The Light Fantastic

Home Lighting Trends for 2010

Photo courtesy of Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting

You ever see those home remodeling shows on TV? You know the ones I’m talking about. The kind where they find someone who only has $50,000 to spend on his family room remodel (poor thing) and then follow him as he transforms his rickety old shack into a stylish luxury suite.

And they call this “reality” television. More like fantasy TV!

Photo courtesy of Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting

Of course, those of us in the real world don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to drop on a home remodeling project. Instead, we have to find more practical ways to make the most of our money.

But what can you do when you really want to make an inexpensive yet distinctive change to your home décor? Buying new furniture or even reupholstering your old stuff can really hurt your wallet. Painting is relatively inexpensive, but who has the time it takes to tape the windows and molding, prep the floors, apply the primer, and then put on one, maybe two coats of paint? It can be exhausting.

Maybe it’s time to look at your home in a new light, so to speak.

One of the easiest, most economical ways to make a dramatic update to your home is by changing your lighting fixtures. Adding new light fixtures can help you make a noticeable change to your décor, without breaking your budget. Best of all, there are so many options to choose from. You just need to make sure you stay current with the latest trends. That’s where we can help.

Lighting trends in 2010 are moving toward a more modern, contemporary look. Extravagant and clunky are out; simple and clean are in. In metals, lighter colors like silver and nickel are making a comeback after several seasons of bronze. There’s also a rise in Asian-themed and nature-oriented designs. And drum shades are currently hot in all sizes and colors, too.

Photo courtesy of Platinum Lighting Concepts

This year’s trends are also reflecting the popular movement to become more environmentally conscious or green, if you will. People not only want a lighting fixture that looks good, they also want something that will be good for the planet. Eco-friendly materials, such as sustainable woods and natural fabrics, are becoming more and more prevalent. Of course, just because the so-called experts say a particular style is “in” or “out” doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. When it comes to lighting your home, it all depends on your particular tastes and personality.

“People really underestimate the decorative power of proper lighting,” says Maryann Kelly, owner of Platinum Lighting Concepts in Cranberry Twp., Pa. “Having the right kind of lighting for your room is just as important as having beautiful furniture or a stunning piece of art. It can really help create your room’s personality.” Platinum Lighting Concepts isn’t just a lighting store. They also offer professional guidance and design help, and they pride themselves in their knowledge, experience, and unmatched customer service. “We are the professionals,” says Kelly. “We’re here to provide the help and advice you need, at no cost to you, so you don’t have to waste time searching the Internet.

“At Platinum, we go beyond the typical lighting or furniture store and give you high quality products, exceptional lighting design, and top-rated customer service,” says Kelly. We truly value our customers.” Platinum’s showroom features an impressive selection of lighting options to choose from. In addition, their lighting specialists are certified by the American Lighting Association (www.americanlightingassociation.com, so you can be sure they are giving you the best, most accurate advice as possible when it comes to your lighting. You can even watch a video interview of Kelly and her team on their Web site: www.platinumlightingconcepts.com

Photo courtesy of Platinum Lighting Concepts

Overall, however, the trend in lighting this year is definitely reflecting a more casual, simple tone. You don’t have to have an elaborate chandelier in order to make a statement. Sometimes the simple choice is the best one. That’s why contemporary is in. It’s clean and modern, and it can give any room a stylish yet sophisticated look.

And don’t forget about the bulbs. If you truly want to be part of the in crowd, you need to get rid of your old, wasteful incandescent bulbs and switch to the more energy-efficient Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs). Sure, they may cost a little more, but they’ll last much longer and end up saving you money in the end.

“I always tell customers to purchase fixtures with the type of glass that can cover a CFL lamp, so that it is not easily seen,” says Kelly. “Any fixture with a medium-base socket can use a retrofit CFL, which are now available in three color temperatures, and some are even dimmable, with the proper dimmer.”

Although contemporary lighting is leading the way in 2010, don’t count out more traditional lighting fixtures. A well-placed chandelier or antique lamp can really be a conversation piece and make a dramatic statement in any room. For example, when you think of a chandelier, you probably envision an elaborate fixture hanging in a foyer or a formal dining room. But why not have a chandelier in a bedroom, bathroom, or even a den or office? “Chandeliers were once a symbol of luxury,” says Kelly, “but today they are much more accessible to the consumer.”

Sometimes surprise is a powerful design tool. Just make sure you choose the right size for your particular application.

Photo courtesy of Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting

“The key to choosing the best lighting for your room is making sure that it shows off your individual taste and style,” says Matt Cardello, owner of Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting, which has nine locations in the tri-state area. “When you come up with something unique or out of the ordinary, it says something about you and creates a wonderful conversation piece for your room.”

Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting has been a leader in the distribution of electrical supplies and lighting in the tri-state area since 1947. Serving residential, commercial, industrial, and retail markets, Cardello offers six showrooms featuring everything from elegant chandeliers to stunning nighttime landscape options.

“Our typical showroom spans 5,000 square feet,” says Cardello, “which gives our customers room for a huge selection. And the ability to view so many products first hand makes it so much easier to select the proper lighting for your projects. Best of all, our professionally trained Cardello sales and design consultants can walk you through the showroom and help you select the fixtures that are right for you.”

