Archive for the ‘indoor lighting’ Category

Uttermost Decor

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

After gaining two generations of furniture manufacturing experience, Bob and Belle Cooper stepped out on their own to establish The Uttermost Company in 1975. Today, the Uttermost Company is still 100 percent owned by the Cooper family, with Mac and Taz Cooper managing the business with a prestigious management team behind them.

Uttermost is best known for their home décor. They are able to proudly stand behind their wide-ranging lines of mirrors, art, metal wall art, and clocks because of their stellar manufacturing processes. Uttermost does not carry two pieces of art that look the exact same; professionals use their years of experience when crafting each piece of art and metal wall art, thus creating a completely original piece every time. Uttermost’s commitment is evident in the pride that every artist takes in his or her work, which translates into superior quality home décor for the consumer.

One of Uttermost’s most distinguishing features in their lines of art and mirrors are the frames. The commitment to excellence at Uttermost has led them to two styles of frames – carved wood and molded polyurethane. With the time-tested manufacturing process, the only difference between the two options is price. The molded polyurethane frame feels and looks just like wood. Uttermost also offers frames in wrought iron or forged steel for certain pieces of art.

The finish is just as important as the frame itself to Uttermost. This is evident in the different styles of finishes that Uttermost offers. The most simple finishes come in one layer; however, the more attractive and elegant finishes require numerous steps which can include hand-laid metal leaf and hand-antiquing, which means that each frame is also one of a kind, just like the art.

In making a name for themselves as a manufacturer, Uttermost has developed quite a following of dedicated customers thanks to their superior quality products.

A Few Simple Lighting Tips

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Not everyone has the money to enlist someone to help us in planning our home lighting renovations, so we at LightingSale.com have prepared some useful tips for you to utilize when designing your own home lighting project.

  1. Always remember the purpose of the room.  Lighting fixtures in the home should always match up with the purpose of the room. This seems like a simple point, but it is often overlooked when re-evaluating interior lighting design.  Home lighting should be both functional and beautiful.  Keep the purpose of the room in mind, and work with that when looking at lights.  For example, dimming lights in a television/entertainment room are both functional and they add to the experience of the room.
  2. Accent lighting is what makes your home feel like your own.  Accent lights are well-placed fixtures, usually wall sconces, table lamps, under-cabinet lights, or pendants, which illuminate the special characteristics of your home.  Wall sconces, for example, come in a multitude of styles, so you are sure to find one that fits with the home lighting theme you have in mind.
  3. Investigate features that can be added on to existing light fixtures.  Shades, crystal, or different bulbs can dramatically change the way a light looks and the kind of light it produces, usually for a fraction of the cost of a new light fixture.  Changing from normal white light bulbs to flickering candle styled bulbs can make a room more inviting by softening the light.  This strategy also allows the home owner to “customize” the fixtures already in place.
  4. Do it yourself if possible.  Oftentimes, lights can be easily installed with the provided directions, which saves you both time and money by avoiding the hassle of bringing in a contractor.  Avoiding installation costs can save money and empower you to make your home lighting renovations on your own schedule.  However, if you are not experienced with installing light fixtures, you should contact a professional.

Schonbek Lighting - A Brief History

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Schonbek

Schonbek

In 1870, Schonbek began as most great companies do - out of a passion for quality and customer satisfaction.  Adolf Schonbek, who was working with his family’s glasswork in Bohemia, walked away to start his own business.

It was the height of the last great era of romance and candlelight. People of means throughout Europe lived opulently in homes richly furnished and lighted by ornate crystal chandeliers. Not surprisingly, Schonbek’s business flourished.

Some of the great works created by Schonbek can be seen in places of prestige such as Buckingham Palace and the White House. The high quality of work brought by Schonbek earned respect all around the world.

Through wars and relocation, Schonbek eventually found its headquarters in the United States.

The craft of chandelier design remains a living art at Schonbek today. Drawing on their rich heritage to revitalize the great styles of the past, Schonbek is constantly reinventing crystal, as well, to be perfectly at home in contemporary rooms. As a result, Schonbek designs are probably the most-imitated chandeliers in the world.

In 2007 Schonbek was acquired by Swarovski. Swarovski is the world leader in the production of fine cut crystal, just as Schonbek is the leader worldwide in the design and manufacturing of crystal chandeliers. Together they bring a potent new mix of creativity to the world of home fashion.

Today, the team of Schonbek and Swarovski are constantly producing crystal chandeliers that are sure to fit any interior lighting scheme.

