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It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the styles and options when it’s time to make an update to your home. There are hundreds of design tips and style trends out there, and it’s hard to know where to start!  We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular design trends with simple explanations and some ideas to get you started! Get ready to transform your home into a space you’ll never want to leave!

Minimalism

The main concept of this interior design style is that “less is more.” The hallmarks of Minimalism are few furniture pieces, limited or monochromatic color schemes, clean lines, streamlined shapes, and no clutter.

Start creating your Minimalist space by removing all clutter and accessories then find furniture and fixtures that have simple shapes and clean lines. Minimalist designs need plenty of light to give a sense of openness, but the goal is for the light itself to blend into the design without the fixtures distracting the eye. Hidden perimeter lighting, recessed lights, and simple track lights are good options in main areas. In your kitchen and bathrooms, try LED light strips underneath cabinets and at the bottom of floating vanities. In every space, stick with a limited neutral color palette, or go monochromatic for a big visual impact.

For more Minimalist design inspo, check out Leibal for some truly awe-inspiring minimalist designs that’ll have you thinking hard about paring down!

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern design is full of perfectly balanced juxtapositions. Soft, organic lines and natural wood are combined with harder, geometric shapes and man-made materials like plastic, vinyl, and Lucite. Form follows function in this design which has strong ties to minimalism, so furniture and accessories should serve a purpose and help to keep the room clutter free.

To get the look, find functional furniture pieces that will help keep your space organized and clutter to a minimum. Look for one or two showstopper pieces that you love and use them to anchor your room, then finish out your space with geometric and organic pieces that work together to give your room a polished feel. Keep the minimalist feel by only using accessories that serve a purpose, like a vase or a light fixture. Mid-Century light fixtures and lamps come in a huge variety of materials, colors, and price points, which makes them an ideal way to add your own personal touch to your Mid-Century design!

For more Mid-Century Modern inspiration, take a look at the incredible designs over at Destination Eichler to see great ways you can incorporate this design style into your home!

Scandinavian

Scandinavian design came to be in the 1930s, and is inspired by the nature, climate, and simple designs of the Nordic region. While similar to Mid-Century Modern design which often explores deeper colors and designs, Scandinavian design is all about maximizing light with lots of whites and neutrals. It has a minimalist feel with no clutter, simple yet beautiful and furniture that’s functional, and a light neutral color palette with pops of playful accent colors.

To get the look, avoid wall to wall carpeting and opt for light or white walls. Choose furniture that is both simple and functional that will help keep your space feeling organized and fresh. Maximizing natural light is very important in Scandinavian design. If your space isn’t blessed with big windows, fun and playful Scandinavian-inspired pendant lights and floor lamps are easy to find! Add them anywhere in your room that’s shadowy to bring the light in! Add warmth to your space with soft organic fabrics like a chunky wool blanket. Look for functional accessories with soft edges and clean lines, and don’t be afraid to mix in vintage and traditional elements to get that Scandinavian design vibe just right.

If you want to see more of this style, Niki Brantmark at My Scandinavian Home runs a delightful blog full of light and bright Scandinavian designs that’ll have you painting your walls white and installing a new pendant light by next weekend!

Eco Design

For the environmentally-conscious individual, this next design style is all about sustainability. Eco Design appears very similar to Minimalist and Scandinavian designs due to the simple, paired back feel and the use of natural materials, but it centers around sustainability.

To get this style right, pay attention to the materials you choose when you’re designing your space. Look for earth-friendly materials like cotton, bamboo, wood, and recycled materials. Upcycle when you can, and look to nature for your color palette. Accent your space with plants to help bring the outside in. Natural light is best, but if you live somewhere that doesn’t have a wall of windows, you can bring in extra light with eco-friendly lamps and fixtures like a bamboo pendant light. This is a great design style for those who love to repurpose and restore!

If you need some Eco-friendly design inspo, Moore House Family is a company that restores old homes using natural and sustainable elements, and they love to break the mold in their designs!

Industrial Loft

This style got its start when big cities started converting old industrial warehouses into housing. These spaces had large windows and open floor plans, and became home to a community of artists and creatives who added modern touches, but left the original character of the building. Today, Industrial Loft design is making its way into townhouses and suburban homes as homeowners everywhere are falling in love with this unique combination of raw textures and modern finishes.

