Author: ION

By MICHAEL TOBIAS

Flat-roofed houses can accommodate sustainable blue roof designs. Photograph: Shutterstock

Engineers have been designing blue roof systems for city buildings for about a decade, in our endeavor to help manage rainwater runoff and control stormwater, preventing it from flooding our streets and combined stormwater-sewer systems. Reasonably simple in concept, they are especially useful in cities and other urban environments where buildings have a large footprint, including high-rise buildings and apartment blocks.

Instead of water being channeled away from the roof via gutters and downpipes that cannot cope in violent storms and heavy downpours, the water is detained on the roof and then released back into the environment at a controlled rate.

So, when it rains, the water is directed into some kind of cistern or rain barrel, or left to pond on the roof surface. It is then released via a flow control device so that it drains slowly without causing sewer back-ups in building basements or any other kind of flooding. While some of the water may be used, for instance, to supply non-potable water for toilet flushing or for irrigation, most is simply kept in the cistern temporarily.

Of course, you don’t have to be a professional offering engineering solutions in Chicago, New York, London, or any other city in the world to realize that storing water on the roof of a building requires the structure to have enough bearing capacity to be able to carry the weight of the water in the cistern. This is why legislation, including local codes in different cities, require blue roof controlled-flow systems to be designed, installed, and engineered for stability, with compliant waterproofing systems forming part of the installation.

In New York, rooftops are generally designed to carry a minimum live load of 30 lbs/square foot. If you add just an inch of water, the load will increase by about 5 lbs/square foot, which is substantial.

In any case, if water is allowed to pond, rather than being detained in a cistern, it shouldn’t be more than 2-4 inches deep and should be drained or moved to a storage container within 24 hours.

Blue Roof Designs

Stainless steel tanks used for water retention on an upper floor of the building. Photograph: Shutterstock

Blue roof designs are 100% sustainable and eco-friendly. Generally, the roof itself should be flat or, if it slopes, the slope should be very slight, no more than 2%. Alternatively, tanks may be located on an open upper floor below ground level as seen in the picture above.

Waterproofing is vital and it must be properly engineered. The New York City (NYC) School  Construction Authority (SCA) is a pioneer of blue roof systems, and their specialists recommend a waterproofing membrane formed by applying a hot-fluid rubberized asphalt to reinforced fabric, that is installed over a layer of insulation. Sometimes ballast and geotextile filter fabric are included in the design.

Technical calculations determine exactly how many drains will be needed for blue roof design, as well as the release rate required for each one. The depth of flow and storage availability also have to be calculated. Also, these calculations must be done in accordance with construction codes.

The now renowned NYC blue roof pilot program, launched in 2010, incorporated roof trays with risers designed to collect water that was allowed to pond near drainage outlets. Roofs also incorporated protected dam areas that stored up to 2 inches of water. Results showed that rainwater runoff reduced by 45%!

Benefits of Blue Roof Rooftop Detention Systems

Rainwater gushes off the room of a building during a storm. Photograph: Shutterstock

One of the major problems in dense urban areas is that there are few soft landscapes. Instead, surfaces have been paved and roads and highways constructed with asphalt and concrete respectively, forming hard, impervious surfaces that cannot absorb water of any sort. Blue roof systems provide a solution and offer these benefits:

• Blue roofs are part of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs) that enable us to collect and store stormwater and use it or release it back into the environment in a controlled manner.
• Blue roof detention systems are easy to install.
• Blue roof systems are a much cheaper solution than stormwater reservoirs and also reliable, offering a low-impact alternative to compromised combined sewer systems that have to deal with stormwater and sewage sometimes overflowing at the same time.
• They result in much cleaner streets, rivers, and lakes, simply because they limit sewage discharge and flows.
• Maintenance of blue roof systems is minimal provided the roof is kept clean and all debris, including leaves, is removed to prevent drains clogging.
• They can be combined with rainwater harvesting initiatives.
• Depending on design features, they may be used to cool interiors and contribute towards energy savings.

While there is no doubt that blue roof design is both sustainable and eco-friendly, in spite of its potential, it isn’t yet the norm. It is also more financially viable in large buildings rather than smaller residential homes. But there are elements of blue roof design that ordinary homeowners can mimic, especially those relating to rainwater harvesting.

They are definitely a viable part of our future.

Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of New York Engineers, an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. He leads a team of more than 30 mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers from the company headquarters in New York City, and has led numerous projects in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and California, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. He specializes in sustainable building technology, including blue roof design.

