In January, I posted some info on developments in lighting, including LEDs. Now there is exciting news about the developments coming to the market. Recently in NYC, at the SDA Lighting Showcase, 30 premier lighting manufacturers featured their latest products. Here is the summary from 3Rings: "....we got a sneak peak at USAI's newest LED lighting, along with the company's groundbreaking NanoLED, which will be unveiled on the national stage at Greenbuild...." read it for yourself, and watch the video on these amazing new lights at:
http://3rings.designerpages.com/2010/09/28/usai-debuts-its-groundbreaking-nanoled-at-the-sda-lighting-showcase/
It may be a little while before these products are available for ordinary residential use, but they are coming!!!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
RENOVATION IN ANDERSON HEIGHTS
BEGINNING WITH THE DRAPERIES, ART AND RUGS.....
These clients own a wonderful home in Anderson Heights in Raleigh, not far from Five Points. They have lived there for years, and love the neighborhood so much, that they decided to stay where they were and renovate. We are still working on the final touches, but I wanted to get this much up on my blog, so the rest of you could see what fun we have been having with our art collection and custom rugs. The picture below is the BEFORE for the Dining Room, and below that is the empty Music Room, which they added during the renovation.
When I first saw this Music Room, I envisioned it as an art gallery. There aren't many walls, but with proper selection of original art and custom area rugs, we could make this room a peaceful yet dynamic experience.
After we designed the draperies (see below for full details), we began the search for some original art. I had seen the work of Scott Upton at Flanders Art Gallery a year before, and had recommended that my clients take a trip to the gallery to see his work. When they did, they were captivated!! We tried several different pieces for this space, and when this blue one went up, my clients were sold. So we began our color scheme with this work. We have since added some additional pieces on the other walls, and they will show up in a later blog post. Flanders has been great to work with!
The design for the rugs in these rooms had to begin with the Music Room. It was critical to choose a color combination that enhanced the Scott Upton, as well as flowed with the rest of the downstairs. And it needed to be simple enough not to detract from the painting, but still have enough detail to be interesting and balance with the rest of the traditional decor in the home. The colors turned out perfect in the space. These jpegs don't do it justice, so if you would like to see the rooms in person, I am sure my clients would be happy to give you "the tour"!
Once we arrived at the right rug for the music room, the challenge was to come up with a design for the adjoining Dining Room space, which is just a few feet away and completely visible from the Music Room. We explored many possibilities, and eventually chose a design that is actually a continuation of the border scrolls in the Music Room. But in this rug we used a plain double border, and let the scrolls dominate in the middle.
This is a close-up of the Dining Room rug, with the Music Room in the background. Both rugs use only 2 colors each, and they are the same colors. But the Music Room field is tip sheared, which makes it look like a third color (while keeping the price down!)
We did a lot of analyzing of color poms to get the right results in these rooms. The Music Room is very sunny, while the Dining Room light varies. We wanted to be sure that the results would be pleasing at all times, both day and night. We are thrilled with the final product!
These clients own a wonderful home in Anderson Heights in Raleigh, not far from Five Points. They have lived there for years, and love the neighborhood so much, that they decided to stay where they were and renovate. We are still working on the final touches, but I wanted to get this much up on my blog, so the rest of you could see what fun we have been having with our art collection and custom rugs. The picture below is the BEFORE for the Dining Room, and below that is the empty Music Room, which they added during the renovation.BEFORE
When I first saw this Music Room, I envisioned it as an art gallery. There aren't many walls, but with proper selection of original art and custom area rugs, we could make this room a peaceful yet dynamic experience.
After we designed the draperies (see below for full details), we began the search for some original art. I had seen the work of Scott Upton at Flanders Art Gallery a year before, and had recommended that my clients take a trip to the gallery to see his work. When they did, they were captivated!! We tried several different pieces for this space, and when this blue one went up, my clients were sold. So we began our color scheme with this work. We have since added some additional pieces on the other walls, and they will show up in a later blog post. Flanders has been great to work with!
The design for the rugs in these rooms had to begin with the Music Room. It was critical to choose a color combination that enhanced the Scott Upton, as well as flowed with the rest of the downstairs. And it needed to be simple enough not to detract from the painting, but still have enough detail to be interesting and balance with the rest of the traditional decor in the home. The colors turned out perfect in the space. These jpegs don't do it justice, so if you would like to see the rooms in person, I am sure my clients would be happy to give you "the tour"!
