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Category: Lighting Tips and Technology Tuesday

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Eco-friendly Lighting from Varaluz

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014

 Varaluz delivers eco-friendly lighting in style!

In celebration of Earth Day, we would like to recognize one of our favorite lighting lines, Varaluz. Not only do they offer amazingly cool lighting designs, they use eco-friendly materials and make them all by hand. Their light fixtures are made out of recycled steel, recycled glass and sustainable reclaimed shells and fibers.

Their inspirations start with a sketch by their creative design group and are then developed into light fixtures by their team of skilled iron-working artisans in the Philippines.   All of their finishes are applied by hand, providing depth and dimension to their designs. Custom finishes are also available.

Varaluz offers a wide selection of chandeliers, pendants, sconces, bath lighting, outdoor lighting and lamps.  While their style is generally modern and contemporary, they also offer mediterranean, craftsman-mission and vintage inspired styles as well. The names of their fixture families, such as, go-go, encaged, area 51, wright stuff, at-mesh-sphere and slatisfaction provide a glimpse into their creativity and unique approach to lighting. They call it “cool design with a conscience” and there is nothing quite like it!

Our Varaluz lighting gallery is right inside the front door of our showroom, where we have our favorites and best sellers on display, as shown below.

 

Varaluz display in the Legend Lighting showroom

Varaluz display in the Legend Lighting showroom

Our lighting designers love using Varaluz light fixtures in our projects. Below are some of our favorite photos of Varaluz installations.

 

Varaluz Rain takes center stage in this dining room. This Austin home was built by JKD Builder with interior design done by Robin Bond Interiors.

Varaluz Rain takes center stage in this dining room. This Austin home was built by JKD Builder with interior design done by Robin Bond Interiors.

Varaluz Affinity is perfect over this island in a home built by VII Custom Homes with interior design done by Regina C. Designs.

Varaluz Affinity is perfect over this island in a home built by VII Custom Homes with interior design done by Regina C. Designs.

Varaluz Fascination is a great choice in this pool bath in a home built by Summit Builders with interior design by Interior Selections Austin.

Varaluz Fascination is a great choice in this pool bath in a home built by Summit Builders with interior design by Interior Selections Austin.

Varaluz Pinwheel is a fun addition to this master closet in a home built by VII Custom Homes.

Varaluz Pinwheel is a fun addition to this master closet in a home built by VII Custom Homes.

Varaluz Soho adds style in a guest house built by Enertech.

Varaluz Soho adds style in a guest house built by Enertech.

 

Take a look at the Varaluz website here. Their story and their distinctive lighting designs will inspire you to use Varaluz in your next project.

If you already have Varaluz light fixtures in your home, leave us a comment and let us know which one(s) and how you like them!

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LED Tape Light Creates Wall Art

Tuesday, April 15th, 2014

 

Contemporary Wall Art Created with LED Tape Light

Legend Lighting recently had the opportunity to work with one of our custom home builders, VII Custom Homes, on a new project, which was featured the Home of Distinction home tour.  The builder had seen a photo on Houzz and wanted to re-create this idea in their home.

The inspiration came from the Houzz profile of Wright Street Design Group from Ann Arbor, Michigan. The photo below has been added to 15,560 idea books.

A second view has been added to 5,824 idea books.

Our customer wanted to use LED lighting, so Cathy Shockey, with Legend Lighting, and Cory Turney, with Diode LED,  worked together on the design using LED tape light. Ultra Blaze tape light in 3000K from Diode LED was chosen and applied to the inside edge of the open back of the cubes.  They were then attached to brackets on the wall, leaving about an inch of space from the wall, which makes them appear to float.  The photo below shows a diagram of the design.

 

Diagram by Diode LED

Diagram by Diode LED

Below is a photo of the finished project. VII Custom Homes was very happy with the results, and this unique application was a popular feature on the home tour. This is a great example of how Houzz influences design. A project from Ann Arbor, Michigan inspired a design in Austin, Texas.

 

LED tape light accents cubes to create wall art.

LED tape light accents cubes to create wall art.

The design possibilities with LED tape light, both indoors and outdoors are limitless. If you would like to get creative with this flexible and versatile product, we would love to help!

Click here for more info and to see more beautiful photos of this home.

