Lucy Dearborn: Eight Ways to Shine After Daylight Savings Time

Now that we have literally turned back the hands of time and nature will cease to illuminate long days filled with warm sunshine, it is time to think about how you can continue to add light to your home and life. Here are eight great simple and energy-efficient ways to light up your days as winter approaches:

• Place your lights on timers so your home is not pitch black when the sun goes down. Along with the joy of returning to your light-filled home, it is comforting to have the benefit of security. You can also install smart switches in your home and add an app to your phone or tablet to activate your lights remotely.

Image courtesy of Lutron

• Use energy-efficient LED light bulbs. The LED design is truly being revolutionized and features aesthetically pleasing candle designs and bulbs that look like every day light bulbs.
• Now is the perfect time to install landscape lighting. Along with adding light, beauty and value to your home, a bonus of landscape lighting is increased security.

Photo courtesy of Lucia Lighting

• Energy-saving dimmers coupled with LED light bulbs create a powerful pair to save money and energy.
• Light an aromatherapy candle and enjoy the warmth and aroma it generates.
• Do you know about the magic of Happylights? These full spectrum lights are ideal for your desk at work or home and help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Photo courtesy of Verilux

• Spending more time in the kitchen cooking up comfort food? Add new LED under cabinet lighting in your kitchen. You can keep the lights on longer and use less energy.

Photo courtesy of Lucia Lighting

• Create a custom light to flick on when reading. Think of all your favorite colors, designs and textures woven throughout the fabric of a custom lampshade.

New England is a magical place to reside, thanks to four distinct seasons. Remember the importance of adding light to your life to relish the year-round joy.

Lucy Elizabeth Dearborn is the founder and owner of Lucia Lighting & Design. Her initials (LED) forecasted a passion for and life dedicated to lighting up interiors, exteriors and life!