Once we arrived at the right rug for the music room, the challenge was to come up with a design for the adjoining Dining Room space, which is just a few feet away and completely visible from the Music Room. We explored many possibilities, and eventually chose a design that is actually a continuation of the border scrolls in the Music Room. But in this rug we used a plain double border, and let the scrolls dominate in the middle.
This is a close-up of the Dining Room rug, with the Music Room in the background. Both rugs use only 2 colors each, and they are the same colors. But the Music Room field is tip sheared, which makes it look like a third color (while keeping the price down!)We did a lot of analyzing of color poms to get the right results in these rooms. The Music Room is very sunny, while the Dining Room light varies. We wanted to be sure that the results would be pleasing at all times, both day and night. We are thrilled with the final product!
CLOSE-UP OF CUSTOM LINEN DRAPERIES: I had a close-up here but I accidentally deleted it after I had completed all the rest of the layout. And since I am a designer, and not a webmaster, I give up! I'll post a close-up later on, but you can read about it here:
We chose to wrap the exterior of the room with these linen panels, to improve the acoustics for the piano. I designed a simple pleated panel with horizontal tucks at the top and the bottom. The sheers are fully operable, to provide protection from the direct sun in the morning.
Below are the renderings of our final selections for our custom rugs. After we chose the styles we were interested in, and the wool colors, we had renderings made of each possiblility. There was no charge for these renderings, and we explored at least 20 possibilities. We narrowed it down to these 2, and ordered custom strike-offs (24 x 24 inch corner samples), to be sure that they were perfect in the rooms. We were very happy with our choices, and then ordered the full size rugs. Davis and Davis Rugs has been wonderful to work with. There are hundreds of designs to choose from, and I can render all the standard designs myself with software on my laptop. There are over 120 wool colors, and I have the samples. When we want something that is not standard, they are so helpful, and they will render whatever you want done.
ALSO: they do WALL-TO-WALL carpeting, and have many beautiful designs that they can customize in your choice of colors.
Stay tuned for a continuation of this Project!
As we wrap up the details, and the photos are taken,
I will be posting it!!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
USEFUL INTERIOR DESIGN LINKS
I've just added a new category to the right: Useful Interior Design Links. This makes it easier to just click on the topic you want information about, and be directly linked to that webpage. I had already posted info on lighting, but it's buried in past blog posts. So now you can access it whenever you need it without having to search for it!
Another useful link is to Residential Architect's recent article on Bamboo vs Hardwood - the pros and cons of each.
I've also added the link to Greenguard's Virtual Tour of Indoor Air Quality....A useful interactive guide to understanding indoor air pollution, and the simple ways you can combat it in your home. This is an on-line house tour which allows you to walk through a residence, scroll over various products to learn more about their chemical emissions, and discover some practical solutions.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
BACHELOR'S BATHROOM REMODEL
SAN FRANCISCO HIGH RISE PROJECT COMPLETED....
Remember my April 25 post, with the pictures of the High Rise view from the 1oth floor? We have completed that bathroom remodel, and we are ecstatic about it! Quite a change from the "before" picture below.....
To see the drawings for this design, refer to the earlier email. Here is the finished product:
This is a tiny bathroom: the footprint is only 5 x 9, and this includes the tub, water closet and vanity. The actual floor space is less than half that figure. The challenge, of course, was to make it appear bigger. I did this by expanding the mirror over the sink to be the full width of the wall, and by using a reflective wall paneling on the opposite wall. Also, replacing the old medecine cabinet with a high quality cabinet the same height as the wall mirror creates a continuous corner of reflectivity, adding to the illusion of space.
The owner of this space is an art collector, with a terrific sense of humor. He chose (with my approval!) this hand painted shower curtain, to continue the "art experience". The artist has a website, and you can order these artsy shower curtains on line, at www.showercurtainart.com
The carved granite sink is a focal point, and is complemented with the hand cut, recycled green glass mosaic tiles.
Halogen lighting adds great clean light to this crisp room....
VIEW INTO THE DINING AREA
Remember my April 25 post, with the pictures of the High Rise view from the 1oth floor? We have completed that bathroom remodel, and we are ecstatic about it! Quite a change from the "before" picture below.....
