If you love a curry, you might find your favourite dishes put a dent in your ProPoints budget. Instead of reaching for the takeway menu, cook up a storm at home instead.
Indian food works really well with a Filling & Healthy day as it uses lots of spices for flavour and plenty of zero ProPoints value vegetables.
If you're new to cooking Indian food – this How to guide will help you create delicious dishes the whole family will love.
Get cooking a taste of India with our curry special that won't break your ProPoints budget.
Filling & Healthy vegetable curry 1 ProPoints value per serving
Watch the recipe video on how to make this delicious vegetable curry.
mangochilli says: "Cooking is not my forte, but even I could make this and it was delicious - I'll be making it more often as its filling and delicious".
Chicken Jalfrezi 4 ProPoints value per serving
Watch the recipe video on how to make these medium-spiced curry.
lindat111 says: "I'm a big fan of indian curries and this one certainly satisfied the craving. Good portion size and one all the family loved".
Pork vindaloo 7 ProPoints value per serving
Watch the recipe video on how to knock up this spicy dish.
valerie20131 says: "Delicious. So glad I made this. It is hot but I love a hot curry. The yogurt cools it down a little. I will certainly make this again and again."
Chicken korma 8 ProPoints value per serving
With this creamy Korma, you'll no longer be looking for the takeaway menu. vickieanndavies says: "This has got to be the best curry I have ever had. So many different tastes".
Chicken tikka masala 10 ProPoints value per serving
This popular Indian dish features the bold flavours of yogurt, lime and ginger plus a seasoned, creamy tomato sauce. jackie885 says: "The best homemade curry I have ever made, delicious!"
Prawn massaman curry 11 ProPoints value per serving
For a quick curry that packs quite a hit, try this easy prawn number. dubuyas1 says: "Absolutely delicious! I will definately be serving this up at dinner parties".
There is a growing demand for residential care (or assisted living) facilities that provide accommodation and personal care services primarily to older adults. Board and care facilities make up 80 percent of all facilities and don't necessarily have many beds to accommodate the elderly. Together, these establishments are categorized as residential care facilities. Some of their services include accommodation, food, housekeeping, monitoring and drug storage and delivery. Seniors can also get personal care assistance with daily activities like sanitation, grooming, eating and bathing.
It's natural to have tons of questions when your interest in starting your own residential assisted living (RAL) home is sparked initially. The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) reports that there are approximately 29,000 residential assisted facilities in the United States, with nearly 1 million licensed beds. These facilities offer the necessary services to senior citizens and others in need of help because of mental or physical problems. Thus, opening an assisted living business can be a gratifying thing to do for your community or family.
Here are some of the crucial steps you should follow to open a new assisted living facility in line with all government regulations.
Develop a Clear Business Plan
Do you have a brilliant RAL business idea? Start by creating and ironing out some of the specifics of your business plan.
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You need to determine the startup expenses and ongoing costs you'll need to operate your business. Check to see if the name you're considering using for your RAL home is available as a web domain. If so, secure it before it's bought by someone else.
Establish a Legal Entity
Forming legal business entities like limited liability companies (LLCs), sole proprietorships, corporations and cooperatives help prevent you from being held solely responsible for litigation. Most small businesses choose to form an LLC due to their ease of registration.
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You should also consider hiring a registered agent service (responsible third party) suited in the same state as your assisted living home. The agent will protect your privacy and ensure that you stay compliant with state laws. Moreover, you'll receive official government notifications like tax forms and get business notices through the agent.
Register for Taxes
Before opening your assisted living home, you need to register for different state and federal taxes. Start by applying for your employer identification number (EIN), a free and easy process.
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Through this number, the IRS can identify your tax payments and keep track of your business's tax reports. In addition to receiving your unique, nine-digit EIN, you'll be expected to fill out the date you established your RAL home.
Open a Business Bank Account
Separating your RAL home accounts from your personal accounts is vital for personal asset protection. You don't want to put yourself at risk, especially if it's ever in a lawsuit. Opening dedicated business banking and credit accounts will help make accounting and tax filing much easier and store accurate and detailed reports of your expenditure.
