February 2017 Delightful Design

This month's Delightful Design features an eclectic mix of textures and finishes that bring to life the essence of today's transitional design.  The anchor pieces would have to be the Belino 4 Door Chest and the Ocean Blue Laela Accent Chair - both of these pieces speak to a traditional value but are done with contemporary tones.  The pop of gold in the artwork is accented by the Highline Chandelier and the Bookends, and is complimented by the touches of gold on the table lamp and end table.  There is a theme of Gloss White introduced in the shades of the chandelier, the body of the lamp and the end table creating a true loop of design within the space.

We love the subtle pattern in the area rug and how it is played upon by the door pattern of the Chest, the variety of blues in the color palette provide a restful and relaxing mix in this harmonious collection of elements.  This mix of product would be lovely in a Master Sitting Area, Home Office or Living Room.

The featured products from Quorum International, Cyan Designs & Uttermost are shown below with links to each of them on the Lighting Etc. Website:

Highline Chandelier by Quorum International

Belino 4-Door Chest by Uttermost

Laela Armchair by Uttermost

Myeshia Accent Table by Uttermost

Goldie Locks Bookends by Cyan Design

Codru Table Lamp by Uttermost

Exploding Star Artwork by Uttermost

Laracle Area Rug by Uttermost

We hope you enjoyed this Delightful Design!  We look forward to helping you bring your Decor to Light!  be sure to contact us here at the Lighting Etc. Showroom with any questions you might have or additional information you might need.

Blessings!

Denise & Kellie

Lighting Etc.

Loving The Light - January 4, 2017

It's the beginning of the New Year.......  and as with many folks, I've been thinking about the things that I want to do differently this year.........  One of those things is this blog........

Blogging has been something that I've wanted to do for our business, but it's been one of the places that I've struggled the most......  First - I don't know anything about blogging!  LOL!  Yes, I read many blogs.....  but they are all different......  which is a good thing, because if they were all the same there would be no reason for them!  That being said, as a novice, it can be an overwhelming task to try and create "The Perfect Blog" for our business.......

In the past it's always been about a specific thing......  Chandeliers, Dimmers, Bulbs, etc.  The truth is that there is only so much a person can say about those "specific" things......  and then you hit a mental block......

So - from here on out I will be writing about what I Love......  what WE Love.......  and it will always be different!  I'm so very EXCITED!!!!  I Prayed this very morning......  "God, please show me how to do this blog." and He did!  Thus......  "Loving The Light" is now going to be one of our topics! Each time something that I love, or something that we love as a company, happens or is realized I will be blogging about it!  Now.....  I'm not sure what "proper blogging etiquette" is.....  but our blog will have a variety of posts.......  "Decor Brought To Light" will be where all those posts land.....  but each title will provide the associated topic......  Again, not sure if that's how it's supposed to work or not - but that's how we are going to do it :)

So.....
When God answered my Prayer this morning with regards to the "Loving The Light" concept - I knew that this very first post had to reflect the things that I love most about Lighting Etc.!





First - I LOVE that we are a Faith Based Business!  We proclaim it in every way we can!  God has been so very Good to us!  We are truly Blessed to be here and it is by His Grace that we are still in business today!  And I say that with all sincerity.......  We are Blessed to live in a country where we are allowed to proclaim our Faith so publicly!  From the sign on our Front Door to the Praise & Worship music that we play in our Showroom - we know Whose we are and we give Him ALL the Glory!







Second - I LOVE our Staff!  We have the absolute BEST Team in the Industry!!!  We are a small staff - but we are Mighty in our knowledge, dedication and passion!  Each and every person who works at Lighting Etc. is committed to meeting our clients needs, and helping them to find exactly what they are looking for!  They are also the most incredible people to work with!  Each and every one of them are part of the bigger picture......  which is The Showroom.......  From the gals who make up our Lighting Consultants Team, to Service & Delivery, to our Warehouse Staff!  These are the folks that make coming to work each day a Pleasure!  We work hard, but we also enjoy what we do and enjoy working with each other!  That is a True Blessing!

Third - Our products!  We have curated quite the eclectic mix of manufacturers over the past 38 years!  We LOVE to bring the variety of options to life here in the Lighting Etc. Showroom!  Our display is constantly changing and evolving, which allows us to always present the most exciting options available!  We love being able to show AS MUCH as we can!  Folks who come into the Showroom for the first time may feel a little overwhelmed by all of the choices - but that's why we are here!  To show you EVERYTHING that there is to choose from!  Don't worry....  we'll help you to narrow down the options and find exactly what you are looking for!