Moving into the first house that you can call your own is a milestone in many people’s lives. For some, that home might be an apartment or townhouse, but for many people it’s a dorm room or student housing.

Unfortunately, most dorms and student living complexes are far from homey. Unless you’re lucky, you’ll also have to live with roommates. While you might not be completely on your own in your new living situation, you can still define your space with your own personal style.

The Bed:

Even if your new place is furnished, the mattresses colleges provide are rarely comfortable. You spend a third of your lifetime sleeping, so investing in where you spend that time is always a good idea. Considering both space and cost, choose a twin mattress for the money. They’re the easiest bed size to move and will fit perfectly in the dorm bed frame. Plus, when you do move to a bigger space and decide to upgrade your sleeping arrangements, it will make a convenient guest bed for hosting friends and family at your home.

The Colors:

Once you’ve secured a new spot to snooze, you have to decide a color palette. This part may be tricky if you do have a roommate, but there are plenty of neutral palettes that can be fun to pair even if your tastes do clash. Start with your bedspread and work your way out, since your bed will take up most of the real estate in your room. Just make sure your school is ok with your new paint job!

The Texture:

Add a blanket or shag throw to a bed or chair to create visual contrast and comfy up a room. Small dorms and student apartments may feel flat with a limited area with which to work. Playing with texture will add dimension and depth to your room so you can live large in a small space.

The Art:

Since dorms and student housing rooms are generally on the smaller side, it’s important to work vertically. The walls of your room are a perfect canvas to display art, photographs, and other decor that speaks to your personal style. Consider buying pieces that will grow with you, so you can have a touch of nostalgia decorating your future homes even after graduation.

The Floor:

If you are able to find a rug both you and your roommate can agree on, it will be a great tool to unify your share living space. Shopping together for floor decor that brings in elements of both your creative voices is a great way to get to know your new roommate’s sense of style too.

The Work:

Most furnished housing geared towards students come equipped with a desk. If not, you’re going to want to get yourself a place to work, because you’ll be spending a big chunk of your time studying. Once you have a desk, you’ll want to keep it organized. Find fun tools for your work space so all that homework will be a little more bearable.

The Lights:

Lighting makes or breaks a room, and the fluorescent lights fitted in most dorms don’t do its residents any favors. Even if your housing does have regular ceiling lights, they’re often just as unpleasant and rarely offer good mood lighting or light strong enough to work under. Traditional Christmas lights are a dorm room standard, but you might also want to try a standing lamp.

The Greenery:

Plants are the perfect finishing touch to liven up any home. They are incredibly beneficial in small spaces such as dorms because they help purify the air. Small spaces have diminished air flow, which creates stagnant air. This air can feel stale as you walk into a room, and will hold on to undesirable smells too. Bring plant life into your living space to freshen up your home. Keeping plants in indoor living spaces has been shown to improve moods as well, so it’ll keep you and your roommate feeling positive through the stress of school.

The Final Look

Now that you have all the pieces of the puzzle, find the decor choices that showcase who you are at heart. The right combination of these design elements will make your space a hangout hot spot, and you’ll have all the tools you need to keep decorating your future homes with taste and comfort.

Front doors in a commercial business serve a first impression, as well as the last impression. The first thing that your customers notice is the exterior door. It is not that a customer might return after glancing at the front door, but the more attractive it is, the more it will create credibility. 

It is easy to select a door for a home, depending upon the preferences. But choosing a door for the commercial establishment sounds to be a bit tricky. Given that there are several commercial doors in the market, one can check out the following things before choosing the right one for their business. 

What is the type of commercial business?

Of course, this forms the primary and foremost question. When you approach a commercial door seller, you have to inform him of the type of your commercial establishment. For instance, a warehouse needs strong door while a physical store will need something trendy for the onlookers. Factory doors are embedded with hard armor. So, the commercial door manufacturer will provide you with the details, depending on the nature of your business. Additionally, it will also determine the types of door closers you require from floor, surface mounted or overhead.

Fix a budget beforehand 

Investing in the front door is essential; however, you should not splurge on it, or be compromising with the quality. Budget is the first element to consider while choosing a commercial door. Accordingly, you can select the door based on the material, style, durability, and other factors. Also, before you approach a seller, try to analyze the ongoing prices of commercial doors. You should have a fundamental idea of what a door will cost you. 

