Thursday, April 4th, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
Lighting is no longer just about lighting up a space with general lighting, it has become so much more than that – designer lighting is meant to enhance a space and add purpose to your home. With the various kinds and styles of lighting come alternative lighting designs and variations other than general lighting or ambient lighting. Other common stylish lighting distinctions are task lighting, which would be achieved with lamps on a desk or pendants over an island. Accent lighting and decorative lighting are two more types of lighting that create depth and interest in a space – accent lighting is used to accentuate an object or element in a space like picture lights over paintings or puck lights in glass cabinets; decorative lighting is purely ornamental, one of the most common applications is cove lighting above cabinets or in tray ceilings.
There are different designer lights that can create these various lighting types in a space, the most common being chandeliers and lamps. You can also consider using different style like flush and semi-flush fixtures that sit closer to the ceiling. For accent and task lighting, wall sconces are a great choice and add wonderful depth to your space and pin lights, which are small compact lights, are typically used for accent and decorative lighting. With your outdoor areas, consider wall lanterns or outdoor hanging lanterns to hang from the ceiling or wall. When picking out your designer lighting it is important to consider the function you want, size and materials of the light and how they will fit in with the current décor of the space.
Thursday, February 21st, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
Even though Valentine’s Day has passed and the chance to surprise your loved with your romantic side on that momentous day will have to wait a year doesn’t mean you can’t learn some new and romantical lighting tips; special, romantic lighting and decorating trends for you and your significant other to enjoy from our very knowledgeable lighting professionals.
Mood lighting for any space within your home is necessary to create that ideal lighting for two. Creating the right lighting can be as simple as changing the color of your light bulb to transitioning your lighting scheme into something brand new. Here are some tips to follow when deciding what to do to illuminate your romantic side with the perfect lighting:
Try going for a theme or color scheme with the decor of your space, the lighting will harmonize with the tones you pick and help the overall ambiance of the room.
Subdued tones and colors mixed with gentle fabrics add a cozy touch.
Chandeliers are known to be the most romantic looking silhouettes for any space but if you don’t have one installed in your room, try changing the lamp shades to warmer colors or adding a thin, darker linen over the top of the shade (be careful of flammability of course).
Try little twinkling lights strewn throughout the space or adding little candles for another romantic light source.
Dimmers are the best way to achieve the romantical and warm lighting to set the perfect atmosphere, if you don’t have one installed, doing so is pretty simple and will be used for future endeavors as well.
If you are picking out a fixture and want a romantic design to your space, go for chandeliers in more distressed finishes and antique silhouettes, maybe with a touch of crystal embellishments. Crystal chandeliers add an elegance and graceful presence to a room.
Last, but not least, don’t forget the flowers! Romance becomes complete with some flowers and the perfect mood lighting.
Friday, January 11th, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
This year, 2013 is host to a myriad of brand new products from a great deal of brands – Dolan Designs has definitely prepared for the new year with new collections that are sure to impress with style and charm.
Dolan’s Monaco collection is simple yet refined with bold lines that boast a transitional yet modern style. The collection offers 3 light chandeliers, 5 light chandeliers, 6 lights chandelier, mini pendants, semi-flush mounts and wall sconces; plan your home’s interior lighting scheme around this collection and your space will illuminate will a subtle elegance and eye-catching presence.
The Infini collection is unique as its name coincides with the design of the fixtures; each piece within this collection features a focal infinity symbol – within the chandeliers, the center column shines with a twirl of satin nickel while the mini pendant adds that twist to the lower portion of the fixture as well as the wall sconce, which has an infinity twirl continuing down the bottom of its design. The simplicity of this collection is truly remarkable as the bold, sweeping lines of satin nickel shine against the brilliance of the satin white glass shades.
The last collection we will focus on new to Dolan Designs is the Delany collection, which features chandeliers, mini pendants and wall sconces with a transitional and mission style design. The bold, dark lines of warm bronze stands out while the illumination of the clear pebbled glass shines bright.
There are more collections Dolan Designs has to show off this year that will inevitably be introduced at the Dallas International Lighting Market. Dolan Designs is dedicated to designing detailed, stylish fixtures with high-quality materials and distinct silhouettes.
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
We have made sure to keep up to date with adding new products to littmanbros.com and we couldn’t disappoint this month. We have added some very functional and stylish new products from AFX Lighting including the simplistic yet refined Enzo collection, the chic line of Dayton pendants and the Hilcrest collection.
ENZO – The Enzo collection features a colorful assortment of mini pendants; each mini pendant has a specific color of nested frosted glass in a tinted elliptical glass that is suspended by an eight foot adjustable cord. The variation of colors and simple silhouettes allow for a very contemporary vibe in lighting. These mini pendants will work wonderfully over any kitchen island or bar top to add that required illumination those areas need so much.