To get this look, find ways to incorporate raw and rustic materials into your space like exposed brick, cement, and steel. To keep it from feeling too harsh and cold, warm up your space with reclaimed wood furniture and accessories, and overstuffed armchairs or leather sofas. Light your rooms with warehouse-inspired, powder-coated light fixtures with exposed bulbs. This design loves to tell a story, so  look for vintage lighting and accessories with a history to add some character to your space.

To see some breathtaking Industrial Loft designs, check out My Warehouse Home’s Instagram page to get your ideas flowing!

Maximal Minimalism

This design style is a bold and exciting compromise between Minimalism, which is all about simplifying, and Maximalism, a design style where bigger, bolder, and busier all mean better. If the calm, clean, relaxing vibe of Minimalism appeals to you but it feels too sterile, and the bubbly, bold, creative feel of Maximalism feels inspiring but chaotic, then this unlikely combination of minimalist ideals and maximalist colors, patterns, and textures might be for you!

You can keep your sleek and uncluttered aesthetic, but go ahead and throw that neutral color palette out the window! Go big with a bold mural on the wall or a brightly colored sofa. Light your minimal with simple fixtures or recessed lights, but use your lighting to add to your design. Consider adding LED bulbs or rope lights that change colors with the push of a button to add some drama to your space when the time feels right! This design style is still minimalism at heart, but it’s very art-centered. Give your space a personality! The goal is to give your clean lines and simple shapes a beautifully artistic backdrop.

It’s Time To Get Started!

You make the rules in your space! If Mid-Century Mod is your thing, dive in! If you like bits and pieces of a few different styles, don’t be afraid to mix and match! Making your space reflect your own style is the best way to make your house a home. Be bold, experiment, and love where you live!

Does your home need a style refresh? Don’t forget to update your light fixtures too! Call the experts at Watts Current and they’ll help you figure out how to get the perfect ambiance for your new space.

Whether you’re the kind of cook who makes quick and easy meals after an exhausting workday or you’re a foodie dreaming of your own 5-star restaurant, the kitchen is one of the most important and well-used rooms in any home. For maximum practically and atmosphere, a well-lit workspace is a must! Here are 9 design tips, with plenty of examples, for a practical and fashionable kitchen that anyone can enjoy.

1. Use Metallic Touches

A clean, open-concept workspace pairs well with these gorgeous silver fixtures, like a flavorful wine with a good meal. The large fixtures offset the empty space from high ceilings, yet they are still minimalist in detailing, so the look isn’t overbearing.

This kitchen embraces the dramatic: bold black cabinets and countertops offer a beautiful backdrop that allows striking metallic gold fixtures to hang front and center. The result is a showstopping kitchen with plenty of flair.

2.  Incorporate Sleek Lines

Now you can whip up gourmet goodies in a glamorous space. This contemporary kitchen employs a beautifully streamlined design. Light woods and belled glass fixtures provide an air of graceful elegance, fit for any aspiring 5-star chef.

These modern lights have a beautifully chic silhouette. Evenly spaced with the rest of the room’s features, like the long island and the simple, sleek cabinet hardware, these lights make good use of visual lines and the space as a whole, giving this kitchen a cohesive look.

3. Find Pieces with Function and Flair

When you’re hosting guests and have too many different dishes and sides planned, it can really turn up the heat in your kitchen. Install a fan to provide necessary light and a comfortable breeze to keep temperatures under control. Plus, everyone will be a fan of this chic look!

Bright lighting beneath these cabinets creates a beautifully lit workspace for all of your food prep needs. These hidden light fixtures blend in with the outline of the rest of the kitchen, leaving the smooth lines of the hardware, appliances, and cabinets unbroken for a lovely modern aesthetic.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Bare Some Bulb

Sometimes, a little goes a long way: here, simple bulbs hanging from the ceiling make for a gorgeous fixture. These bare bulbs are neat enough and placed deliberately enough that the resulting group adds an artistic touch.

