Posts Tagged: lighting in austin
Lighting Checklist for Holiday Entertaining
The year has flown by and the holidays are almost upon us! It’s time to get your home ready for holiday entertaining. As you consider your holiday decor, be sure to think about your lighting! The right lighting creates a warm and hospitable welcome for your guests.
Outdoor lighting becomes even more important with the shorter days in the fall and winter. Make sure your guests have the proper lighting as they approach your home at your main entrance. The facade of your home should have general illumination to highlight your home’s exterior and light up any dark areas that guests may need to pass through. Landscape lighting in and around trees, shrubs and walkways creates a welcoming effect. If possible, add path lighting to guide your guests to your front door.
The light in your foyer is also an important one for setting a warm and inviting mood. As your guests enter from a dark exterior, it is best not to have the foyer light too bright and intense, but to use a dimmer to control the light intensity. This will reduce glare and discomfort and will help make the transition from the darkness outside to the interior light of your home.
The color temperature of your lighting is also important to creating a warm and cozy feeling in your home. The most popular is the 2700 color temperature since it is the closest to outside lighting from the sun. Choosing light bulbs can be tricky, so let our lighting experts at Legend Lighting share our knowledge with you and assist you in selecting the best light bulbs for your lighting needs.
There is still plenty of time to spiff up your lighting for the holidays! We can help you with the best lighting solutions to get your home ready for holiday guests and entertaining. Call us today at 512-251-0000 or come by our showroom at 15342 N. IH 35.
Legend Lighting Adds New Lighting Lines
Look What’s New at Legend Lighting!
Legend Lighting is excited to announce the addition of several new lighting lines over the last few months! When we visit the International Lighting Market each January and June we search high and low for lighting that we think will fit with Austin’s unique style and attitude. We are very happy to begin new partnerships with Fine Art Lamps, Nuevo Living, Light and Living, Van Teal and Surya. Items from all of these manufacturers are now on display in the Legend Lighting showroom.
Fine Art Lamps
Since 1940 Fine Art Lamps has been handcrafting original lighting designs that are made in America and specified worldwide. They create designs from beautifully handcrafted metal, hand-blown glass and other unique materials with exquisite hand applied finishes. There is no match for their high quality and unique designs. Their name reflects their commitment to lighting design as an art.
The following lighting fixtures from Fine Art Lamps are on display in the Legend Lighting showroom.
Nuevo Living
Nuevo Living has become one of the premier manufacturers of high quality modern furniture, lighting and decor. Starting in the early 2000’s, they now offer stylish products that are at home in both residential and commercial spaces. Their clean, contemporary designs, high quality along with excellent price points drew us to this line.
Light and Living
Light and Living got their start thirty-five years ago in the Netherlands and have provided beautiful lighting and home accessories to European retailers for years until expanding into the North American market in January of 2013. On-trend designs and excellent price points are the hallmark of this line.
Van Teal
The Van Teal family has been creating imaginative designs, innovative shade treatments and colorful acrylics that are equally works of art and functional lighting fixtures. Specializing in residential lighting and accessories in addition to hospitality lighting, if you want something truly unique, take a look at Van Teal.
Surya
Initially attracted to Surya because of their wide selection of lamps, we were also quickly taken by the rest of their product line, including rugs, poufs, throws and pillows. Surya is a huge line with something for everyone, in every style and budget.
We look forward to our partnership with all of these fine companies and can’t wait to show these great products to our homeowners, designers and builders! Come by our showroom at 15342 N. IH 35 to take a look and see all of our new displays!
Legend Lighting Celebrates Five Year Anniversary
Legend Lighting is proud to celebrate our fifth year in business in 2014! Five years ago we opened the doors with a couple of employees, a few lighting lines and a limited amount of lighting on display. In 2014 we have grown to a staff of 16 valued employees, we offer over 100 lighting lines and our showroom has an abundant display of beautiful decorative lighting, ceiling fans, outdoor lighting and includes a recessed lighting lab.
We would like to sincerely thank all of the customers and friends that have been a part of our growth and success so far. The future is bright and we look forward to illuminating Austin’s homes for many years to come!
Tyson Neal is the Associate Vice President of Legend Lighting and our showroom manager. We asked Tyson to reflect back on these first five years:
Tyson, as Legend Lighting celebrates its five year anniversary, how is the business different today than it was five years ago when we opened the doors in May of 2009?
