How to Plan, Prioritize, Budget, and Make it Happen

Updating the lighting in your home is one of the quickest ways to give your house a facelift. It’s easy to accidentally overspend on your house’s lighting if you don’t have the right information, but not to worry! With a few pro tips and some help from Super Lite, your home will feel brighter and look better – without breaking the bank.

1. Make a Plan

Before you start tearing lights out, pull up a chair and make a solid plan. When you’re on a budget, prioritizing which spaces need the most love is key. Look in each room and make sure all your spaces have multiple lighting sources to eliminate shadows and illuminate workspaces. 

Once you’ve done that, think about lighting focal points. Where do you want your lights to make the biggest impact? A few places to consider starting are: above the dining room table, in the living room, and in the bedrooms.

Pro tip: Make a list of all the fixtures you want in order of importance–it will come in handy later!

2. Evaluate Your Budget

Do your research and be realistic about your needs and wants. Knowing how much you can spend and being an informed buyer will help you make the most of your money and avoid overspending. 

Take a look at your budget and decide on two numbers – the amount you’d like to spend, and the highest amount you’re willing to spend. Then, put together some ballpark estimates for the fixtures you want. 

When you walk into the showroom prepared, you can put your money where it matters most!  It’ll also help us to know what price range you’re looking at to match you with the perfect fixture!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to include the costs of professional installation and light bulbs in your estimate! 

3. Prioritize Your Needs

If you’re renovating on a budget, ask yourself: Which light fixtures will make the biggest difference in my house? Remember that list of fixtures you made earlier? Pull it out and prepare to rearrange it. 

Prioritize fixtures that give off ambient, or full-room, light. Once you have those at the top of the list, move on to task lighting. Any workspaces will need additional lighting above them (kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, desks, etc.).

If you still have room in your budget, consider adding accent lighting to features in your home you want to highlight. Moving from general to specific will help you narrow your focus to what really matters, and light your house without running low on change.

4. Pick Your Fixtures

It’s easy to get sticker shock when you start looking at light fixtures. When you’re choosing lights for your renovation, you have two options: you can get a cheap fixture that will work for now, or you can get a quality fixture that will work for years. 

While there is a time and a place for inexpensive fixtures, just remember that buying lights that will stand the test of time will actually save you money in the long run. 

You also need to keep in mind how often you want to redecorate. Trendy fixtures will look outdated much faster than classic styles. If you don’t want to be repeating this process again in 5 years, get a classic, quality fixture that won’t need to be replaced when the fads change.

Pro Tip: Selling your old fixtures online can give you a little extra to put towards your next lighting purchase.

5. Remember the Bulbs

While LED lights cost a little more up front, they use at least 75% less energy, and they last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. To be sure you’ll see savings on your electrical bill, look for bulbs with the Energy Star rating logo on the packaging. 

Don’t make the mistake of buying bulbs that you’ll just have to replace in a few months! Be sure to work LED bulbs into your budget–we promise it’ll pay off!

6. Do It Yourself

One major cost of updating lighting is installation. In many cases, a handy homeowner with the help of a few Youtube tutorials can save money by doing it themselves. You may also consider installing some lights yourself and having others professionally installed–dropping a heavy chandelier would put a dent in your budget (and your floor)!

However, if you’re going to go this route, researching and implementing all the safety precautions is non-negotiable. Being well-educated can save you from causing a fire, burns, or other safety hazards.

If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, no worries. Just make sure to factor the professional help you need into your overall budget!

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Updating and replacing lighting on a budget can feel like a daunting task, but with these tips and our expertise, you can’t go wrong! The step-by-step guide we made will help you have amazing lighting without feeling financially strapped.

If you get stuck on any of these steps, give us a call and we’d love to chat about solutions.

A front entryway can say a lot about a home! When guests walks in, they know what to expect by the mood you create. Is it elegant or casual? Is there a spot for them to put their shoes and coats, or do they leave them on? Is it well-lit or is there a moody ambiance? No matter the mood you choose, make sure you’re intentional about it!

With a few tips and some inspiration from us, your entryway can say classy, comfortable, modern, or fashionable. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but if we were allowed to judge houses by their entryways, the rest of the rooms would be sure to deliver on beautiful design.

1. Rethink Your Furniture

One of the trickiest parts of styling a front entry is using the space effectively. If you have a roomy entryway, you may have room for a lot of furniture. With a smaller entryway or hall, however, you’ll have to be careful what pieces you choose to include – each one will count!

