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.

  • July New England Home Style of the Month: Gothic Revival

    Gothic architecture rose to popularity from the 12th to the 16th centuries and was primarily used in European religious construction. 200 years later the rise of the gothic revival era signaled a shift in the design style to residential structures in both Europe and the United States. This architectural style was known for its asymmetry and…

  • How Bookworms Can Make Better Use of a Dining Room

    Many custom homes have well appointed dining rooms that feature a large table, plenty of seating, and an engaging design that stimulates conversation. But can the dining room be more? We challenge you to think outside of the box for your dining room design and consider transforming this space to reflect your personal style and your…

  • Keep the Space Under Your Stairs Performing for You

    If you’re searching for a bit more storage in your home you may want to consider putting the space under your stairs to work. This spot in the house may be the prime location to add shelving, cabinetry, or customized storage. Our favorite ways to use this space include: Adding open shelving- Open shelving can be added to…

  • Gorgeous Ideas for Adding Interior French Doors to Your Home

    One surefire way to add character to your home is to install interior French doors with custom glass treatments. These stately doors will open up a space by allowing plenty of light to flow between rooms. However, they can also pose a challenge when you’re wanting to ensure privacy in an office, bedroom, or bathroom. Our favorite ways to…