There are many differences. We started with 8 lighting lines and now offer over 100 lines. We now have a professionally merchandised showroom that has our personal touch, making sure what we offer is right for Austin. And our strong growth has allowed us to build an outstanding team of lighting experts with design backgrounds.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Employee training-Lighting experts are not a dime-a-dozen, and we’ve worked hard to put together a training curriculum that incorporates resources provided by the American Lighting Association, along with our own experience.
What has been your most celebrated success?
Surviving the Great Recession as a new business and emerging as a thriving and vibrant business is something that both our family and our employees are extremely proud to have been a part. It gives us confidence going forward that great things are still to come.
What makes Legend Lighting special and why should builders, interior designers and homeowners come here to make lighting selections?
It’s a personal experience to do business with us, from the products we hand-pick to display for our Austin clientele, to the personalized attention that each of our lighting experts gives to every project they work on. We’re dedicated to not only finding the right solutions for our clients, but opening their eyes to new products and designs that they may not have even been aware of.
What are you most excited about going foward?
The LED lighting revolution that is changing the way we illuminate homes and making new design possibilities a reality.
Vintage Filament Bulbs
Have you tried the new vintage filament bulbs in any of your light fixtures or lamps yet? These fun light bulbs have become extremely popular and can add a touch of magic to your home decor and even your outdoor areas. Many of the light fixtures recently introduced by lighting manufacturers look especially beautiful with the vintage filament bulbs. Trendy restoration and industrial styles are perfect for this look.
While these bulbs do not produce as many lumens as regular light bulbs, they are most appreciated for the nostalgic, romantic ambiance that they create, in addition to their classic shapes and the beauty of the softly glowing filament. People tend to use them in specific applications, especially in lamps and fixtures designed to show the light bulb. Crystal chandeliers take on a uniquely elegant look when lighted by vintage filament bulbs.
Below are some photos from Kichler Lighting which feature the vintage filament bulbs.
And we have the entire Congress collection from Hinkley Lighting on display and all of them look great with the nostalgic bulbs.
These string lights from Bulbrite are a best seller and look even more festive with the nostalgic bulbs. We have them on display in the outdoor area of our showroom and keep them in stock.
Legend Lighting stocks vintage filament bulbs from both Luminance and Bulbrite and we have many light fixtures on display which feature these bulbs. The warm illlumination and softly glowing filament will also add to the coziness of your home this fall and winter! Come by our showroom at 15342 N. IH 35 or call us today at 512-251-0000 to check out our selection!
The Top Five Legend Lighting Photos on Houzz
Legend Lighting’s Top Five Photos on Houzz
Have you had a chance to take a look at the Legend Lighting professional profile on Houzz? We have over 200 photos in 27 projects for your lighting inspiration!
We think Houzz is a fabulous design inspiration tool. With over 4 million photos that have been uploaded by design professionals, it is the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Homeowners can browse and save photos with ideas to use in their own new construction or remodeling projects. Local design and construction professionals can also be searched and found on Houzz. Homeowners can also connect with others through discussions, stories and questions.
The photos below are our most popular on Houzz and have been added to over 100 idea books each. We were very honored to work with each of the professionals listed below as the lighting supplier for these projects.
Our most popular photo, by far, is the beautiful master bathroom in the photo below and has been added to 360 idea books. This home in Spicewood, Texas was built by Seven Custom Homes and the interior design was done by Jeannie Balsam, LLC. The Crystal Lights chandelier from Currey & Company is a lovely complement to the design.
The bar photo below is in the same home as above, built by Seven Custom Homes and designed by Jeannie Balsam, LLC and has been added to 270 idea books on Houzz. The mini chandeliers are from the Savoy House Boutique collection.
The media room shown below is in a home built by Kerry Martin with Enertech Builders and has been added to 195 idea books. The RGB tape light is a very fun addition to a media room!
This beautiful bar photo in a Lake Austin home built by John Davis with Timeless Construction Services, with interior design by JEI Design has been added to 178 idea books on Houzz. The lighting includes the Martini light from Elk Lighting, the Aris sconce from Hubbardton Forge and tape light in the glass cabinets.
The cozy, rustic living room photo below has been added to 136 idea books and is in the same home as the first two photos above. The home was built by Seven Custom Homes and the interior design was done by Jeannie Balsam, LLC. The Arte de Mexico antler chandelier completes this beautiful space.
We love sharing photos of our lighting projects on Houzz. Please visit our website to sign up for our newsletter by clicking HERE. Also, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. We look forward to connecting with you and helping you with your next project, whether it is a new home, remodel or a simple room re-do! Give us a call today at 512-251-0000 or visit our showroom at 15342 N. IH 35.
