Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

If you like the idea of furnishings made from reclaimed materials, you may dig these mason jar lamps.

They are the work of Etsy sellers who go by “Boots & Gus” (their shop is named after the cats!) and specialize in originally designed, up-cycled lighting fixtures. They do indoor and outdoor pieces based on mason jars.

The first picture shows their “Beach Breezes Blue and Clear- Cascading Carousel Ball Mason Jar Waterfall Hanging Chandelier Light.” That name is a mouthful, but it looks pretty snazzy so we’ll forgive them. “This staggered swag style chandelier would fit nicely in any room indoor or out. Ready to hang by hooks and plug into any outlet this light can be set above the table or in the corner. A great conversation piece.” $185.

The outdoor lamps in the second picture are solar powered and suitable for pathway, driveway, or deck illumination. $65 gets you a three-light set.

Landscape lighting is usually about functionality. You want to illuminate driveways, walkways, and steps so you don’t fall on your rump if you need to go outside at night. But there’s no reason why you can’t add a little whimsy to your yard.

These Lawn Lights could be just the ticket.

You can place them anyway you wish. Create a holiday design or just a fun artistic decoration to entertain night-time passersby.

“Consumers can display a unique and stunning lighting decoration with Lawn Lights. These simple yet elegant displays rival those created with other ‘conventional’ decorations that require significantly more time and effort, and do so at a comparable cost. Each set of Lawn Lights covers a few thousand square feet. The ‘small’ sets are made with 36 LEDs spaced 8 feet apart and cover 1600 to 2300 sq. ft. The ‘medium/classic’ sets are made with 36 LEDs spaced 10 feet apart and cover 2500 to 3600 sq. ft. It’s so easy – simply roll the string out and stake each of the 36 LEDs.”

A set costs less than $75 at Amazon: Lawn Lights

Looking for a unique new lamp? Something you’re not going to find at Ikea or Home Depot? Something that…moves?

This kinetic lamp from Seattle-based ArtsonicDesign might not be for everyone, but if you like the eccentric, unusual, and moveable, then it might be perfect for you.

“Number seven in a series of kinetic lights designed to entrance through light, rhythm, and sound.

Seven breaks out with a new dual-breath design for twice the fun.
Also known as “mechanical thumbs” it has a promoted shiatsu masseuse inside.

Circular and linear motion, soft undulating light, subtle respiration sound. Welded steel is blued/rusted and clear-coated. 31″x13″x6″ 60w motor, 2x15w bulbs, 110v”

To really get a feel for the lamp’s movement, check out the video on Vimeo.

If you’re looking for a practical way to illuminate your outdoor living area (a deck or dock), then lights that install flush with the surface of the boards may be an ideal choice. Unlike post-cap or wall-mounted lamps, this would brighten the area where you’re walking around. That should keep you from tripping over steps, patio furniture, etc.

This 14-pack deck light kit from Kerr Lighting may be suitable for your purposes. The lights are designed to be installed on decks, docks, or wooden stairs, and they rest flush with the wood (composite deck materials also OK) once they’re embedded.

You do need a jigsaw to cut holes in the wood in order to place the lamps, but that’s the biggest tool you’ll need. This should be a doable home improvement project for those with the handy streak.

The lighting kit is $195 at Amazon, and there’s also a four-light add-on pack should you need more than the fourteen that come with the original set.

Kerr Deck/Dock Lights

Outdoor lighting is a must, for security at night and–of course!–for entertaining purposes. We’ve looked at some cool options before:

• Glass “Night Orbs”
• Solar Light Bricks That Install in a Patio or Walkway
• LED Panels for the Deck Railing

And here’s another unique offering: the Asteroid Garden Floor Lamp.

Designed to rest on your patio or deck (though fine for indoor use too), the Asteroid lamp features 24 facets, each with its own unique geometry. Measurements run 30cm x 26cm x 29cm, and it is available in clear and matt white finishes.

$215: Asteroid Floor Lamp

Simple, elegant lighting is essential for the bedroom. Whether you’re trying to create a romantic ambiance for you and your significant other or want to read quietly in bed, a sleek table light for the nightstand helps set the mood.

The Adesso Mimosa Satin Steel Table Lamp is a functional lantern with frosted flute glass. This light has a full-range dimmer, enabling you to increase or decrease the glow. This lamp can take a 150 watt bulb.

The basic chrome base and frosted glass make this light adaptable to any decor. Add it to a buffet table in the formal dining room, place it next to your bed or use two to create symmetry.

Whether you live in the Midwest or the Eastern part of the U.S., it’s fun to decorate one room like it’s a cabin retreat in the woods. If you have a guest room that you would like to update, why not give it a nature-inspired feel with western accents.

The Vaxcel Lighting Yellowstone Traditional Swing Arm Wall Lamp is the perfect way to create a parallel structure around a bed or long dresser. The lamp measures 18” x 27.75”, and it features a 3-way switch and an 8′ cord with plug. It requires one 100 watt medium base bulb.

Between the decorative lamp shade, which features shadow portraits of a moose and evergreen trees, and the wavy swing arm, this model will make a presence against neutral or brightly colored walls.

In the dining room, it’s perfectly fine for your accessories to be more dramatic than in other rooms. If you’re trying to define a space for high class entertaining, stick with prominent pieces, deep jewel tone colors and classic details.

Decorate your wood server in the dining room with a set of table lamps. You might have to pair down to one table lamp if you have a shorter server, but with longer ones, you can have a set of lamps as well as a centerpiece. These Stacy Garcia Fancy Fern Rich Plum Energy Efficient Table Lamp is capable of dressing up any room. Between the contemporary design and unusual shade color, this lamp is sure to be noticed.

This lamp is made with a brushed steel finish, and it sits 22” high. Create a luxurious atmosphere and save on your energy bill with a stylish model.

Home security is important, but in addition to the basic systems and devices, it doesn’t hurt to have some sneaky surveillance products in the mix too. Remember, burglars are opportunists so it’s beneficial to stay on step ahead.

The Mini Gadgets MiniFloodLightCam is an interesting design. It features a typical round floodlight with energy-efficient LED bulbs. It stands about 7.5” tall, but it’s very different from typical floodlights you have ever purchased before. As well as providing light, this model also features a DVR motion activation.

Thanks to the 34 super bright LED lights, it will be hard to miss the face of whoever is outside. Maybe it’s just a neighbor or friend, but you will be able to know exactly who it is.

Ceiling fans keep the cool air conditioning or warm heat circulating through your home, and they’re convenient to create comfortable indoor environments. Plus, if you enjoy white noise, you definitely need some type of fan in your home.

The 42” Minka Aire Gyro Belcaro Walnut Ceiling Fan features a double fan gyro design and a classic walnut finish. The high-performance twin turbofans can be adjusted up or down to ensure they’re blowing air where you want them to.

This model has is efficient, and the integrated halogen lights with matching glass make this design functional for a great room. The fan height from ceiling to light is 19 3/4” while the blade to ceiling height is 17 1/8”.

Enjoy air circulation in your home with a traditional design that has a lifetime motor warranty.