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Furthermore, obtaining a business credit card will help build your business's credit history, which can come in handy when you want to raise money or invest.
Obtain Mandatory Licenses and Permits
To avoid hefty fines or have your assisted living home closed down, get the necessary licenses, permits and insurance. Assisted living homes have to comply with zoning laws, building safety codes and government regulations.
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As the building owner, it's your responsibility to get an occupancy certificate. A new occupancy certificate is required immediately after the completion of major renovations. Additionally, it's imperative that you get insurance for your RAL home. For instance, general liability insurance will protect your facility's financial well-being in case of a covered loss. You can learn more about license requirements by visiting the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) reference to state licenses and permits.
Define and Market Your Assisted Living Home
Standing out in a crowd of competitors is critical to your business's success. Use your current residents to market your home's outstanding services if you already have an operational RAL facility. You can use YouTube, TV or newspaper ads to help attract more residents and their family members.
Photo Courtesy: Evgen Kotenko/Getty Images
With today's technological advancements, establishing an online presence has proven to be a great way to expedite the success of businesses. Even though most seniors aren't familiar with the internet, it's highly possible that their families are conversant with it and will help them out.
Developing a comprehensive, professional website and incorporating various social media platform links to it will allow clients to learn more about your assisted living home at the convenience of their fingertips.
Defining Americana decor starts with defining Americana – which is an embracement of American culture, a curation of the feelings and ideas that compromise its landscape.
Americana decor, then, should reflect the country's overall decorating trends. If farmhouse style is sweeping the nation, for example, then one way to "do" Americana would be to incorporate farmhouse elements within your home decor.
Of course, imitating "whatever's popular" isn't the only way to achieve the look. American flags, history books and icons of American culture integrated throughout your home – no matter your decorating style – is an easy way to get in touch with the patriotic side of Americana.
If you're searching for Americana decor ideas, check out our favorite images of Americana-styled rooms below – and tips on how to get the look!
Americana - Traditional
Key elements: Vintage art; distressed textures This space gets a fresh feel thanks to bright, white vintage accessories.
Tip: Note how it isn't decked out floor-to-ceiling with red-white-and-blue; stick to one key American-inspired accent piece to prevent Americana from feeling kitchsy.
Hide rugs, flag art, and a warm, woodsy color palette recall the ranches and farmhouses of the Southwest – an iconic aesthetic in American culture and Americana decor.
Tip: To infuse even more country charm, invoke the sense of smell. Light a candle in wisteria or Southern magnolia – two beautifully aromatic florals native to the South!
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Americana - Patriotic
Key elements:
Red, white & blue; stars and stripes; American flag
Patriotic decor, especially in the warmer months, and especially outdoors, is a festive way to celebrate good weather – and invoke the carefree feelings associated with summer vacation.
Tip: To make your 4th of July decor work evenafter the 4th, trade plastic streamers for sophisticated, quality decorations – like this vintage cloth flag garland (shown right).
Incorporating red, white and blue bedding.This is an especially fun idea around summer time, when Fourth of July is just right around the corner. What better way to wake up than wrapped in your most patriotic colors?
Displaying historical books.Non-fiction history books on the subject of the American Revolution, Civil War, colonial America or the Suffrage Movement are just a few topics that reflect the Americana culture. (Go for hardcover volumes and display them in your bedroom bookcase.)
The Americana Living Room
Get the Americana living room by:
Incorporating red, white and blue throw pillows.Throw pillows in patriotic colors are a must in summer, as they can make a home look instantly in-season and won't put you out much money-wise.
Layering on striped blankets.Like pillows, blankets are affordable and come in bold stripes to reflect Old Glory.
Hanging up wall art.Deck out your walls with spirit by incorporating scenic wall art of the American countryside.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
Living Well - Assisted Living at Home(800) 973-1841
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Home Care Reviews for Living Well - Assisted Living at Home
December 31, 2012
I am a current client of this provider
We did select them be because they're in home people. They came out to give a very personalized presentation. They have different people in case the primary caregiver is unable to make it so they have a back up person in place. They kinda handle things as a crew. It's always important for us to have consistency with the care being provided.
