable element, making this space seem subtly one-of-a-kind.

While the task lighting on each side of the mirrors is straightforward, it’s the unusual shape of the overhead lighting that commands attention in this modern bathroom. The overall effect? A bathroom that’s stylish, sleek, and unique.

Feeling inspired? Transform your bathroom into a space that’s truly yours with any of these simple tips. Whether you add an accent wall, a colored fixture, some interesting shapes or natural elements, we’re sure you’ll love the effect! Best of luck from us here at Desert Lighting.

The Ultimate Guide: How to Buy the Perfect Ceiling Fan

by admin · May 11, 2023

A ceiling fan is a must-have fixture that will instantly beautify your space, but they also have surprising practical use. They add light and are often the centerpiece in a room, but also make a room feel more comfortable with cooler air in the summer and warmer air in the winter.

Ceiling fans help promote health with better air circulation and improve air quality and can lower a rooms temperature by 8 degrees! Imagine the energy savings over an air conditioner even with its great benefits, heading to a big box store and grabbing the first one you see is sure to leave you disappointed. To find the right one for you, five things must be carefully considered.

No need to worry, this ultimate guide you will discover everything you need to know to make the perfect purchase including:

Why the blade pitch makes all the difference
How to shave the most from your energy bill
What is that switch on my fan and how should I use it
How to choose the style that fits your space best
Getting the right size fan for your room

Here’s what you should look for when buying a ceiling fan:

1. Blade Pitch

Blade pitch refers to how steep the blades are when attached to the fan motor. Since every degree in alignment affects how much air is moved, it’s important to find the“ample pitch”. For example, a fan with a 14 degree blade pitch pushes about 80 percent more air than a fan with a 10 degree blade pitch.

Most stores only offer fans with a lower blade pitch, so consumers have to use a lot more power to get the fan to work the way they want. Not only is this very inefficient and uses much more energy than necessary, it also causes fans to burn out after just a few years and require a costly replacement.

At our showrooms, we feature fans with a blade pitch between 12 degrees and 18 degrees. This optimal range for quality ceiling fans ensures the fan will run at a low speed with silent operation.

Plus, you won’t need to go looking for a replacement for many, many years. What’s even better? We offer a lifetime warranty on many of our ceiling fans so you can enjoy the benefits of proper air circulation for years to come.

Here at Desert Lighting, we pride ourselves in our state of the art showrooms to give you an idea of what your home could look like. Our lighting specialists are experienced and happy to help you find the perfect fan for your home or any space.

2. Energy Star Rating

This is a must. Look for Energy Star-Rated ceiling fans. Energy Star fans are guaranteed to last long and save you money. When you see this logo, you know the fan has passed rigorous testing and meets the stringent standards of the EPA is made with durable and reliable parts, and works much more efficiently than non-rated alternatives.

Think of this as a seal of authenticity. The energy star logo ensures that the materials used to build the fan are high quality and will last you much longer than comparable products. Energy Star ceiling fans provide a way to cool a space with a fraction of the standard energy usage. These fans are 20% more efficient than standard ceiling fans and come with energy efficient light kits with bulbs that last 10x longer than traditional lights. Fan motors with the Energy Star also come standard with a 30-year warranty, protecting your investment for a long, long time.

There are some products that are worth spending a little extra money on because it will actually save you money in the long run. Ceiling fans are definitely one of those products.

Not only does Desert Lighting have multiple Energy Star-Rated ceiling fans to choose from, they also have over 60 years of experience and design to assist you in getting fitted with the right ceiling fan for your needs.

3. Airflow Direction

Ceiling fans can be set to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Why is this? It all has to do with the season. Yes, the time of year actually affects the airflow needs of a room!

If you set your fan counterclockwise, the air will be pushed directly downward. This setting is best suited for summertime when the downward airflow will give a nice cooling breeze that reaches the whole room. If your fan has a higher blade pitch, you can even reduce the “feel” temperature of the room by an entire 7 degrees!

However, during winter the hot air rises to the ceiling. Set your fan clockwise during the colder months, and it will push the air off the ceiling and out to bounce it off the walls to create a warmer feel that fills the entire room.

Desert Lighting can also help you install smart technology into your ceiling fixtures to make your life just a little more simple. How nice would it be to be able to control your fan with a remote or even just the command of your voice? You won’t have to worry about getting up to turn on the fan after you’ve gotten all cozied up in your bed because you can just to it with the click of a button.