Currey and Company

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Curry and Company has been one of the foremost leaders in the indoor lighting scene since their formation in 1988.  Currey takes pride in only using quality materials, such as handcut wood or brass.  Currey lighting has consistently been ahead of the curve in design, providing both functionality and an elegant style to fit any interior design.  Unlike many companies in the interior lighting field, Currey has taken the approach of having a broad selection; this gives customers a wide array of products to choose from, making sure that the customer will be able to select a fixture that fits the style of their home perfectly.  For example, Currey’s 5882 Traditional/Classic Cupertino Crystal Bud Wall Sconce is a very versatile fixture:

Currey's 5882 Traditional/Classic Cupertino Crystal Bud Wall Sconce

This elegant piece could fit perfectly into an antique home, such as a mountain log home, and bring an easy lighting solution along with a style that will only add to the warm comfort of the home.  Just as easily, the fixture could fit into any home with floral decor, with the crystal flowers on the sconce adding class to the house.

Currey has a wide array of versatile lighting solutions, and I would encourage you to take the time to look at all of the products they offer; with such a broad selection, you’re sure to find the perfect fixture to make your home your own.

LED Lighting

Monday, December 28th, 2009

I thought I would take this post in a little bit different direction and give an indoor lighting technique some attention that it deserves, but has been lacking - LED Lighting.

This partially comes from my personal background as a musician and from the technical aspect of the stage.  Often overlooked, lighting can make or break a band’s concert, and just as in home lighting, certain trends come about and take the stage lighting scene by storm.  The most recent addition to the stage lighting expert’s utility belt is that of LED lighting.  This is due to the numerous advantages over the conventional lighting schemes (and most, if not all of these advantages transfer to your home lighting scheme as well!).

First, and financially foremost, is the fact that LED lights use drastically less energy than conventional lighting fixtures.  (see graph)

Incandescent vs CFL vs LED Savings

This sheet shows the drastic cost savings that come along with the change to LED lighting systems.  The numbers in this sheet assume you change all the lights in your home, but even a few changes can produce a difference in your energy bill over time.
Another great benefit of LED Lights is their long life-span.  Most LED bulbs last from 50,000 to 120,000 hours, and unlike common bulbs, LED lights do not “burn out”, but instead they dim once their life-span is done; this means a LED bulb could last for thousands of hours past its expected lifetime.

Lastly, LED lighting fixtures produce almost no heat.  This is convenient on many different levels - you are able to place lighting fixtures where you could not place conventional lights, you are able to cover them with thin sheets of cloth to add different lighting elements, and it will reduce your home temperature as well.

Uttermost - A 32 Year Tradition of Quality

Friday, December 18th, 2009
Uttermost Lighting

Uttermost Lighting

Uttermost has set itself apart from competition by offering one of the broadest selections of home lighting fixtures in the industry.  Along with the home lighting, Uttermost offers extensive lines of decor for your home, such as mirrors, art, lamps, and other accessories to make your home your own.

From the formation of The Uttermost Company in 1975 by Bob and Belle Cooper, Uttermost has been 100% owned by the Cooper family.  This came after two generations of furniture manufacturing by Bob and Belle Cooper, and the family has not looked back; the management team, which is made up completely of the Cooper family, has enjoyed steady growth for the past 32 years.  At the Rocky Mount, Virginia factory, approximately 290 employees craft the quality products Uttermost puts its name on.  In addition, a new state-of-the-art West Coast facility was built in 2006 in order to increase distribution capacity, provide faster shipping to West Coast Retailers, and to reduce freight costs to these Retailers.

The name Uttermost is taken from the Bible.  It refers to Acts 1:8, which says “to the uttermost part of the earth”.  This influences their marketing plan in that they offer their products to all parts of the earth.  Uttermost strives to conduct its business in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.

Uttermost has built itself on a belief that everyone in the corporation and everyone they do business with deserves respect.  The Uttermost culture is founded on the concept of partners in business.  From the designer to the craftsman to the retailer, everyone is dependent on each other; they are all partners in the business of excellence.

Uttermost introduced Lamps in the Spring of 2002, which quickly became the fastest growing major Lamp line in the country.  In addition, in January 2006, Uttermost introduced a complete line of lighting fixtures.  These fixtures are exclusively available through professional lighting retailers such as ourselves at LightingSale.com.

Minka-Aire Concept Series

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Both the Minka-Aire Concept I and Concept II fans offer an elegant, contemporary design suitable for nearly any room in the home. The simple design makes it easy to match the clean indoor lighting products to your room, as both the Concept I and Concept II come in quality finishes such as brushed nickel, white, or oil rubbed bronze.

The main point of difference between the two high-quality series of ceiling fans is the type of mounting. For the tighter locations, such as a small loft, the Concept II Series would fit best; it offers a flush mount to the ceiling, giving you all of the space you desire without giving up any of the efficiency. Following the tradition of superior engineering at Minka, the three, 52” blades of the Concept keep the air in your room moving just as well as competing ceiling fans that are twice the size while only using a hanging depth of 10.5”.

For those who have higher ceilings, the Concept I is a perfect fit. The Concept I comes with galvanized steel 3.5” and 6” downrods, which allow for adjustment to fit the height of the ceiling.