Benches

A bench is an entryway staple! It provides you and your guests with a spot to sit down while putting on shoes and can even offer storage (depending on what you get). These benches are just as pretty as they are practical.

This furniture has a small footprint that would fit even the smallest space! Since the bench doesn’t have built-in storage, there’s a basket for storing shoes or other outdoor accessories. The matching coat rack is functional and space-saving. Throw in a circular mirror for a quick hair check before you walk out the door, and you’re done!

This entryway couldn’t be any cozier! Adding a soft pillow and a blanket to a seating area is a simple trick to make any space feel homey. The only things we’d add are some hooks above the bench for coats and a spot for the shoes that are guaranteed to end up everywhere.

Entry Table

After adding a bench, next on our priority list is definitely an entry table. They can give you extra storage, show off your style, and are a great place for some accent lighting.

This entry table will fit in any space and the baskets give you some storage for your kids’ mess of winter accessories! Adding a couple of lamps on top is always a smart choice, too. They’ll light up your decorations and make them a focal point. The coordinating runner and artwork in this entryway are worth highlighting!

We love the clean lines and neutral-toned wood of this table. The decor is amazing and there’s tons of storage! Neutral books, a vase, a lamp, and a couple of knick-knacks are proportionally perfect.

This entryway is dripping in originality. Instead of using a traditional table, this homeowner chose a small dresser – genius! When you have less space to work with, every piece of furniture matters. Choosing a dresser with drawers ensures you have a place to toss any mess without going to any extra effort.

Built-In Furniture

If you’re looking for a storage solution that’ll contain any mess, creating a mud room-style entryway with built-in furniture will give you more storage than you’ll know what to do with!

When you’re coming back from a long day, the last thing you want to do is take a trip all the way to your room to put away your things. Instead, create a one-stop shop for your everyday items. Hooks can hold backpacks, purses, hats, and jackets. Shoes can be stored under the bench and anything else can go in the baskets above.

Built-in furniture doesn’t have to take up tons of space to be effective! This entryway has all the room you need for storing your essentials. This modern entryway is gorgeous, but we’re obviously giving our gold medal to the stunning light fixture that completes the look.

2. Update or Add Lighting

Speaking of lighting, no entryway is complete without it! From chandeliers to lamps, we have all the styling tips you’ll need to make your entry shine.

Chandeliers

A big entryway with high ceilings calls for a chandelier – the space will feel empty without it. This chandelier will wow your guests from the moment they walk in the door!

This entryway’s door coordinates perfectly with the chandelier they hung! Because the door and chandelier have such warm tones, the gray and brown hexagonal tile was a great choice to cool off the look, while still tying in the warmth. The huge mirror on the wall is also a smart choice because it’ll reflect light, giving this homeowner the most possible lighting for their dollar.

Your entryway doesn’t have to be 16 feet tall to hang a chandelier! This front room’s fixture makes the space ornate and delicate – like something out of a Jane Austen book. Chandeliers can make a statement in any space – just be sure to hang them properly so you don’t run into them!

Chandeliers make any space feel luxurious, but there’s something especially stunning about the way this one hangs over a baby grand piano. You can picture a family gathered around the piano singing carols on Christmas Eve with chandelier’s light twinkling on them – pure magic!

Lamps

A floor lamp is a great way to add dimension and height to your design. This one provides focused lighting for putting on your shoes and coat before you rush out the door. We also love the organization of the shelves in this entry.

Lighting doesn’t have to be complicated! Adding a basic table lamp is a low-effort way to make a big difference in your design. It flows seamlessly with the other tabletop knick-knacks, but it’s also practical.

Sconces

The indoor sconces in this entryway are a smart solution for lighting that won’t take up loads of extra room. This homeowner even added a mirror that will reflect some of that gorgeous light!

This creative entryway’s sconce is modern, chic, and well-placed. Accent lighting is key to making your life easier. No more fumbling around in the dark to tie your shoes or buckle the strap on your heels!

3. Get a Rug

A rug is an anchor for furniture that would otherwise float! Since the entryway is a heavily-trafficked area, a rug can also help protect your floors. They’re easily replaced while flooring is, well…not. 

This brown rug makes this home’s entry area feel cohesive. Without it, the room would feel more like a collection of random furniture! Its neutral color makes it a great piece to keep around even if you switch out furniture.

This jute rug brings warmth and texture to a room otherwise lacking both! It also adds a flair of bohemian that we’re loving.

4. Hang a Mirror

Mirrors are one of our favorite design hacks. They reflect light, make a space look bigger, and are perfect for entryways.