4. Fan Style

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It’s important for your fan to match the rest of your decor to tie everything together. A vintage style fan may look odd if the rest of your furniture has a more modern vibe to it.

Be sure to explore your options in different fan styles and take the time to look into all the different colors, styles and shapes. Believe it or not but a fan can become a centerpiece and tie together a room. A ceiling fan is like the cherry on top when it comes to decor, having it match everything else just makes the room feel more complete.

Not sure where to begin? Read through some of the most popular design styles to see what would fit best in your space:

Classic: These traditional styles are anything but boring. Classic fans typically have dark wood finishes, like oak or walnut and an antique bronze or pewter accents, and a timeless blade look that blends in seamlessly with your traditional-style home.
Modern: Often this fan is show-stopping statement piece that fit well into mid-century modern and industrial design looks. A contemporary style ceiling fan with smooth clean lines and metallic finishes are ideal. Look for fans often in a metallic finish or chrome and even matte-black, as well as fans with a sleek blade design.
Cottage: Classic white fans are best suited to cottage style. Look for an all-white fan including the motor casing and blades, with light metallic trim accents.
Rustic: No longer reserved for cabins and outdoor spaces, many are giving their homes a lodge-like look. A rugged look with natural woods, typically accented with nickel or bronze hardware complement this home decor style.
Farmhouse: Sure to add instant charm to any room. In many varieties and styles, farmhouse fans are making a huge comeback. Look for a fans are made from a perfect blend of natural wood and industrial elements that use the vintage Edison-style bulbs.
Coastal/Driftwood: Bring the sea breeze right into your home with a nautical style ceiling fan. Inspired by the attractive colors and soothing quality of nature, fans with natural wood blades and oil-rubbed finishes do the trick. Often times these tropical-inspired fans are made from bamboo and have leaf-inspired designs complement homes near the beach and cottage-style interiors.

Of course, most of us are thinking of just installing a ceiling fan inside, but have you considered your outdoor fan options? Picture this: you’re sitting on your porch, enjoying the weather, lemonade in hand and a nice light breeze coming from your patio ceiling fan. Sounds nice right? Don’t forget about your outdoor space when you’re looking at adding new ceiling fans to your home.

Desert Lighting has plenty of different indoor and outdoor fans to match any style to offer and ensure your home decor feels right and matches.

#5: Ceiling Fan Size

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When shopping for a fan, you have to get the right size to make sure it delivers on its promise. The size of the room you’re wanting to put it in is key. If you have a smaller room (like a bathroom) that you’d like to put a fan in, be sure you buy something with a smaller fan blade width to fit the space well.

Larger areas such as bedrooms and living rooms will need a larger fan to circulate more air flow throughout the entire room. If you get a fan that’s too small and place it in a larger room, it’s not going to function quite the way you want it to. As a rule, bigger is better to ensure you get maximum airflow as the airflow drops off dramatically when you’re more than 2-3 feet outside of the blades. To ensure maximum benefit, here are some recommendations based on the size of the room and assuming you have chosen a good fan with at least 12 degree blade pitch.

Now that you know how to choose the right ceiling fan, you will be able to enjoy a unique sense of hygge that is far too often overlooked.

Visit Desert Lighting and let our knowledgeable staff help you discover the perfect size of fan for the room you’re decorating.

Shop Ceiling Fans, by Room

About Us

We’re committed to offering you the best lighting and ceiling fan fixtures that will not only serve practical purposes throughout your home, but beautify it as well.

Here at Desert Lighting, our experts can help you find the perfect ceiling fan that’s just right for your home. Our ceiling fans have a blade pitch between 12-18 degrees which means they last longer and move more air than most box store fans. Not to mention, our fans have a lifetime warranty!

With years of experience, our lighting specialists can assist you in providing a wealth of knowledge to help you select, install, and purchase your next ceiling fan. Visit a store or view our selection online.

12 Tips for Choosing and Hanging the Perfect Dining Light

by admin · May 4, 2023

Whether it’s time to impress your new neighbors or host an important business dinner, your dining room is a high-impact space that communicates a lot about you. Some dining rooms are an informal extension of the kitchen, while others are a spacious, separate room. No matter what yours looks like, choosing the right design (and light) can create the perfect setting for all occasions.

Size

1. To determine the best size for your fixture, use this formula: Length + Width = diameter of your ideal light. Example: 10’ (length) + 14’ (width) = 24” (width of your light). It’s a general rule, so use it at your own discretion and adapt to suit your preferences!

