Fast forward to today, we have a combination of styles ranging from Traditional, Transitional, Farmhouse, and Modern. We have just recently started selling a new line of lighting called Progress Lighting. They offer affordable, high-quality lighting. We also have a new lighting specialist, Robert Rouse. Robert is an expert when it comes to residential and commercial lighting.
]]>Lighting is an important element of home decor. It can change the mood of a room just like it does with the size of the room. In order to create an ambiance in a particular room, you need to know what kind of lighting or light fixture is needed. Generally, there are three types of lighting: ambient, accent, and task.
Ambient lighting is known as "natural light" and is considered the general source of light in a room. This type of lighting isn't bright and doesn't have a glare, it provides enough lighting to be comfortable in a room. In the photo above, the pendant lights would be an example of ambient lighting. This type of lighting can be achieved by a single chandelier or pendant.
(Click the photo to purchase this chandelier)
Accent lighting adds drama by drawing attention to a specific visual interest such as a piece of art. Accent lighting can be accomplished by having three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting surrounding it. An example of accent lighting would be shining a light on your house to highlight the texture of the home. This type of lighting can be achieved by a spotlight, recessed or track lighting.
Task lighting is a type of lighting that helps with performing a certain task such as reading, cooking, doing homework, and making lists. This type of lighting can be achieved by a single pendant light, recessed, or track lighting. Many people prefer under cabinet lighting or track lighting because it offers enough lighting but it doesn't take away from the ambiance in the room. Task lighting can be paired with Accent lighting to achieve the perfect combination so it doesn't cause eye strain.
(Click the photo to purchase this task light)
A perfect lighting proposal will include all three types of lighting: ambient, accent and task. Ultimately, the type of lighting chosen for a room is up to you and realistically not many people will have all of these lights in one given area (and that's okay). This blog kind of gives you an idea of what types of lighting is available as well as what needs to be achieved to have the perfect room!
Sources:
https://www.americanlightingassoc.com/Lighting-Fundamentals/3-Types-of-Lighting.aspx
http://www.kichler.com/products/category/downlights.aspx
http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/2b/2b65353d-0efc-42c1-913d-da42722bb4e4_1000.jpg
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In 2000, Batavia Electric Supply expanded their brick & mortar store. They remodeled the original building and added a 3,300 square foot expansion. It took a little over 3 months to finish, and when completed, it allowed Batavia Electric to have more inventory on display and to showcase their light fixtures.
In an article published by a local newspaper during the renovation, Shirley and Steve mentioned they started Batavia Electric because they wanted to eliminate excess travel for local contractors. "We're bursting at the seams," said Shirley, referring to the much needed operating space for Batavia Electric.
In 2007, Batavia Electric celebrated their 40th year of business. By this point, several of Stephen and Shirley's children worked at Batavia Electric and contributed to the company's success. Shortly after the 40th anniversary, Shirley was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease but she continued to have a part in the business. In November of 2011, Shirley lost her battle to Parkinson's disease.
After Shirley's passing, Stephen spent every day at the business. He was very heavily involved with the day-to-day operations. I particularly remember him being at Batavia Electric when it was, what felt like, 100 degrees out and it did not slow him down. He had the most amazing love for the business, they both did. In March of 2014, Stephen passed away.
Stephen and Shirley's children continued to support their parents' dream by keeping the business alive. They are proud to celebrate Batavia Electric Supply's 50th anniversary this May.
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In December of 1976, Batavia Electric opened their doors in a new building. They spent their Thanksgiving moving from the Main Street location to the current location (300 W. Main Street). This is where Stephen and Shirley spent time expanding their clientele. They worked hard to have a successful business.
Shirley and Stephen both worked two jobs just so they could live out their dream. In the early years, Shirley would look after the children as well as work at Batavia Electric. Stephen would spend his days at Batavia Electric and then worked the night shift at GE. In 1987, Stephen retired from GE after working there for 40 years. This gave him more time to spend at Batavia Electric.
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Stephen Handra was born in 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio to George and Johanna Handra. He grew up with three brothers, George, Frank, and John. In 1945, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army. During his tenure in the army he worked as an automotive mechanic. He received the World War II Victory Ribbon and an Army Occupation Medal. After his service ended in 1946, he began working as an electrician while working at an automotive shop with his brother Johnny.
Shirley (Dewald) Handra, was born in 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Peter and Mildred Dewald. She grew up with two sisters, Gail and Joan, and one brother Walter. She attended Our Lady of Mercy for most of her schooling where she was a classmate with Rosemary Clooney. Shortly after school Shirley was set up on a blind date at a bowling alley by her cousin Rita. Little did she know, she would meet the love of her life, Stephen. On May 7th 1949, Stephen and Shirley got married.
In 1951, their first of seven children was born. In the same year Stephen made the decision to start working at General Electric where he stayed there for forty years. Shirley spent her days taking care of their seven children and being the perfect housewife. It was a dream of Stephen and Shirley to open a hardware store. On Stephen’s 40th birthday, they decided to open Batavia Electric Supply. They started selling light fixtures out of a building they owned on their farm. Once their business started to grow they moved to Keane Coal and Lumber. It then moved to the Main Street location but once it grew even bigger they made the move to our current location.
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Thank you for your continued support over the years, and welcome!
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