Well....  There you have it......  our first post about "Loving The Light" here on the Decor Brought To Light Blog.......
I hope that y'all will follow along on this journey of our small Mom & Pop business.  I promise to always write honestly and from the heart about all the different things that we Love!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, and for allowing us to Share our Love with you!

Blessings!
Denise

January 2017 Delightful Design

As 2017 commences, we begin a new monthly post titled Delightful Design - our goal being to bring together some of our favorite curated products into a specific design - all of which is available here at Lighting Etc.!

This month we decided to feature products that have a traditional flair with a contemporary twist....

The combination of mixed metals, and the touch of dramatic accent colors play wonderfully together allowing a classic and timeless design with a fashion forward statement.

We drew from our love of the traditional in the area rug, and then pulled the light blue accent out with the use of the table lamp.  The side chair grounds the design with it's deep grey fabric which is also drawn from the rug.  The side has a base of twigs which provides the texture needed to balance the design and plays beautifully with the pendant!  The mirror provides a reflective reprieve and will allow the light to bounce in the space.

The bookends are the perfect finishing touch to this lovely design.

The featured products from Quorum International, Cyan Designs & Uttermost are shown below with links to each:

The Electra Pendant by Quorum International

The Connolly Armchair by Uttermost

The Lilia Table Lamp by Uttermost

The Brittany Branch Side Table by Cyan

Birds & Books Bookends by Cyan

The Royan Nouveau Rug by Cyan

The Huron Mirror by Cyan

We hope you enjoyed this Delightful Design!  We look forward to helping you bring your Decor to Light!  Be sure to contact us here at the Lighting Etc. Showroom with any questions you might have.

Blessings!
Denise & Kellie
Lighting Etc.

LIGHTING 101 WITH LIGHTING ETC.

February 2016 - Sconces

I guess the best place to start this post is with the word: Sconce

Sconce

/ skäns /

noun

A light source that is attached to a wall with an ornamental bracket

Now that we know how to say it and what it is……..  Let’s talk about how a sconce can be of benefit to your design and lighting needs.

Sconces can be utilized in a myriad of ways to not only brighten a dark space, but to bring a sense of style and décor to what might otherwise be a blank wall…….  Here at Lighting Etc. we like to think of the lighting as the “Jewelry of the Home” and if that is true then sconces would definitely be considered the “Earrings” of the ensemble. 

I found a wonderful description regarding sconces on the Capital Lighting Fixture Company website:

“Whether your room calls for a warm and comfortable or bright and vibrant light source, sconce lighting sets the mood like no other lighting fixture. When hung on the wall of your hallway, above your fireplace or in the bathroom, sconce fixtures offer more than beautiful light. They support the ambiance that is uniquely yours; the one you’ve worked so hard to create.”

I just love the way that reads!  And it’s so true!  Sconces can be the wonderful little accent pieces that truly make a room your own! 

A hallway between rooms is brought to life with the addition of sconces on the wall.  In both of these examples the fixtures have dimmers allowing them a range of options whether providing bright light to pull you into the space or a softer dim light that allows you to move safely in the dark.

Sconces can also be utilized to balance the light in a room or design, adding multiple levels of light that surround you in your space, illuminating your path or bringing a sense of warmth to your décor.

Wall sconces add the perfect balance between form and function allowing layers of light to be achieved by adding a light source to a variety of areas within a design.  They add your personal touch to a space and help make if feel like home.

Sconces are also a great source indirect lighting.  Think about the movie theaters you went to as a kid……  Remember the soft glowing sconces along the wall ……  One of the best moments of that movie were when the harsh lights overhead went off and the wall sconces were dimmed down so low that you could barely see them……  and then the movie began!  It’s no wonder that we love to utilize wall sconces in our media rooms!  That touch of nostalgia never gets old, it just comes to life in our own design.

Always remember – Your home is your own……  It is meant to reflect who you are.  It is meant to allow you to relax and enjoy your time and moments with your loved ones.  The décor doesn’t have to be expensive – it just needs to allow you to feel comfortable and happy when you walk in.  But it’s easier to see the beauty of your home if there is light to see by.  :)

Thanks so much for joining us on Lighting 101 - Sconces. If you have questions or would like additional information please feel free to contact us at the Lighting Etc. Showroom, here on our website or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram! We look forward to helping Bring Your Decor to Light! 

Blessings!!!
Denise

Featured Sconces:

Lighting 101 with Lighting Etc.

