Mars Electric Lighting Center can take an ordinary room and make it high voltage
By Mary Malik
What does your dream house look like? Does it include a chef’s kitchen, luxurious bathrooms, maybe an outdoor entertainment area? Whether you’re planning your perfect home or already living there, the lighting you choose can take any project from drab to dreamy.
The staff at Mars Electric Lighting Center in Mentor has been providing lighting solutions for homes since the 1950s and, yes, a lot has changed.
“The business has remained family owned and operated but has evolved over the years from an electric supply store to selling fixtures and, now, the decorative, designer products we offer,” says Mary Alexander, a Mars certified lighting specialist.
“We know people can be overwhelmed by lighting choices. It’s our job to ask the right questions and guide you to the perfect choice for your home.”
That’s the difference between shopping for lighting at Mars and heading to the local big box store. Many things should be taken into consideration when choosing lighting, and the staff at Mars is trained, knowledgeable and helps narrow things down so you’re comfortable with your choice. Several staff members, including Mary, are ALA (American Lighting Association) certified, which requires ongoing courses and testing.
“ALA certification allows us to educate our customers on all aspects of lighting,” says Mary.
“There are many things to consider. Is this a space where task lighting is important? Are you creating a mood or atmosphere? Will the space be used for entertaining and television or movie viewing? The more we know about the space, the better we can guide you to the perfect solution.”
Trends
In the lighting industry, just as in fashion, trends come and go. Modern farmhouse, vintage, contemporary and LED products are all popular styles today.
“Our showroom is constantly changing to keep up with the industry’s latest,” says Mary.
“We are always switching fixtures, fans, accent furniture and accessories so customers have a new experience. It helps to see things in a home setting like we have here to get a feel for what it will look like in your home.”
Satisfaction
Mars offers a huge inventory, but don’t assume their greater selection and trained staff equal higher prices.
“Give us your budget and we’ll work within that,” says Joe Sullivan, manager at Mars.
“That’s where our knowledge and experience really shines. We have great relationships with all of our suppliers and stand behind the product lines we offer. When you leave here, our relationship isn’t over. We want you to come back and send your friends. We want you to be satisfied and know that means making sure we stay within your budget.”
Plus, Mars offers custom items and even allows you to design your own fixture if you don’t see exactly what you want.
Forming relationships and giving back to the community has always been very important to Mars. They have been sponsors of the Lake County YMCA Dream House for most of the fundraiser’s 25-year history.
“We donate all of the decorative lighting and ceiling fans, both indoors and outdoors,” says Joe. “It’s a great way for us to be involved in our community and also to showcase how lighting can transform the look and feel of a home.”
Mary loves working with the designers of the Dream House each year and helping them realize their vision for these unique homes.
“It’s amazing to be involved,” says Mary. “It’s so inspiring to see how all of these businesses and crafts people in this community work together to make the Dream House happen.”
All proceeds of the Dream House directly support the Lake County YMCA branches and have a direct impact their surrounding communities.
“We’re very proud of our longstanding relationship with the Dream House,” says Joe. “Everyone involved, from conception to the finished product, does a fabulous job. It’s a true labor of love.”
Whether your current home needs an update or you’re starting fresh in something new, the staff at Mars Electric Lighting Center will help with ideas that may take you someplace you never thought you’d go.
“These days, really anything goes in terms of design and your tastes can change over the life of your home,” says Mary. “People often come in with one idea in mind and see something that takes them in a new design direction. There are so many exciting products available today. Why not have a little fun with your fixtures?”
Mars Electric Lighting Center showroom is located at 7898 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; closed on Sunday. For more information, call 440-205-1577 or check the website MarsElectricLighting.com. You can see all of the Mars lighting choices at the 2018 Lake County YMCA Dream House at 5360 Highland Way, in Mentor. Tours run through Sunday, August 5. Check LakeCountyYMCA.org for details and ticket information.