Archive for the ‘Lighting’ Category

Not since Edison’s 1879 incandescent electric lamp hit the market has there been such a hubbub about lighting. One can only wonder if the American population was concerned about the quality of light produced by the filament bulb when compared with the illumination from gas lamps. They probably loved the convenience.

Now, forced by Federal legislation to save energy, American consumers may again face a quantum change in the way their homes and offices are lighted. Beginning in 2012, all new light bulbs will be required under law to use 30 percent less energy to produce the same levels of light that we enjoy today. The winners of the shift, according to The New York Times, will probably be the manufacturers of compact fluorescent bulbs. The losers: the aesthetically conscious consumer.

Compact fluorescent bulbs on today’s market are designed for use in kitchens, baths, and all the rooms between. They’re said to operate on 70 percent less energy than the traditional bulb, and last as much as ten times longer under normal use. But so far, manufacturers are well beyond the curve in offering lighting fixtures designed to cast the fluorescent bulbs in the most-favorable light.

Consumers Reluctant to Change
Wal-Mart has sold compact fluorescent bulbs for three years and the new items make up less than 20 percent of their bulb sales. Consumers dislike the overall color effects of the bulbs and complain that some models give off a disturbing buzzing sound when in use.

On the other side of the aesthetic argument is the government’s claim that 90 percent of the energy burned by incandescent bulbs is emitted as heat—not light.  The energy drain has led Australian legislators to ban incandescent bulbs by next year.

In America, the Department of Energy supports the end of the incandescent era, claiming that 25 percent of our total home energy bill is generated by lighting.  Compact fluorescent bulbs, reports the California Energy Commission, should not only reduce energy use by 75 percent, but should last 10,000 hours.

To consumers concerned about the quality of light produced by compact fluorescent bulbs, the Federal ENERGYSTAR team claims that newer models of compact fluorescents will come with “warm” colors to match the yellow tint of incandescent bulbs. The new bulbs will be offered along three settings in the Kelvin scale: yellow, white, and blue.

In the end, we may have to settle for some discomfort until manufacturers dial in the colors. But we’ll probably be stuck with fluorescent bulbs.

When it comes to lighting in your bath, all is certainly vanity. Kidding aside, the kind of lighting you install in your vanity ultimately has more to do with how you look than how your bathroom looks to others.

Uneven lighting over the make-up table or sink can cause your eyes to look like you haven’t had sleep in weeks.  Poor vanity lighting can dramatically alter how you look when in the office or out on the town. If you’re the handyman/woman, you don’t want to skimp on providing adequate overhead lamps, mirror-side sconces, and light bars.

Getting Your Bathroom Lighting Right
Ultimately, the correct lighting around the mirror will light up the subject’s face from all sides. It doesn’t have to be flattering in an inaccurate way, but take it from the hospitality industry:  warm, full lighting provides a satisfying experience.  Experts at This Old House warn consumers that overhead, recessed lighting fixtures cast shadows of the undead on a subject’s face.

Fill-in, accent lighting can make the entire bath a comfortable place, and lighting above the mirror with sconces at eye-level can complete a satisfying effect. You’ll also prosper from an aesthetic standpoint by using halogen bulbs that illuminate the subject with natural tones.  Some homeowners love the effect created by installing a bathroom chandelier just above the vanity.

Low-wattage track lighting angled just right projects lighting into the mirror, and diffusers prevent glare. You may want to experiment with LED track lighting for effect.

Using Sconces in the Bath
You can create a warm and well-lighted effect by using a row of sconces above the mirror. Or, if you’re settling on single sconces, align them on the side of the mirror. Lighting suppliers recommend that your above-mirror vanity fixtures should be at least two-feet long and provide 150 watts at the minimum.

If you really want to dial in control of your bathroom lighting, consider installing an incandescent dimmer on a halogen light. You can save energy when you’re lighting the bath just to find your way around or to use the shower. A combination of ambient lighting and direct vanity lighting on separate controls can provide the most-flexible solution.

If you’re working with a contractor, discuss options to install lighting directly in the mirror set. It can be expensive and risky to try it on your own.

An array of “old” looking lighting has been sweeping the design blogs lately.  What’s old seems new again, and this particular style of lighting – an extremely sparse antique look, which I’m not 100% sure how to describe – has been popping up everywhere.

Do you like this style of home lighting, or do you thin it looks too “rustic”.