2. Long dining tables call for bigger lights. Consider a long track light or even mount two fixtures on either end of the table. It’s a great way to emphasize your lovely, lengthy dining space!

Style

3. The style you select reflects your personal taste, but also affects the function of the light. Shaded lights provide soft, subtle light, while glass fixtures diffuse light more brightly and evenly. Exposed bulbs provide the most clear, crisp light.

4. If your dining room branches off your kitchen, consider matching the finish of the dining light to the finish of kitchen lights or hardware.

5. If your dining room is separate from the kitchen, feel free to choose a distinct finish for a unique dining room atmosphere. Just remember that it should still ‘live well’ with any visible fixtures from surrounding rooms.

Height

6. Know your ceiling height before selecting a light. Most fixtures are designed for an 8-foot ceiling.

7. If you have a vaulted ceiling, use some of that space for the fixture, but keep it mounted low enough that it still feels like a cohesive part of the dining table ensemble.

8. Proper mounting height is 30-36 inches from the top of your table to the bottom of the fixture. That figure can be a little higher on a taller ceiling.

9. Fixtures with decorative pieces or hanging crystals may hanger lower than the recommended 30-36”. For these fixtures, measure to the frame of the light instead.

Wattage

10. The general recommendation for dining light output is 300 watts. This is especially true for rooms with lighter paint colors.

11. In dining rooms with darker paint, consider choosing bulbs that provide 400 watts or more.

12. For additional control and extra ambiance, use dimmable bulbs and install a dimmer switch in your dining room. It’ll serve equally well for full-light projects and dimly-lit romantic dinners.

Make your dining room an inviting space with an expressive, efficient fixture. For any additional questions, feel free to contact our expert team here at Desert Lighting. We’re here to help you make your dream home!

Break into Farmhouse Flair with Your Home Lighting

by admin · Apr 19, 2023

If the down-home charm of farmhouse style speaks to you, you’re not alone! It’s a trendy style with staying power, and now’s a great time to start adding farmhouse décor around any home. If you’re unsure how to start, however, switching out your light fixtures is the perfect starting point. There’s no repainting, rearranging wall hangings, or reupholstering involved- just a simple swap to get the look you want!

Here are some of our favorite ideas that add a touch of that Farmhouse Flair:

Electric Candles

Sure to add an atmospheric glow to any event, candlelight is one of the best ways to slip some farmhouse fashion into your home. It’s rustic, reminiscent of simple times, and charming in all the right ways.

Rough, Unfinished Metals

Don’t be afraid to flaunt some rust and roughness in your metal décor. Whether it’s a functional light fixture that’s made to look aged and distressed or simply a decorative lighting piece like this lantern, aged metal is a farmhouse staple.

Rope or Twine Details

As a compliment to the fresh, finished pieces of your décor, try some unfinished twine-like lighting. The rope cords add excellent texture and depth, and the combined effect is a rustic, upscale farmhouse look fitted for any room.

Imitation Fencing or Caging

If you’re looking for just a small touch of farmhouse style, try a gentle nod to farmhouse with cage-like metal fixtures. They’re easily hung anywhere in your home, and they’re versatile enough to match with any kind of décor if you decide to redecorate later.

Bolts, Nails, and Screws

Imagine hand-constructed barrels, fencing, wagons, and more when you look at the quaint bolt details on this ceiling fan. Ultra-functional and fashionable, it’s great for any room in your home. Even better? Try it in an outdoor, covered area- just make sure the fixture is damp-area rated!

Bleached or Faded Wood

Almost nothing says “farmhouse” more than bleached, faded, or distressed wood. This fixture is simple and unassuming, but adds some textured dimension to the space. Add that to the rich green hues on the walls and linens… we love the look!

Mixed Material Fixtures

Metals, fabrics, chains, woods, and more… Farmhouse is a fresh take on an old-fashioned look, and it really shines in fixtures that use various materials to bring old and new worlds together.

Old-Fashioned Bulbs

With the right bulb in place, simple fixtures are automatically transformed into something quaint. Those old-style bulbs are comforting, familiar, and full of farmhouse flavor. Best of all? You can add them to an existing fixture for an extra simple update!

Do you like what you see? Props to farmhouse décor for serving up some beautiful details that are ready to brighten your home. Contact us at Desert Lighting for more information about farmhouse-friendly lighting or any other home lighting needs!

5 Styles in 5 Spaces to Inspire your Next Home Renovation

by admin · Apr 12, 2023

Home renovation is no joke! But don’t let the magic of a home makeover get lost by the fear of time lost and money spent. With just a little careful planning the results far outweigh the costs and ARE worth the effort….both in how you feel…and how it improves the value of your home.