January 2016 

LED – You’ve heard the term…….  You know that it is a better use of energy……  But you aren’t sure how to use it in your home…..  That’s what we are going to talk about today.

Please note – this is not a “Technical” post.  This is a post to help everyday people understand and utilize LED possibilities in their homes.  That being said – let’s begin!

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.  OK….. So what is it?

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it.

Great!  Now what does that mean to me???  The best part about that explanation is that some really smart folks have applied science to lighting and have come up with wonderful solutions for all of us with regards to the light bulbs that we use in our homes.  The chart below provides basic info to help you realize the benefits of updating your home with LED:

Chart Source: http://www.designrecycleinc.com/

Truth be told – we are still in the infancy of LED with regards to residential lighting applications.  The technology keeps surpassing previous abilities and revolutionizing what it can and can’t do and how it does it.  Also – the cost of LED products will continue to come down due to Supply & Demand.  The technology has been achieved, the discovery has been made, now the products will continue to appear and the price point will begin to get competitive allowing all of us the ability to afford these solutions in our homes.  The key to successfully utilizing LED in your home is to buy a good quality product that has a manufacturer that will stand behind it.

Lighting Etc. has been very careful about jumping into LED product……  We have seen a variety of bulbs and fixtures coming into the marketplace during the past 10 years, but it is just recently that we have been happy and comfortable enough to bring these products into our Showroom to offer to our clients.  Why did it take us so long?  Because we want to bring products to our homeowners that we KNOW will stand the test of time!  We want them to be Dimmable, have Consistent and Correct color, and to be an Easy Solution for our homeowners. 

The easiest place to begin the transition to LED in your home is to change out your light bulbs – The LED bulbs that are now available look as close to regular light bulbs as we have ever seen!!  Here are a few pictures taken from the display fixtures here in the Lighting Etc. Showroom:

 

                          

      

Another place that the change to LED can be made in a pretty cost effective manner is to utilize the retro-fit LED recess conversion kits now available.  Not only will you be lighting your home in a more efficient manner, these fixtures really allow for a cleaner more streamlined look in your design.  Not to mention the fact that they put off a brighter light and produce no heat.  The following pictures show what the retrofit unit look like when turned on and turned off:

Many of us have undercabinet lights in our kitchens and offices.  This is an additional place where LED is truly beneficial in the abundance of light produced with little or no heat!  Remember those melted chocolates……..  that won’t happen with LED!!!  J

We are beginning to see more and more options with regards to actual fixtures (Chandeliers, Sconces, Flush Mounts, etc.) that utilize LED components so that there are no bulbs to deal with at all.  As the LED market continues to evolve we will continue to see new and innovative ways to utilize LED in our homes and Lighting Etc. will be on the lookout for each and every option!

Here are a few that we have found so far on this LED journey that we trust and are proud to offer:

LED Undercabinet Lights by Quorum International

LED Retrofit Units by Civilight

LED Flush Mounts by Quorum International

LED Pendants by ET2

LED Chandeliers by Maxim

LED Exterior fixtures by Hinkley

LED Recess Can Bulbs & A19 Replacement Bulbs by Kobi

LED Candelabra Bulbs by Spotlite

Thanks so much for joining us on Lighting 101 – LED.  If you have questions or would like additional information please feel free to contact us at the Lighting Etc. Showroom, here on our website or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram!  

We look forward to helping Bring Your Décor To Light!

Blessings!!!

Denise

Let's Talk Proportion

My nephew Forrest started in on me a few months ago......  Wanting me to "Blog" about the questions I ask our customers when they come into the showroom looking for a dining room chandelier.  You see......  I tend to ask them ALOT of questions.......  The main reason for all the questions is so that we can truly meet their needs -  for proportion, function and design....

So today - we will address "Proportion"

Let's begin:
How high is your ceiling?
What are the dimensions of your table?
What shape is your table?
Is it glass topped or wood topped?

