Update your home right!

Don't just re-do your home without thought. It's smart to consider the future, your kids, a resale, and a  host of things before you make a change.  Whether you do a small re-fresh or a large scale remodel, do it right the first time.  Here are my top 10 thoughts:

1. Make wider doorways. Its' so much easier to get pieces of furniture in and out of your home, not to mention better accessibility for everyone in and throughout your rooms.

2. Install easy clean surfaces. You might love granite counters and stone bath floors, but are they easy to clean - maintain and seal - with your lifestyle? There are SO many fabulous and gorgeous options in quartz and porcelain that you should consider. 






3. Consider concealed storage. We all have 'stuff' and often get more without doing away with what we already have. I'm a kitchen accessory 'junkie'. Having organized and expandable space to have all of that is as important in my kitchen as it might be in your family room, kids room or master closet! Closed doors, covered baskets, deep drawers with dividers, and even open shelves with nifty containers, contains and makes everything neat and easy to access.





4. Put timers or sensors on light switches. Ever walk into a room with your hands full and trip on something in the way?  Do your kids forget to turn out lights?  There are SO many inexpensive sensors you can buy and install yourself (unless you're really not comfortable with wiring) that pay for themselves quickly.  Lights go on when you enter a space and off after a set period of time when you leave. Put a timer on a switch in a bathroom, closet or children's room and the lights will go off for you. Same with turning on entry and hall lights. Don't walk into a dark house and install a wall timer to schedule lights going on and off.  This is great for porch and patio lighting.

5. Ask for self closing drawers. If you're redoing a kitchen or bath, these are really nice to have! It makes them easy to open, keeps your drawers closed, and no one has to remember to close a drawer when you're all using the same kitchen or bath room.

6. Create an electronics charging station. With laptops, tablets, pads and smartphones, most of which need a unique port, if you create a landing area with all of the cords contained. You'll keep everything together and never misplace a cord again, not to mention the neatness factor....










7. Be sure to add better ventilation/natural lighting.  Even if you don't add windows, expanding the size of existing windows can bring more light and air into your home.  You can often save on air conditioning bills with properly placed ventilation. Having more natural light also helps cut energy use. If adding a new window might not be in the budget, but consider ceiling or wall mounted fans to circulate air, and solatubes that have LED backup.

8. Design drawers instead of doors on cabinets.  Why reach into a fixed shelf after opening a door, when a drawer can be a better storage option?  You gain better access inside - especially in deep kitchen cabinets - and certainly  make it simpler to use.  With new interior systems from  most cabinet companies, and good carpentry in custom fabrications, you get wonderful compartmentalization and organization too.










9. Try a zero clearance ethanol burning fireplace.  No, you don't need a chimney.  Take a look at the variety of ethanol burners. They can be installed in a wall, a shallow room, and have many size options that actually produce heat.

10. Employ energy efficient lighting design. DON'T simply replace one fixture with another. Consider placement, the amount of light you need, whether the fixture is even the right type, what type of bulb you use and you'll improve your lighting, energy bills, and even your use of the spaces you're updating.

Lighting Design Tips

In 1879 Edison invented the incandescent light bulb and it changed the way we live. What was once an invention for practicality, has become a way to improve our living spaces, create mood, and add drama.  Lighting design is a key element of a comfortable home, combining the functional aspects, use for entertaining and relaxing, and being energy conscious in the fixtures and type of bulbs used. When you're selecting a fixture you are buying LIGHT, not 'a light'. 

Hiding the fixtures works in this powder room,
since it's not used often.  Quite a unique view in
lieu of a mirror!

While light sources behave in predictable ways - the beam spreads of fixtures are directly related to the housing, shades and bulbs used - the size of the room, its color, and what the purpose of the room and its contents are, all have a role to play in good lighting design.  You wouldn't light a small powder room in the same way as you would a master bath suite,  just like you wouldn't use a kitchen pendant while you watch a movie in a joined great room. So, what is the key to a good lighting plan?  First is balancing task, ambient and general lighting.  Next is the position of the fixture you select.  Finally, the size, type of bulb, and style of the fixture are important. Last, be sure to consider lighting controls.

Layered lighting works best for open plan kitchens. 

