Category Archives: House and Home

4 Clever Lighting Hacks to Brighten Your Home

Light fixtures don’t have to be boring. If you’re looking to freshen up a room in your house that’s feeling a little stale, consider making one of these four changes to your lighting.

1. Color Matters  

Light bulbs come in all sorts of colors, from red to white to purple and everything in between. Knowing what colors work best in each area of your house will make every room feel intentional. Keep office spaces, kitchens and other work areas lit with bright, white bulbs. Use yellow or a softer white in rooms you’d prefer to relax in.   

2. Update that Fixture

The simplest way to freshen up a room is to swap out an old ceiling fixture or wall sconce with something new and modern. Grab something that catches your eye and will spread an adequate amount of light for your room’s requirements. If you’re not sure where to start, try looking for a large, chandelier-type fixture with multiple layers or explore fixtures that aren’t made from glass, but have elements of wood or cast iron. Just remember to keep the design and color scheme of your house in mind.

3. Add a Funky Pattern

Who says home lighting ideas have to stick to a mold? Instead of opting for the same plain beige lamp shade, pick one with a pattern that complements the design of the room. If you’re feeling adventurous, pick one with a contrasting design, but similar colors to your bedspread, couch or area rug. The right pattern can make a lamp pop and capture attention as a statement piece in your home

4. Put in Accent Lights

Light doesn’t need to serve a purely industrial purpose in your home. While it’s necessary to have ceiling lights in your office or kitchen that allow for easy reading and working, there are other places where an additional floor lamp can make a space cozy and relaxing. Choose a warm-colored lamp shade with a natural-looking stand (made of wood or dark metal) and put in a yellow bulb. Instantly, your bedroom or living room will become more peaceful and welcoming.                                                                                             

Factors That Affect Your Mortgage Terms

If you decide to buy a home, chances are you will apply for a mortgage. Understanding how mortgages work can help you determine how much spend on a home. Here are some of the most important factors that affect what sort of mortgage you can qualify for.

Image by mastersenaiper from Pixabay

Interest Rates

The current mortgage interest rates can affect the terms of a home loan. Your unique circumstances may determine what sort of rate you qualify for. The Best Mortgage Companyis one that will help you understand the relevant factors, such as your credit score, the location of the home, and the length of the mortgage. A good lender can also help you attain the best possible loan terms.

Eligibility for Special Loans

While conventional mortgages are fairly common, there are other loans that you may qualify for. For example, if you served in the military, you may have access to a VA loan. If you meet certain eligibility requirements, you could qualify for a USDA loan for a rural property.

Down Payment

The amount of your down payment can also affect the terms of the loan. If you have the cash to provide a large down payment, you may qualify for a more favorable mortgage with advantages such as a lower rate or a shorter loan term.

A lender like Sun West Mortgage can help you understand your mortgage options. Factors including your credit score and down payment can affect your eligibility.

Save on electric bill this summer

With the sweltering heat of summer, you can’t survive without your electric fan on, or your air conditioner unit set to the highest temperature. However, frequent use of these appliances will surely hurt your pockets. But if you want to save on electric bill this summer, here’s what you can do. Instead of setting the fan on high speed on humid days, set the fan speed on low to remove moisture from air. It will cool your room better.

Photo by Alireza Kaviani from Pexels

As for airconditioner, turn the unit at comfortable room temperature which is about 24 degrees Celsius. Turning the aircon on at colder setting than normal will result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. If you want to save some more on electric bill, you can set up a patio umbrella in your yard. It will keep your home cool because it traps heat from coming in. Large umbrellas are also perfect for family picnic.