DAYTON – This line of pendants known as the Dayton collection are truly sophisticated designs in lighting. They are finished in a chic satin nickel that shines against the clean white linen drum shades; a very contemporary shade design. Although the pendants feature contemporary silhouettes, they can be more of a transitional style that will be a great addition to any foyer kitchen or great room. The pendants are available in 24” and 30” diameters.
HILCREST – The Hilcrest collection is unique because it features both pendants and spotlights, very creatively designed in both lighting types. The spotlights, or low voltage rail system, features spot heads that are fully adjustable and come in very unique colored glass options (they are available with or without the colored accents). They are designed to rotate 360 degrees and pivot 90 degrees and utilize energy efficient fluorescent 13W bulbs. The great part about Hilcrest is that you can use the spotlights in the same area as you choose to place the sleek and modern low voltage pendants. They feature colorful hand-blown glass accents of amber, green or white set against a satin nickel or bronze finish.
Check out even more AFX Lighting products just added to Littman Bros today. They are all just as stylish and elegant as the Enzo, Dayton and Hilcrest collections.
Friday, November 9th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
This past week several new “smart” screw-in LED bulbs were introduced to the public and one specifically, the Philips “Hue”, is available at retail level, according to an American Lighting Association (ALA) monthly newsletter. The Hue is not being sold at just any retailer either; try Apple, which is now selling these “Wi-Fi enabled Philips light bulbs” in stores everywhere.
With the new Philips Hue, you can now control the dimming capabilities and mood-setting more easily, controlled over Wi-Fi with an app from the Apple Store or Apple.com used from your smart phone or other device. It also requires what Philips is calling a “bridge,” which must be connected to your wireless router; meethue.com says “it’s the ‘bridge’ between you’re your bulbs and your smart phone app.”
According to meethue.com, Hue is “more than just your average light bulb, it’s a personal wireless lighting system that can display different tones of white light – from warm yellow white to vibrant blue white and can recreate any color spectrum.”
With Hue, you can set your lights on a timer to wake you up in the morning, setting your lights to gradually brighten over time; Hue can also recreate a light from a picture, simply choose the light in the picture you want to recreate and Hue will reflect that choice instantly – your phone becomes a “palette to paint with light.”
Also, Hue has created “Community Scenes,” in which the “Hue community has been creating scenes from their favorite images – click on an image to view a scene and if you like it then you can use it with your own wireless LED bulbs,” according to meethue.com.
The Hue starter pack includes three LED bulbs and you can coordinate up to 50 bulbs through the wireless system; each individual bulb after that costs around $60, a bit pricey but it seems as though you are buying not only a bulb, but an experience; something intuitive and connected.
Wednesday, October 31st, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
One of the best ways to achieve a nice breeze or some solid airflow within a small room or workspace (rooms that tend to hinder the ability to install any type of ceiling fan) is with the very classic selection of portable fans from Fanimation.
The best part about Fanimation’s collection of portable fans is their unique and very timeless designs; some of their most popular portable fans are the Fargo and the Old Havana, which, according to fanimation.com, “were inspired by antique fans in Tom Frampton’s extensive collection. Although the fans have distinctly different looks and features, they share a common history.”
These fans were motivated by a fan Frampton saw in an antique shop, a more updated version of the Savory Aerator, and the result was the Fargo; according to Fanimation, “the Fargo showcases the same globe shaped cage as the original Aerator fan, however the base of the Fargo is more modernized and features classic accents.”
A wonderful part about these fans, especially the Fargo, is that they create a very effective breeze that won’t disturb an area of work (in your office or at home desk).
Some other models of Fanimation’s portable fans are the Old Havana, bringing home the tropics with its unique design; the Urbanjet, a more retro version of the portable fan; and the Arden, a wonderfully distinct design with wooden long legs to create an ample breeze within your space.
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
For the month of October, Savoy House Lighting is continuing their latest “Collection of the Month” campaign and is focusing on the sophisticated Windsor collection from Brian Thomas.
The Windsor collection features a line of fixtures with smooth cream fabric shades that are the perfect setting for the highlighted antique gold filigree insets, which harmonize beautifully with the plush Fiesta Bronze finish. Products from the Windsor collection add a regal and inviting presence to any space.
Savoy’s Windsor collection offers wall sconces, vanity lights, semi-flush mounts and chandeliers of varying silhouettes that complement their design aesthetic brilliantly. The bold, striking lines and overall attractive outlines of Windsor create a contemporary elegance that delights and engages with its quality craftsmanship and classic style.