November 19, 2012
By Audrey2
I am a past client of this provider
I think I found their website on the internet and I went with their care because of the quality of the people they hire. I had previously gone through some other companies and I had a very bad experience with them. So I went to Living Well and I was just so happy they had a professional registered nurse that came to the house and took care of my mother and was really sweet. I just thought that they had good screening for they type of people that they hire. A lot of these caregivers that work for that type of industry are just people that can't normally get jobs. They're not very skilled. I didn't have that problem when I worked with Living Well. They took into consideration what kind of personality I asked for. I said I wanted somebody young. Somebody that would be able to interact with my mom. My mom is quite stubborn with her ways. I just wanted them to match the personality. The girl they sent was very sweet and my mother really liked her. I felt like they didn't just send anyone, but someone they thought I would like.
October 30, 2012
By Thelton
I am a current client of this provider
I met Tessa and we began talking about my disability. She said she was setting up a company. I like what she was talking about. It was just I thought I needed and so I signed up with them. They take care of my needs. They come on time every morning. They do what I asked them to do. They do a wide variety of things because I'm not totally disabled. They help me get dressed, help me manage around the house, and get me where I need to go. They provide me transportation. They cook meals for me and they take care of all my needs. They make me get through the day much better. They're reliable and I can count on them. They're very prompt.
October 30, 2012
By Tia1
I am a current client of this provider
I've known Living Well through word of mouth. It was actually from a person that we knew who helped us with our long term care insurance. They knew about Doris and Living Well. They recommended that we talk to her and so we made an appointment and met her. We liked her very much right away. Whenever we need their help, from the very beginning, they've always been available. If we had to leave a message, we would always get a callback. They're very responsive and really knowledgeable. They know a lot of things that I don't know about that I have to do for the elderly and so I'm grateful for their knowledge. They not only know the type of care that my parents need but also about what the insurance policy covers. They understood the business side of it very well too. They don't push any solution or mandate. They're also really kind towards my mother. We're very pleased with them. One of the caregivers was too attentive to my mother and she wanted to be more independent. So she changed and we got somebody who worked out better. There was really nothing wrong with the initial caregiver it's just that it wasn't a match.
October 30, 2012
By Athena2
I am a current client of this provider
I chose Living well because I felt like they had a much more personal and more caring approach to taking care of my mom. Tessa was my main contact initially. She has such an in depth knowledge and understanding about elder care and elders and the challenges that they face as well as the challenges of the family faces. I just felt that they were really knowledgeable. They're very caring and they had a very personalized approach. They chose their caregivers really carefully. They're very selective about their caregivers. Their caregivers are very caring. It's not like just the mechanics of taking care of someone. They actually care about the people they are taking care of. The caregivers really did everything from taking her shopping to cooking and cleaning the house. They took her to outings like to get her hair done or little errands and things so that she would be able to get out of the house. They helped her go to the bathroom because she had some problems with that. They helped her shower and get dressed.
October 30, 2012
By Alison3
I am a past client of this provider
We were in a unique situation because my dad was already declining but he was still going to the office. We needed someone who kinda have some bookkeeping experience who could work in the office but also to look after him because he was not fully competent in the office. That's why we needed someone who could fill two roles to be there and do financial work and also look after him. We talked to different agencies but they didn't really have someone do fill both things. But when I called living well and spoke with the head person, she actually said she can help me. They were the only ones that were able to provide and were able to help us out in that particular situation. I have to say it was an incredible life saver for us because we just didn't know what to do and it was really a pretty unique situation. They were able to get someone in who actually could do some bookkeeping work but also keep an eye on my dad. He was very independent and didn't want anybody but she would keep track and keep an eye on him and make sure nothing bad happens. She was great. My dad lives in a city and he often walks home and she usually follows him home and makes sure he got home ok. Later on when he got worse, we hired more care. We had the office bookkeeper/aid and we also had different aids working in his apartment from Living Well still. The aids were wonderful and fabulous. We liked them all. My dad was a difficult person and they were very nice to him, caring and respectful. They're very responsive. If something is going on they would call us right away. We were very very happy with them. He actually likes them which is a miracle.