To see the drawings for this design, refer to the earlier email. Here is the finished product:
This is a tiny bathroom: the footprint is only 5 x 9, and this includes the tub, water closet and vanity. The actual floor space is less than half that figure. The challenge, of course, was to make it appear bigger. I did this by expanding the mirror over the sink to be the full width of the wall, and by using a reflective wall paneling on the opposite wall. Also, replacing the old medecine cabinet with a high quality cabinet the same height as the wall mirror creates a continuous corner of reflectivity, adding to the illusion of space.This apartment building is about 30 years old, and due to the way the plumbing was configured, it wasn't feasible to change out the water closet. So we chose white grout for the tile, to help minimize the old fixture.
The wall hung vanity also adds to the spacious feel.
The owner of this space is an art collector, with a terrific sense of humor. He chose (with my approval!) this hand painted shower curtain, to continue the "art experience". The artist has a website, and you can order these artsy shower curtains on line, at www.showercurtainart.com 
The carved granite sink is a focal point, and is complemented with the hand cut, recycled green glass mosaic tiles.
Halogen lighting adds great clean light to this crisp room....
VIEW INTO THE DINING AREAWe had the BEST contractor on this project: Be sure to check him out if you need work done in San Francisco: Brendan Waters. www.brendanwatersconstruction.com
This project is an excellent example of virtual design. I visited this space 2 years ago and took pictures. That's it. The entire project has been completed long distance, using phone and email. It has been a real pleasure to work on - the client is ABSOLUTELY one of my favorites!
Now we are working on the plans for remodeling the kitchen.
STAY TUNED!
W O W ! ! is this RECYCLED ? ? ?
SAVE THOSE PLASTIC BOTTLES!!!
Look what was launched at the Milan Furniture Fair a few weeks ago!
This is a very classy chair! Shown here in a one ton block of ice (Milan always does things over the top!), the chair is designed by Philippe Starck, and produced by Emeco, in conjunction with Coca-Cola. It's official name is the Navy Chair, and the original design was produced with 80% recycled materials. This new version is called the 111, because it uses 111 recycled soda bottles per chair.
Coca-Cola approached Emeco with the challenge of making a Navy Chair with a new, unproven formulation of rPET (recycled plastic bottles). Spawned by Coca-Cola’s new Spartanburg South Carolina recycling plant, the concept intended to raise awareness about recycling. “The goal of the 111 Navy project was to alter consumer behavior by illustrating the value of rPET with beautifully designed and everyday products - ultimately encouraging more recycling.” They expect to use 3 million plastic bottles per year in the manufacture of this chair.
Looks to me like they will succeed. It sure appeals to my "Green Mindset!"
The chair has a distinctive, “velvet” finish that is scratch resistant and comes in six colors: Red, Snow, Flint Gray, Grass Green, Persimmon and Charcoal. Three of them (Snow, Flint and Red) can be used outdoors.
Look what was launched at the Milan Furniture Fair a few weeks ago!
This is a very classy chair! Shown here in a one ton block of ice (Milan always does things over the top!), the chair is designed by Philippe Starck, and produced by Emeco, in conjunction with Coca-Cola. It's official name is the Navy Chair, and the original design was produced with 80% recycled materials. This new version is called the 111, because it uses 111 recycled soda bottles per chair.Coca-Cola approached Emeco with the challenge of making a Navy Chair with a new, unproven formulation of rPET (recycled plastic bottles). Spawned by Coca-Cola’s new Spartanburg South Carolina recycling plant, the concept intended to raise awareness about recycling. “The goal of the 111 Navy project was to alter consumer behavior by illustrating the value of rPET with beautifully designed and everyday products - ultimately encouraging more recycling.” They expect to use 3 million plastic bottles per year in the manufacture of this chair.
Looks to me like they will succeed. It sure appeals to my "Green Mindset!"
The chair has a distinctive, “velvet” finish that is scratch resistant and comes in six colors: Red, Snow, Flint Gray, Grass Green, Persimmon and Charcoal. Three of them (Snow, Flint and Red) can be used outdoors. Drink Coke, and then sit in it!
=)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING DESIGNER
Here are some great tips for planning your next lighting project!