1. Balance: Many people make the mistake of adding just task lights to their spaces, and forget general and accent lighting.  The right fixtures can have multiple roles, especially with the use of lighting controls, dimmers and sensors for occupancy and vacancy. For example, wall sconces with low wattage incandescent bulbs are fabulous accent lights. When a higher output CFL is used to ensure that the wattage remains under 60 for the fixture, they can serve as reading, task and even ambient lights.  Why hang a wall sconce upwards just to wash a wall when you can position it downward and light more of the room? Dimming a high output-low wattage CFL can make the sconce an accent light for the fireplace, and at full power, a reading light for the fireside chair.   One of the least well-it spaces are bathrooms. The single over-the-mirror bath fixture is the most commonly seen. Uggh.   Nothing is worse than seeing a shadow under your eyes and chin that is actually caused by the lighting. Wall sconces and a few recessed fixtures create cross-illumination, better coverage for personal tasks like applying make-up and shaving, and ideal lighting for bathing and dressing. Don't forget to add dimmers so your lighting can be soft and subdue when you enjoy a relaxing soak! 

Yes, even a dining room can use layered lighting.  here the buffet

lamps add accent light while the twin chandeliers dim for dining and

go full power for game playing.

2. Position:  So, you added a bank of recessed fixtures to the kitchen but hate the result.  Could be that those fixtures throw light on the floor, the cabinets, or an area that doesn't work for you.  You don't want to create shadows or glare.  In living rooms, putting them directly overhead can be very annoying. Sometimes all that needs adjusting is the housing, but consider what you are illuminating before adding them.  Even the right place for a chandelier can make or break your enjoyment at the dining table.  Are those sconces showing the right area or useless in lighting the space.

3. Size: Be sure that the scale of your fixture is right for the space. It's less desirable to have a tiny chandelier in a large space than it is to be dramatic with a large one in a small space. Knowing the size of your room, table or wall, will be a good guide to what fits.

A fixture that fits the table, and is dropped the right
height, is both beautiful and functional.

4. Bulbs: With the need for energy conscious lighting, LED and compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) are more available and with a range of options. Know what color you want....is a white light desired or do you love the warm, yellow light produced by the now-defunct incandescent bulbs?  The wattage consumed by both LED and CFL is dramatically lower than incandescent bulbs, but their light output is high, so select what you need unless they can be dimmed.

5. Controls: I love dimmers. You can make your builder-installed recessed lighting  soft and warm by putting them on a dim setting. Sensors are fabulous for both interior and exterior lighting.  Why come up to a dark entry or even bedroom?  Exterior light sensors are often built into the fixture, or you can purchase and adapter that screws into the socket and turns on as it gets dark.  Wall switches with timers are great ideas. You can install them and set for 30 days so you never have a dark home even when you're on vacation. Lamp timers are simple to plug in, and can be set with multiple on-off settings. I always recommend occupancy and vacancy sensors for closets, garages, hallways, laundry rooms and spaces used by children.  Home automation systems are fabulous, and can be as simple as a single room control or as extensive as the whole house. 

Using a professional with lighting design experience can give you the best 'bang for your buck' whether you are remodeling, moving, building a new home, or just updating what you have. 

Lighting Design - Fabulous and Functional

Lighting design offers a wide range of products and control options. From glamorous chandeliers to minimalistic and functional wall fixtures, there are many choices for functional yet pleasing home lighting. With energy use a main concern for the environment as well as personal utility bills, how to light spaces correctly becomes a necessity rather than a splurge. In any room, there are often many functional areas including dining, lounging, home office needs, television watching and entertaining, so a planned lighting solution is smart so you can ensure the best lighting for multi-tasking and still make each area inviting and attractive.

For achieving ambient (general) or task lighting, architectural lights, also known as "cans", "pots", and "recessed" fixtures are a good idea. Taking into account the spread of the light beam, the right size and number of recessed fixtures (LED, Compact fluorescent and dimmable halogen) can illuminate a task area, highlight a feature, bathe walls and room perimeters in light at a low energy cost, and more. Adding timers, dimmers and sensors for occupancy and vacancy makes using them easy. A variety of trims and baffles adds to the diversity of lighting solutions they can provide.

To create a warm atmosphere, light sources for special effects and mood lighting might include wall sconces, pendants, floor or table lamps.  The best lighting is done in layers so that you can control the amount of light and where it is shed, at any time.  Wall sconces are a great idea for feature walls, narrow spaces, and bathing architectural features in light.The correct fixture and right lamping (bulb) can throw light on the wall up or down depending upon the direction they hang. Wall sconces can be unobtrusive and small for accent lighting, or dramatic and bold to make an artistic statement.  