If you’re a woodsy soul, use your style to bring the outdoors in. The mixture of bulbs and circular metallic elements makes these fixtures look like lanterns, giving this kitchen a charmingly rustic feel. Now, you can pretend you’re camping every day – all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

These fixtures are stylishly understated. The exposed bulbs mix with the other natural touches in the room, like the simple tile and the wood counters, for an organically home-y style. (Of course, a furry friend never hurts to make a room feel like home, either).

5. Use Shades to Express Unique Style

If you share a living space but not the same design tastes, then there’s no need to fight; vastly different styles can be made to work together, with stunning results. Here, the metal shades provide a touch of industrial flair in an otherwise rustic room, bringing the two styles in harmony with each other.

Kitchens aren’t just a workspace – they’re also where you can spend restful Sunday afternoons baking cookies or brownies (and licking the batter from the bowl). Soft colors and sophisticated shades give this kitchen a calming, fresh air, perfect for enjoying yourself as you bake some sweet treats!

6. Maximize Texture

Cool textures can give any room a stylish edge, and the kitchen is no exception. These wire shades have some heaviness to them, and the colors complement the wood counters and beams, creating an appearance that is perfectly tied-together.

Sometimes, subtle features can be the most striking. These barely-there wire shades give a little bit of body to the lights, without any bulkiness. This textured fixture makes the space feel like a delicate expression of a distinctive style.

When in doubt about the direction of your design, try pulling ideas from textures you already have in the room. Here, these lights boast a mix metal and wood that complements the seating, making this room look flawlessly coordinated.

7. Soften the Space with New-Age Candles

Who says candles have to be a thing of the past? If you love the aesthetic appeal of candles but aren’t willing to risk the potential fire hazard, never fear. You can bring modern-age candles into your design by combining electric candles and modern metalwork in a beautifully polished piece. Extra bonus: you don’t have to tidy up any wax.

If sharp lines and angles aren’t your deal, but you like the look of the candles, then play with the shape of the piece. Here, a round metal setting still sets these candles apart, making for this a tasteful piece for any kitchen.

8. Use Unusual Shapes

Who needs date night in an expensive, stuffy restaurant when you can make magic in your own kitchen? The iron spirals around these candle-like fixtures add a romantic charm to a beautiful space. Whether you’re trying to impress a new S.O. or you’re just cooking something new with your longtime partner, this kitchen is a sweet space to cook a wonderful dinner for two.

This colorful kitchen embraces an eclectic spirit. The light fixture especially embodies this style: the multitude of bulbs, hung at varying lengths, has a unique look that suits this kitchen’s unusual color and vibrant atmosphere.

9. Add a Pop of Color

On lazy Saturday mornings, relax with your cup of coffee in this cozy kitchen. The soft shade of these domed fixtures gives the room a gentle touch of color, which subtly infuses the space with calming vibes.

This contemporary kitchen is perfect no matter what event you host! Set a line of dishes on this bar for a potluck or lay out hors d’oeuvre for a fancy dinner party. The tint of the glass in these fixtures provides a rich dab of color that complements the cabinets, resulting in a classy space for entertaining guests.

Moral of the story? With a little bit of good design, any kitchen can be a stylish, functional getaway. Depending on your style, layout, and budget, try embracing metallic finishes and bare bulbs. Throw in some dramatic colors, textures, and shapes for a breathtaking look. You could even try electric candles or unique shades to emphasize the atmosphere of the space. Whatever you decide to do, Watts Current is here for your design needs!

Trends come and go, but some have more lasting impact than others. Distinctive trends can date a home, making it seem old-fashioned and undesirable, while classic trends fit into any space at any time. As we’ve watched the market, we’ve seen some very popular trends that show plenty of staying power. If you’re debating how to update your home, these trends may be right for you!

Industrial/Urban Lighting

This new movement of industrial/urban themed lighting is top of the list!  The style reaches back to the origins of modern lighting, with echoes of the Industrial Revolution in each unassuming fixture.  Beauty and function come together beautifully in this timeless, practical look.

Statement Piece Décor

A bold chandelier, flashy semi-flush mounts, exaggerated wall hanging, or splendid sconces, statement piece lighting décor is a powerful trend. Statement pieces are meant to have a much more visual impact that simply lighting a space. It is meant to challenge traditional style norms, and the risk is worth it! Statement pieces draw the eye, bring attention to your home décor, and add some pizzazz to functional spaces without having to repaint or redecorate. Try one and you’ll likely be surprised at the impact it has!

