Light up your home
One of the most important things in your home definitely is ample lighting. Not only do you need to have light to see what you are doing at night but lighting also plays a very important role in your home's atmosphere. We asked, Valerie Poyurs, Director of Marketing, Radiant Lighting and Electrical to tell us more about the latest products available on the market.
Q: Which interesting new products do you have available as far as lighting (lamps, chandeliers etc) is concerned?
A: “Radiant is committed to bringing technological innovation to South Africa and has, over the past few months, introduced a number of enterprising products to the market, most of which offer consumers greater convenience and access to green lighting options.
Radiant Technological Innovations:
LED’s – LED’s are definitely the future of lighting and we believe it’s a matter of time before these lights become the norm around the globe. Their powerful light emits a very low heat, resulting in a much smaller carbon footprint and enhanced longevity. LED’s don’t produce any UV or IR radiation. Radiant’s new LED range of lamps is suitable for multiple purposes, including residential, industrial and commercial applications.
The Owl device - This handy device helps monitor total household electricity consumption. It enables consumers to analyse exactly how many kilowatts of electricity various appliances are using and how much heat is being generated per room.
“6Amp Click Duo” luminary socket – This revolutionary new socket will transform the way in which electricians install commercial lighting. The user-friendly device replaces the traditional cumbersome method of using two separate sockets, wall boxes and cable glands when wiring applications such as fluorescent lights. Instead, the new “6Amp Click Duo” combines all the components required in an integrated double socket with a base plate, which can simply be secured to the ceiling using 5 different mounting options of which using a nail gun is the fastest.
Trickle Star – The Trickle Star helps computer and TV home theatre users save electricity. This device automatically switches off all equipment attached to either a computer or TV such as printers, modems, amplifiers, DVD players and speakers when you shut down your PC or switch off the TV using the remote. Electricity saving at the push of a button
Simple Switch – The Simple Switch brings automated lighting into the home; essentially replacing the need for a light switch as we know it. By connecting a receiver to any light circuit and using the wireless handheld remote to control light switches and dimmers at the touch of a button, consumers can control their lighting schemes throughout their homes. Now, one can lie in bed and turn the lights on or off without having to get up.
Radiant Light Fittings:
- Chrome fittings – There has been a surge in the popularity of chrome light fittings which reflect light and create a contemporary look and feel. On their way to SA shores are the JG12 chrome pendant fittings - Radiant’s much-awaited contemporary, decorative pendant light fittings which will officially be available in SA from April onwards. Made from glass and dipped in either chrome or gold, these fittings create a super-stylish space and glam up some of the world’s chicest residences, hotels and retail environments.
- Red and Black Sparkling chandeliers - Crystal chandeliers of all descriptions are still popular locally and internationally. New designs use combinations of crystals and transparent, mirror-like fittings that reflect light. There is currently a wide range of red and black crystal chandeliers available, which are in vogue and have replaced the trend of wrought iron and Tuscan styles.
- Outdoor lights - People have become much more conscious about security and outdoor lighting plays a large role in this. It also gives you the opportunity to illuminate your garden creatively. Outdoor lighting has come a long way and the latest trend is classic designs which have been scaled up to almost XXXL in size. Radiant stocks these and a number of fun and imaginative products which are energy and environmentally friendly as well as cost effective.
- Natural light fittings – Sustainability and environmental sensitivity in lighting has become de rigueur. Organic fittings made from wood are very popular and we are seeing a number of fittings which take inspiration from nature and the environment and comply with eco-design rules.”
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of the products that are currently available on the market?
Advantages:
- Radiant offers a wide variety of quality, affordable fittings to suit every lighting and décor requirement – from a child’s bedroom to large commercial projects.
- Consumers can stay abreast of new developments as these are the latest on-trend fittings from around the world.
- Advancing technology has lead to products which offer less energy consumption, more environmental awareness and a lower carbon footprint.
- Technological breakthroughs also result in greater convenience, simpler living, less fuss and bother.
Disadvantages:
- The cost of initial outlay of switching to greener lighting solutions.
- We have seen pockets of convergence between fittings that encompass terrific style and the latest ‘green’ technology, but we are still some way off in terms of making a broad array of products of this like available to consumers.”
Q: What is the latest trend in the market – what do homeowners buy most and why is this product so popular?