Offered in various shapes, sizes and colors, pendant options seem to be endless. Artistic, industrial, and every style in-between are available at fantastic prices.  One great fixture can set the tone for an entire home.   Furthermore, they can be used over a dining table, a desk, a counter, alone or in groups, and much more.

Chandeliers are a favorable alternative to recessed fixtures in  interior design since they offer multi-light options that are softer in feel. Like pendants, there are unlimited styles, but position is usually based on size. 

Accent lights include recessed fixtures, pendants, track, lamps, strip, rope and more.  They are meant to highlight architectural features, art, stairs, walls, landscape features, and a host of other design elements that are features indoors and out.

Whatever your lighting needs, there is an energy efficient solution that will provide a focused, correct color, and proper amount of light. Using a professional to advise is worthwhile and will enable the best results for the long-term.

Creative lighting tips to cut costs without cutting light.

LED can be warm .

We're all concerned with spending too much on our lighting bills, and more people are have environmental concerns regarding lighting and energy use.  Here are some tips to keep your home well lit using energy saving alternatives that are also good for the environment.

1) Use fluorescent bulbs. They're nothing like the old style blue flickering bulbs of years past. New bulbs have a warm color and look more natural. Higher output in lumens per watt give you options for brightness, and they last up to 50,000 hours. 

2)Try LED's where you need task light. Again, the old style LED bulbs were blue and cool. New ones have color rendering (CRI) options that provide soft, warm light, with high energy efficiency.  B

The right positions are key to kitchen lighting.

3) Use dimmers to control light output when the highest power is too much. Dimmers from Lutron and Leviton are available at big box stores for about $20. 

4) Install occupancy or vacancy sensors. Never worry about turning off hallway, closet, bath, kid's room and garage lights again. With a vacancy sensor, you can have lights automatically turn off 5-15 minutes after the last person leaves the space. Occupancy sensors are even better; they turn on lights as people enter a room, and then automatically shut off when no one is present.

5) Position lights well. If the center of the room is lit and the walls aren't, it seems a little foreboding and less pleasant.  Be sure your task lights reflect the counter or mirror, etc. and don't throw shadows.

6) Give extra thought to kitchen and bath lighting types and placement.  The extra care will enable the spaces to look good and function well for prepping, relaxing and more.

A great place for an occupancy sensor.

Bathroom design tips for an enduring style.

When you are planning a bath remodel, consider using one of my favorite ideas to customize your design:

1) Use glass.  Adding walls or shower enclosures of glass will open the space.Whether you use standard glass, glass blocks, an obscure glass, or custom privacy glass, the results will be fantastic.

2) Add legs. Instead of placing cabinets on toe kicks, use furniture style legs. 

3) Teak it up. Teak is a favorite material for bathrooms with its natural water resistance.  How about a teak fold-down bench?  A shower mat?  The shower floor? 

4) Upscale.  Bathing or showering as a couple can be practical as well as romantic. Increase the size of your walk-in shower or spa tub for function and enjoyment.

5) Think commercial.  Commercial fixtures like linear drains, hands free faucets and auto-flush toilets are sleek and highly functional. An added bonus is superb durability and water savings.

Adding curves and a platform creates drama.

6) Go curvy.  Many bathrooms are strictly linear; the addition of curves imparts softness and interest. How about a platform for the spa tub? The edges of the vanities? With more space you can design a curved shower enclosure.

7) Define the spaces.  Rather than set all of the fixtures and cabinets onto a uniform floor, if you have the space, delineate it with meandering tile designs leading towards each functional area.  Doing so adds artistry, accentuates cabinetry, defines functional areas (wet-dry) and even allows for more creative use of surface materials.

8) Take it outside. With a second home that is used seasonally, try creating an outdoor shower or soak tub area in lieu of a hot tub.  Using materials designed to withstand weather changes, you can expand your home and capture the essence of the surrounding environment.

Small spaces need smart design.

I lived in a small apartment in NY before moving to California. It's not easy to update a single room - on a budget - without having someone handy to help.  Here are some ideas for space planning and decorating that you can try.