Lanterns

As we watch trends come and go, it is hard not to notice that most styles always incorporate lanterns in some way. There are lanterns adapted to fit any space and any style: iron lanterns, polished nickel lanterns, rope lanterns, all glass lanterns, glassless lanterns.  Bringing a lantern inside adds an outdoor vibe to your home and makes the space feel more airy and open, in addition to accenting your indoor décor.

Gold, Gold, Gold

Gold finishes have been around since the invention of light (and modern lighting) and continue to resurface in nearly all trends.  In modern lighting, it’s a timeless accent that has withstood the test of time, stretching from the late 1800’s to the present. That’s not to say gold hasn’t changed—gold finishes range from honed brass to polished to currently matte gold. The options, and the long-lasting potential, are endless. 

Natural Light

Décor, architecture, lighting, color palettes, and countless design elements are all shaped by natural light. It impacts mood, health, room function, the appearance of colors and so much more! Whether you are lightening the wall colors to emphasize existing light or updating your window covers to allow more natural light, mimicking and incorporating lots of natural light is a trend sure to never end.

Homes with trendy décor and lighting have a better resell value than outdated, old-fashioned homes. Even more, small updates in your home can improve the way you feel about it right now! A few upgrades will increase your home value, give it a long-term look, and add some freshness to your space. At Watts Current we’re committed to giving you the best products in any style, so we’ll help you find one that speaks to you!

If the down-home charm of farmhouse style speaks to you, you’re not alone! It’s a trendy style with staying power, and now’s a great time to start adding farmhouse décor around any home. If you’re unsure how to start, however, switching out your light fixtures is the perfect starting point. There’s no repainting, rearranging wall hangings, or reupholstering involved- just a simple swap to get the look you want!

Here are some of our favorite ideas that add a touch of that Farmhouse Flair:

Electric Candles

Sure to add an atmospheric glow to any event, candlelight is one of the best ways to slip some farmhouse fashion into your home.  It’s rustic, reminiscent of simple times, and charming in all the right ways.

Rough, Unfinished Metals

Don’t be afraid to flaunt some rust and roughness in your metal décor. Whether it’s a functional light fixture that’s made to look aged and distressed or simply a decorative lighting piece like this lantern, aged metal is a farmhouse staple.

Rope or Twine Details

As a compliment to the fresh, finished pieces of your décor, try some unfinished twine-like lighting. The rope cords add excellent texture and depth, and the combined effect is a rustic, upscale farmhouse look fitted for any room.

Imitation Fencing or Caging

If you’re looking for just a small touch of farmhouse style, try a gentle nod to farmhouse with cage-like metal fixtures. They’re easily hung anywhere in your home, and they’re versatile enough to match with any kind of décor if you decide to redecorate later.

Bolts, Nails, and Screws

Imagine hand-constructed barrels, fencing, wagons, and more when you look at the quaint bolt details on this ceiling fan. Ultra-functional and fashionable, it’s great for any room in your home. Even better? Try it in an outdoor, covered area- just make sure the fixture is damp-area rated!

Bleached or Faded Wood

Almost nothing says “farmhouse” more than bleached, faded, or distressed wood. This fixture is simple and unassuming, but adds some textured dimension to the space. Add that to the rich green hues on the walls and linens… we love the look!

Mixed Material Fixtures

Metals, fabrics, chains, woods, and more… Farmhouse is a fresh take on an old-fashioned look, and it really shines in fixtures that use various materials to bring old and new worlds together.

Old-Fashioned Bulbs

With the right bulb in place, simple fixtures are automatically transformed into something quaint. Those old-style bulbs are comforting, familiar, and full of farmhouse flavor. Best of all? You can add them to an existing fixture for an extra simple update!

Do you like what you see? Props to farmhouse décor for serving up some beautiful details that are ready to brighten your home. Contact us at Watts Current for more information about farmhouse-friendly lighting or any other home lighting needs!