A: “Chandeliers are very popular whether large or small - they add the right touch of glamour to any setting and are here to stay for a long time. Chandeliers come in a wide variety of styles and designs and can be made from a number of different kinds of materials including wrought iron, steel, chrome and crystal.
Typically, larger chandeliers are used for lighting staircases and as centre pieces in the lounge or dining room while mini chandeliers are great for creating a sense of intimacy in smaller rooms or awkward spaces. Whether you wish to create a classic, traditional style or a more modern, sleek look, there is a chandelier for any purpose.”
Q: How does one go about choosing the correct light fitting / lamp for a specific room or area?
A: “Before starting the process of planning and selecting a light fixture, you should acquaint yourself with the spaces you want to light. Become familiar with the way in which natural light does/does not filter into the room and take seasonal changes in light into account. Take note of details including the height of the ceiling, recesses, the roof pitch and bulkheads (dropped ceilings) and select your lighting accordingly. Search for inspiration on the internet or in magazines and visit reputable shops or showrooms to view your options. You can then develop a lighting plan for each room. Design a lighting plan that can help you create various moods in different areas of your home.
Try to introduce layers of light – not only does this create a beautiful rich, textured effect, but it also gives you the flexibility to play with your lighting scheme as the seasons change. Also think about the purpose of each room and the activities for which it is intended. Lastly, when selecting your fitting, opt for a stylish fixture that is also kind to the environment. Investigate the feasibility of installing energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) or light-emitting diodes (LED’s) and replace low voltage lamps with equivalent energy savers where applicable.”
Q: How can one go about making your lighting option more electricity friendly?
A: “Understanding the difference between different types of lamps can assist in selecting more eco-friendly lighting options. Incandescent light bulbs – the traditional light bulb used in cartoons to depict moments when a character has a bright idea – are still used in certain fixtures, but are being replaced by more energy-saving types of lamps including CFL’s and LED’s. These newer technologies give off a brighter light but use less energy, and while they may initially be more expensive, they last much longer so you save money.”
Q: Give our readers some tips on how to create the perfect lighting for a specific room – which rooms demand sharper light and which demand softer light?
A: “More than any other element in interior design, lighting can be used to create a certain mood or ambience. It can highlight and draw both attention and people to a particular setting. Choosing a flexible combination of light fittings will enable you to adjust the mood in each room to suit the occasion. One of the first steps when using lighting to produce a particular atmosphere is to experiment with the level of illumination in a room. Higher voltage lamps, for example, produce a brighter light which helps to produce a festive vibe. Low levels of light on the other hand, tinted on the warm side of the spectrum, help to flatter face and form, and can be used for intimate settings. Dimming switches which allow you to adjust the level of brightness are a useful tool in crafting the right effect. By using different layers of lights, such as downlights, table lamps and floor lamps, you can construct an elegant atmosphere for any occasion. The advantage of using multiple light sources is that they provide enough overall lighting to create a sociable setting, while at the same time producing a feeling of privacy and intimacy.
Living areas: Make use of dimming switches to adjust the level of brightness in your living area to suit the occasion. Atmospheric changes can also be achieved through accent lighting - table or standing lamps and low voltage down-lighters or uplighters which allow for greater flexibility. Ensure your choice is in keeping with your style and space. For example, large chandeliers work best in rooms with high-volume ceilings. Plan where you are going to hang paintings and display them to their best advantage with individual lighting.
Kitchen: Lighting is all-important for the preparation of food. If the kitchen is, however, also a dining area, include alternative lighting that serves diners well. Pendants are very useful for adding light to specific areas such as over a kitchen table. Lighting creates a genial ambience and lighting inside cupboards is practical - but take care not to use anything stronger than 50 watt globes.
Bathrooms: As bathroom lights are sometimes exposed to water and condensation, there are legal safety restrictions which stipulate enclosed light fittings. You should call in an expert to position fittings and properly light this area. Use a ceiling fixture for overall illumination and make certain there is ample light above mirrors for make-up application and shaving. Installing additional sidelights can help to get rid of shadows.
Bedrooms: If you’re certain your layout is permanent, fixed wall lamps are a convenient option. For greater flexibility, select free-standing bedside lamps using CFL’s which do not overheat. Once again, plan where you want your electrical plug points. Strategically position lights to illuminate the contents of built-in cupboards or place fluorescent strip lights inside cupboards. Wall lights with dimmer switches are a good idea in children’s bedrooms as they can be left on during the night.”
www.radiant.co.za
Images supplied by Radiant.
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