Material-wise, designers are becoming much more open to the mediums they use. Combining the delicate silk shades with industrious wrought iron, or brushed nickel topped with floral patterns, seems to be the newest trend in lighting. The mixture of design elements allows consumers to show their own style and unique tastes through the luminary selections in their homes. This mixture of design elements is quite popular, as the typical genres are combining, making the lines of distinction between, say, traditional and contemporary, much less defined.
Nonetheless, the same genres of design are tending to lead the pack, with traditional lighting at the forefront of the market. However, the traditional style is less ostentatious and more about creating that classic look in a cleaner style. Contemporary is huge, too, but not as eclectic or harsh as it once was perceived to be. And of course, there is still the category of casual elegant lighting, which is nowhere near as lackluster, but is rather now moving toward a more refined and graceful appearance.
Not surprisingly, as focus on living “greener” has become the mainstream ideal, consumers are demanding—and receiving—energy-efficient lighting options for home interiors. From compatibility with energy-saving bulbs to materials manufactured with the least amount of negative environmental impact possible, lighting designers and manufacturers are responding with eco-friendly fixtures for environmentally-conscious consumers. There does not need to be a compromise on style, either. To be certain, some of the most desirable fixtures are also the most visually appealing.
All in all, lighting trends are moving in a direction more indicative of creating an elegance, a softness, to all décor, regardless of the genre. Quality is of utmost importance, from the materials used to the energy that will be consumed. Appearance, too, seems to be factoring into lighting choices among consumers, who are focusing on the decorative impressions that the lighting fixtures can have on a room. A lamp is no longer just a lamp, but a point of interest in the room. Fixtures that flow with the décor and appear to be made “just for” the room are what consumers want, and lighting designers like Bungalow lighting are giving it to them.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Lighting Trends 2007
Lamp Lighting Basics
Lighting can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home instantly. It can make a small room look open and airy, and large rooms appear warm, cozy and inviting. It can create a stimulating atmosphere for a night of entertaining, or a quiet feeling of relaxation after a long, tiring day. In so many ways, lighting makes a difference; for task performance, safety and security. It’s simple and inexpensive.
Portable Lighting comes in many forms. They are plug-in lights designed to be placed around the home and moved at will, allowing flexibility in design.
Table Lamps are typically used as reading lights, to accent dark corners of a room, or used on an end table or buffet. They generally cast an omni-directional, unfocused light.
Desk Lamps are specifically designed to illuminate a smaller area more intensely, such as desks or workspace areas. The light source should be placed about 15 inches above the surface of the desk.
Armed Lamps have movable arms to direct light where needed. They are specifically designed to illuminate a smaller area more intensely, such as desks or workspace areas. They mount directly to a wall and can be hard-wired or plugged in and some offer decorative cord covers to match it’s finish. These types of lamps make great alternatives to bedside table lamps without taking up space.
Floor Lamps provide ample task lighting for reading, sewing etc. They should be free of distracting glare and shadows. They are also used to accent dark corners of a room or for task lighting by an end table. They generally cast an omni-directional, unfocused light and are perfect for complimenting a favorite sofa or chair.
Torchieres are floor lamps which direct light upwards. Torchieres are for ambient,general and accent lighting. They are most commonly used in corners or areas with higher ceilings.
Shade Selection:
Since task lighting is essential for reading or doing detailed work. A solid colored shade controls the direction of the light, allowing very little light to go upward, and a lot of the light stays filtered and focused down below and with this directed, higher-intensity light; a downward reading lamp such as floor and table lamps, directs light over the shoulder of the reader. Be careful not to place the source of light behind the person's head so as to avoid shadows on the book or magazine.
Placement Tips:
It's important where you place your lights. Create pools of light and dark around the room. It's the shadows we're drawn to, and the pools of light we take comfort in. Lamp light from the midpoint of the room is most important for balance and effect.