Whether it’s time to impress your new neighbors or host an important business dinner, your dining room is a high-impact space that communicates a lot about you. Some dining rooms are an informal extension of the kitchen, while others are a spacious, separate room. No matter what yours looks like, choosing the right design (and light) can create the perfect setting for all occasions. 

Size

1. To determine the best size for your fixture, use this formula: Length + Width = diameter of your ideal light. Example:  10’ (length) + 14’ (width) = 24” (width of your light). It’s a general rule, so use it at your own discretion and adapt to suit your preferences!

2. Long dining tables call for bigger lights. Consider a long track light or even mount two fixtures on either end of the table. It’s a great way to emphasize your lovely, lengthy dining space!

Style

3. The style you select reflects your personal taste, but also affects the function of the light. Shaded lights provide soft, subtle light, while glass fixtures diffuse light more brightly and evenly. Exposed bulbs provide the most clear, crisp light.

4. If your dining room branches off your kitchen, consider matching the finish of the dining light to the finish of kitchen lights or hardware.

5. If your dining room is separate from the kitchen, feel free to choose a distinct finish for a unique dining room atmosphere. Just remember that it should still ‘live well’ with any visible fixtures from surrounding rooms.

Height

6. Know your ceiling height before selecting a light. Most fixtures are designed for an 8-foot ceiling.

7. If you have a vaulted ceiling, use some of that space for the fixture, but keep it mounted low enough that it still feels like a cohesive part of the dining table ensemble. 

8. Proper mounting height is 30-36 inches from the top of your table to the bottom of the fixture.  That figure can be a little higher on a taller ceiling.  

9. Fixtures with decorative pieces or hanging crystals may hanger lower than the recommended 30-36”. For these fixtures, measure to the frame of the light instead. 

Wattage

10. The general recommendation for dining light output is 300 watts. This is especially true for rooms with lighter paint colors.

11. In dining rooms with darker paint, consider choosing bulbs that provide 400 watts or more.

12. For additional control and extra ambiance, use dimmable bulbs and install a dimmer switch in your dining room. It’ll serve equally well for full-light projects and dimly-lit romantic dinners. 

Make your dining room an inviting space with an expressive, efficient fixture. For any additional questions, feel free to contact our expert team here at Watts Current. We’re here to help you make your dream home!

As millennials flood the housing market, it might be a great time to think about how you can maximize your home value for sale now or in the future. How can you get the most bang for your buck, avoid never-ending renovations, and steer clear of overwhelming DIY projects? Here are six easy ways to increase your home value, each taking no more than a weekend.

1. Update Your Light Fixtures

It’s a simple and surprising effective fix: updated light fixtures can change the mood, first impression, and perceived value of any room (and can easily be done on a budget). Try a new ceiling light in your master bedroom and compliment it with trendy lights that frame the bed. Style up your kitchen with pendant lights, or consider some chic, industrial exposed bulbs. Your bathroom is also a great place to re-imagine your lighting to maximize the limited space.

2. Stick with Neutral Paint

Be conscientious with your paint choices. Zillow’s 2018 Paint Color Analysis found that bright or custom colors can lower home value, so stick with neutral colors and use your decor (like artwork, flowers and plants, or textiles) to pull in brighter colors and personality. Greys, whites, tans, or simple wallpaper offer a wide range of possibilities for future home buyers, while still giving you room to create your perfect aesthetic.

3. Add LED Strip Lighting under the Cabinets

Easily upgrade and brighten your kitchen with LED strip lighting. They’re easy to buy, apply, and use, and they come in varied colors, tones, and sizes. Under-cabinet lighting is especially effective in small spaces, make cramped kitchens look bigger by reflecting light off the walls. Add an air of luxury with a little extra LED light!

4. Invest in Smart Technology

Smart thermostats, light bulbs and appliances bring your home value to the next level. In fact, the Zillow 2019 Design Forecast predicted smart technology as one of the top requests from today’s home buyers. Most smart bulbs and appliances pair conveniently with AI assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. In addition, smart thermostats can decrease your home’s carbon footprint and slash your utility costs with their custom settings.