1) Movable "walls".  Do you have a dresser? A headboard? In a single room apartment, they can serve as a room divider. Even your dining table can separate the kitchen from the bedroom - perhaps with a bench seat on one side instead of chairs.  If you have a budget, use folding screens. Second-hand windows, doors and shutters can make a great screen depending upon your style. For the do-it-yourself expert, you can build a divider from shelves, blocking off some of the openings for more privacy. If a wall is more your style, build one that can be removed, inserting tempered glass or plexiglass to keep light moving through. To separate my kitchenette from the rest of the space I had my dad build a tall cabinet then added a top shelf and a table at 28" that attached to the wall. It kept the space open, added great storage and I eliminated needing a full table and chair set. While they are expensive, room dividers that revolve storage and the TV from one side to the other, are a great solution.





2) Let the light in.  Privacy is key in a big city, but small spaces NEED light.  A transparent or open-weave room divider can keep your bedroom or guest sleeping area private from the public space.  Leaving windows un-dressed (no drapes or hard treatments) using window film is another option and easy to install. For simplicity use frosted effect films, or for drama use patterns and textures. Literally add light to cabinets, shelves, moldings and surrounding art and large pieces of furniture:  LED strips and ropes provide light without high energy use!

3) Uniformity is best.  To make small spaces seem larger, unifying the color scheme is best. Monochromatic color schemes in neutral colors will help make walls and floors seem larger. Accent the space with colorful artwork and large scale accessories. If you have many collectibles, group them in one area to keep the space looking open.








4) Store it.  Having a clutter-free space is attractive as well as provides peace of mind.  For that dual-duty kitchen table/desk, find some great wicker or paper boxes with lids and 

5) Open it up.  In apartments with many small rooms or long hallways with rooms off to the sides, removing doors (store under beds if you can) is a solution to keep spaces flowing together.  Are you an owner? Try opening a wall and creating a pass-through or even add glass for a window effect. Here, the wall was partially removed and stained glass insets added for privacy and a fabulous artistic element.

Beautiful bedroom update ideas.

Need to refresh your bedroom? With so many products and options available which do you choose?  Here are three bedrooms with directions for making the changes.  

  

    

Some simple changes transform this casual bedroom into a sophisticated guest retreat. The walls, once a pastel green, were refreshed with a light blue hue, and the white ceiling became a soft blue. Crown, base and doors moldings remained white. Adding a transitionally styled iron bed frame was the most significant change.  Draping inexpensive sheer fabric (less than $15 per yard) over the frame creates a soft, inviting place to sleep. Instead of the two-drawer nightstand, an end table - the same height as the mattress - provides a landing space, shelving for books and a clock, and its new open style fills the void next to the bed with just the right element. Adding a deeper toned area rug beside the bed rather than in the center of the room makes the room seem more open, and is better underfoot for guests. White big box store bedding, a yellow throw and brightly colored pillows in blue and complementary orange, finish the bed. Lighter artwork, all in the same transitional versus cottage style, refreshes the space and provides the finishing touch.

While this room looks significantly different, there are some shortcuts to be considered.  Purchasing ready-made shelves from a discount store, and tying them together with molding, is the largest change. They create a headboard with storage, end table function and additional space for lighting. Warm tones of beige on the wall and an area rug in the same hue, provide a warm backdrop for the new white trim and doors.  The doors, while hinged French doors instead of sliding wooden doors, can be created without the expensive price tag. Using reclaimed doors from a salvage yard is one solution, sustainable and cost-effective.  Another is to apply molding over inexpensive mirror squares to a slab door. Hinges are required here since the added dimension would not allow the doors to slide. Bedding remains white, but as with the accessories, the addition of blue accents, is the ideal contrast to the beige and white. A simple wooden bench completes the transformation.

Re positioning the bed in this space was key to the change. In front of the window, the bed took up less space in the room and the open weave headboard does not restrict light from entering.  The walls went from pale yellow to a deep ivory. Blue was the accent color in the 'before' space and became the feature color in bedding, bed drapes and pillows. An inexpensive "found" headboard separates the window and bed and enables pillows to be propped up, adding dimension and texture to the bed.  A Roman Shade lets more light in than the prior sheers and is tailored and neat.  The bed drape was constructed by nailing MDF trim to the ceiling, and applying the fabric at all four corners.  The large scale damask fabric contains the ivory wall color and a soft blue that is used again in the tailored bed skirt. Ivory bedding is ideal for many spaces, and maintains the neutral backdrop to keep the small bedroom from looking crowded.  Adding a bolster pillow in a solid blue with ribbon trim, and a patterned blue lampshade, completes the transformation.