Cardello is another great example of the type of personal attention and knowledgeable service you can only find in a locally owned, independent lighting store. Visit their Web site today to view a full gallery of their many products: www.cardellolighting.com

Photo courtesy of Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting

No matter if you live in a house, apartment, cabin or mansion, your lighting fixtures can really define the feel of your home. Proper lighting can make a certain room feel all cozy and warm. It can also be used to highlight a particular area or feature of a room, like a painting or a family heirloom. Diffusing light through translucent materials like acrylic panels, stained glass, or glass block is becoming more and more popular for apartment spaces, since it can help create the illusion that a room is actually larger than it really is.

Another way you might want to go is retro. Art deco lighting fixtures are timeless and can add a creative flair to any style, from Victorian to rustic to contemporary. Fortunately, fixtures of this particular style are plentiful and can be found in just about any old thrift or second-hand store.

Whew! I bet you never thought there would be so much involved in choosing lighting for your home. Obviously, doing it right requires a little more effort from you than just picking up a couple lamps and placing them around your home.

But don’t sweat it. Remember: You’re not in this alone. With qualified, experienced local experts like the ones at Platinum Lighting Concepts and Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting, choosing the proper lighting for your particular home’s design can be a simple and enjoyable experience.

Hopefully we’ve been able to shed a little light (sorry) on the various lighting options out there. Whether you’re looking to spruce up a living room, add a little class to a dining room, or create a dramatic feel in your front yard, lighting can help you do the trick. Just pay attention to the trends and make sure you research everything that’s out there before you make a decision. If you do, you’ll have no problem using light to make a unique statement in your personal living space.

Photo courtesy of Emerald Art Glass

Few things are as stunning as sunlight dancing through a stained-glass window, illuminating a room in color. Stained glass is a timeless design element that can have a striking effect on your home’s décor. Best of all, colored glass has an elegance and beauty that can transform any space from average to exceptional.

Art glass can not only add a splash of color to a room, it can also offer you a portal of light filled with an array of colors – and its functionality doesn't stop there. Depending on the type of glass used, you can adjust the feel of the room. More light can brighten a room for a livelier feel, while a softer, deeper light can provide a more intimate feeling.

Added privacy is another attractive benefit of stained glass, and it eliminates the need for window treatments. The diffusion of light through the colored glass allows maximum privacy without the loss of light caused by curtains or blinds.

However, if you want a window void of color, but you desire the privacy that art glass offers, a leaded panel made with clear glass is a wonderful option. Leaded panels created with clear textures and crystal-clear bevels will certainly add a sophisticated touch to your residence. In addition, leaded door lites and transoms can give your home’s entryway an air of sophistication.

Whether your home is contemporary or more traditional, stained glass or a leaded window can add a beautiful lighting effect in your home. With the help of a professional glass design team, a panel of stained or leaded glass can be made to complement your existing décor, or it can be the start of a new look for a room. Stained glass is a great investment for your home, creating a desirable ambiance that will make your home both more beautiful and more inviting.

You’ve probably had this happen to you. You go to your local paint store and pick out a color you think will look great in your room. Then, you go home and apply it to the walls and it looks nothing like it did at the store. Sound familiar?

The problem with selecting interior paint is that the color you see in the store may end up looking completely different in your home, depending on what type of lighting you have in your room. The amount of natural sunlight and the type of lighting you have can drastically affect the perceived color of your room’s paint.

Natural light or sunlight is the best kind of light when you want your colors to look the truest. However, as the seasons change, so does the sun’s intensity, which can change the appearance of your paint. The sun also gives off different shades of light throughout the day – yellowish in the morning, bluish around mid-day, and reddish in the evening – which can affect the paint’s color.

In addition, the amount of natural light you have in your room can also influence your paint’s perceived color. So be sure to keep this in mind when you’re picking out your paint.

The type of artificial lighting you own can also have a big effect on your paint’s color. Light bulbs, or incandescent lights, as well as halogens can cast a warm reddish or yellowish hue. Fluorescents, like the popular CFLs that many people are now using, give off a cooler hue. So keep this in mind when you’re deciding on the color and feel you want for your room.

Another thing you want to pay attention to is the amount of shadows in your room. Darker rooms with more shadows can be a challenge because they limit what colors of paint you can use and because they can make your paint appear drastically different in different sections of a room.

One other thing you’ll want to consider is the color of your ceiling. Contrary to popular belief, your ceiling color doesn't have to be white. Adding color to a ceiling can actually add a little spice to your home’s décor.

For example, you can soften the boundaries between you ceiling and walls by painting them the same color. You can also make your room appear taller by painting a cooler color on the ceiling, or you can give it a cozy warm feeling by giving it a slightly darker hue. Just be sure to use a color that is only one or two shades lighter or darker than your walls. Obviously, choosing the proper paint for your room takes more than just choosing a particular color or finish.

Luckily, you have the experts at Pittsburgh Paints to educate you on what’s available and to help you make the right choice for the type of lighting in your home. Pittsburgh Paints offers the highest quality paints available, and their experienced sales people can help you match your colors with different lighting situations.

Visit them online today at www.pittsburghpaint.com