You can’t go wrong with a big round mirror! The black finish on this ties in with the basket and pillow nicely. It’s a piece you won’t regret buying.

This pretty floor-length mirror is in the ideal place for a last-minute outfit check! Do those shoes really work with your outfit the way you thought they would? A quick glance in this mirror and you’re set to go.

A check-the-outfit station is a must-have in an entryway. This arched floor-length mirror is also perfectly placed to reflect natural light from the window and light from this cute pendant.

A classic circular mirror is also a great last-minute stop to make sure there isn’t any breakfast in your teeth! We also love the creativity of the shelving unit here.

5. Get Creative

Possibly the most important tip we can give is to be creative! Every space is a little different so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to designing an entryway. These spaces radiate creativity and may give you a few ideas for decorating yours.

When your real estate is less of an estate and more of an apartment, you have to use every inch wisely! The bench and hook shelf combo serves the function of a hallway tree, but is a bit smaller and could be partially DIY-ed to save money. To get even more creative, this homeowner could replace the clock with a mirror and a floor lamp for more dimension and lighting.

This adorable entry uses a garment rack to store shoes and coats. Practical, but still pretty especially if you don’t have a coat closet. The wood tones match the bench and frames and the plants bring in some life!

Creativity and boldness go hand-in-hand. If you’re feeling brave, ditch the neutrals and pick a bright color palette that’ll attract some attention. Go bold, go home, or pick door number 3 and go bold at home!

This space is about as creative as it gets! A sideways ladder-like coat rack looks like something a handy homeowner could DIY. This bench looks like it was also DIY-ed – maybe out of old shutters? Whatever it is, it’s a crafty way to give you a bench with storage underneath.

We’ve got one word for this picture: mood. Instead of picking light and bright colors, try out a richer, moodier color. Nothing will take your entryway to luxury faster than picking a darker color palette! We love the contrast of the gold lamp and sunburst mirror against the gray in this one.

Another clever way to create an entryway is to dedicate a corner in your front room as your entry zone. Putting a rug down makes it feel like a cohesive space, then adding an entry table and bench seals the deal. This space also has some built-in shelves we’re obsessing over! They add a trendy touch and the decorations can be switched out whenever you get bored.

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When you’re ready to get started decorating your entryway, we’re here to help. Come visit Super Lite for some more expert advice! With our help and these 5 tips, you’ll have a front entry everyone will envy!

It’s 2023 and this is your wake-up call! Your home needs you – it’s ready for a refresh! This year, we’re all looking for a respite from the stress that always seems to work its way in. Designing a comfortable home will make you feel the extra happiness and productivity you’ve been in desperate need of. These 3 expert tips will make your home a haven you’ll be itching to get back to at the end of the day!

1. Choose a Soft Color Palette

It’s no secret that colors have a huge effect on your mood and the feel of a room. These rooms knock the color palette out of the park without sacrificing personal style or comfort. Achieving a soft color palette doesn’t have to be difficult – go with neutrals, a pop of color, or choose a monochromatic color scheme and you’re set!

Neutrals

A neutral color palette seems like an obvious choice when you’re going for comfort, but it can be tough to pull off – without color, other elements like texture or shapes will have to do the heavy lifting.

The heavyweight champions here are definitely the plants! Adding some green to an otherwise neutral-heavy space brings some life and vibrance without destroying the tranquility you desperately need. Finishing this look with a variety of textures and shapes from the hard wood edges to the pair of round tables to the woven area rug makes this space feel comfortable, creative, and cozy.

This neutral bedroom incorporates beige and white with black accents to ground the space. The night stands with pendants hanging above elevate the space, giving you lighting and a gorgeous focal point! We love how this space feels lived-in without looking cluttery. With neutral tones, the soft textures of the rug and blankets are what make this room feel comfortable and cozy.

Picking a neutral color palette for this sitting area really make the shapes shine. We love how arches are carried throughout the design from the furniture to the architecture. This chair looks like a cloud and with the gorgeous light above it, anyone sitting here would feel like they’re in the heavens!

Pop of Color

A cozy home doesn’t have to be colorless! If neutrals don’t speak to you, try mixing them with a pop of color. It’ll give your room some excitement, but not so much that it’ll feel busy or chaotic.

This living room took a bold color and ran with it. The navy blue is a stunning contrast to this cozy tan leather couch. If we could copy and paste this look into our homes, we would! The neutrals pop against the accent wall and we couldn’t be more obsessed.

These red velvet pillows and drapes contrast with the neutral room and bring in some cozy texture. The bright colors spice up what might otherwise feel like a bland living room.