Follow Legend Lighting on Houzz for more inspiring ideas!

 

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Define Your Style with Landscape Lighting

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014

Light Up the Night

Get your outdoor living spaces ready for spring and summer entertaining with landscape lighting from Legend Lighting. From changing out your outdoor lanterns, to highlighting your architecture, plants and trees,  illuminating your outdoor areas can make a tremendous difference to the look and feel of your home at night.

Landscape lighting can create a magical feel in your outdoor areas at night. Photo from Kichler Lighting

Landscape lighting can create a magical feel in your outdoor areas at night. Photo from Kichler Lighting

 

Landscape lighting will enhance the beauty, character and safety of your home and extend the use of your outdoor spaces after dark. Path lights for walkways, pathways and driveways help define the areas and provide safety and security. Accent lights for architecture, trees, plants and water features will highlight the beauty of your home, yard and garden. Both functional and decorative, outdoor and landscape lighting is essential to a beautiful home design.

Legend Lighting recently designed and installed landscape lighting for one of our customers in southwest Austin. The homeowner was delighted with the results and so were we! Their goal was to highlight some of the special features of their patio and yard. Cathy Shockey, lighting associate with Legend Lighting, visited the home at twilight, and worked with the homeowner to plan the placement of the light fixtures to achieve the desired effect. With our landscape lighting kit, Cathy was able to demonstrate exactly how the lights would look and choose where the fixtures should be placed.

 

Landscape lighting adds a special ambiance to a back yard at night.

Landscape lighting adds a special ambiance to the back yard at night.

A second view of the back yard.

A second view of the back yard.

Rope lighting outlining this pool pavilion is both functional and fun.

Rope light outlining this pool pavilion is both functional and fun.

Lighting accents this pond in the back yard.

Lighting accents this pond in the back yard.

 

This home was a fairly extensive project, but all homes and landscapes can benefit from outdoor and landscape lighting, regardless of the size or complexity.

For more AMAZING landscape lighting inspiration, take a look at these fabulous ideas from Home Design Lover.

Our talented lighting designers can help you light up your landscape and outdoor living spaces and help you get your home ready for spring and summer evening entertaining! And we install too! Our sister company, Powerhouse Electrical Services, works closely with Legend Lighting to get the installation just right. Call us today!

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Magnetic Lighting and Decor Accessories from Mag Trim

Tuesday, April 1st, 2014

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Introducing a new, easy way to change the look of your lighting without replacing it! Add a little bling with magnetic chandelier jewelry! Magnetic crystals from Mag Trim allow you to transform your plain iron chandeliers, sconces, flush mounts and lamps into elegant home decor accents. Because they attach with the simple “click” of a magnet, they are easily removed, giving you freedom and flexibility with your decor. When you are tired of the look, simply remove them or change them out for a new shape or color!

Colleen Nielson came up with the idea for Mag Trims back in 2004 when she attempted to add crystals to a light fixture. She decided to try to add a small magnet to the tip, allowing the crystal to adhere anywhere on the metal surface of the fixture. Colleen’s daughter, Cynthia Nielson, helped her acquire a patent and bring the products to market in 2005.

Cynthia Nielson and Colleen Nielson of Magtrim Designs LLC

Cynthia Nielson and Colleen Nielson of Magtrim Designs LLC

Mag Trim crystal drops are available in a wide variety of shapes and eleven colors. Themed novelty magnetic ornaments and deco charms are also available in spring, fall, holiday, coastal and birthday motifs.

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Legend Lighting has Mag Trim crystal drops on display and a variety in stock. Come by our showroom to take a look!

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Legrand Adorne Pop-Out Outlet

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

One of our favorite products in the Legrand adorne outlet collection is the pop-out outlet. This innovative outlet design keeps the outlet hidden when not in use. When you are ready to plug something in, simply push on the box and three outlets will pop out.

Legrand Adorne Pop-Out Outlet

Legrand Adorne Pop-Out Outlet


Installation is easy and does not typically require new wiring. An innovative assembly and snap-in system make is simple to install. Two colors are available, white and magnesium, but it is easily customizable with the adorne wall plates, which are available in 32 colors and a variety of materials.