February 09, 2012
By Caring496153
I am a current client of this provider
I had a fall and was diagnosed with macular degeneration, I thought the only option was to goto a horrible rehabilitation home. My kids live in the East Coast, so I was afraid. A friend who was using the people from Living Well told me about their comprehensive services... I am back on my feet, with little supervision and they did it all, home visits by nurses to assure I was doing well, driving, cooking, and my personal care plus all the coordination was needed for all my appointments. My kids and I are very satisfied with their services. they are real professionals not another home care company.
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About Living Well - Assisted Living at Home
Living Well Assisted Living at Home provides services that enable seniors and adults with cognitive, behavioral, and movement disorders, to live safely and comfortably in their own homes and stay connected to their community.
We enable those seniors and adults affected by Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, Parkinson's, ALS, other neurological disorders, and mental illnesses, to live independent and meaningful lives.
Living Well brings a seasoned team of experts and professionals in the fields of neurological assessment, medical interventions and wellness activities and a skilled and consistent team of caregivers to manage and support clients and their family members.
Specialized Alzheimer's and Dementia Care at Home
Customized care for adults and seniors with Parkinson's, ALS, and mental illness
Monitoring technology for safety and lower the cost of care
24/7 access to Doctors and Nurses
Medical advocacy if hospitalized
Comprehensive cognitive and behavioral assessment by professionals in the field
Wellness activities at home or in the person's community
Concierge services
Excellent trained personal care assistants
Culturally sensitive caregivers
Facilitation of family communication and difficult dynamics
At Living Well, we aspire to create a safe and nurturing environment while allowing for independence and dignity for seniors and adults and offering peace of mind to the adult children and family members.
Living Well - Assisted Living at Home Caregivers
Caregiver Skills Include: Ethics, Validation Therapy, Patient Transfers, Stress Management, Transition Issues, Grief Issues, Family Communication, Communicating with Dementia Patients Caregivers are employed, bonded and insured: Yes RN on staff: Yes Caregivers are available 24 hours a day: Yes Caregivers are available to assisted living facilities: Yes
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Services and Amenities of Living Well - Assisted Living at Home
Don't Throw Away Your Old TV, Give It Away Instead
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If your TV has developed mechanical faults or is way past its heyday, it might be time to dispose of it. Perhaps you have bought a new TV, boasting the latest technology features. Getting rid of your old TV set will create space for the new piece of entertainment technology in your house. A modern TV makes events such as watching the football game with friends much more enjoyable.
While you might be tempted to just place your old TV in the garbage, disposing of your TV is not so easy. You have to take into account the laws around the disposal of electronic waste. In addition, you might be able to find a second home for your unwanted TV set. As a result, giving away your TV might be the best way of getting rid of it.
Why Throwing Your TV Away Could Be Illegal
The first major reason you cannot just throw away your old television is that it's probably illegal, though this depends on your state. Television sets, like many other electronics gadgets, contain potentially harmful toxins. This makes their safe disposal a matter of public safety. TV sets contain lead, copper, mercury, cadmium, and other hazardous materials.
As a result of the toxic nature of the materials used in TV manufacturing, many states now have laws governing their proper disposal. For example, the state of Hawaii covers this in its Electronic Device and Television Recycling Law. Likewise, Vermont has the Vermont E-Cycles statute that provides for the recycling of electronic equipment. Such laws across the country generally prohibit dumping of TVs as well as computers and other electronic equipment.
TV Disposal Costs Money
The proper disposal of your old TV unit can cost you upwards of $100, possibly more. This is because you have to hand over the TV to a manufacturer or other electronics disposal company. These companies have programs in place to process old electronics. Materials such as copper and metals will be melted and reused in the manufacture of other goods. Other materials such as glass will be separated from metals and reused for other purposes. However, this process is costly. For the end user, the annoying part is that disposing of your TV in this way will cost you, sometimes, just as much as buying a brand new TV. This is another good reason to give the TV away whenever possible.