Understanding a few of the basic elements of interior design will help you zero in on what is most important and have you transforming the ordinary into a dream space in no time!

The Basics

Get started by learning these five basic design concepts. Understanding these will help ensure you get a balanced, well-rounded classy look.

The five basics of interior design are: line, space, texture, shape and form, and color.

1. Line refers to how the layout pulls the eye around a room. What do you see first, then next, etc. Are the eyes drawn vertically or horizontally?

2. Space is about understanding how to work with the architectural details in the room, like how to incorporate a railing or bay window.

3. Texture includes the feel of the elements in the room. A matte wallpaper, jute basket, metal frame, or glass table all contribute to the texture of the room.

4. Shape and form have to do with the kinds of pieces (furniture, art, plants, etc.) in the room. Organic shapes are more round, flowing, and irregular. Geometric shapes use more straight lines and create a sense of order in the space.

5. Color is perhaps the easiest for the non-professional designer. From wall paint to flooring, couch cushions to gallery walls, anyone can choose a color palette that they love and use it throughout the space!

Now that you’ve got those down, let’s see how you can use them to get focused on a renovation and spend your time and money most efficiently. Let’s dive into some popular design styles and see how we can apply these basics in a real space!

Industrial Kitchen

Contrasting textures set an industrial space apart. Wood and metal combine to create movement while keeping sharp lines. In a kitchen this could look like a metal or concrete countertop, metal and wood exposed shelving, and statement metal or glass pendant lighting.

Colors are usually kept neutral, again using a mix of a light base with dark accents to create dimension and interest.

Keep the space uncluttered to help the room seem as large and spacious as possible, favoring geometric or angular forms.

Mid-century Modern Bedroom

Mid-century modern has taken millennial homes by storm.

Balance is the most important characteristic in the mid-century modern style. This design blends soft organic and hard geometric shapes using furniture and materials with an uncluttered and minimalist aesthetic. The introduction of plants next to furniture with simple, clean lines furthers the sense of a perfectly orchestrated space.

In Mid-Century Modern design, colors play off each other by balancing a neutral base with pops of jewel toned furniture or art.

The room is often broken up by a ⅓ vs ⅔ line, with low furniture leaving plenty of wall space. Simple lighting will help maintain the flow of the room without distracting the eye.

Boho Living Room

Hello 60s and 70s free spirit! Texture is essential to the boho style. There is plenty of room to play with upholstery like a velvet couch or chair. Rugs and tapestries are also right at home in the boho style. You can even play with lighting with a wicker or beaded chandelier to add another element of texture. Accessorize your space to your heart’s content!

While most other design styles use a neutral base, Boho styles encourage floor to ceiling use of blues, pinks, greens or other bright colors as the base. If that doesn’t feel comfortable, don’t worry! Minimalist boho style has also emerged as an option for those that love the color and freedom of this style, but want to combine it with a neutral color scheme and a less cluttered feel.

Transitional Office

Transitional style blends traditional and contemporary styles into a happy mix of the past and present. This style usually favors a more neutral color scheme, but adding in some restored vintage furniture can be a fun and exciting way to add some texture and a pop of color. Mix it up with modern touches like a contemporary chandelier to ensure the room doesn’t get stuffy!

Clean and straight lines are hallmarks of the transitional style. When choosing accessories like art or rugs, go for more angular pieces.

Rustic Dining Room

Whether you love farmhouse or cottage core, or you just longing for a more cozy and woodsy feel, a rustic dining space will deliver on those natural and comfy vibes.

Color and texture are great places to focus. Keep the overall scheme light, bright, and neutral. Pops of color in patterns like florals and plaids are definitely welcome!

Bring nature in by incorporating lots of warm, wooden textures. To keep the space from becoming one note, layer other natural textures in the room like stone and iron. Incorporate these harder materials in flooring and furniture, or go bold with a rustic chandelier hanging from a wood beam ceiling. Comfort is very important in a rustic room, so add in some soft textures to get that cozy feel with upholstered seating, a woven rug, curtains, or a table runner!

Help is here!

Renovating a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Remember to focus on an overall theme, and apply these basics to create your game plan. No matter the size of the project, updating old light fixtures is an easy way to instantly change the whole feel of a room.

Still not sure where to start? Let us help! Our lighting design experts are ready and waiting to help with any of your lighting questions and needs.

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