Dimmers - A Bright Idea!!

What is one of the best ways to "Show Off" your home?  The answer may surprise you...  

Dim your lights!!!

It's true!!  By dimming the lights in your home you bring the layers of design to life and you create depth in the space.

Design Art from www.lutron.com

Not only does it look better - but you also save money doing it!!  That means you get to buy a new pair of shoes..... right??

Seriously though....  Let's look at "Light Control" and the benefits of it:

In the average home most light switches are simple on/off - this means that your fixtures are putting out the same amount of light whether it is day or night, whether it is needed or not...  Through dimming, you can control the amount of the light, which in turn improves your space utilization.

Light control is the ability to regulate the level and quality of light, it enhances the experience in a space and it helps to save energy - which in turn saves you money.

Savings Chart from www.lutron.com

Many custom homes will throw in a dimmer for the dining room or the entry fixture, but what about the rest of the home.....

Surprisingly, one of my favorite places to use a dimmer is in the Master Bath - 

Think about it..... How great is it to wake up slowly...

Personally, I need to come out of my sleep gradually - with a nice cup of coffee.... :)  Just sayin.....  Soft lighting in the bathroom first thing in the morning is a wonderful way to wake up.

Design art from www.lutron.com

Last but not least - let's think about the exterior of your home.....  

How nice is it to sit on the back patio at the end of a long day and enjoy a moment of peace.... That is much easier to do if the lighting can be tailored and personalized for your mood.

Design art from www.lutron.com

Wow - on that note, I think I'm ready to head home, kick off my shoes and relax!!!

Many thanks to Lutron for their invaluable resources and products!!

As always, thanks so much for the "read" - have a Blessed Day and we will Light It Up again next week!!!

A Monthly Minute.......

This is our first "Monthly Minute".......  So what exactly is it you ask and will it really only take a minute?????

Once a month we plan to introduce our readers to one of our Manufacturers - and in all reality - it will probably take two or three minutes...... but what's a minute or two among friends......  :)

It seems only appropriate that Quorum International should be our very first "Monthly Minute" .....

We have been Blessed to do business with Quorum for over 25 years now....  They have an amazing team of people, which includes some of the best lighting designers in our industry.  They are always ahead of the curve, and usually set the trends, rather than follow them.

That being said - here are the questions that we posed to Bill Davis and his team:

          What is your favorite chandelier from Quorum and why is it your favorite?

"While it’s tough to choose a single favorite piece from our vast selection, one that does come to mind is from our Salento series. Together, the light and airy curved arms, beautifully etched ornaments, and delicate leaf motifs, capture the essence of fine 17th century Italian craftsmanship.  The fixture's Baroque and Rococo influences create a classic feel, making it a timeless addition to any space."

    When do you see LED becoming truly relevant in the residential decorative lighting arena?

"The developmental process of LED in residential lighting has been a fascinating one to track. In recent years the technology has made great strides, and continues to make steadfast progress. The transition into residential LED is, and will continue to be a gradual one. Within the coming year or two, we could see the technology improving to a point where the pricing will become competitive enough to begin to introduce more and more LED fixtures into the market."

    What was the inspiration behind French Umber as this season’s newest color?

"French Umber embodied the stylistic direction that we intended to head in this season. The color exudes a sense of restoration. In fact it combines the results of two wood staining techniques, pickling and white washing, (both of which date back to several centuries) to create an aged, yet restored feel. Its a way of recreating a look that was established with more of a practical purpose in mind, but now works stylistically as an antiquated accent."

     

    We LOVE the Mercury Glass!!!  Will there be more???

"Regarding the Mercury Glass, we share that exact sentiment, we ABSOLUTELY LOVE it. We cannot wait to introduce more fixtures that feature the glass. It's looking like it is likely to happen in the very near future."

How exciting!!  And all of these fresh new designs just in time for Spring!!

Well......  The sand in the hour glass just ran out - so that means it's time to wrap it up......

HUGE "Thank You" to Bill Davis and the entire team at Quorum for taking time to talk to us and answer our questions!!  Feel free to visit www.quoruminternationl.com to see all the new designs - or better yet stop by Lighting Etc. and see them in person!!

As always, thanks so much for the "read" - have a Blessed Day and we will Light It Up again next week!!!

Peeling Back the Layers of Light

Lighting has a purpose - mainly for you to see.  :)

Seriously though......

There are three basic types of lighting that should be utilized in your home:

General Purpose Lighting - provides overall illumination, allowing a comfortable level of brightness.  This type of light is easily achieved through the use of recess cans and allows you to move safely through your home.
(ie: you can see the toys on the floor, as well as the shoes left by the couch).  

Task Lighting - provides direct illumination where you need it, this can be accomplished through undercabinet lighting, pendant lighting, track lighting, floor lamps or desk lamps.

Decorative or Accent Lighting - adds drama to a room, makes a statement and ties the design together.  This lighting can direct the eye where you want it to go.  It is the "Jewelry of the Home".

Dimmers can be applied to any and all of these lighting types - and then the layers truly come to life!!

Design by Whitman Interiors, Southlake, TX

Design by Whitman Interiors, Southlake, TX

Design by Whitman Interiors, Southlake, TX

Big shout out to Whitman Interiors for the great design pictures!!  We love working with you!!  Check them out at www.whitmaninteriors.com

The decorative lighting fixtures featured were supplied by Quorum International and Capital Lighting Fixture Company and can be seen at www.light-etc.com

As always, thanks so much for the "read" - have a Blessed Day and we will Light It Up again next week!!!