Decide about the door material 

Commercial doors are made out of different materials such as wood, aluminum, metal, glass, PVC, and others. Each material comes with its set of pros and cons. Fiberglass is a much better option for the traditional wooden doors as they are robust and require minimal maintenance. For commercial stores, aluminum and glass are better options as they appear sleek and classy. Warehouse owners can opt for steel and heavy metal doors for full protection of the goods. 

What to choose – a stylish door or a durable door? 

A beautiful front door will impress customers and will welcome them to make more purchases. A well-decorated entry shows that you are ready to offer customers with the best products and services. 

To answer this question, you have to answer the first question on this list. Your task will be way better. Your commercial business door must suit the aesthetics of your business, and should perfectly fit with style. Also, remember that there should be a unique blending of the exterior door with the interior doors of your store or business premises. Coloured Door Strips are also an effective option to provide a style as well as a robust element to the front doors. 

Understand how you will maintain the doors 

A door that requires frequent maintenance or replacement is of no use. A commercial door should be such that it is subject to less wear and tear, requires less maintenance, and is solid in the future years to come. Remember that spending on the front door of a commercial business is an investment, no matter whether it is storefront door or a warehouse door. 

Understand the security aspect 

One of the most decisive yet overlooked aspects of a commercial door is the security it offers. If the commercial door is a guarding one in a factory or a warehouse, then it should be sturdy enough to resist damage and forced entry. 

A business owner can also utilize electronic security features to safeguard his business. A sturdy door backed with electronic security devices will require a hefty investment but will be your safest business companion for years. 

The above information will ease your task of choosing the best door for your commercial set-up. Commercial door installation services are the best people who can offer you splendid choices as per the nature of your business. So, if you have purchased an expensive and sturdy door, then get it installed from the experts to avoid future chaos. 

So you’ve finally invested in an inground pool and now you can enjoy a good summer day in your very home. But an inground pool has to be constantly maintained to keep it clean and free from disease. When it comes to maintenance, it isn’t an easy task and we’re pretty sure you are lost.

Don’t worry though, we have created this guide to help you out. Here are 8 essentials of pool maintenance picked from Maple Pools to help you keep your pool fresh and sparkling at all times.

Skimming

Get yourself a telescoping pole with a net to capture any debris in the pool. Before you do this, direct the jets towards the downward position to ensure that the ripples don’t keep you from seeing the pool clearly. Skimmer boxes are designed to do most of the work but they don’t always capture everything in the pool.

And if you don’t like manual skimming, you can also invest in an automatic pool cleaner.

Skimmer Boxes

You can have skimmer boxes installed in your pool. Their job is to collect all the floating debris in one place. But you’ll need empty these boxes at least once per week depending on the amount of floating debris collected on the pool. Make sure you dump the collected debris in the box far away from the pool so that they don’t end up in the pool again.

Brushing

Get yourself an 18’’ nylon brush and use it to clean the inground pool. If you have a concrete inground pool, you can also use a stainless steel brush. Just keep in mind to scrub the oils properly while cleaning over the waterline.

Vacuuming

To keep your pool as crystal clear as possible, think about investing in a vacuum cleaner. It can help you keep the water clear, avoid stains, and remove sediment. Make sure to vacuum your pool at least once a week. You may also need to read this vacuuming pool guide for best results.

Clean the Pool’s Filter

Make sure to clean the pump basket at least once a week. But make sure the pump and ball valves are turned off. Keep the filter valve in the closed position as well. Remember to always remove the basket from the pump and dump it somewhere far off. Once the basket has been completely cleaned, put it back in the pump and make sure the lid is tightly secured. Now you can return the valves back to their original states.

Adjusting pH

Get yourself a test kit and run checks on pH levels of the pool at least once a week. If you observe the pH levels to be above 7.6, treat it with muriatic acid. And if the pH is below 7.4, you can use Soda ash instead.

Cleaning an inground pool is a hectic job. But if you have the right tools and knowledge, it is a job that can be done in minutes. 

If you’re considering renovating your bathroom, are building a new one, or just need to elevate your existing space in some small way, swapping your dingy tile countertop for an engineered stone bathroom countertop is an easy way to bring some heightened luxury and warmth to the space. Stone countertops are incredibly durable and (when cared for properly) can last for decades. They’re also elegant and a big value-add (many buyers look for them). And while you have a lot of choices when it comes to engineered stone countertops, for the bathroom, quartz should really be your first choice. Here are five reasons why quartz is the smartest option for a bathroom countertop. 