Giving Your TV Away to Goodwill or Salvation Army
Your first option for giving the TV away is to donate it, if possible, to a local charity store. For example, in the past, organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army have run programs where TVs could be donated. They would then gift these TVs to local families who wanted a TV but were too poor to afford one.
Given the new laws on the disposal of electronics, charity organizations might refuse electronics items that are too old. This is to avoid the disposal costs if they are unable to give the item away themselves. However, you should inquire with the charity organizations in your local area to see if the TV is a fit for them.
Giving Your TV Away As a Free Giveaway on Craigslist
In case you are unable to give the TV away to a charity organization, you can often sell off the TV on Craigslist or other online marketplaces. Even better, list the item as a free giveaway. Craigslist gives you access to a wide audience of people in your town. Chances are, the TV might be a great find for a young person in your area who wants one but cannot afford the latest models. When listing your item, make it clear that the recipient will need to come pick up the item from your house, that way you don't have to pay the shipping to send the TV to them.
Giving Your TV Away to a Neighbor or Organizing a Yard-Sale
A final option for giving your TV away is to give it to a neighbor or organize a yard sale. With a yard sale, you invite your neighbors and other local people to come to your house on a set date. You can often sell off unwanted items such as old furniture, TVs, washing machines and many others. Be aware, though, that with a yard sale you will likely sell many things below market value. This is an issue if you plan to sell valuable items. However, if you have an unwanted old TV, this is a good way to get it a new home without costing you money for disposal.
Is this America's most lavishly decorated home? Neighbors' outrage at house with 180,000 lights, a 20ft Ferris wheel... and a miniature horse dressed as a reindeer
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Christmas displays are supposed to spread festive cheer and good will to all men - but sadly that is not the case for the neighbours of the Hyatt household in Plantation Acres, Florida.
They are enraged at the daily troop of an estimated 1,000 people who trudge by the home each evening to see the 20-foot Ferris wheel, 30-foot tree and life sized gingerbread men that sit in the yard - covered in 180,000 coloured lights.
Saying bah-humbug to the annual 'Hyatt Extreme Christmas' the neighbours have pleaded with the mayor and police chief to do something to halt the car and foot traffic they say is ruining their Christmas holidays.
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Magic Christmas?: The Hyatt family home's decorations, including their Ferris wheel and inflatable Disney characters are visible
However, the city has said there is nothing they can do about a gargantuan display that boasts a Christmas tree covered in 12,700 lights, a snowblowing machine, an 80-foot long ski lift for stuffed animals, a miniature horse and a 20-foot inflatable screen for classic holiday movies.
'I'm doing everything I can to keep everyone as calm as I can but I won't stop but because the people every single night tell me not to; there is so much joy,' said Mark Hyatt, who said he cut back the seasonal display at his house by opening the gates only from Thursdays through Sundays to try to appease the neighbors.
The stunning home display has appeared on national television news shows and in Forbes magazine.
'I'm not going to allow the few to ruin it for the many,' Hyatt told the Sun Sentinel.
In addition to non-traditional Christmas favourites such as giraffes and Hello Kitty - the Hyatt's Ferris wheel has soft toys for passengers
Yoffi - the miniature horse who belongs to the Hyatt's neighbours and is a welcome guest at their Christmas display where they dress him as a reindeer
At the Hyatt household it is Christmas every night from the day after Thanksgiving when the lights are switched on
But neighbours say that living next door to the Hyatts at this time of year is a nightmare and some even leave for Christmas just to avoid the massive traffic.
'I have a parade going through my neighborhood every night,' said Jean Sauleau, who lives across the street.
'I love Christmas, I'm a Catholic. But it's to the point where it's not even about the decorations, it's about how you treat your neighbors.'
'This is not what Christmas is about,' said Sauleau. 'You tell me: If I have to sell my house, how do I sell my house with that in the yard for six months out of the year?'
Beginning to set up his decorations from September onwards, Mark Hyatt spends eight hours a day fine tuning the display.
New this year is the ski lift and a Facebook page, which so far as received over 600 'likes' as the family hope to raise their media profile.
