Debbie Travis – House to Home
One of the many perks of writing a column is being given the opportunity to share what’s new and exciting in the home and lifestyle world. The digital age has sped up changes in all facets of our lives. It’s not just computers and phones. How furnishings are designed and built, the wildly imaginative execution of patterns on fabrics and paper, these have all been touched by the techno age. The universal need to conserve natural resources has pushed the limits of what we accept as practical household products that are also beautiful, fresh and affordable. That’s a big jump, and there is always something new and impressive just around the corner.
The lighting industry is one of my favourites to watch. The emergence of power saving and thus dollar saving LEDs has challenged the hydro hungry standard wattage light bulbs, and new lighting designs emerged. The first LEDs were a bit harsh, a bright white that didn’t suit many interior needs. Warm whites and colours are now available, as well as LEDs that fit older fixtures. Some LEDs are dimmable, which is a major bonus for controlling the mood in any space. Choices have never been so versatile. Although the price of LEDs is higher than the standard light bulbs, they last for years, so cost is not an issue. Be sure to buy good quality or you will be disappointed at their performance.
Black and white are always an impressive mix. And so is black and light. I discovered this contemporary dining vignette at uplightgroup.com. It has bold, youthful energy. The matte black Pilke pendant lights show off a unique geometric design that is soft and inviting. The award-winning wooden structure from Finland is assembled using interconnected birch plywood parts. The light source is E26LED, a warm white LED globe bulb that twinkles through the slats.
Another striking example of black and light is the Fahrenheit pendant by Troy Lighting. A series of nested and tiered cones form an unusual cylindrical shape. The outer cone, finished in textured black satin, frames the inner cones that have hand-applied gold leaf, so that light is reflected in a warm golden hue. It’s available in a one or three-light LED pendant
If you are thinking of introducing the defining presence of matte black to your décor, why not change up a few of your existing lampshades with a dramatic black style. Visit your favourite lighting store or check out what’s new on line. At lampsplus.com you’ll find a dizzying array of choices. Their black faux suede shade lined in leopard print introduces exotic themes. Black fabric pleated, trimmed with beads, sparkling with sequins, and shapes large and small range from sophisticated to frilly. A black metal lamp, pendant or chandelier will become a statement piece in your room. As with any new design direction or dramatic change in colour, it is always best to experiment. Take your time, drape some black fabric over a lamp to get the feel, (don’t leave it too long or you could start a fire). Then go on a search for a pendant light, sconce, or bedside light that captures your interest. An unusual shape or style will steal your heart.