Quartz is highly durable

Wait a minute… quartz is found naturally-occurring, right? So why isn’t it considered a “natural stone countertop” material? While it is true that you can buy natural quartz stone countertops, they’re rare: most often when you shop for quartz countertops, why you’re seeing is really an engineered composite stone made up of small particles of a variety of stones (granite, marble, and yes, quartz). What holds all of those individual particles together is a strong polymer resin, and that polymer resin makes the countertop incredibly sturdy. Where natural stones like soapstone or sandstone can chip or flake over time, quartz never will: it is engineered to be about as solid as they come.  Like many stone countertops, quartz CAN be damaged by direct contact with high heat, but that’s a much larger concern when you’re talking kitchen countertops. As long as hot pots and pans are kept out of your bathroom (odds are they will be), your quartz bathroom countertops will be just fine.  

 Quartz is easy to maintain

Granite, marble, limestone… they all have one thing in common, and it’s that these natural stone countertops are at least a little porous (some far more than others). They need to be sealed regularly to prevent stains and bacteria from seeping into those pores. Quartz, on the other hand, is virtually stain resistant, and won’t ever require sealing in order for it to last and last. And because that polymer resin is not porous in nature, it’s somewhat anti-bacterial: there’s nowhere for bacteria to “seep into” the stone. You should still clean and sanitize your bathroom countertops regularly (as you would with any other bathroom surface), but keeping clean and hygienic with a quartz countertop is far easier than if you were dealing with limestone or marble bathroom countertops. 

The design possibilities with quartz are endless

Most natural stone countertops come with a lot of limitations. Because of the molecular structure of the stone, you’re really only able to cut these pieces in certain ways (think right angles). But quartz is uniquely flexible. Because it’s engineered, and because of that amazing polymer resin which is bendy and pliable, quartz countertops can be shaped, contoured, sliced and diced into whatever design your space requires. You’ve got the ability to experiment with farmhouse sinks or other inlaid sinks, curved counter shapes, acute or obtuse angles, and more. So if you’ve got a wild hair to do something really different in your bathroom (or just an oddly-shaped bathroom that needs a very particular countertop), quartz is going to be your best bet. 

But beyond its shape and pliability, Marble.com’s quartz countertops also vary greatly in terms of the color and look of the material. It can look as much like other natural stones as you need it to (your neighbors will never know that that’s not real marble), or it can stand apart (want a matte-black bathroom countertop that’s not laminate? You got it.) It can shine and sparkle, with the individual stone particles on full display, or you can engineer a more muted, monotone look. Whatever your design needs are, quartz can deliver: another reason this is truly the smartest choice for a bathroom countertop. 

Quartz countertops are easy on your wallet

Stone countertops really give an updated bathroom that “wow”-factor, but most often they come at a price. Marble, granite, limestone… these are beautiful options that will really bring a sense of luxury, but at what cost? That’s where quartz comes in. Because it’s engineered and can be designed to fit your specific tastes, you can achieve the same look and feel that you would with a marble countertop, without the marble countertop price-point. The exact price-tag of a quartz countertop can vary greatly (so if you want to spend more, you can). But if you’re looking to make a more budget-friendly choice without shirking on luxury, you can really only do it by choosing quartz – simply no other stone countertop option offers this flexibility. 

Quartz is a “greener” option

It’s hard to choose a stone countertop that really helps you “go green,” – there’s simply a lot that goes into the manufacture and delivery of a countertop that just isn’t environmentally-friendly. But quartz countertops offer a nice step in the right direction. Remember all of those little stone particles that went into your engineered quartz countertop (the marble, the granite, and the itty-bitty pieces of quartz itself)? Those little particles are most often the remnants of other cut stone pieces. In a sense, your countertop is comprised of the recycled run-off of other stone countertops. They’re not 100%-recycled in the truest sense of the word, but they’re pretty close. So if reducing and re-using and loving the environment are important to you, you might consider forgoing that marble or granite countertop and choosing a slightly “greener” option.

Fundamentally, choosing quartz gives you even more freedom of choice than you had before: the freedom to make fun decisions with your design, to be kind to your wallet, to worry about bathroom maintenance a little less, and even the freedom to care for the environment a little more, if that’s important to you. So while you’ve definitely got a lot of choices when it comes to your bathroom countertops, the smart choice has got to be quartz.

Owning a home can be a great investment. However, there is no denying that it is a huge undertaking both financially and mentally. Not only will you be paying for the home for years to come, but you will be taking care of it for just as many. Taking care of your home might include anything from regular maintenance tasks like cutting the lawn to cleaning the pool. There will also be times when you have to bring in specialists to deal with certain areas of the home like the roof or heating and air system. Simply put, a home is no shortage of work.