This acclaimed product has been featured in numerous technology, home improvement and interior design blogs such as Remodelista, Trend Hunter, Technabob and Cool Mom Tech called it “built in baby proofing.” It has also been featured on Houzz in a roundup of innovative automated kitchen and bath products from KBIS 2014. Check it out here.

The Legend Lighting showroom has a beautiful display of all of the legrand adorne products. Visit our showroom to learn more!

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Lighting Design using Google SketchUp

Tuesday, March 18th, 2014

Today we want to share with you how we are using Google SketchUp in lighting design. Sometimes it is really difficult to imagine and visualize how lighting will actually look in a space. Google SketchUp is being used by many interior designers to show colorful perspectives and three dimensional illustrated plans. It is an excellent design, presentation and sales tool used by over two million professionals around the world. We wanted to give it a try with lighting design. Cathy Shockey and Alissa Fischer, both with Legend Lighting, worked together on the design.

The photo below was shared with us by one of our custom home builders as an idea inspiration. They wanted a similar look with the ceiling and the pendant lighting for a new construction project.

Design Inspiration Photo

Design Inspiration Photo



The photo below was taken at the job site.
Dropped ceiling grid

Dropped ceiling grid



The next two photos are what we came up with using Google SketchUp. They are the same, just slightly different views.
Pendant lighting design using Google SketchUp

Pendant lighting design using Google SketchUp

Pendant lighting design using Google SketchUp

Pendant lighting design using Google SketchUp



We think using Google SketchUp will really help us plan the lighting design with our customer and eliminate any confusion and miscommunication. It will also come in handy when it comes time to hang the pendants. When the project is complete we will post it to the blog-stay tuned!

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Lighting a Foyer

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

For today’s Lighting Tips and Technology Tuesday post, we are going to give you some tips on lighting your foyer. The entry hall/foyer of your home is a great place to add some personality with your decor and a unique light fixture will punch it up a notch!

To determine the proper fixture width add the length and width (in feet) of your foyer together. This number is the correct width (in inches) for your foyer light fixture. For the height, your fixture should be at least 7 feet off the floor. Based on your ceiling height, you will need to choose a flush mount, semi-flush, or even a 2 or 3 tiered chandelier or tall lantern.

If you have a window in your foyer over your front door, center the light so it can be seen from the outside.

If you have a large foyer, you may want to consider adding wall sconces. They should be installed 60 inches from the floor and at least 6-8 feet apart.

For inspiration, here are some beautiful foyers with lighting supplied by Legend Lighting.

A large foyer light is needed for an expansive, two story entry space. Home built by Stalwart Custom Homes

A large foyer light is needed for an expansive, two story entry space.
Home built by Stalwart Custom Homes

A beautiful lantern is a great choice for a foyer light. Home built by VII Custom Homes

A beautiful lantern is a great choice for a foyer light. Home built by VII Custom Homes

The foyer light was repeated down this long center hallway. Home built by Canyon Custom Homes

A transitional style drum was repeated down this dramatic long center hallway. Home built by Canyon Custom Homes

A unique semi-flush light fixture worked best for this foyer. Home built by VII Custom Homes

A unique semi-flush light fixture worked best for this foyer. Home built by VII Custom Homes

This homeowner added beautiful scones to help light her foyer. Home built by Trinity Land and Home

This homeowner added beautiful scones to help light her foyer. Home built by Trinity Land and Home

This attention getting foyer light and fabulous front door make a great pair. Home built by VII Custom Homes

This attention getting foyer light and fabulous front door make a great pair. Home built by VII Custom Homes


Foyer lights are available in every size and style and we would love to help you come up with the perfect one for your space. For more lighting inspiration, we are also on Houzz OR visit our foyer lighting board on Pinterest for even more ideas!

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LED Step and Wall Lights

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

LED step and wall lights can be used in both interior and exterior applications to light up steps, stairways and walkways for added safety and beauty. Consider adding them in your next new construction or remodel project. The addition of step and wall lights can turn your dark stairway or pathway into a distinctive decorative element.

LEDme Step Lights from WAC Lighting

LEDme Step Lights from WAC Lighting




Here are a few of our favorites:
Luna LED step light from Hinkley Lighting

Luna LED step light from Hinkley Lighting

Hinkley Lighting‘s new Luna LED step light collection can be installed in any 120V outlet or switch location. They are rated for indoor and outdoor use and are ADA compliant. Only 4 watts are consumed per unit, with a light output of 180 lumens, and they are dimmable to 25% with any incandescent control, coupled with an easy retrofit to the switch/receptacle location. Available in bronze, satin white and titanium, they can be mounted horizontal or vertical and come in 3000K warm white.

