what’s new in lighting?

Mains voltage halogen lamps are scheduled to be phased out by 2018, so switch to leds to ensure your kitchen is future-proof. the new generation of leds have warmer colour temperatures – 2700k is recommended – and are fully dimmable. if your current leds flicker when dimmed, it’s likely that the driver isn’t compatible with the dimmer switch. Buying complete solutions is best.

Moving forward, the focus is on increasingly smaller led fittings and components, which will complement the trend for subtle, hidden lighting where only the effect can be seen.

‘For decorative lighting, customisation is the next big thing,’ says hector Finch, director of hector Finch lighting. ‘if you can’t stretch to a fully bespoke fitting, but want to put your stamp on it, the opportunity to customise by choosing a different cable colour, shade size or finish, allows an element of creativity and design difference.’

*‘smart’ is set to be a lighting buzz word. ‘For us, this means creating additional functionality, beyond illumination,’ explains Matt healey, product designer at John Cullen lighting. ‘expect fittings to incorporate sensors tracking colour temperature, lumen [led] output, ambient light levels and movement. Drivers will also be incorporated into fittings and there will be greater wireless connectivity.’