(Restoration Hardware)

(Rejuvenation Lighting)

(Anthropologie)

(Remodelista)

In improperly installed or poorly maintained ceiling fan may become more ornamental than useful.  You may have selected your kitchen, bedroom, or living room fan based on appearance, choosing it for blade design or lighting options. But unless you’re just going to turn it on when company comes, you should make sure that your fan is not costing you more to operate than the potential energy savings it can bring to your home.

Let’s say you’ve included quotes for having a fan installed when renovating a bathroom. According to Home Energy Magazine,  a standard ceiling fan with a light fixture uses about 300 kwh/year to operate, while a certified Energy Star model fan uses less than half of that amount without compromising light and airflow capabilities. Makes sense to help distribute your HVAC load with an appliance that also runs efficiently.

Do You Need Lighting in the Ceiling Fan?
If your main reason is to curb heating or air conditioning costs, you may not need to buy a ceiling fan with a central light. It’s the light itself that draws the most power during operation and it generates heat.  Halogen and  incandescent bulbs typically use the greatest amount of energy.

The government’s Energy Star website provides downloads of tools to help you select the most energy-efficient fan based on the size of your kitchen or bathroom, on your regional heating and cooling requirements, along with installation tips. The agency also has suggestions in choosing the correct fan mounting system for your room: standard, extended, sloped, or flush mounts.

Fan Adjustments: Working Out the Wobble
There’s nothing glamorous about a wobbly fan. The noise or visual flutter in the spin can drive you to distraction. Worse, a wobbly fan can have a shorter effective life as well as use additional energy to run without providing circulation.

If you’re installing the fan in your bathroom or kitchen–or having someone do it for you–be sure the unit is fastened securely to a mounting box in the ceiling. This is a pivotal part of the procedure.  Most manufacturers balance the fan blades before shipping, but there’s no guarantee your unit will come that way.

A good method of diagnosing the fan is to run it without the blades installed to see if it still wobbles. If it runs smooth, you’ll need to balance the blades. Be sure to  ensure that all the set screws and mounting screws are tight. Then measure the distance from the top of each blade to the ceiling. Adjust each blade as necessary until all of them are true and even.

It’s time to revisit the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and its energy improvements section.  In sum, Section 1121 of the act was created to offer a $1,500 tax credit for materials applied towards an energy retrofit of windows, skylights, doors, insulation and roofing.

Homeowners can earn the credit up to a 30 percent ceiling on materials. However, if you’re working with heating and air conditioning, you could receive a credit up to 30 percent of the cost and installation for a solar- powered water heater or biomass stove.  Another provision of the legislation creates a no-repay $8,000 tax credit to a first-time homeowner.

Tax Rules and a Quick Warning
The provisions of the stimulus  tripled the size of credits for upgrading your home. But you must meet Federal requirements to successfully file for the credit or return. All new HVAC systems or new windows, skylights, doors, etc., have to be installed between  January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010.

If you’re planning on taking the credit, you must buy products that meet Federal energy efficiency requirements. Even a product identified on its label as an Energy Star certified item may not meet the regulations. New compliance levels have been set based on National Fenestration Council (NFRC) ratings for  U-Factor and Solar Heat-Gain-Coefficient values.

There are varieties of insulation products that meet lifespan and warranty requirements that you can add to your materials checklist. And roofing materials that meet Energy Star requirements may also qualify.

Insist on Paper
For each purchase you want to apply to your tax return, you’ll need the receipt, the product tag verifying its energy-efficiency ratings (Manufacturer’s Certification Statement), and a separate form provided by the retailer indicating the sale of an qualifying item.

Don’t confuse your contractor with your tax attorney. Look carefully at advertising from contractors who claim that they’ll match your $1,500 tax credit.  That’s assuming that you can qualify for one.  Remember, only certain energy-efficient renovations qualify for tax credits and include labor costs. Review the list at the Energy Star website.

Also, don’t take a contractor’s word that the materials meet the provisions unless you see the actual manufacturer’s certification tag. Any contract or work-order you arrange with your installer should itemize materials costs in a separate breakout from labor. You’ll need to save all the documentation you can for your records.

It’s worth a note that the law also set aside $5 billion in funds for weatherization assistance to qualified low-income households.

The use of natural elements in home remodeling and energy-efficient products are more than a passing fling. Homeowners are looking at protecting their investment and the environment at the same time.  And while some so-called “green” lighting and flooring products can warm up the atmosphere of  your home, they can help you save money on your annual energy bills.