PLiNTH & CHiNTZ :: The Online Interior Design Magazine - 2010/06: Oops! 9 Lighting Mistakes To Avoid In Your Next Kitchen Or Bath Project
Be sure to follow the links in the article, if you would like more information. This designer is great in sharing her resources....The link on choosing the correct color in CFLs is especially helpful....
PLiNTH & CHiNTZ :: The Online Interior Design Magazine - 2010/06: Oops! 9 Lighting Mistakes To Avoid In Your Next Kitchen Or Bath Project
Be sure to follow the links in the article, if you would like more information. This designer is great in sharing her resources....The link on choosing the correct color in CFLs is especially helpful....
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Exciting News!!
I am very honored to have been selected again by Ava Living, an international interior design website, to have my work featured in their special Sunroom Showcase this week!! The showcase runs through this Sunday......To read my free tips for sunroom design, see my website: Publications page, Living in Style magazine.
The first time Ava featured my design, it was for my Gallery Dining Room. You can view that page on my website under Publications too....
Ava has many interesting things to offer the design enthusiast. Check it out!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO HIGH RISE APARTMENT
What would you do, if you lived on the top floor of a high rise in Pacific Heights (San Francisco), and this was your daytime view of the city.....
And this was your night time view.....
And this was your bathroom....?
Not a hard decision!! My client decided to renovate. We are having the best time selecting all the materials for a really classy bathroom. This is the new vanity.....
This is the new light fixture......
And this is the elevation that I have done with my new software program, which I absolutely LOVE working with!! With this software, we can change out the different elements with the click of the mouse, and experiment with different colors and materials. I have enlarged the mirror to over twice the size of the existing one, and we have selected wonderful recycled glass tile (eco-friendly), slate flooring, and a really unusual wall paneling....The installation should be complete in a few months, so be sure to check back to see the photos of the finished project!
And this was your night time view.....
And this was your bathroom....?
Not a hard decision!! My client decided to renovate. We are having the best time selecting all the materials for a really classy bathroom. This is the new vanity.....
This is the new light fixture......
And this is the elevation that I have done with my new software program, which I absolutely LOVE working with!! With this software, we can change out the different elements with the click of the mouse, and experiment with different colors and materials. I have enlarged the mirror to over twice the size of the existing one, and we have selected wonderful recycled glass tile (eco-friendly), slate flooring, and a really unusual wall paneling....The installation should be complete in a few months, so be sure to check back to see the photos of the finished project!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
I love light sculpture – and this one is fantastic!!!!!
Design Drift’s Fly Light is Alive with Illumination
Copied from Alicita Rodriguez on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
Fly Light. Designed by Design Drift.
Taking its cues not from a bird’s outward appearance but rather from the tantalizing mysteries of flock locomotion, Fly Light is a collection of 160 light-infused glass tubes hung at varying heights in a swirled configuration. The arrangement is scenic enough when dark, but when someone approaches, the individual bulbs flicker and dash in a pattern that resembles the waxing and waning of birds in flight.
If you’ve never seen the phenomenon I allude to, take a look at Design Drift’s Fly Light Video. This tremendous flock of black birds appears to have a propulsive life all its own—as the birds deftly negotiate the hazards of leading and/or flying too close to a flock-mate, the great mass pulsates from within, resembling an oversized, skyward jellyfish. Design Drift modeled Fly Light (beginning back in 2007, which gives you some sense of its complexity) after this apparently indiscernible pattern, which is actually anything but: “this behaviour is not so accidental as it looks… every bird has to keep a safe distance from their neighbor bird in front, below, above, and next to it. They all want to fly in the middle of the group and no one wants to be the leader flying in front. What will happen if an intruder interrupts?”
Fly Light intends to answer this query by positioning the spectator in the role of the latter. The 160 lights are programmed with a bird’s “digital DNA” and equipped with ultrasonic sensors, which means they illuminate in random sequences depending on the “intruder’s” proximity. The result is a spontaneous display of phosphorescent evasion and approach as, like birds, the individual lights must stray from the threat without falling off the back. The most alluring aspect of the installation is its unpredictability. The lights alight in a non-repetitive way, taking their cues from the density of the approaching mass (meaning a more dramatic response for more visitors, or an especially frantic reaction when flanked on multiple sides). As Design Drift observes, “the interesting part is the free will of the flock: does the group attack the viewers one by one, or will it split up and flee?”
