In lighting news…
Starbucks is on a mission to become more eco-friendly – and despite exorbitant costs, they are forging ahead. They plan to “green” all newly built and renovated company-owned stores this year and achieve LEED certification for sites across the world.
A light festival in Singapore is raising awareness for energy efficiency. Running from October 15 to November 7, the event will feature LED light sculptures, performance-based displays, and other illuminated arts. One of the featured artists, Warren Langley, said, “I believe it is important to show that spectacular lighting effects do not necessarily require vast amounts of electric power.”
This isn’t quite lighting “news,” but a travel article in USA Today discussed the trend in hotel lighting to go dark … perhaps too dark. Reporter Barbara De Lollis discusses the pros and cons of staying in such a dimly-lit room, and readers weigh in on the comments. It’s an interesting debate!
According to a study from Beacon Economics, it’s a great time to buy a home. In fact, homes are the most affordable they have ever been since 1969.
In lighting tips…
Find insight on home improvement trends from the AK Renovations Blog in this post on upgrades that stand the test of time. The list includes bigger rooms, bare floors, kitchen renovations, simpler designs, and more.
From the ideabooks on Houzz.com, designer Margaret Everton shares tips on how to make your small kitchen a success. From creating stations to making use of vertical space to streamlining storage, you’ll find inspirational ideas to get your small kitchen in order. The photos show that good lighting is especially important in making a kitchen functional.
This post on adventures in kitchen remodeling is a great read. If you’ve completed, started, or ever just considered a kitchen remodel, you’ll enjoy reporter Daniela Altimari’s voice as she discusses the “Lena Horne of Kitchens.”
Here’s a DIY video on how to install hardwire undercabinet lighting.
Other cool sites…
Check out this kitchen design by “The Kitchen Mogul:” The room features a 750 liter aquarium, an LED-lit island, and remotely operated doors. It’s quite spectacular.
It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to lose everything in Hurricane Katrina. Sadie Hebert and her husband Jason were two people that did – and are still working to rebuild their home. Rob Banks of BuildDirect published an interview with Sadie on his blog outlining the couple’s struggles with green construction, fraudulent contractors, and gathering building materials.
Thanks for the mention and link to the BuildDirect interview 🙂
You are very welcome. If you need any lighting help let us know.
I’m having trouble finding lighting for my bathroom. Everything is either too expensive or I can’t find a matching set. But we’re getting much closer to the finish line!