A great example is Toolbarn’s recommendation to replace existing light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. The energy efficient bulbs can use as much as 75 percent less electricity, lowering your costs nearly $60 over the seven-year life of the bulb. You can also cut your power costs by installing motion detector bulbs indoor and outdoors. You don’t have to leave the lights burning all night on your patio to scare off burglars.

Looking at Green Homes
Contractors are now offering so-called green homes in special subdivisions. That means you can borrow their ideas and retrofit your home with devices to lower your bills. A new home in Northern California’s “Carsten Crossings” neighborhood offers $1,400 in annual energy savings, according to developers.  Flooring products and sustainable paint materials feature materials that don’t release volatile organic compounds.

Today eco-sensitive homeowners are choosing natural fibers like wool or sisal for their rugs, linoleum in place of vinyl, recycled wood, cork, and bamboo for flooring.  HGTV has a nice pictorial presentation of green flooring products on its site.  Bamboo is known throughout Asia for its durability and easy maintenance.  Like bamboo, cork can be expensive to install, but it is also easy to clean with homemade water and vinegar solution. Both products lend a nice look and are efficient in baffling noise.

HGTV also recommends using recycled wood and reclaimed glass flooring products.  Recycled tiles are bright and you can choose colors that complement your decor.  You can even find ecological carpet flooring constructed out of recycled plastic bottles and corn sugar.

Don’t Forget Green Appliances
Green Home Guide authors recommend that you install “smart ceiling fans” during your home remodeling project. Fans that cost under $70 with retrofit materials that cost under $40 can curb your heating and cooling costs.  What makes these fans “smart” are the sensors that detect when people leave the room, shutting down the fan until occupants return. By using a fan, you can easily raise the thermostat on your air conditioning by 5 degrees or, conversely, drop your furnace temperature by 5 degrees in the winter.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to change the way you live.

Rejuvenation is a household name here in Portland, the company has two retail spaces in Portland and Seattle as well as a factory in Portland. The company produces reproduction period hardware as well as original refurbished pieces.

I don’t ever really consider myself an industry insider; I’m more a wide-eyed fan of the design resources I lust after. So, when a member of the Rejuvenation team emailed me and asked if I would like to come in to the factory for a tour and a sit down with the creative team…well, how could I say no?

Walking up the spiral staircase of their classic old warehouse made me feel like young Charlie walking up to the gates of chocolate factory in nervous anticipation. What strange and beautiful delights would I find at the top of the staircase?

Well, first I was greeted by a dog…

And then a human, Nicole, who led me around the corner to a light, airy office with glass windows, lots of sunshine, vintage catalogs and the three brains behind product design and development at Rejuvenation.

Sitting down with Tim Wetzel, Tina King and Tony Penca, the Product Managers and Industrial Desinger, I really got to know the process and the vision behind Rejuvenation products.

The trio explained to me, over a stack of vintage lighting catalogs, that for them it’s not only about making quality reproductions of past hardware and lighting, it’s about creating iconic and emblematic pieces, pieces that make a statement. 

(Syracuse Neo-Grec Chandelier)

Instead of creating something new, the team focuses on good design from the past and making it affordable and useable for the modern homeowner. They will often look to modern trends and how those trends relate back to the past when considering their next project. Looking though the pages of the catalogs I was quick to see the inspiration, and could easily see much of lighting fitting into both a home looking to emulate the past, or one with more forward thinking modern design.

But it’s not just about looks, it’s also important to the designers that they consider functionality, customization, and affordability.  They strive to maintain a price point that works for homeowners and makes good design accessible to them. Another big idea behind Rejuvenation design is allowing the homeowner the option to make the piece unique to them. Homeowners can basically create their own custom piece by choosing such options as the finish and shade combinations that meet their exact needs.

(Each of these pieces will be hand finished for a homeowner’s specific order)

Rejuvenation also prides itself on its sustainability efforts. Many of their light fixtures are made so that they use a GU24 energy efficient light bulb, an option that many other manufacturers might not offer. Their factory processes also take sustainability into the utmost consideration. Brooks Nelson, who was able to give me a very informative factory tour after meeting the design team, told me about so many ways the company stays on top of best environmental practices that I lost count.

One unique way they lessen their water runoff is by directing the water to long planter boxes that run along the outside of the building. They also reuse as much of the water in their manufacturing processes as they can, saving many, many gallons of water per year. As a consumer, a company that takes the time to invest in these practices is a strong selling point.

(Water Recylcing System in the Factory)

Everyone over at Rejuvenation was friendly and informative. I was so glad to be able to take the time to head over and learn more about their company, and of course, lust after more of their products. I came away with a better appreciation about the story behind the product beyond just how great I think it would look in my dining room.