To see the video, which is even more fantastic than the photos, go to:
http://youtube.com/user/ralphnauta
Be sure to turn on your sound!!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
TRANSFORM LIVES
ITALIAN SHEETS or WORLD PROBLEMS?
I have seen a lot of blog material from designers, and while I do think Italian Sheets are beyond compare, I have to say that this Designer really has captured my attention: Emily Pilloton. Emily is an architect, and I have read several of her blogposts about environmental issues, but this latest Project is by far the most meaningful thing I have seen recently.
In 2008 Emily created Project H Design, a non-profit group focused on design solutions for humanity's problems. Project H has designed and created school playgrounds from North Carolina to Uganda that teach children math, built computer labs in impoverished school districts, and helped women transport water in Africa.
IN 2009, Emily published a book, "Design Revolution: 100 Products that Empower People." She was featured with her book and several of the inventions on the Colbert Report. To read all about Project H, visit the website: http://projecthdesign.org
in 2010, Emily put together a roadshow that is visiting about 25 high schools and universities, showing the products and educating young people in the potential that Design has to transform their worlds. To follow the progress of the Roadshow, see their blog :http://designrevolutionroadshow.com/
They were here at NC State this past Monday, and had a huge impact on their audience. Be sure to check older posts to read about NC State, and also SCAD in Savannah.
But as cool as all this is, the most touching thing to me is that Emily and her partner have recently committed to moving from San Francisco to Bertie County, NC, to teach a year-long, part design, part shop class to students in the county's agricultural vocational school. They will teach high-level math and science by engaging the students in design projects, and then coaching them through the "build" process. The result will be that young people from one of the poorest school districts in the state of NC will have the skills and inspiration to tranform life in their environments. HOW COOL IS THAT?????????????????
The above picture is not Emily! Please visit the roadshow url to see a YouTube clip of Emily describing her humanitarian goals; also you can click on the Colbert Report link on her site to see that video. It's quite humorous!
I have seen a lot of blog material from designers, and while I do think Italian Sheets are beyond compare, I have to say that this Designer really has captured my attention: Emily Pilloton. Emily is an architect, and I have read several of her blogposts about environmental issues, but this latest Project is by far the most meaningful thing I have seen recently.
In 2008 Emily created Project H Design, a non-profit group focused on design solutions for humanity's problems. Project H has designed and created school playgrounds from North Carolina to Uganda that teach children math, built computer labs in impoverished school districts, and helped women transport water in Africa. IN 2009, Emily published a book, "Design Revolution: 100 Products that Empower People." She was featured with her book and several of the inventions on the Colbert Report. To read all about Project H, visit the website: http://projecthdesign.org
in 2010, Emily put together a roadshow that is visiting about 25 high schools and universities, showing the products and educating young people in the potential that Design has to transform their worlds. To follow the progress of the Roadshow, see their blog :http://designrevolutionroadshow.com/
They were here at NC State this past Monday, and had a huge impact on their audience. Be sure to check older posts to read about NC State, and also SCAD in Savannah.
But as cool as all this is, the most touching thing to me is that Emily and her partner have recently committed to moving from San Francisco to Bertie County, NC, to teach a year-long, part design, part shop class to students in the county's agricultural vocational school. They will teach high-level math and science by engaging the students in design projects, and then coaching them through the "build" process. The result will be that young people from one of the poorest school districts in the state of NC will have the skills and inspiration to tranform life in their environments. HOW COOL IS THAT????????????????? 
The above picture is not Emily! Please visit the roadshow url to see a YouTube clip of Emily describing her humanitarian goals; also you can click on the Colbert Report link on her site to see that video. It's quite humorous!
The Project H site has detailed info about the project in Bertie County. There is a link to Paypal if you would like to make a donation.
So what about the Italian Sheets? For those of you who thought this post would be about luxury linens, Yes, I do have several sources for exquisite bedding that feels wonderful against your skin. As a matter of fact, I have several price points available in Italian bedding. Why not go middle of the road, and donate the difference to Project H!
TRANSFORM A LIFE....