That being said, one thing that you will commonly find yourself doing is cleaning. Cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the oven, cleaning the bathroom, and so on. If you want to make the entire process easier, you need a good place where you can store all your cleaning supplies. One place that you can access quickly and easily when you need to.

Group Your Products Together

The last thing you want to do is to make the cleaning process harder. It is already time-consuming and hard enough. There is no reason to make it harder. In fact, you should be doing everything within your power to make it easier. And, getting all your cleaning supplies grouped together can help you accomplish just that. Get a pale or bucket and thrown in your kitchen cleaning supplies. Maybe get a handheld carry tray and throw in your bathroom cleaning supplies. Have everything together that you need for each room and you will be well on your way.

Consider Storage Recommendations

Anytime you are thinking about storing cleaning supplies, you also have to consider that cleaning supplies are nothing more than chemicals. Most of them are somewhat harmful and can be even more harmful when not stored in the right conditions. This is why you always want to check the labels for the manufacturer’s recommended storage locations. Any professional from cleaning services Manhattan will tell you that it is a major mistake to storage cleaning chemicals in cold garages or by gas water heaters. Not only this, but you also want to make sure that you are storing the chemicals where they will be out of reach of any children or pets.

A Tall Pullout Pantry

If you are looking for a unique and tidy place to store your cleaning supplies, you simply cannot go wrong with a tall pullout pantry either located in the hallway, kitchen, or laundry. Sometimes you can even get away with installing pegboard in these pantries. If this is the case then hanging dustpans and scrubbers from this pegboard will be an excellent way to garner yourself some extra storage space in that pantry.

Labeling It

Just because you have a good idea of what cleaning supplies you are going to use for each job it doesn’t mean that others do. Taking the time to label each caddie will not only help avoid a lot of confusion, but it will make you an all-around more organized individual.

So, you’re seriously thinking about adding a swimming pool to your property. Before you dive into this project, you need to really think about what you want. A great pool design will ad individuality and eternal beauty to your home. To help you choose the best swimming poll layout, we have compiled a list of emerging trends for 2019 that are here to stay. The trends of 2019 will help you push things to the limit and spark your creativity. Keep on reading to discover what is popular right now.

Rustic style pool

As far as swimming pools are concerned, there are many styles to choose from. As a matter of fact, there are so many options that it will be difficult for you to make a choice. Let us try to make things simpler for you by offering a suggestion: opt for a rustic design. Rustic style pools provide a relaxing environment. It has a classic shape, such as a rectangular or a kidney, not to mention the landscaping is characterized by fine lines. If you happen to own a traditional house, you owe it to yourself to build a proper swimming pool.

The swimming pool will be part of a rustic retreat for a modern home. You can add natural stones to enhance the beauty of the backyard. Depending on your location, you can find bricks and stucco for the pool deck. Make sure to incorporate the new swimming pool into the style of the original building. If you have lots and lots of space to work with, that is great. You don’t have to worry about prying eyes.

Luxury finishes

The swimming pool is nothing but a mere hole in the ground. The finishes are the ones that prevent the water from seeping into the ground. Finishes can contain stones, pebbles, ceramic-coated crystals, and more. Interestingly, a new generation of swimming pool finishes is now arriving. You are no longer likely to see white pools or fiberglass shell pools.

Exquisite finishes are now used to line the interior of the pool. Modern swimming pool finishes mayn’t be so affordable, but they certainly stand out. Juts think about aggregates and marble. You feel as if you are walking on the bottom of a creek bed. Aggregate finishes have been growing in popularity in the last couple of years, but so have been marbles, which are a source of beauty.

Built-in bars for super entertainment

The swimming pool is a place for entertainment where family and friends can come together to enjoy a refreshing drink. If you want lots of fun memories, build a pool with an intricate feature. A bar, to be more precise. Built-in bars are the hottest trend in the swimming pool design industry. Not only do they look fantastic, but they also keep people cool in the torrid weather. You can place furniture in the water, such as benches and bar stools. Better yet, you can install a bar right in the middle. When you want to sip a drink, all you have to do is to swim up to the bar.

The height of the seat and counter needs to be carefully considered. Individuals should be partially submerged into water and there should be enough knee room. As a rule, the swim-up bar should be 6 inches above the swimming pool’s coping. When designing the swimming pool, it’s very important to think about the people who will use it. Safety needs to be your top priority. You have to be extra careful when placing steps or fences. You will want to make sure that family members or close friends are able to navigate the environment as safely as possible. Also, you will want to ensure there is easy access to drinks and food.

