Style Illuminated

Don't forget ... clocks go back tomorrow, November 1st, at 2am. As Daylight Savings Time ends, energy bills get bigger in part because people keep their lights on longer throughout the winter months. As we turn back the clocks, here are a few tips to help turn down your energy bills.

- Replace high wattage bulbs with lower wattage bulbs. Changing from a 100 watt to a 75 or 60 watt version makes a real difference in energy savings. Better yet, make the jump to a CFL bulb.

- Use dimmer switches where you can, and consider "occupancy switches" which automatically turn lights off when you leave a room.

- Outdoor lights with timers or photocell sensors light your yard more efficiently. Check out models with dusk-to-dawn operation and motion sensors.

- Place floor lamps in corners so two walls reflect the light back into the room. This is an easy way to create a brighter atmosphere without having to turn on extra lights.

- Your landscape lights will be on longer each night, so be sure your system is as energy efficient as possible. Consider using solar landscape lighting where practical.

Enjoy an energy efficient winter!

photo credit powi via flickr

                          One theme you will constantly see in home furnishings is the fleur-de-lis. LampsPlus.com has over 100 items listed that feature this emblem.

Actually you'll see the fleur-de-lis everywhere else you look from the Boy Scout emblem to the Da Vinci Code. This symbol has a long history and a variety of interpretations. It is featured on ancient pottery, textiles, coins, flags, clothing, jewelry and architecture.

The French words "fleur-de-lis" translate into "lily" and the symbol itself has the look of a highly stylized flower.

Its symbolic history has imbued this simple shape with a powerful legacy. The fleur-de-lis was adopted early by French Kings which featured the symbol on royal seals, banners, and jewelry as an emblem of their sovereignty. Joan of Arc carried a flag into battle which featured fleur-de-lis within the insignia. 

French postage stamps as well as the emblem of the city of Florence feature a fleur-de-lis and carry the theme through to modern times.

Iron fence posts often have fleur-de-lis finials as a defence against intruders.

Just keep your eyes open, you'll notice this ancient beauty everywhere!

A pendant chandelier is a great way to add pop to a room. This new design certainly does that, with its sphere of pop art aluminum flowers and colored glass centers.

This would like great in a kitchen area or even in a child's bedroom. Go flower power! 

Blossom Sphere Pendant Chandelier.   

Post Update 7-3-11: Sorry all, this product is out-of-stock at this time. We'll leave an update if it comes back online, or you can contact our customer service department for additional information.

Outdoor lighting does more than just add curb appeal. Exterior lighting with special security features helps keep your home and outdoor spaces safer and more secure.

Fixtures with motion sensors turn on or get brighter when motion is detected. Lights equipped with dusk-to-dawn operation turn on when the sun goes down thanks to light-sensitive photocells.

Browse our large selection of outdoor security lighting. Click here for models specifically featuring Dusk-to-Dawn or Motion Detectors.

Besides attractive graining and an appealing light color, teak is sturdy and naturally weather resistant. That's why we love this teak wall shelf and towel rack for the bathroom. Plus, this eco-friendly design is repurposed from castoff teak wood. Sustainable and so stylish!

See more of our sustainable designs and eco-friendly products here.

Post update 5-20-11: Sorry folks, this item is sold out at the moment. We'll update this post should it come back in stock. If you'd like more information, please call  one of our lighting and decor specialists!

To celebrate its 120th anniversary, the Eiffel Tower has been decked out with energy efficient LED spotlights. The LED lights have been programmed to create a dynamic light sequence. They'll be in place until December 31. Read more at LEDs Magazine, Eiffel Tower celebrates 120 years with LED lights, or click the video below to see the light show.

I was excited about finding some really fun YouTube clips about Bob Mackie to share in this post from last month. And then... I looked today and there was a whole Bob Mackie YouTube channel! Yay! Did you know that he is a guest judge on Project Runway this season? 

Below is a clip where Mr. Mackie discusses his furniture designs including the lighting line with Murray Feiss we carry. He relates designing the detailwork in his pieces to accessorizing an outfit with jewelry or embroidery, a pleasing insight into the process of a designer with a distinct point of view.

One of two $250 LampsPlus.com shopping sprees can be yours in just three easy steps:

1. Become a fan of LAMPS PLUS on Facebook (if you’re not already).
   
2. Upload a photo or two showcasing your lighting style between 10/19/09 and 11/19/09. Feel free to write a caption too! There is no limit but the photos must be uploaded during the contest period and only the photo with the most “Like” votes will win.
   
3. Encourage your friends and family to “Like” and comment on your photos!

Head to Facebook.com/LampsPlus for more details and to get started!

If you missed John's recent post, Ed Begley Jr. on Lighting, you missed a very interesting tidbit. In an interview with Residential Lighting, Begley discussed his favorite new technology, and it's one we're excited about, too.

CCFL, or Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lighting, is an emerging bulb technology that shows a lot of promise. Benefits over CFLs include longer life, instant turn-on, and they're dimmable.

CCFL is currently used most often for backlighting computer displays and as a replacement for neon lighting. Screw-in bulbs are starting to hit the market, and we're excited to watch this energy efficient technology develop further.

For now, browse our energy efficient LED and CFL lighting options. For more technical info read CCFLs at Wikipedia.

Lighting for Tomorrow is a design competition that recognizes energy efficient lighting, ENERGY STAR lighting fixtures and energy saving bulbs for their efficiency, attractiveness, and value.

Since the first round of Lighting for Tomorrow winners was announced 2004, each year’s winning products have demonstrated how energy efficient lighting can add warmth and radiance to a home while saving energy and money.

The winners for 2009 were just announced, so you can get a taste of the future today! Read more about the competition and the winning designs here: Lighting for Tomorrow.