Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Follow These Tips for Choosing the Right Light Bulbs for Your Home

    You have several light bulb options for your home. Home lighting can be highly customizable, and the perfect bulbs can help you save money over time. But choosing the right light bulbs can be a challenge. Do you know your options?

    Here are your choices:

    • Incandescent: The standard in American homes for over 100 years. They typically last roughly 1,000 hours and are costly because 90% of the energy they create is lost as heat.  The U.S. is phasing out incandescent bulbs and starting in January, companies will be barred from making them.
    • Halogen: A variation of the incandescent but 25% more efficient. A capsule around the wire filament holds gas to increase efficiency. These bulbs are most used under cabinets, in pendant lights, and in recessed cans.
    • Fluorescent: Producing a visible light that appears bluish in color, these lights are commonly used in basements, garages, and attics.  These light bulbs are not as warm and therefore not as good for other applications.
    • Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs): A curly version of the fluorescent light, it lasts 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and can be used in most lighting fixtures.  These light bulbs take awhile to get to full strength when turned on which causes some people not to like them.  CFL’s are better than fluorescent but not as good as LED.
    • LED: LED bulbs are a solid state lighting source that lasts 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are gaining in popularity as they become more inexpensive and easier to find. Many smart bulbs today are of the LED variety and allow you to change color, timing, and lightness through an app on your phone.

    For your future purchasing of light bulbs, a 72-watt incandescent halogen or 23-watt compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb will replace, and be as bright as a traditional 100-watt incandescent bulb.

    For more information about the latest light bulb technology, please contact the professionals at Country Club Homes, Inc. today at 203-762-0550.

  • At Your Service: Ideas for the Perfect Butler’s Pantry 

    A butler’s pantry, originally used to plate meals and store silver, is a tradition from the 1800s that has enjoyed a revival in recent years. Usually positioned between the kitchen and dining room, a butler’s pantry is a wonderful custom element for people who love to entertain at home. While butler’s pantries from the 19th…

  • 2016 Trend: Cutting-Edge Home Automation System

    Do you have a cutting-edge home automation system in your home? Smart homes used to be thought of as something of a frill to many. Today, these electronic systems enhance the way we live in a simple yet revolutionary way bringing elegance, simplicity, convenience, flexibility, security and sensibility to our lives. A strategically and well-planned…

  • Escape the Elements: Cold Climate Home Design Ideas

    Another New England winter is upon us and while we may pride ourselves on our hardy natures, it’s still smart to do whatever we can to design our homes with ample comfort and protection from the elements. Here are a few home design ideas to make your home a safe and sturdy haven during the winter…

  • Design Pros Call it – Hottest Appliance: Convection Steam Ovens

    Sub-Zero and Wolf revealed the results of their 2016 Kitchen Design Forecast at “Design Pros Call It.” Below are key findings from their poll: Open floor plans are still in demand. Formal dining rooms are a thing of the past. White is still the most popular color in the kitchen while new neutrals and accent…