Must-haves in kitchen design.

We all love to look at new designs and check out the trends. We can use them in our own homes and be smart and savvy in our design.  However, there are some essential elements that make a kitchen truly comfortable to live and work in.  Here are my top 10:


1. Make the floor comfortable.   A mat by the prep area, sink, bake counter, or stove will keep knees and backs more comfortable.  Cork flooring does that naturally, but area rugs and specialty kitchen mats are a great addition to a finished kitchen.


2. Have the best lighting possible. Under and over-lit kitchens are not pleasant to work or be in. Task lighting where you need - over sinks, cooking surfaces and prep counters - it is ideal, and ambient lighting for general use works well for eating, re-stocking, cleaning and gathering. A combination of recessed and ceiling fixtures works well for most spaces; using LED and halogen bulbs on dimmers will provide clean, white light at the perfect level.


3. Keep surfaces clutter free with optimal storage. Rather than leaving oft-used items like spices, cooking utensils and small appliances out, find a handy place to stash them. When you need cooking space, having to move items around is cumbersome.  Tuck a narrow cabinet for spices next to the stove, create shelves for easy-reach of oils and seasonings, and make homes for appliances right where you use them. 


4. Make the distances between counters, appliances, sinks and key usable areas precisely right so there are no long reaches, easy access from one point to the other, and large enough not to feel cramped.


5. Update appliances that don't perform well. Having an inadequate dishwasher, a noisy refrigerator motor, or an oven that doesn't heat evenly, is stressful and likely not energy efficient. 

6. Add color for interest and to create a desired mood.  Spots of color, changes in color between the upper and lower cabinets or an island, and accent walls, can create energy and a focal point. 


7. Create a gathering area. It's often nice to have company when cooking, and an extra prep area is nice but not always possible, but place comfy seating nearby; a padded stool, great counter chairs, even a fold out bench!


8. Add a touch of personality.  Hang a favorite piece of art, a collection of your children's masterpieces, and place travel mementos on shelves. You might find that a collection of glass jars becomes a great display filled with kitchen staple items.


9. Bring in a plant or flowers.  Even a tiny apartment kitchen will feel warm and happy with a few flower stems tucked into a glass.  The greenery, the color, and the texture is relaxing and pretty.

10. Have one movable prep surface. In a small kitchen, preparing a large meal can take up all of your counter space. By having a large cutting board, you can take it anywhere and add a kitchen surface. In large kitchens, it's nice to have a rolling prep center for large meals, baking projects and more.  It can serve as an island every day, or roll into a pantry for use when needed.

Lighting for every room.

One of the most important design elements is lighting. Without  it, the spaces designed cannot have function and focal points and accents are lost.  In any lighting scenario use dimmers, low wattage bulbs (like compact fluorescent) and smart placement for the best results. Consulting a professional lighting designer is wise to maximize your lighting and conserve energy at the same time; not to mention having a beautiful aesthetic.


Here are some ideas for lighting specific rooms. 

1) Kitchen.  To me, this is the most important space to light properly. Rather than banks of large recessed can lights that over-light the room throw shadows on work surfaces,  place, fewer smaller recessed fixtures  so the beam of light is thrown onto the counter and  walkways.  LED fixtures are a fantastic way to get task lighting, with low profiles that are nearly completely concealed.  Tucking pucks into glass-fronted cabinets provides accent lighting. Pendant for islands, peninsulas and tables are always a good solution. The longer the space, the larger scale the fixture should be and you can use more than one.

2) Bathrooms. Whether it's a master bath suite or a shared hallway bathroom, the lighting must be good for all users.  Start with a good ambient light for the overall space.  Add task lighting for make-up and health related tasks. Recessed flush mounted fixtures are practical and provide excellent ambient light. Wall sconces that shine light down are better than 'bath bar' lighting. Accent lighting needs to be creative and you should look at the architectural elements and cabinetry for your cues. Semi-flush mounted fixtures are good in bathrooms since ceiling heights may not allow for a chandelier, but you can have a dropped effect.