With the consumer in mind, Minka-Aire has constructed the Concept series to require 75% less time and labor to assemble than conventional ceiling fans. Also, the Concept series has been UL listed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for wet situations since it has been UL listed for wet locations. The included easy to use remote also makes the operation of these ceiling fans a “breeze”.

MinkaAire Concept I

MinkaAire Concept I

MinkaAire Concept II

MinkaAire Concept II

Geometrix by Schonbek

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Crystal chandeliers are the most elegant option for indoor lighting. People who shop for crystal chandeliers have usually spent time researching. The buying process is requires more careful planning than when choosing other indoor lighting products; you do not rush in without knowing what you are looking for. The Geometrix collection by Schonbek just made that process a lot more complex, in a good way. With chandeliers that range from the Matrix line, cube-shaped and rectangular, to the Geode, spherical and eclectic, this collection redefines what a crystal chandelier can be.
Geometrix
The classical beauty of a crystal chandelier fused with the kind of brilliance and un-conventionalism that could be attributed to a genius mathematician has yielded Geometrix crystal chandeliers. Since their early 1870 start in Bohemia,
Schonbek has come a long way, and they have continued to prove that they are the best when it comes to crystal chandeliers. Creativity is what defines the Geometrix line, and with it, Schonbek has revolutionized high-tech lighting.

Bringing together the purity of halogen light and the fire of crystal, Schonbek
has changed the way light interacts with these chandeliers. The designs of the crystal chandeliers are expressed in spirals and slices, cylinders and rectangles, cubes and waves, triangles, slabs and spheres. The inner drama of the shapes in the Geometrix line are mesmerizing.

Indoor Lighting Website Update

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

A new update for LightingSALE.com is on its way. I have been working on this for a while. My goal is to recreate all the lighting images on the website to look more modern. I am also trying to develop an overall theme for the entire collection of our sites with emphasis on indoor lighting. So on a bigger scale, the theme could tie into all of our sites from Butler lighting to our exclusive Hinkley lighting site, HinkleyLight.com. I have spent a few weeks working off and on to remake each set of images.

The new design is pretty simple and works well with the lighting theme. Like the Hinkley site, I started my design with the center of the page – the banner. The banner is actually the biggest piece of the redesign because it involves animation. The banner actually displays different promotions and links to featured lighting products and manufacturers. Although the images are complete, I am still working on the banner effects such as fade and pause.

After creating some header graphics I moved on to other images such as the graphic for free shipping that is offered at ButlerLighting.com. I also had to make small changes to our LightingInsideOut lighting blog logo. Although I spent a lot of time on different pieces of our site the most important part was the body of our site. LightingSale.com’s main home page link is indoor lighting. Selecting the right image to represent the indoor lighting category was very time consuming. I finally settled on a Hinkley light. I picked the Hinkley 3508 which is a Tuscan black chandelier and am happy with how it looks on the home page. 

The LightingSale redesign is still in progress and is not ready to be released. We are trying to focus on indoor lighting although we still offer outdoor lighting, fans, furniture and more.

Lighting Your Linguini

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Let’s talk about the kitchen. Nowadays it’s more important than people even realize, especially those who are buying or designing a house. They go in, splurge on the bedrooms and bathrooms and living rooms, and then eventually–when elbows are colliding and flaming woks are coming too close to fleshy areas–realize they didn’t focus enough on the kitchen.

At least that’s what happened to me.

Lighting a kitchen effectively is just as important as designing the kitchen, but picking indoor lighting for a kitchen is a very different process that doing the same for the rest of your home. Although it still follows basic rules like color matching or theme adherence, picking indoor lighting in this case is about accent and ambience; you don’t want lights so bright that shadows are cast.

Start with the bottoms of the cabinets by adding low-voltage, xenon lighting for a cooler feel. Also try choosing them in rectangular shapes at varying lengths based off your cabinet sizes–if you add circular spots it may draw more attention to the indoor lighting rather than what the indoor lighting is illuminating.

Similarly, ceiling lights need to be chosen with care. Simple modern lighting, without any flashy details or overly bright light are better choices for rooms that keep to such a theme. A lavish indoor light; with elaborate designs may look good, but it’s better to shop impersonally, choosing lights that match a room firstly rather than those chosen purely based off personal preference. It doesn’t matter how much you may like a light; if it doesn’t suit the room, it won’t look good. Alternatively or additionally to a ceiling light, track lighting is another popular choice. Hang the indoor lighting piece above a counter or island and it’ll be right at home. As a final addition, put dimmers on all your hanging lights so that you can change the mood of the room at any notice.

All of your lighting should be planned out before you even set foot in a store. This should include a rough layout of how you want them placed and any other notes or ideas that you’d like to see. If you can’t do it yourself, get a designer. Going prepared will lessen the stress of purchasing and guarantee that you won’t have to return certain pieces of indoor lighting because they do not fit in a non-measured area, or something else just as maddening.

It’s assumed you don’t want your kitchen to look tacky in a couple years, so make sure your future purchases stick to the overall decor, even if you decide to change said decor completely.