Monday, March 1, 2010
TRANSFORM A KID'S ROOM
A couple of years ago, one of my favorite clients called me and said "It's time to do my son's room. This young man was beginning to express his individuality, and like many of his peers, he did a fair amount of "gaming" in his free time. He entertained his friends in his room, and his room was devoid of personality. Here it was:
The bed was to the right of the door,
and a large media bookcase
was right in front of the door.
The first thing I suggested was a
change in floor plan. Let's put the bed
in the window alcove, and let's increase
the bed size from the existing twin to a
double. Done!
The young man loved the items in the
current Pottery Barn for Teens
catalog, so I interviewed him and his
mother to find out what functions we
needed to provide for.
Here's what we came up with. Where the bed used to be, we installed a media wall, with colorful storage bins, and a new flat screen TV.
The new bed went into the alcove,
with a Pottery Barn bedspread
and decorative pillows.
A reclining gaming chair went into the
corner, with a mini-frig to keep soft drinks
for his friends.
A colorful contemporary rug
brightened up the space,
coordinating all the Pottery Barn items.
But the "Piece de Resistance" was this:
The bed was to the right of the door,
and a large media bookcase
was right in front of the door.
The first thing I suggested was a
change in floor plan. Let's put the bed
in the window alcove, and let's increase
the bed size from the existing twin to a
double. Done!
The young man loved the items in the
current Pottery Barn for Teens
catalog, so I interviewed him and his
mother to find out what functions we
needed to provide for.
Here's what we came up with. Where the bed used to be, we installed a media wall, with colorful storage bins, and a new flat screen TV.
The new bed went into the alcove,
with a Pottery Barn bedspread
and decorative pillows.
A reclining gaming chair went into the
corner, with a mini-frig to keep soft drinks
for his friends.
A colorful contemporary rug
brightened up the space,
coordinating all the Pottery Barn items.
But the "Piece de Resistance" was this:
His mom provided me with some photos taken on a family ski trip, and asked me to design his room around one of them. I chose this one, and she had it blown up to wallpaper. When you walked into the room, this photo filled the wall to the left. His bed is to the right in this photo:
Sunday, February 7, 2010
JEWELRY FIND
MEET KELLY!!
I know I said this blog was going to be about Interior Design, but I just have to tell you about this new Jewelry artist. Since I have Jewelry Design in my background and in my blood, I was so excited to see this artist's work. She has a design aesthetic like mine, and her work with Ethnic beads is similar to some of my work from my gallery days in Chicago and Louisiana.
Just look at these beautiful pieces!!
It makes me want to get out my beads and make some art! Right now I am too busy with Interior Design, but one day I will pull out my collection of beads and precious stones and return to the joy of jewelry. In the meantime, here's Kelly!
Be sure to visit her website. It's great!
web address is:
www.xogallery.com
www.xogallery.com
Thursday, January 21, 2010
GREEN LIGHTING
CFL - LED - What's a girl to do?
It's a pretty confusing world out there with the rapidly changing techonology in lighting.
Two years ago, the choices in CFL's were very limited, and the results in residential applications left a lot to be desired. But now there are numerous options in the CFL camp, including bulb shapes, color temperature, and dimmable CFL's. The quality of the bulb is very important. (CFL's manufactured in the USA are usually superior to offshore sources.)
Last fall I attended an ASID Continuing Education course on Energy Efficient Residential Lighting, and I am still studying and absorbing all the facts. The bottom line is that you can save money by using CFL's in almost every place that you use an old technology lamp, AND MOST IMPORTANT, you can probably find a CFL that is just as pleasing to you as your old type A bulb. But it takes a little research, experimenting, and maybe even some math!!
Regarding the LED's - at the time I took the Continuing Ed course, the word on LED was that even though there is information being printed on the new Dept of Energy Label (http://www.ledinside.com/DOE_announces_Lighting_Facts_Label_2010), when you get to the color temperature (degrees Kelvin), it is not easy to completely pin this down, since the RGB deteriorates differently over time, so the color of the light WILL CHANGE. This means that you can pay a huge amount for a long lasting LED, but that the color of that LED may change over the life of the bulb. So today, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. (But that could be different tomorrow!!)
It's a pretty confusing world out there with the rapidly changing techonology in lighting.
