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.

  • Plan a Laundry Room in the Optimal Location in Your Home

    You may have never thought about the placement of your home’s laundry room. Is it in the basement? In the mud room? Home design has traditionally relegated the laundry room to these two locations, but many homeowners have discovered the benefits of relocating this essential space. Relocating the laundry room is easily integrated into a renovation project. Consider…

  • Designer Technology Opens Up New Options for Home Design

    Today’s home technology is advancing rapidly both in design and style. Gone are the days of bulky technology or incompatible components. Technology and design have begun working together to have a positive impact on a homeowner’s daily life. Homeowners now have access to a wide variety of technological advances in home design, including: Automation: Faucets, entertainment components,…

  • 4 Traditional Touches to Finish Your Home Design

    Do you love traditional design? Are you drawn to homes that highlight classic beauty and timeless architecture? Integrating a traditional design style into your home’s remodeling project will convey a modern approach to historic forms and features. Undeniable hallmarks of traditional design include: Classic millwork: A traditional home often features crown moldings, chair rail, and trim…

  • Try These Alternatives for Granite in your New England Home

    Granite has long been a staple for counter-tops in custom kitchen remodeling projects. Granite is beautiful but it may not fit your style. Never fear though, there are a lot of beautiful counter-top materials that would be perfect in your New England home. Traditional Kitchen with Marble Counter-Tops by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Fiorella Design…