For all the pictures from my tour check out our Flickr set: Rejuvenation Tour

(A wall of original historic hardware that will be refurbished and sold)

And, there is definitely more beautiful work to come from Rejuvenation. I saw a few prototypes hanging in the factory, I’m hush-hush, but I’ll just say that they are very cool. 

Thanks again for the Rejuvenation team for taking the time to talk with me!

As promised, below is the second part of the interview from Michelle Steinback of Schoolhouse Electric Co. If you missed part one of the interview, you can read it here.

Schoolhouse Electric Interview – Part Two

1. If a homeowner was going to splurge on one part of their home’s lighting system, what would it be?

Typically people spend the most on light fixtures for their entertaining spaces including the living room, dining room and kitchen.  These rooms set the tone for the house and are a good place to splurge.

2. You provide many lighting options for homeowners trying to do authentic period renovations, what do you love about older fixtures and lighting that we lack in contemporary designs?

Two things: Details and quality.

Almost all lighting and hardware is made overseas these days.  Fine detailing is overlooked and the quality is spotty.  We are bucking that trend by keeping our manufacturing in the USA so we can keep craftspeople and time honored production techniques alive here in America.  We take great pride in every detail and the quality of American made parts far and away superior.  Another advantage to manufacturing in the USA is that it reduces the carbon footprint of our products by eliminating the need to transport materials around the world.  Our light fixtures are built to last 100 years and can be re-wired or easily recycled at the end of their life, unlike disposable quality lights made overseas and sold at big box stores.  We take pride in our products and do not cut corners—just like the good old days.

3. I tend to focus more on the style of lighting fixtures rather than the function, how can homeowners find a balance between style and function for their own lighting design?

Think of lighting in terms of layers to open the most possibilities and flexibility in your design.  Consider  mixing overhead ambient lights with sconces, recessed lighting, indirect lighting (such as under counter lighting) and/or  table or floor lamps to achieve the level of light you need in a room.   For instance, if you are working on a kitchen design and want a set of “eye candy” pendants over your island but you know they are not going to put off enough light for all the task areas in the room,  be sure to add additional  layers of lighting to make the space functional and adaptable to different uses.

4. Ok, and finally, we love local Portland businesses like yourself, what other local businesses should homeowners know about if they are working on a home renovation or remodeling project? 

Portlanders love their house projects.  What else are we suppose to do when it rains all of the time?  Luckily we are a hot bed for renovation supply companies and organizations.  Be sure to check these places check out:

North Portland Tool Library /  http://www.northportlandtoollibrary.org
Unless you live in North Portland you won’t be able to check out tools for your renovation project here (for free!) but this is a fantastic organization. I encourage people to check them out so you can start a tool library in your own community!  

Architectural Heritage Center / http://www.visitahc.org/
The Architectural Heritage Center is a non-profit resource center for historic preservation, located in Portland, Oregon.  They host dozens of programs, workshops, and exhibits each year.  They are also caretakers of one of the largest collections of architectural artifacts in the United States.

NW Renovation Magazine / http://www.nwrenovation.com/
This is a local free publication that posts all of their content on-line for everyone to enjoy.  They are a great resource with lots of current information and a great DIY section.

Pratt and Larson / http://www.prattandlarson.com/
Handcrafted tile made here in Portland, one at a time. Love them and you will too.

Old Portland Hardware / http://www.oldportlandhardware.com/
Everyone is talking about this new company specializing in vintage hardware.  Top notch is the word on the street.

Hippo Hardware / http://www.hippohardware.com/
They are an institution and treasure here in Portland. 

A-Ball Plumbing /  http://www.a-ball.com/
They are another institution in Portland and carry some of the harder to find reproduction plumbing items.

Winks Hardware / http://www.winkshardware.com/
This is the hardware store that has everything that you need but can’t find anywhere else.  Grab a ticket and wait in line M-F because this is where all of the contractors go.  The knowledgeable staff is first rate!

Laurelhust Fan Company / http://www.laurelhurstfancompany.com/
This is a brand new company we just found out about.  Their fans are amazing.

Aurora Mills Salvage / http://www.auroramills.com/
This is another fun salvage place in the area.

Thanks again to Michelle for taking the time to answer all of these questions!

If you’re looking for more information on lighting here are some past posts that might also interest you:

Lighting the Way with Beautiful Fixtures
Holiday Remodeling Ideas: The Dining Room
Beating the Bedroom Blues