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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

What's Trending In Kitchen and Bath Lighting

From the February 2014 Kitchen & Bath Design News

Today's lighting designs must consider everyting from new technology like LEDS and the cleaner, less cluttered design aesthetic to the impact of strict energy codes and the needs of aging consumers, according to top lighting experts. 



Lighting is too frequently the last element in a kitchen or bath design project to be specified, using whatever dollars are left over in the budget. However, the importance of lighting should never be underestimated. Good lighting will make the space more functional and attractive, while poor lighting can savage an otherwise great design.

It should be considered early and thoughtfully in the design plan. Especially in states with very strict energy codes, factoring in what you need to meet these rules early will save you permitting headaches later.

So what are the best kitchen and bath lighting options right now? What are the pitfalls to avoid? And what are the hot trends, both technologically and aesthetically to consider for your design? Read on to find out!

OUT WITH THE KITCHEN OLD 


You might not miss these trends from the last five years, which experts say are getting tired and old. They may still show up in your area- but they're likely to date kitchen projects faster.
Pot racks with lights or any large glass-shaded fixtures over islands have fizzled. Clients don't like the heaviness that these fixtures create. Under-cabinet halogen, xenon and fluorescent fixtures have also all but died. LED is the preferred light for under-cabinet lighting.
Track lighting is showing its age, expecially the long, stem-dropped rail type.

Mini pendants are falling by the wayside in today's kitchens. Bigger is better and larger fixtures are making an impact in overall kitchen lighting design. Busy, detailed, scrolled fixtures are being replaced with today's versions of classical traditional and strong modern designs.



OUT WITH THE BATHROOM OLD


In the bath, nothing has sated more quickly than Oil-Rubbed Bronze. Lighting is usually configured to match the plumbing hardware, so we are seeing a reduction in dark brown fixture use. Mini-chandeliers are also a fading trend for powder rooms and LEDs have largely replace earlier technologies in the bath. Since the hear of incandescent and halogen has often been an issue, many clients initially opted for fluorescent light sources- today they're opting for LEDs instead.




SO ABOUT THOSE LEDS....


LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and it is one of the most energy efficient technologies today. LEDs are all the rage in lighting technologies. They are being used in every household item from showerheads, to faucets, to furniture as well as becoming art in the home. The ability to see light fall in the space without seeing the source of the light is possible with LED like never before.

Once of the factors driving their popularity is energy regulation. Currently California, Washington, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois and North Carolina have some of the most stringent energy codes in the country and they are being enforced in new construction and major remodels. Even within a state, local cities and counties have enforced certain portions of the code and continue to make changes. These codes are having a major impact on kitchen design.



HOT KITCHEN LIGHTING STYLES


Yes, kitchen lighting choices need to be as energy efficient as possible, both for code and client budgetary reasons. But what are the hot style trends to pay attention to now, and which ones will fit you home?

Modern design elements blended with an abundance of glass, crystal, whites and a mixture of metals. Blacks, whites and warm golden tones are hitting the scene in all styles of lighting. Larger pendants, chandeliers and lanterns often serve as focal points. Industrial influence remains strong in chandeliers, pendants and sconces. This evident in the bare bulb trend and in strong metals and shapes.
Mixing  things up is a trend that we are see across the board. There is a trend toward coordinating lighting fixtures in a larger kitchen, rather than duplicating them in different sizes. The two types of fixtures add some additional interest to the room and prevent it from being boring or repetitive. There is also a trend in mixing creative material use. Art glass pendants are very popular. Additionally, fixtures made of metal with rope or leather accents are gaining popularity.

Mixing finishes, colors and materials adds interest to a space and customizes it for the client's individual needs and tastes. The addition of whimsical designs is adding a new element of personal influence without a lot of ornate detail. In short, it's about creativity without clutter.



HOT BATHROOM LIGHTING STYLES


One of the biggest trends right now in bath lighting is the use of mini-pendants instead of wall sconces. Mini pendants can be positioned in exactly the same spot as sconces for optimal task lighting effect. The popularity of minis for the bath has led to an exploding array of style choices that has an added benefit for older homeowners. As our population ages, this becomes a much more comfortable light to use in this important area of the home.

And other benefit to the bath pendant trend: Doing so allows for a larger uninterrupted mirror. We're also seeing LEDs for recessed and vanity bath bar lighting. Some manufacturers are going the extra step and building LEDs into both their medicine cabinet and vanity designs.

The variations of black and dark grey lighting fixtures are increasingly showing up in the bathroom. It works well with Chrome and Polished Nickel (faucets and hardware). The growing popularity of grey-neutrals that are supplanting older beiges. Copper and Pale Gold are also emerging finish trends.

There is also a move toward sleek small fixtures and designs. Slim design is in! Tubular fixtures using the latest in LED technology allow for smaller profile fixtures to be used in more modest spaces. You are able to get more light where you need it most without overpowering your space  with multiple glass shades and busy styles.
Newly designed flush and semi-flush fixtures are making a big splash on ceilings. A statement bath today is more likely to be simple than it is grand, tones down rather than gussied up.



As in every other facet of kitchen and bath design, lighting offers a dizzying range of styles, technologies, performance and price points. However, it's a category with some uniquely specialized knowledge requirements. Experts in lighting and home automation can be valuable consultants to a kitchen and bath project.



2 comments:

  1. Studies have shown that the cost of electricity, mainly from using incandescent bulbs, uses up nearly 25% of the average home’s energy budget. Hence, there is a need to switch to LED lighting solutions! Commercial LED lighting has been proven to be cheaper, more energy-efficient, and safer than other alternative forms of lighting. Also known as LED lighting, this form of lighting has many benefits for the environment, as well as your home or business.

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