Monochromatic 

Choosing a monochromatic color scheme is a 2023 trend we love. It’s bold, but still soft. In a true monochromatic space, there isn’t extra visual stimuli for your brain to process. This gives your brain a sense of peace and calm you may not feel in a room with more going on in terms of color. These rooms use a simple color palette and the effect is cozy with a touch of elegance. 

Green is one of the most soothing colors. It can bring a sense of peace and harmony to your home. This couch and wall combo is no exception! Choosing to pair them with beautiful browns makes this sitting room look like it was plucked straight from nature, then given a facelift.

This kitchen uses the monochromatic color scheme to make it look bigger than it is. We especially love that extra wood cabinet with accent lighting both for functionality to store more and for decorative purposes. The calming blues make this a space you’d want to do some stress-baking in!

2. Add Soft Textures

Texture is a vital tool in an expert’s tool belt, especially when comfort is your end-goal. A space can be gorgeous, but if it feels like a place your grandma will yell at you for touching anything in, it won’t really feel comfortable. Texture is what takes a space from formal and austere to a beautiful, cozy space you can actually live in.

There’s no question this bedroom is gorgeous, but it also feels like a space you could spend time in without completely messing it up. The intentionally unkempt linens on this corner of the bed add simulated texture that makes it feel like home. We also love the green velvet accent pillow and floor pillows for an extra cozy touch! A lamp and pendant allows you to have dimmer or brighter lighting to accommodate your changing needs.

There is no world where a chunky-knit blanket and lots of pillows won’t scream comfort. The touches of fur on the rug and the side bench give it an extra dose of coziness. Anyone would love to curl up and hibernate here all winter! Light a few candles in the lanterns and switch on the pendant for the perfect reading spot at night.

This feminine bedroom is a corner of paradise! The colors are soft and gorgeous, but the textures are what really make this space magical. The velvet headboard brings delicate softness to the space. The textured pouf and cane-detailed night stand here are working overtime – and they should get paid for it! They bring elements of texture and give some seating and storage space. The blanket and soft rug are the finishing touches that would have anyone making excuses to retreat here for peace and quiet.

3. Soften Your Lighting

Harsh lighting is the opposite of comfortable! It’ll leave you with a headache and can actually make it harder for you to sleep at night. To bring in some much-needed comfort, you’ll need to soften up your lighting. In a room with soft lighting, the transition from light to dark is gradual and easy on the eyes. Avoid harsh shadows and balance your lights out using these three tips and your eyes and mood will thank you!

Dimmable Lighting

Switching to dimmable lights is a relatively simple way to soften your lights and make your lighting customizable. This cozy room is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Dim the lights 2 hours before bed to help yourself sleep better, then brighten them in the morning to jump start your mood and your day!

Layer Your Lights

Layering your lighting is a fool-proof way to give you adjustable light. Every room in your house should have at least a few light sources to make it feel more comfortable and eliminate any dark corners. Adding a few lamps across a room and some pendants will give you flexibility to have more or less light depending on your need and mood.

Accent Lighting

Accent lights are the finishing touches that make a room feel complete. They’re the piping on top of the icing on the cake! Adding them makes a room instantly feel warmer and more comfortable. Plus, they soften up your lighting by eliminating harsh shadows in areas that might otherwise go overlooked. Put sconces on an empty wall, strip lighting under cabinets like in this kitchen, or pendants above conversation areas. A room with warm, balanced lighting is a guaranteed ticket to having the relaxing ambiance you need for comfort.

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Listen, it’s 2023 and it’s time you started living your life in comfort! Choosing to design a cozy home is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about overall wellness! You deserve to live in a home you love, so it’s time to get started. With a little inspiration, the expert tips above, and help from Super Lite you’ll be set! Give us a call and we’ll help you soften your lighting and give your home the extra relaxing boost it needs.

Do you have a hallway that feels disconnected from the rest of your home? Does it feel like dead space that could be more useful or interesting, but you’re unsure what to do?

We get it. Hallways can often be long and dark and usually have little open wall or floor space. But that doesn’t mean it has to be dull, dead space!

This article will cover ten ways to brighten up your hall, so you can love walking through your entire home. Of course, not everything will fit in every hallway– but remember that great design is all about layering. Try mixing a few elements from this list to get a polished, inviting hall or entryway.

1. Paint

Changing up the color palette of your hallway is an easy way to create interest– without taking up space. You can paint the walls your favorite color, get an exciting runner rug, or install a cool light fixture. This strategy is sure to surprise your guests and make the walk to your room much more enjoyable.

