Month: January 2020

Colorado’s rental market is hot. The rest of the nation finally figured out that Colorado is an excellent place to live, and thousands of people rushed into our state, filling every available apartment and rental home. Fortunately, a decade-long price escalation in Colorado’s rental market leveled off toward the end of 2019. And while today’s rents aren’t exactly cheap, because of expanded apartment construction in city-close areas that were once un-trendy, there are more options and better deals. 

“There are some new light-rail stations that make a case for super-easy access to downtown Denver – things that are little cheaper than what you would find in LoDo but are still in up-and-coming areas.” – David Pierce, CoStar Group 

Colorado’s explosion of rental properties (and people) brings renter-specific challenges.

The lighting struggle is real for Colorado renters. 

Homeowners can take advantage of every trick in the book when it comes to lighting their homes, but renters run into unique challenges. Rental properties aren’t known for statement lighting, and rental agreements don’t often allow renters to make light fixture changes or put large holes in the walls. This means that renters nearly always get apartments with uninspired and less-than-flattering light, with shadows that make even the well-rested look desperate for a nap. 

Renters don’t have to settle for uninspired lighting. You can improve your rental home lighting with our Colorado renter’s guide to illumination.

1. Make the Most of table lamps and floor lamps.

Floor and table lamps are the easiest way to transform your space without worrying about losing a security deposit. And since style, color, and shade options are virtually endless, table lamps and floor lamps let you flex your design muscles. 

Use a mixture of lamps in contrasting shapes, styles, colors, and materials to add visual appeal and functionality to your space. For example, place a floor lamp on one side of your sofa, and a table lamp on the opposite side (atop an end table), to amplify the functionality, comfort, and visual appeal of your room. For even more impact, we like putting lamps in unexpected places, like a kitchen or bathroom. Don’t be afraid to experiment. 

2. Variety is the spice of life (and lighting).

The best living spaces feature a variety of light sources dispersed in a triangular pattern throughout the room and at different heights. We suggest that you use an array of table lamps, floor lamps, and ceiling fixtures to make your room feel more comfortable, eye-catching, and functional. And again, don’t be afraid to experiment! Beautifully designed spaces often use lighting in unexpected ways or exciting shapes and contrasting materials/finishes, to give a room that extra bit of elegance and flair. 

3. Adjust track lighting.

Renters often move into a new home or apartment and leave their track lighting positioned as-is. But the easiest thing you can do to improve rental home lighting is to adjust the tracks when you move in. Aim track heads to wash walls with light or illuminate work surfaces like kitchen counters, and don’t blind your family or guests with spots awkwardly directed at seating arrangements.

4. Use adapters.

You can convert unattractive track lighting and flush-mount fixtures into hanging pendants that match your style by using adapters. Most of the standard track lighting brands sell easy-to-use pendant adapters for this purpose. Keep in mind, you might have to wire a plug to the end of your pendant’s cord, and in some instances, swag the pendant a few inches (or more) from the track and drop the cable from a plant hook (it’s easier than it sounds). Pendants draw people’s eyes away from the track and to the fixtures themselves, and the best part? When you move out, you can take your pendants with you.

5. Sconces are still an option.

Your lease probably doesn’t allow you to hardwire a wall sconce. But, assuming that you can put a few holes in the wall (that you’ll patch later), wall sconces with a standard cord and plug that need no rewiring or drilling, are still an option. If you want to hide the cable, you can use wire mold painted to match your walls, or opt for an industrial look and leave the cord visible. Either way, you’ve taken your lighting from ho-hum to cool.

6. Don’t forget about form and function.

Function is crucial when selecting lights for your rental home or apartment, but don’t forget to tie everything together for a seamless look. Your lighting is no different than any other piece of furniture, and you can use different finishes and materials, like glass, wood, metal, or concrete, to tie your fixtures into the overall aesthetic of your rental property.

7. Use the right bulbs.

Once you have your rental home or apartment lighting fixtures sorted out, you need to make sure you’ve got the correct light bulbs. Opt for LED lights, and select bulbs with a color temperature of 2700k, to give your home a flattering warm glow (flattering to both your home and your guests).

With each year, home automation systems grow more innovative and affordable. But too many homeowners don’t know that today’s smart home devices can add comfort, convenience, and security to their lifestyles and homes. 

Smart home technology not only saves time and energy (both your physical strength and the power of your home), but home automation tools keep you and your loved ones safe and secure. 

Turning on all your outdoor lights in the evening isn’t what smart home lighting is about. Intelligent home lighting means using the latest in lighting-specific home automation tools to efficiently illuminate and protect your home and your most valuable asset – your family.  

Intelligent and automated lighting is the smart move for convenience and security.

Keep reading to learn five ways smart home lighting improves your home security and comfort.

Personal Safety

Smart home lighting prevents theft and also offers significant personal safety benefits. For example, your outdoor lights can automatically illuminate when you arrive home from work, helping you become more aware of your surroundings. And you won’t have to worry about tripping hazards on your path from the car to your door, or running over your kid’s bike left in the driveway.

Porch Pirates Beware

Smart home lighting prevents theft. Your home lighting control system lets you set rules to determine how your lighting functions. You can set a rule to ensure that the porch light not only stays on throughout the evening but that it also brightens as a person nears your front door. Responsive lighting deters trespassers from attempting a break-in or stealing an Amazon package from your front porch.

Convenience

Advancements in lighting technology make your life at home more comfortable. You can use your smartphone to control your smart lighting system while you’re away from home or resting on the sofa. Don’t feel like getting off the couch to adjust the lights before you Netflix and chill? No worries. With smart home lighting, you can set the mood without moving a muscle (aside from your fingers).

Interior Lighting

When it comes to home security, interior lighting is just as important as exterior lighting. When you’re traveling, automated smart home lighting lets you set your home’s lights to activate at specific times throughout the day to make it appear as though someone is always at home. It would be best if you didn’t have to worry about returning to a burglarized home after vacation. The only thing you should concern yourself with on vacation is what to eat. 

Also, smart home lighting allows you to control your home’s illumination from a mobile device. If you forgot to set your lighting schedule before leaving for vacation, there’s no need to worry.

Enhanced Intruder Protection

Responsive lighting keeps homeowners aware of potential intruders and is an effective deterrent. Most light and smart home systems include features that allow you to control the level of illumination. And, as we mentioned in point number two of this blog, home lighting automation gives homeowners control over brightness. As an intruder nears your front door, the light grows brighter, and since intruders work under cover of darkness, sufficient illumination makes your home an unattractive target. 

Smart home lighting makes managing your home’s light fixtures a snap. It also keeps you and your family safe. And opting for automated outdoor lighting adds to the curb appeal of your home and provides even more protection against unwelcomed intruders. And that’s a win for you and us.