5. Power Wash your Home’s Exterior

A good wash can be as effective as a new coat of paint, and at a fraction of the cost. No need to buy the machine, either, since Home Depot and other hardware stores rent them for an hourly or daily rate. Wait for a sunny afternoon, grab a power washer, and enjoy the visible transformation of your home’s exterior.

6. Add Outdoor Lighting

Potential buyers will appreciate the visual appeal and safety benefits of outdoor lighting. Illuminate pathways with small, solar powered lights, or add a couple motion-activated spotlights for the driveway. Flood lights can eliminate the risk of break ins, and backyard string lights make hosting evening gatherings easier than ever. The options are endless and flexible to any budget, so pick an outdoor lighting project and let it boost your home value!

We know time and money are limited, but there are plenty of cheap, easy ways to increase the value of your home even in the most competitive market. Whether you add a fresh coat of neutral paint or install a few interesting light fixtures, you can make your home a place where you, and potential buyers, want to be. For advice about lighting or anything else, call our design experts at Watts Current.

Keeping up with trends, whether commercially or only as an observer, can be a fun hobby! There’s so much variety, beauty, and class in this world. However, trends in fashion, décor, and even lighting, revolve quickly. If you’re thinking of replacing a more permanent part of your home, such as the flooring, plumbing, or lighting, it’s tricky to be trendy and timeless at the same time.

So how do you decide? Should you choose the latest look, with all the “Ooh”s and “Ahhh”s it’ll bring? Or should you be conservative and avoid something you’ll regret in 5 years? After all, tiny details can date a home. You know, wallpaper from the 70’s, pink tile in the 80’s, burgundy and forest green from the 90’s, bronze and faux finishes from the early 2000’s…

There isn’t one right way to go about this, nor is there one easy answer to the “trendy vs. timeless” debate. However, here are a few things to consider.

It’s Not All or Nothing

You may love some of the styles that have withstood the test of time: subway tile, herringbone (fabric and flooring), or wood floors. That’s great! On the other hand, that doesn’t mean that you can’t also incorporate this year’s hot paint colors and some trendy macramé hangings into your décor as well. Don’t try to decide everything at once, and don’t base all your decisions off of one piece of your home.

Consider Your Resale Plans

There are some cases when it’s better to choose trendy décor and finishes, even if the current trend is not your personal favorite. If you’re building a new home, remodeling, or flipping a home with any intention to sell soon, go trendy. Homes that are on trend show well and sell faster.

Avoid Over-Decorating

Though you could argue that “minimalism” is a trend in itself, we’re convinced that good use of space is timeless. Though it can be tempting to fill every shelf or cover every wall with your latest finds, an over-decorated, crowded space diminishes the artistic effect of any style. In addition, it’ll be easier to update your look later if you have few, carefully chosen accent pieces that can rotate with the next trend.

Be Smart About Trendy

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have unlimited time and funds to remodel the kitchen or buy a new couch every time popular trend takes a new direction. However, there are plenty of simple, cost-effective ways to make your space trendy and new. Here’s a list of our favorite ideas!

1. Change an indoor paint color. Indoor paint runs its course in about 5 years, so it makes sense. You could even start with a small room… less time, big reward!

2. Rotate your rug or change it altogether. Rugs have a natural knap to them depending on how they are woven. A quick rotation may surprise you with a significant difference.

3. Update your throw pillows on the bed and couches. It’s a quick, cost-effective change!

4. Especially during the winter, add a plant or some kind of earthy décor element to bring a natural, refreshing feel to your space.

5. Switch out some art. Frames may be pricey, but prints usually aren’t! Buy a new family photo, modern print, or custom piece of art to freshen up your frames

6. Replace a key lighting fixture. In addition to updating your look, switching to new bulbs will save you money on your utility bill. Check out our catalog for some good recommendations!

7. Buy new dish towels or dinnerware. An extra pop of color can change the atmosphere in the kitchen or add some extra fun at dinner. 

Make Your Home Your Own

Trends will come and go… And traditional styles? Even there, there’s a ton of variation! Contemporary. Transitional. Rustic. Vintage. Urban. Eclectic… no matter the style, take the time to create a home environment that speaks to you. If it suits your needs and appeals to your unique style, it’ll be timeless. Best of luck from Watts Current in your decorating adventures!