How high is your ceiling:
The ceiling height truly sets the basics for the dimension the chandelier should be....  An industry standard that we utilize in our designs is that the bottom of the chandelier should be 5 feet off the floor over a table.  Yes - off the floor.....   Now this is just the first half of the equation - so stay with me here......  If your ceiling is 10 feet tall and we want the bottom of the light 5 feet off the floor - then that means we have 5 feet to fill.......  We like to see proportion/balance between fixture and the chain used to hang it.......  So in this case we would want a fixture that is at least 30" tall (minimum) and not to exceed 42" tall.
Now the reality is that there are no "lighting police" (LOL! - although in some cases there should be) - so if you want to hang your dining fixture a little higher....  by all means - it is your home and you should do what you want to create a pleasing design that you can enjoy each day, but we have to have a "standard" with which to begin the process :)

What are the dimensions of your table:

The second half of the equation now begins......  With the dimensions of the dining room table we can answer our question for what the width of the chandelier should be........  Again - an industry standard that we use is what I lovingly call "Lean In Room".......  I want to be able to "lean in" across a table and not bang my head on the chandelier (granted I'm 6 feet tall... LOL).  What this tells us is that we want 8-10 inches of "lean in" room on each side of the table......  So - if your table is 50" in diameter - your chandelier should be around 34" wide.......  

What shape is your table:

This has become one of the more important variables mainly because of the longer "harvest" tables that we have been seeing in design for the last couple of years.  We want to be sure to compliment and enhance the dining room as a whole - so if we have a really long table with a small round chandelier hung in the center it can look unbalanced - not to mention the fact that we probably won't be providing adequate light, but that is another blog.....  Needless to say - the shape of the table should be thought about when choosing the chandelier.  Keep in mind..... This chandelier will hang over this table 365 days a year, so we want to address the "every day" shape NOT the shape when you put the "leafs" in it a couple of times a year.

Design by Chelsea Whitman of Whitman Interiors with Downtown fixtures from Quoizel by Lighting Etc.

Design by Tiffany McKinzie Interiors with Cesto fixture from Corbett by Lighting Etc.

Is it glass topped or wood topped:
One of the last questions that I ask for "proportional" info is whether your table is glass topped or wood topped.  If you have a wood topped table we need to balance the visual weight of that table - meaning - the frame structure of the light can be fuller and heavier to balance out the wood below it.  Same is true for a glass topped table, because the glass is transparent the light fixture can have a finer frame and simpler structure so as not to be too heavy looking.
This being said - please keep in mind that "design" is personal.  It is your home and you can have whatever makes you happy.

Design by the Parsons Family with Claybourne fixture from Capital by Lighting Etc.

Design by Kevin Wolfe with Autumn Twilight fixture from Golden by Lighting Etc.

These are just a few of the questions that allow us to "see" a customer's space without really seeing it. They help us to help our customers :)  Hopefully, they will help you as well.  :)

Next time we will share the questions we ask to meet the "Design" needs of our customers!!  :)

Until then.....
Thanks so much for the "read" - Have a Blessed day!  And we will Light It Up again soon!!
Be Blessed!!
Denise

Fruition........ The end result of Love At First Sight

One of the coolest things about what we do is that in many cases we can follow a design from paper to fruition......  We begin the lighting process with a set of blueprints - follow it to ground breaking - then on through to the installation of the lighting fixtures.

But the very best part is when we are asked back to see the end result of a project!!  It is something that we truly look forward to and enjoy :)

We are Blessed to watch our customer's faces light up when they find the perfect fixture for their space!!  Sometimes they see it on display in the Lighting Etc. Showroom - or they find it flipping thru one of our catalogs - they might even come across it while surfing the Lighting Etc. website......

Whichever way they discover their perfect piece......  The end result is what matters :)
Each client's dream begins with Love at First Sight........

Fascino by Uttermost

Sharon wanted a "touch" of Bling for her Master Bath - While visiting the Lighting Etc. Showroom she fell in love with the 2-light pendant from the Fascino Collection by Uttermost!!  It provided just the right amount of color, shimmer and shine for her space!!

Lighting by Lighting Etc.

Cesto by Corbett Lighting

Tiffany, of Tiffany McKinzie Interior Design Inc., saw a picture of this 8-light pendant from the Corbett Lighting Cesto Collection in a catalog and immediately envisioned it on the job!!!  She was absolutely right - it was the perfect fixture for the space!!

Design by by Tiffany McKinzie with Lighting by Lighting Etc.

Olsay by Kichler

Many components come into play when selecting the lighting for a space - Chelsea Whitman of Whitman Interiors allowed her fixture choice to compliment and play with the fabric choice of the space - the result?  An incredible design!!!  The minute she saw it on our website - she knew that it would work :)

Design by Whitman Interiors with Lighting by Lighting Etc.

Love at first sight - Yes!  It can happen and when it does.......... you can achieve your end result with a smile on your face!!!  In other words.........

As always....

Thanks so much for the "read" - Have a Blessed day!  And we will Light It Up again soon!!!

Be Blessed!!

Denise