Monday, May 31, 2010

Made in America

Today is Memorial Day and I am feeling very patriotic! I thought it was only fitting that I highlight a few lighting companies who manufacture right here in the U.S.


"Since the late 1980's, Arroyo Craftsman has provided the finest in Arts & Crafts inspired lighting; honoring this tradition of elegant simplicity and quality craftsmanship." They hand-craft each piece individually out of raw brass. Their naturally oxidized finishes sometimes take days to cure! Their lights can be found in many historical landmarks such as The Grove Inn and many of Frank Lloyd Wrights homes. What is really great about American handmade lights are that they are almost always fully customizable! From glass to finishes to even the size of your fixture you can choose it all.





Framburg is another lighting company that makes its products right here in the States. In 1905 Framburg was founded by Henry Alfred Framburg in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout its history Framburg has been a great support in many of our Wars. During World War I Framburg made searchlights for the Armed Services and during World War II Framburg manufactured ship recognition models to train our forces to be able to recognize Allied versus Axis ships. Framburg has a reputation for high quality, commercial grade lighting fixtures that are also very beautiful!



Fine Art Lamps is a company who produces just that, Fine Art! When the company first began, the finest designers, sculptors, artisans, and decorative artists were assembled to make up it's creative team. The company developed an artistic standard that has come to symbolize the Fine Art Lamps name today.

 They made a "pledge to manufacture in the United States of America, based on the belief that this insures design integrity, quality control, reliable delivery, and personal service." As with the other American companies I mentioned, all of their fixtures are handmade which allow them to be customizable!




Last but not least is Hubbardton Forge!! This is a really neat company we brought in fairly recently. They are based out of Vermont and just like there name states each piece is hand-forged. When we first brought in Hubbardton we learned all about their manufacturing process and how their company works. Their passion for what they do is evident in not only their products but in their employess as well!!  They are the oldest and largest commercial forge in the country with a team of over 200 people creating functional works of art from raw metal.



Friday, May 28, 2010

Feeling the Love!

We received a really nice Thank You from one of our great design teams we work with here at Lightstyle that I wanted to share with you!

Dear Gang
We just wanted to take a minute to let you ALL know how much we appreciate you. Design is not ALL about the designers. It's about everyone that helps the designers achieve the best of what they do. You are an invaluable part of our team. The support you give us at C and L Studio, Inc. is truly appreciated!
Thanks again for everything!
Best, Jose and Cynthia

You can check out C and L Studios and some of the projects we've worked on with them at:
http://www.clstudioinc.com/

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Art Glass Lighting

From handblown to recycled our showroom is FULL of beautiful glass fixtures!! I was taking a few photos of our store the other day and snapped these shots below.
This purple chandelier from Cyan Design is covered with blown glass orbs and crystals.

The Fascination Collection from Varaluz uses recycled steel and glass to make it's fixtures!


The Oggetti Luce Bolle 60 Suspension is handmade in Murano, Italy, by
glass artist L. Ferro. Bolle.
(P.S. I'm in love with this fixture :)

Come by the store and see all the other beautiful Art Glass we have today! From pendants to chandeliers to sconces, we're sure to have something you love!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Pink Lightbulbs: A surprising way to cozy up a space!!

In honor of our Visual Merchandiser John, I am writing a post on Pink Lightbulbs. He is always telling us how great pink lightbulbs are and that they make you beautiful! Well we have always been skeptical until he found this article backing up his claim. I havent switched my lights out to pink bulbs yet but after reading this article I just may!!!





"Lighting transforms a space. A room can feel small and cramped or it can feel warm and cozy depending on how it is lit. There are many aspects to creating good lighting, but changing the light bulbs you use is one of the simplest things you can do.
Most people are aware that fluorescent light bulbs leave a cold, bare feeling in a room. They can even make us feel stressed when we aren’t worried or strained otherwise. Incandescent bulbs and full-spectrum are better. But even better yet, are pink incandescent bulbs.
Sylvania and GE both make 60 watt and 3 way bulbs that emit an amazing glow. They are better than any other bulb to warm up a room. Basic white, incandescent bulbs and full-spectrum bulbs tend to create shadows and give a stark feel to a room. They cast a blue tone in the room that can detract from warm wall colors rather than accentuate them.
Pink bulbs, on the other hand, emit just as much light as standard bulbs and produce a warm, cozy feel. They are also easier to read by because you have less glare and starkness against the page. They are also easier on the eyes.
Many of my clients try these and end up exclusively using pink bulbs in their homes. One client needed to make a windowless, basement room an inspiring office. The first thing he did was to switch to pink light bulbs. It made a huge difference.
Many designers use these bulbs because the warm tones make peoples skin tones more attractive and alive looking. Restaurants and hospitals wanting to create a friendly, calming atmosphere put pink bulbs throughout thier buildings. Everyone looks better in this light. Plants, color on the walls, art, furniture, rugs, even the lamp the pink bulbs are in all look better with these transforming bulbs.
Don’t let the pink package fool you. Many people see the package and think of them as party bulbs, not for everyday use. Essentially these bulbs are only tinted; they are not pink. Putting them in your home or office, no one would detect you have put a different color bulb in your space. They would only detect that your home your home feels inviting and comfortable. But in truth these are only bulbs you need in your home.