We've just begun to get used to the idea of CFL's and now LED's are making the news. See this article and some of the newest LED designs:http://www.dwell.com/articles/shine-on-you-crazy-diode.html
You'll notice that all of the designs shown on the Dwell site are VERY contemporary. Right now that is all that seems to be available. (As soon as Frederick Cooper and Chapman show LED designs in a traditional lamp, I will be sure to post it on this blog!) But even if you are not a contemporary lighting fan, it doesn't hurt to be learning about the new technology.
Two years ago, the choices in CFL's were very limited, and the results in residential applications left a lot to be desired. But now there are numerous options in the CFL camp, including bulb shapes, color temperature, and dimmable CFL's. The quality of the bulb is very important. (CFL's manufactured in the USA are usually superior to offshore sources.)
Last fall I attended an ASID Continuing Education course on Energy Efficient Residential Lighting, and I am still studying and absorbing all the facts. The bottom line is that you can save money by using CFL's in almost every place that you use an old technology lamp, AND MOST IMPORTANT, you can probably find a CFL that is just as pleasing to you as your old type A bulb. But it takes a little research, experimenting, and maybe even some math!!
Regarding the LED's - at the time I took the Continuing Ed course, the word on LED was that even though there is information being printed on the new Dept of Energy Label (http://www.ledinside.com/DOE_announces_Lighting_Facts_Label_2010), when you get to the color temperature (degrees Kelvin), it is not easy to completely pin this down, since the RGB deteriorates differently over time, so the color of the light WILL CHANGE. This means that you can pay a huge amount for a long lasting LED, but that the color of that LED may change over the life of the bulb. So today, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. (But that could be different tomorrow!!)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
GREEN is a Mind Set
Remember the SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON TREE HOUSE?
That was the ultimate "green" living. Here is someone's contemporary version that I pulled off the internet. Pretty cool, isn't it?
I've had a "green" mindset for as far back as I can remember. Maybe I learned it from my English mom, who experienced food rationing in England during WWII. We were taught to waste nothing! There is always a use for things.
****************
And one of my current favorites to recyle is Christmas Cards. Each January, I take all the cards from the season, and cut them on my paper cutter to make beautiful gift tags for the next year. Each tag is different, or course, and I enjoy finding the perfect tag for each gift every year.
*************
That was the ultimate "green" living. Here is someone's contemporary version that I pulled off the internet. Pretty cool, isn't it?
But it gets better! This beautiful example of green comes from Whole Trees Architecture in Wisconsin. This company uses whole trees because they are structurally more efficient than milled lumber. You can visit their website to read about how they incorporate this green practice in their building: http://www.wholetreesarchitecture.com/
I've had a "green" mindset for as far back as I can remember. Maybe I learned it from my English mom, who experienced food rationing in England during WWII. We were taught to waste nothing! There is always a use for things. *************
When I was a teenager, I collected boxes - all kinds. I hated to throw away a good box. I had a special cabinet that I kept them in, and whenever anyone needed a container, I was the one they would ask. (I still collect boxes!)
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In college, Northwestern University had an auxiliary set of classes called "experimental college." I signed up to teach a "green" class (but it wasn't called green then). I called it "Junk Workshop," and I taught the attendees how to recycle things that would normally be thrown away. One of the projects was to take glass jars of different shapes, glue them together, and spray paint them to make tall candleholders! This was before recycling, obviously.
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When I was a jewelry designer in Chicago, shortly after college, the City of Chicago began to research glass recycling. They were looking for uses for the recycled glass, and they brought some black slag glass to our studio, and asked us if we could turn it into jewelry. We obliged them by having the glass cut into a polished cabochon by our gem cutter, and we set the glass stone into a sterling silver ring. The pictures were published in the Chicago Tribune. I actually have a photo of this somewhere, but after moving several times, I have no clue where it is!
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And one of my current favorites to recyle is Christmas Cards. Each January, I take all the cards from the season, and cut them on my paper cutter to make beautiful gift tags for the next year. Each tag is different, or course, and I enjoy finding the perfect tag for each gift every year.
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Green is a mindset, and we can all have it. It's about being wise with what we have - No more "throw-away society." It's about loving our Earth and all its beautiful resources. And green can be really beautiful. Check out this link for amazing green paper plates:
And for more information on some green things you can do this year, see this link, by Penny Bonda, Queen of Green!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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