Hinkley Lighting Wins Three Market Choice Awards
Winning Introductions from Hinkley Lighting
Hinkley Lighting won awards for Best Outdoor Lighting, Best Landscape Lighting and Best Bath/Spa Lighting, in the first ever Market Choice Awards, co-sponsored by enLIGHTenment Magazine and the Dallas Market Center. The International Lighting Market, which takes place in January and in June, typically offers more new product introductions in January. The awards were created to highlight the new product offerings that manufacturers bring out in June and promote the products that are on display during the summer market. Over 30 manufacturers participated and buyers were given the chance to vote on their favorites by category via text messages.
Best Outdoor Lighting-Sutcliffe
The Sutcliffe collection conveys chic elements of early Americana styling. The candelabra lamping, clear glass and copper reflector infuse this sleek pocket lantern design constructed of solid aluminum with a perfect blend of old and new.
Best Landscape Lighting-Luna Step Lights
Hinkley’s Luna LED Step Light offers an idea solution for any 120V outlet or switch location. Rated for indoor or outdoor use, this decorator style sized step light includes a contemporary styled radius front die cast face plate. It consumes only 4W per unit with 180 lumens and is dimmable to 25%.
Best Bath/Spa Lighting-Chloe
Chloe is a dramatic modern design with stunning Piastra glass as its focal point. A slender Brushed Nickel frame securely captures the glass allowing this versatile collection to be mounted horizontally or vertically.
To learn more about Hinkley Lighting, visit their website here. OR better yet, come on into the Legend Lighting showroom to see LOTS of Hinkley Lighting on display!
Get a FREE copy of the 2014 Lighting Magazine
FREE copies of Lighting magazine from Legend Lighting
Lighting magazine is the only national consumer magazine on lighting and is produced once a year by the American Lighting Association and Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications. It is an excellent resource, full of informative articles and information about the latest trends and technology in the lighting industry. The 120 page magazine features current information on light bulbs and the latest designs, ideas and inspiration to light every room in your home.
To receive your FREE copy, simply sign up for our quarterly newsletter AND/OR “Like” us on Facebook! We will be in touch with you by e-mail to get your mailing address and send you your FREE copy of the magazine.
ALSO, did you know that Legend Lighting is on Houzz, Pinterset and Instagram too?
We have over 150 pictures of beautiful lighting jobs by Legend Lighting designers on Houzz to inspire you!
And check out our 68 boards and over 1300 pins on Pinterest!
And we will be at the Dallas Market Center this week for the Lighting Market. Click here to follow us on Instagram for a first-hand look at our market finds!
Ten Ways to Improve Your Lighting
A recent article in Better Homes and Gardens Lighting magazine highlighted ten easy ways to improve the lighting in your home. We thought these were excellent ideas and wanted to share them on our blog.
1. Change out the oldest lighting fixture in your home.
Your oldest fixtures and bulbs are probably your least energy efficient. Trade them out for a product with an Energy Star rating. You will get a new look, save on electricity bills and get a three year warranty.
2. Fix your media room lighting.
Add ambient and task lighting in your TV watching areas to decrease the glare on the screen from your overhead lights.
3. Swap out the lightbulb you leave on the longest.
Energy star labeled bulbs cut your energy use and save energy costs in addition to generating less heat.
4. Add a fixture outside an unlit door.
If you have a entrance, garage or side door without adequate light, add wall sconce(s) for increased safety and security.
5. Check the height of your dining room chandelier.
Your chandelier should be about 30 inches from the top of your table.
6. Replace at least one light switch, if not more.
The newer light bulbs will work best with newer switches.
7. Pick a new shade for a lamp you love.
Changing out your lamp shade will give you a new look and a chance enhance your decor without a big commitment. A light color will diffuse the light into a wider circle, while a darker shade will concentrate the light on a surface.
8. Download a lighting control app.
Apps for smart phones and tablets may allow you to control window treatments, home temperatures and other systems.
9. Find a new ceiling fan.
A new ceiling fan will be more energy efficient and many are much quieter than the older models.
10. Swap out your holiday lights for LED versions.
During the holiday season, 2.22 million kilowatt hours of electricity are used across the country. LED holiday lights use less energy and will last about 40 years, according to the EPA.
If any of these ideas have inspired you to improve the lighting in your home, we can help! Call us at (512) 251-0000 or come by our showroom to learn more and pick up your own copy of Better Homes and Gardens Lighting magazine.