3) Living and dining rooms.  For entertaining, lighting should be warm, soft, and dramatic.  For living rooms, ambient light can be provided with table and floor lamps, which serve dual function as reading and task light. A well-scaled pendant over the dining room table can also provide light for the living room.  Wall sconces are nice in either room, flanking a fireplace, a piece of art, a focal point piece or mirror.  Hanging a fun chandelier over and end-table is an option to using a lamp.  Accent lighting can take many forms, from a decorative fixture to lighting in moldings and cabinetry. 

4) Family and play rooms.  From dimming lights for movies and TV to bright lights for playtime and homework, layered lighting is a must.  Place lighting first for the general space, then where tasks are -  reading, eating, homework - and add decorative accent lighting as a final touch. Lamps deliver both ambient and task lighting with the ability to move light as needed. Clip-on lights can be used for bookcases, desk lights, piano lamps and even for artwork. If your room has a focal point, be sure to accent it. Game tables generally require good task lights and pendants and chandeliers are a good choice.














5) Hallways and entries:  For safe and easy access, hallways should be well-lit. Recessed lighting is great so the width and length of a hall have adequate light. Wall sconces work well depending upon their placement. If your entry or hallway has the space, table lamps provide a decorative element when used on a console or hall table.  Dark hallways can benefit from solar tubes - depending upon the structure of your roof-line. Consider lighting for night if the hallway must be traveled for bathroom use.

Artistic pendant lights for unique lighting design.

Looking for some artistic pendants to dress up your bath, kitchen, or other space?  Don't think that pendants are only to be installed over kitchen islands. They work well in the corner of a room, over a vanity, dropped besides a sofa, and in lieu of a desk lamp. For some color and creativity, take a look at these five fixtures. Each is unusual and dramatic. Perfect for contemporary styled spaces but a great touch for a traditional home.

1. The Stargazer pendant by Niche modern. Dramatic in red, elegant in amber, and topaz.  The bulb is diffused by the inner housing and the glass globe.  They are fabulous hung in a master bath suite.

2. Leucos lighting's Witch Pendant is quite unusual and also available in gray and silver. Makes a statement in any space. 

3. How about a signed pendant by Jeffery Goodman?  These are all hand blown, so each is slightly different.

4. Made from partially recycled glass...these pendants by TOKENnyc are custom colored for your decor.

5. A hand-blown transparent glass pendant with a silver glaze by Tech Lighting. It seems that metallic finishes are once again trendy for 2012. The subtly of this glaze makes it right anytime.

Bring in the light as days are shortened.

As we lose daylight due to the onset of winter and the start of daylight savings,  here is a reminder of my quick tips to bring light back into your spaces:

1. Hang a mirror to reflect light from your brightest window. Opposites work well, or try hanging in a dark area to reflect some  light and view.
2. Place a lamp (if possible) in front of a wall or floor mirror. A floor lamp works as well as a table lamp on a dresser.  The idea is to maximize the light in a dark space.
3. Add an up-light in a corner of a room. For under $10 you can get a free-standing light unit that - when you add an automatic timer - goes on JUST when you need it. Behind a great piece of furniture the light will accent the details,and behind a plant will throw lovely shadows.
4. Place floor or table lamps in dark spaces and use plug-in timers or light sensors (www.lutron.com)  to turn on and off at dusk and dawn. Using compact fluorescent or LED bulbs you'll have light, energy savings, and might use those rooms more often!
5. Re-arrange furniture so reading chairs sit closer to windows. Not as easy for some...so try to place furniture in seating groups where each seat has a lamp beside it.
6. Add candlelight at your focal point whether it is a fireplace, A/V unit or other furniture. The new flame less candles are great for nearly any application and 'burn' many hours of flickering light on a wafer thin battery, Some are waxy with realistic wicks, and others have a setting (usually those with 2 AA batteries) that allow you to turn them on for 6 hours EVERY 24 hour cycle.  LOVE those in wall candelabras, on stairways, and in rooms where fabrics, children and pets can't be harmed!
7. Hang a lighted wall sconce for accent light. Flame less tea light candles are a safe option although a votive or tea light nestled into a glass holder is OK when watched.
8. Add LED lighting in niches, curios and other unusual places. Rope, strips, pucks and other styles are often available as plug-and-go. Low energy usage, long life and a GREAT look.