An exciting bonus about Savoy’s “Collection of the Month” is that for the entire month of October, all products in the Windsor collection will be offered at 15 percent off the regular price.
The unique shades added to the design of this collection makes Windsor the stylish and pronounced collection it is; the timeless, very stately presence of the wall sconces and vanities will tie in beautifully with the drum shaded semi-flush mount or 5 light chandelier. The wonderful part about the chandeliers within Windsor is the distinctive difference in design between the 6 light and the 5 light chandeliers; Savoy House truly gives you a nice choice in design scheme with the Windsor collection.
Thursday, September 27th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Using tropical style fans in the home isn’t often a top choice in design for many people but with the right blade color and specific materials, tropical fans can be a wonderfully inviting addition to your space.
Ceiling fans grace almost every room in the home and are at the center of the space; it is important to not only have an efficient fan with great airflow but also have a fan that is stylish and with the design and aesthetic of these fans, you can’t go wrong.
Fanimation features an array of tropical ceiling fans collections with various settings for their design inspirations.
According to fanimation.com, their tropical fans are created with “organic and natural materials, such as real palm leaf blades and beautifully designed, rich bamboo blades to create a feeling of Island Living in your home.”
Fanimation has a selection of their top-selling tropical fans and included on that list is the Cancun collection, the Belleria, the Palisade and the Cancun; the Islander was inspired by the Palisade, and both were designed by Tom Frampton, founder of Fanimation.
Thursday, September 13th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Maria Theresa chandeliers date back to the 1700s when the Australian Empress, Maria Theresa reigned. They are beautiful fixtures that are known to have more traditional silhouettes that are covered and draped with crystals.
It is often mistaken that the frame of Maria Theresa chandeliers are made of glass but actually, they are known to have a metal frame that is covered in glass. The metal frame is simply an instrument on which the crystal is enclosed and ornaments are draped upon to restructure the array of designs that are Maria Theresa; from the most minimalistic designs to exceptionally ornate.
Schonbek Worldwide Lighting features a collection in honor of the Empress Maria Theresa. Schonbek’s Maria Theresa collection is a wonderful example of this style chandelier; their version however is highly stylized while featuring the typical crystal listels outlining the shapely frame. Crystal embellishments of Heritage Handcut crystals are also covering each piece within this collection.
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012
by Benson Littman
Crystal lighting is a very elegant means of lighting your home and it adds a beautiful and stylish touch to your interior lighting design. Today, there are so many different styles and brands that are being designed and crafted and these manufacturers truly know the significance and value of the crystals they use when creating these ornate compositions of light.
Here is a brief overview of the types of crystals out there so you know what you are getting when you’re on the hunt for your next crystal fixture:
Swarovski Elements – This type of crystal is considered the most luxurious and most exceptional crystals in the world. It is a uniquely genuine and naturally pure variety of crystal out there today. It comes in countless shapes, sizes and colors and are each machine-cut and polished with precision; the logo of Swarovski Elements is engraved into each crystal, impossible to replicate.
Spectra Crystal – Is a machine-cut Swarovski crystal that was illuminates a radiant shimmer and is designed by the highest authority in crystal expertise; it is created to be an enhanced, top-quality crystal at an affordable price for customers.
Heritage Handcut Crystal – These crystals are hand cut in a method that is deep-rooted in crystal cutting history, dating back centuries. Each crystal is unique in shape and form and is cut by hand in two stages, on an iron and sandstone wheel. After, they are polished on a wood wheel with marble dust.
Optic Handcut Crystal – These crystals are significantly refractive. Optic crystal was originally solely used in scientific studies and instrumentation but Schonbek’s engineers started including them in their chandelier models.
Gemcut Crystal – Are shaped into a very sharp and precise form and are polished to create a pure and super refractive crystal.
Vintage Crystal – Vintage crystals are very whimsical droplets of beads in a very traditional shape of faceted ovals, woven into chains.
Legacy Crystal – This type of crystal comes from Venice, Italy and emanates an understated shine and is known to be more affordable than the average cut crystal.
Rock Crystal – this is truly a unique kind of crystal as it can’t be manufactured and mass-produced. It is one of the oldest crystals around and are mined by skilled gem-cutters and are not created in any type on synthetic process in crystal cutting or polishing.
The design and manufacturing of crystal fixtures requires ample understanding, knowledge and familiarity with the crystals and creations made in order to produce such superior designs in lighting. An array of brands produce crystal lighting of all designs and Schonbek Worldwide Lighting is one of them; Schonbek features lighting that is bejeweled, ornamented and trimmed with an assortment of exquisite and delicate crystals. Schonbek carries all of the above crystal types and incorporated them into their designs in very distinct and unique ways.