Mosaic tile patterns

Lining a swimming pool with tiles has always been considered a good choice. This is because tiles have a long lifespan, not to mention that they have a pleasant appearance. If you want to give your prized possession a stunning appearance, choose mosaic tiles. Why exactly mosaic tiles? Because they are available in different shapes and sizes. What is more, you can maintain uniformity in your backyard with style.

Mosaic tiles can transform your swimming pool into a real oasis. The good news is that they don’t require a great deal of maintenance. The only thing you have to do is clean the tiles every now and then to eliminate calcium deposits. Cleaning pool tile is just as important as caring for the swimming pool. Speaking of which, new pool owners have to develop a system that works for their maintenance needs.

Undoubtedly, it would be a lot easier to seek a reliable swimming pool service company. People hire Blue Waters pools services to get specific jobs done. You should do the same thing. Only a professional swimming pool maintenance company is capable of providing a reliable service. In addition to the pool tiles at the water line, it’s important to pay attention to the water pH levels and other details.

Sparkling LED lights

Lighting can enhance the outdoor setting and make the swimming pool much more appealing. Not only do you have to make sure to get the right lights for your project, but also make sure that they are positioned in the right places to produce an impressive impact. LED lights are becoming commonplace in swimming pool design. This doesn’t really come as a surprise taking into account the fact that these lights use 90% less energy as compared to other options.

So, what do you have to say about using LED lights. Aren’t you excited? Take advantage of LED lighting and create the outdoor retreat you’ve always been dreaming of. LED lights create an interesting game of colors and allow you to extend pool time into the evening. You can settle for a red, white, or green glow. Most importantly, make sure that the lights are completely waterproof. You don’t want any accidents.

Lighting can make a significant impact on the success of your retail store design. Studies have shown that lighting can influence a person’s mood and perception making it an extremely important element for a positive customer experience.

How Can Lighting Help A Retail Store?

The overall feel and ambiance of a store is affected by a variety of elements, one of which is lighting. The right lighting can be used to 

• Showcase products
• Support store layout
• Direct customers
• Enhance atmosphere
• Influence customer engagement
• Enrich a customer’s mood
• Create a more enjoyable shopping experience
• Define a brand’s image

Lighting For Retail Design

With countless products available, it can be difficult to decide what types of lighting will best suit your space. Working with a retail interior designer can help you to choose the lighting fixtures and technology that will best highlight your products and illuminate your store, while keeping function and efficiency in mind. 

Each retail space will require and benefit from it’s own individual lighting scheme, but a few things to consider include:

• Ambient Lighting: Ambient lighting refers to the overall lighting within the store. Ambient lighting is not used to highlight or showcase specific areas, but rather sets the atmosphere and makes the biggest impact. Ambient lighting can come from one large central fixture or multiple overheard fixtures to create a relaxed glow that extends throughout the space.

• Accent Lighting: Accent lighting works to complement ambient lighting by s creating the illusion of a spotlight on small areas or products. Accent lighting can be used to showcase luxury items or draw attention to newly arrived items or items that are on sale. 

• High-Activity Lighting: High-activity lighting is used to highlight larger and more generalized areas within the store. It can be most effective to illuminate dark or shadowy areas, particularly in stores that are bigger with a larger volume of traffic. High-activity lighting can be staged to cover an entire space with bright lights to make sure that products can be seen regardless of where they’re located.

• Case/Shelving Lighting: By nature of design, cases and shelves can become dark and shadowy making it difficult for customers to see the products housed within or on top. For stores utilizing either form of display, lighting can be installed both within and outside of the fixtures and situated to highlight products effectively. 

• LED Light Bulbs: Regardless of the type of lighting or the chosen fixtures, the type of bulb also makes a significant difference. Traditionally, retail stores have used fluorescent bulbs, but technology offers a more cost-effective, energy efficient, and longer-lasting option. The type of light bulb used can play a bigger role than you might thinkin creating the right ambiance and atmosphere for your store. There are moments when fluorescent bulbs are better suited for the purpose of the space, however, so it is wise to consider the specific needs of your store and the areas within your store when choosing the right type of bulb.

At Heather Allen Design Group in Las Vegas, we specialize in retail store design including lighting. Call us today at (702) 547-1616 to schedule a consultation.