Black and light
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.