New lighting technology an important design element

There are more than 30 light bulbs in the average Canadian household, but interior designers tell us that as many as 35 percent of those bulbs are misapplied.

“Keep in mind that not all light bulbs are created equal,” says Janny Hogen Esch, spokesperson for a prominent manufacturer in this field. “So no matter whether you are redesigning your kitchen, updating the look of your living room, or building a deck to enjoy the summer, do keep in mind that there are some very attractive and cost-efficient options to consider, all of which will improve the warmth and ambiance of your home.

“One of newest and most appealing developments in lighting is the beauty of the ‘light-emitting diode’, an exciting technology simply known as LED,” says Hogen Esch.

“Elegant, safe, energy saving and easy-to-use, LED mood-enhancing accents are changing the rules and redefining the possibilities in home design.

“Did you know for example, that the ultra-efficient, LED technology uses only 3/4 watts of energy? That is 90 to 95 percent less energy use than the traditional incandescent bulb. With a life span that is 10 times as long as compact fluorescents, and 133 times longer than typical incandescent applications, LED bulbs are certainly built to last.”

Designing with light can dramatically change the mood, functionality, and investment value of any room or patio. To see what’s possible when you design with light, here are a couple of tips using the latest technology (courtesy of Philips Lighting and Philips.com):

Candlelight:

Infuse the soft low light of candles into any evening without striking a match. Bulbs to simulate candlelight ambiance without the hassle of open flame, melting wax are now on the market. Place these lights on the dining table to create a special mood or take them outside for backyard dining, at the poolside, or on the beach.

Glowing Deck Lights:

Add elegance to your deck, boat, pool, pathways, walls and stairs with the subtle glow of the newest technology found in today’s deck lights. These bulbs create a safe setting while leaving the atmosphere in tact. Available in 10-light point kits that can be easily installed, connected, and controlled by remote, these soft, glowing accents add atmosphere and safety without being obtrusive. The corrosion and impact-resistant, weather-proof components make this installation a sound investment to any landscape design.