Desperate to seem impartial, the city has attempted to clamp down on over-zealous activities from the Hyatts.
Last year it banned an eight-foot by two-foot banner the Hyatts erected that advertised their website hyattextremechristmas.com.
Hundred of people mill around the Hyatt property in Plantation Acres and take in the red Corvette Stingray
The display will run till the 28th of December and has become a permanent fixture in the local calender and the Hyatt family has operated a display in some way for 29-years
The Hyatts tried to say that the banner was necessary because it gave up the hours of display for the decorations, but the city said it was too big and also constituted an improper advertisement because it also contained a link to Mark's wife, Kathy's real estate company.
Neighbours have tried everything to have the city take down the decorations.
They have claimed that the multitude of props and lights are a danger in an area known for hurricanes - but an inspection by city officials found no code violations.
With the situation hitting a critical level Mayor Diane Veltri Bendekovic and Police Chief Howard Harrison sat down this fall with the Hyatts and some of their neighbors and asked for a compromise.
Mark Hyatt said that he wouldn't allow the public to congregate on the middle of the street and cut back the viewing days on his property from seven to four.
Neighbours have complained that the display is simply too much for a residential street and the traffic from cars and people disrupts their lives and ruins their Christmas'
Kathy Hyatt (left) poses with well wishers who have come to her home in the Plantation Acres neighbourhood of Florida
Every year Yoffi the miniature horse is dressed up as a reindeer for the visitors to the Hyatt's home
Kathy Hyatt (left) and Mark Hyatt (right) present a check to the Humane Society last year after donating money to the charity
He also increased the number of volunteers he was using from two to five to help direct the foot and car traffic.
And, furthermore, he promised he wouldn't turn the lights on until the day after Thanksgiving - when previously they had been turned on at the beginning of November.
'Mr. Hyatt perceives it as a community service, his neighbors perceive it as a nuisance,' Veltri Bendekovic said. 'But as long as he's within the law, the city of Plantation has to follow the letter of the law.'
Neighbor Adam Fractenberg said to WPTV.Com, 'This is not the same as having a Christmas party where your street is blocked for two hours, this is ongoing for eight weeks. It's not an inconvenience, it's a hazard. It's great for everybody else in the community, except for those of us who live on the block.'
'It looks like a junk yard sale,' said Imbert, who said gawkers have blocked his driveway with their cars as they walked away to check out the display. 'Three days ago they left their car in the middle of the street. Before the Hyatts moved here, it was a nice and quiet neighborhood. Now this time of the year, it's totally a mess.'
VIDEO The 'Hyatt Extreme Christmas' in all its glory...
The condo community in the Philippines is growing. As the country becomes more industrialized, condo living is also becoming a common choice for all age groups. Because the Philippines is an attractive spot for tourists and expatriates, the real estate industry in the country is enticing more people to experience resort-style living. To experience this luxurious lifestyle in full, the right elements must come together. This includes the interior design of every condo space—the only element that tenants have full control over. As you can guess, this is where lighting plays a crucial part.
In photography, light is everything. It's an element vital to setting the appropriate tone, mood, and atmosphere. In fact, proper lighting can be the difference between a breathtaking photo and a mediocre one. When it comes to interior design, lighting can also create a dramatic effect to the ambiance of your home. With proper lighting, you can make your condominium look wider and feel cozier. It's a good way to maximize a small condo space. To make your condo look picture perfect, here are some lighting design ideas to liven up your home.
1. Optimize with Architectural Lights
If you need more condo design ideas to improve the general looks and feel of your home, you should consider installing trendy light fixtures in different parts of your condo. A stylish form of light fixture is architectural light, which is called so because it is incorporated into the design structure of the unit. This type of light fixture comes in three forms: cove, valance, and soffit.
Cove lamps are typically placed on a shelf or ledge high up on the wall so the light bounces towards the ceiling. This is good for a condo since vertical space is given emphasis with this type of lighting. Valance lamps, on the other hand, are mounted on a horizontal shield so that light is reflected both upward and downward. Valance lamps are perfect for condos with minimal designs. The third type of architectural lighting, soffit lamp, is placed in a cornice near the ceiling so the light radiates downward. It gives a dramatic feel to the area it illuminates. Architectural lights are commonly found in bedrooms since they provide a romantic vibe.
