Shedding Some Light

I've been enjoying scouring the internet and design magazines lately to get inspiration for a billiard room renovation in the works. If you've ever spent time on the websites of the large internet lighting suppliers, you know it can be overwhelming, and often time consuming.  I have noticed two trends recently:  a shift toward the use of LED light technology and the ample use of concealed light sources.  Both of which I think will be applicable to my current project.

1.  LEDs-
Now is the time to make the investment. LED, or light emitting diodes, are super energy efficient, versatile, and have a lifespan that can reach more than 150,000 hours. (For comparison's sake, a traditional light bulb you would use in a table lamp burns for 2-3,000 hours at best.) At first, LEDs were prohibitively expensive, and advancements were developing so quickly that a brand new product was outdated after a few months.  Now, this spike has evened out, prices have dropped, and customers can realize this high quality lighting and reap the benefits of a lower energy bill. LEDs can be specified in a range of warm-cool whites, and have color options, as well.

I now specify LED lamps in recessed ceiling fixtures and for undercabinet lighting.  But LED lighting offers so many interesting design possibilities that are so much more fun, for example in closets or for accent and spot lighting in cabinetry or shelf niches.

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2.  Concealed Lighting-
Concealed lighting can be designed in many ways.  Two common applications for concealed lighting that I design all the time are recessed ceiling fixtures and cove lighting. 

Recessed ceiling lighting is slightly contemporary, and since the fixture is installed up in the ceiling, there is no protrusion other than a very small trim ring on the ceiling surface. You can specify these fixtures with adjustable lamps if you want to aim the light to accent something in particular, such as a piece or art, or you can allow the light to aim down as a down light for general lighting.  I like to use recessed lighting in basements, kitchens, bedrooms, you name it.  It's a staple of lighting design.

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Cove lighting is more decorative, and creates an ambient light. You cannot see the actual light source, just the luminance it creates. Usually, an LED strip is hidden behind a soffit or piece of moulding. The light is projected onto the ceiling, or down a wall. This can light a space softly or dramatically, the choice is up to you.

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