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.

  • Small Details Can Make All the Difference in a Universal Design

    Universal design is the process of creating a home that works for all residents, regardless of ability or age. Many universal design homes are created specifically for homeowners that are in wheelchairs or have other physical needs, but universal design goes beyond adding ramps and making sure doorways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair….

  • A House Full of Secrets: Designing a Home With Hidden Passages for Convenience and Privacy

    If you love a good mystery you know that secret passageways are the epitome of suspense and intrigue. What is behind that door and through that hidden passage? Secret passageways can be built into your home to boost privacy and convenience. Our favorite passageway ideas include the: Bookshelf doorway. It may look like a wall full of…

  • Driftwood Architecture is a Gorgeous Way to Bring the Outdoors Into Your Home

    One of the most wonderful things about coastal living, aside from the stunning views, is the vast array of design ideas you can draw upon from the sea.  While common design features like ship motifs and seashells have to walk a fine line to avoid moving from tasteful to kitschy, one oceanic design element is…

  • Consider the Practical Beauty of Cedar Roofs

    Best known for their undeniable beauty, cedar roofs offer a host of other benefits to homeowners. They are incredibly durable, environmentally friendly, and stand up to even the worst weather conditions. If you’re considering installing a cedar roof as part of your construction project take the time to understand the material before you begin. Cedar roofs…