2. Go High with Ceiling Lights
If you want more lighting fixtures to buy for condo spaces, you shouldn't miss the most common of them all: ceiling lights. Chandeliers, pendants, and fan lights—these types of fixtures are the definition of fancy. You know how chandeliers work. More than giving light, they assume an aesthetic role, and that is to overpower the room and leave everyone impressed. Composed of multiple bulbs, a chandelier is hard to miss, that's why it's best placed in the living room. Unlike the chandelier, a pendant light is composed only of one bulb. It is suspended from the ceiling so the light it produces is projected downward. Pendants are commonly found in kitchen islands and isolated tables. The third type of ceiling light, the fan light, is popular among practical condo owners because they serve a dual purpose. While the bulbs provide general lighting, the fans keep the area cool and regulate room temperature. Fan lights are best installed in the living room.
3. Bring Life to Boring Walls with Sconces
Photo courtesy of Flickr via Photopin
Wall sconces are one of the most versatile types of lighting because they can be used as an ambient or a task light. They are often installed at eye level, so they can be placed above a desk or on a shelf. They can also be installed on a wall with minimal design since they maximize space. Wall sconces go best with ceiling lights like chandeliers and fan lights. They add a stylish touch to an otherwise lifeless wall design.
4. Personalize with Lamps
Lamps always come up when brainstorming about condo lighting ideas—they're just that popular. Lamps, particularly those mounted on a desk, are perfect for reading. What's great about desk lamps is that they are portable, so you can use them in the bedroom, living room, kitchen or even in the bathroom. Although they are mainly used for utility, lamps can also add character to a room. They are ambient lights as much as they are task lights.
5. Soften the Ambience with Recessed Lights
If you're not a big fan of fancy condo designs, you can always opt for a simple lighting by using recessed lights. This type of lighting requires small recesses in the ceiling at least six inches deep. Since this type of fixture is typically small, it's best suited as an accent light that provides good overhead lighting and sets the mood in a room. When using recessed lights, make sure that your condo unit is properly insulated so that condensation will not damage the fixture.
6. Go Industrial with Track Lights
Photo courtesy of Lowe's via Pinterest
Track lighting is a type of fixture that uses a linear bar where independent units of light are attached. These units or light heads are adjustable, so they can be conveniently directed in dark nooks and other small spaces that need lighting. Track lights are best used in the living room or the kitchen since they light up many places at once. This type of lighting is versatile because it can be used as a task, accent or ambient light, depending on the type of bulb used.
7. Level Up Your Kitchen with Under-Cabinet Lights
This type of light is specific to kitchen cabinets. It can be a singular fixture or a linear structure like a track or rail light. Under-cabinet lights are a good choice if you're looking for ways on how to maximize lighting in a condo. They leave no dark spaces especially in the kitchen. With under-cabinet lights, your kitchen will have a cleaner and more modern feel.
Condo living in the Philippines is more comfortable when all the elements of design fall into place. Undoubtedly, lighting technology plays a crucial part. It's something that is often overlooked by amateurs. Be wiser in decorating your home by using the right lighting fixtures.
One final tip before you go: Choose the right type of bulb
Fixture is just one aspect of lighting. Another important decision you have to make when setting up the lighting in your home is the type of bulb that you're going to use. There are generally four different kinds of light bulbs: LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent.
Compact fluorescent light bulb or CFL is an efficient choice because it has a relatively long life. Halogen bulb is also good because it improves the focus of the light. Incandescent light, although the most common of all, is the least recommended because it can spike up your electricity bill especially when the weather is hot. Lastly, a light-emitting diode or LED light is highly efficient because it lasts long and performs well. Out of these four types of bulbs, LEDs are the most recommended since they are the most versatile, coming with different shapes and color temperatures.
Hopefully, this article gave you an idea about what kinds of light are best suited to your home interior design. Use these insights to make your condo look more enchanting and feel more homey.