WAC LEDme Step and Wall Light

LEDme Step and Wall Lights from WAC Lighting

LEDme step lights from WAC Lighting offer a sleek profile and fit flush to the wall with no visible hardware. Installation is direct wire with no driver needed and they are available in stainless steel, black, brushed nickel, bronze and white. They are dimmable to 10% with an electronic low voltage dimmer, come in 3000K warm white, in addition to amber, red and blue. Using only 3.9 watts per unit, they offer light outputs of 31-68 lumens, based on the model number.

American Lighting step light

LED 120V Step Lights from American Lighting

American Lighting‘s 120V LED step lights come in four styles and three finishes; dark bronze, stainless steel and white. They fit in a standard box, have an integrated driver and come in 3200K. Consuming only 3 watts each, they offer a light output of 37 lumens. They are rated for outdoors with a watertight junction box and a gasket (sold separately) and are not dimmable.

There are many LED step and wall lights to choose from. Based upon your application and desired price point, we can help you choose the perfect one for your project. Visit our showroom to learn more!

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Lighting a Front Door or Entry Way

Tuesday, February 18th, 2014

The right lighting at your front door or entry way is important, not only for safety and security, but also to create  a warm welcome for your guests and improve your curb appeal. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

The lantern height should be based on the height of your door or opening. If there is only space to place the light on either side of the door, as in the photo below, it should measure 1/3 the height of the door. The center of the bulb should rest 66″ above the threshold of the door.

Horseshoe Bay home built by Summit Builders, Austin, Texas

Horseshoe Bay home built by Summit Builders, Austin, Texas


If two lanterns are used, they should measure 1/4 the height of the door or opening.
VII Front Door-2 lights

Rough Hollow, Austin, Texas home built by VII Custom Homes

Many people make the mistake of undersizing their outdoor lanterns, especially near the front door. For example, if your door is a standard 80 inches tall and you have an extra 20 inches of molding or trim, you will need a fixture that is about 25 inches tall. (80 + 20 /4) If that seems too large, try making a cardboard template, tape it at the suggested height and take a look at it from the street or the top of your driveway. When in doubt, always go larger.

Lighting designers say that two errors are consistently made by homeowners when it comes to lighting the front door or entry way. One is undersizing and the other is creating glare from a bulb that is too bright. Lower wattage will create a softer, more welcoming glow.
Georgetown, Texas home built by Stalwart Custom Homes

Georgetown, Texas home built by Stalwart Custom Homes


Our lighting specialists at Legend Lighting would appreciate the opportunity to assist you in selecting outdoor lighting for your new home or remodeling project, or simply help you upgrade your existing fixtures. Come see us soon to learn more!

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Are you still in the dark about the incandescent light bulb phase out?

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), was passed by Congress to encourage the use of more efficient light bulbs. Implementation was planned to take place over a three year span, starting with the phase out of 100 watt incandescent lamps in 2012, and continuing with the phase out of 75 watt incandescent lamps in 2013. January 1st of this year began the final stage, which will phase out the 40 watt and the 60 watt incandescent lamps. This will be the biggest change for consumers, since most bulbs that are purchased are from this category. The bulbs will be available as long as they last on retailer’s shelves, but will no longer be produced or imported.Graphic from ALA
The graphic shown here, from the American Lighting Assocation‘s director of technology, will help you understand your alternatives. The important thing to remember is that brightness, which is measured in lumens, is not sacrificed with these new choices, and you will save energy and money on your electric bill!

LED light bulbs are one option for you. They will cost more up front, but are rated to last 20+ years and use only a fraction of the wattage of an incandescent bulb.

CFL’s are another choice. The quality of the bulbs has improved in recent years and most are dimmable.

Another option is halogen, which are incandescent bulbs with a small amount of halogen gas inside. Halogen bulbs are a good choice if you are not ready for the investment in LED and not a fan of CFL’s.

Visit our showroom and our lighting specialists will help you find the perfect light bulb for your needs!

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