Why you’ll love it:

• Great for small spaces
• Few tools and no special skill sets
• Inexpensive

Need help choosing a color? Then use color psychology to match the vibe of where the hall leads. 

2. Patterned Wallpaper

If painting isn’t your thing, or if solid colors just won’t cut it – then try mixing it up with patterns! It’s a great way to add dimension to a room. Wallpaper is an easy way to refresh your walls (or doors) without needing much skill.

Why you’ll love it:

• Endless choices, from minimalist to maximalist
• Wallpaper selection for all skill levels
• Faster than custom paint jobs

Renting? No problem! You can still customize your walls with removable stick-on wallpaper!

3. Wainscoting

If you want to look subtly expensive, then Wainscoting is a great route. Adding geometric elements with trim gives your walls texture and interest without complications. They’re especially great for stairways or hallways since they don’t occupy any floor space.

Why you’ll love it:

• Few tools required
• Materials are relatively inexpensive
• Customizable dimensions for your space

Don’t want to buy a table saw for the project? Measure ahead of time, then have the pieces cut at the hardware store.

4. Mirrors

Mirrors are genius design elements. Playing with the style of the frame and the shape of the mirror gives you a lot of room to add personality to your walls, but the best part is that they can make any space feel bigger and brighter.

Why you’ll love it:

• Fits available wall space– big or small!
• Makes any space look larger by reflecting light
• No special tools or skills required

Don’t have a lot of wall space? Then try finding small mirrors and hang them as a collection– art over function.

5. Gallery Wall

Even with a lot of doors, most hallways have a stretch where you can stash a mini-gallery wall. Class it up with sconces or track lighting, and then you’ve got a casual museum experience.

Why you’ll love it:

• Easy to refresh
• Frames provide a second level of design
• Easy to customize and install

Switching out art with the seasons will add intention to your design and help your space reflect your mood.

6. Lighting

Play with the lighting of your hallway to take away the gloom of a confined, windowless space. This designer used a vintage pendant in the main hall with a complimentary sconce to create a cozy nook. These simple touches take the color palette and existing decor to round out “French countryside” vibes.

Why you’ll love it:

• Updating builder-grade installs immediately elevates the space
• Replacing existing fixtures doesn’t require professional skill
• LEDs light baseboards for nighttime vision and a luxury feel

Did you know that LEDs and sconces can come with a plug? No hard-wiring required!

7. Console Table

Console tables solve so many interior design headaches. These narrow tables match any style while providing a catch-all for keys, showing off decor and collectibles, and more. Finally, try adding a lamp for a finished look.

Why you’ll love it:

• Thin enough to leave walking space
• Provides storage or decor space
• Layer with art or mirrors above for an Instagram worthy configuration

Try flipping a thrift find to manage costs– a little TLC can give you a unique piece for a fraction of the price.

8. Rugs

Rugs are an excellent design option, even if you already have carpeted floors. They add texture, color, and pattern to your space. They can make the hall appear larger and protect the flooring underneath them! Get an extra high pile for a cloudlike experience on bare feet.

Why you’ll love it:

• Easily fit any hall without taking up needed space
• Switch out seasonally– no long term commitment
• Find options on any budget!

Have you been itching to take a risk with color and pattern but can’t commit? Rugs seem to be an exception to the rules, so go for it!

9. Seating

Benches, chairs, or stools– a place to sit makes all the difference. Seating adds excellent functionality to your entry hall and offers a new design element at the same time. You can layer it with decor, position it under shelves or mirrors for layering, or even have it double as storage.

Why you’ll love it:

• Combines design with function– get space for putting on socks or shoes
• Layer with pillows or blankets for added texture
• Use an armchair or stool in corners if there isn’t room in the walkway

Use the material of your seating for an unexpected surprise– metal in a soft space, velvet in a minimalist zone, or wood in an industrial realm.

10. Shelves

Great design is all about layering different elements. Floating shelves provide a place for new decor without taking up valuable walking space. You can play with the shape of your shelves for added interest!

Why you’ll love it:

• From planks to grids to honeycombs – you can customize your shelves any way you like them
• Need very few tools to hang them
• Try corner shelving for tight spaces

Can’t find what you like? Try your hand with a TikTok or Pinterest-inspired DIY project!

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Having trouble choosing what to highlight in your redesign? The dedicated experts at Super Lite can help you pick the perfect, show-stopping light fixtures for your design. Contact us today to get started on your grandmillennial refresh!