Invest in LED light bulbs
If you're still using fluorescent and/or incandescent light bulbs in your home, it's time for an overhaul. A much better investment for your home are LEDs, which are today's gold-standard of light bulbs. LED should be the only bulbs you even think about purchasing these days because they're energy efficient, long-lasting, non-toxic, and generate very little heat.
Swapping out all of the bulbs in your home for LEDs will instantly modernize and unify your home's lighting system. If you can afford it, we also suggest paying a little more a higher quality product. With light bulbs, you get what you pay for.
Upgrade your light switches
Light switch covers aren't often thought of stylistic element of a home lighting system, but they should be! At best, light switch covers are neutral, blending into the wall and serving a purely practical purpose. At worst, they can be scuffed, eternally dirty looking, and outdated---which is a shame, because there are actually some stylish, contemporary options out there, including plates in wood, brass, brushed nickel, matte black, and powder white.
If you're planning to replace your switch covers, it's worth considering dimmable options. Dimmable lights can help to cut your electricity costs significantly, and they're a smart, resale-value-friendly addition to bedrooms and living rooms, where a softer level of light is often preferred in the evening time.
Put some thought into exterior lighting
Just as you would inside of your home, you can use a variation ambient, task, accent lighting to illuminate your home's exterior and draw attention to pathways, doors, and aesthetic highlights.
For instance, path lights, floodlights, and motion sensor lights can be used to illuminate your driveway and entryway, and spotlights, step lights, garden lights, uplights, and downlights can be used to highlight your landscaping, outdoor seating, impressive architecture, or any water or fire features—aka, your home's selling points.
Putting some thought into exterior lighting is great for curb appeal and resale value. Exterior lighting also provides better overall visibility, helping to improve safety for yourself and your guests.
