Wednesday, January 30, 2013

New Introductions by Murray Feiss

It is that time of year again,we have new catalogs full of great new designs, new materials and new finishes. Murray Feiss has always offered an expansive selection of fixtures and they did not dissapoint with their New Introductions this year, I have chosen a few of my personal favorite pieces to share. 
There are a few things I am very excited about in lighting as we look into 2013, BRASS!!!! Brass is coming back ya all and I for one couldn't be happier. It is not the dated polished brass from years past, we have here a much more sophisticated brass, check out the HugoCelebration and Urban Renewal collections to see for yourself. I am also excited that Murray Feiss has decided to expand the mirror collection again check out all the mirror's here.
What do you think of the white fixtures in the Maarid collection? I have always been drawn to all white interiors and I can visualize the Maarid in so many beautiful spaces.  



Denmark Pendant



Hugo Sconce


Hugo Island Light


Hugo Chandelier


Celebration Pendant


Celebration Fixture


Maila Fixture
Maarid Chandelier


Maarid Semi-Flush


Helena Mirror


Urban Renewal Pendant


Urban Renewal Pendant

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Under Cabinet Lighting

Here are a few of the most commonly used under cabinet lighting systems. Kitchens are the biggest gathering room in most homes, good lighting is very important in your kitchen. Under cabinet lights add depth, dimension, are both functional and decorative. These are the finishing touches you do not want to miss in your home.

Photo found on Pinterest
 
 
Halogen, Xenon, and fluorescent bars or strip lights are popular under cabinet lighting options. All of these can be plugged into an electrical outlet or hardwired to a power source. These light systems will link together creating a continuous light source to illuminate any length of counter top.
Puck Lights
Puck lights are another option, more often than not pucks are a 12 volt system, so they require a transformer. Most pucks use halogen or xenon light bulbs and are 20 watts each. A puck light can be recessed or surface mounted. Pucks create a spot light effect although the effect can change by changing the glass lens; there are color filters as well as spread lenses and diffusers.
LED tape
There are many options in under cabinet lighting with LED tape being the most popular request as of late; it is a great option if you have a matte surface, if you do not like to change light bulbs and if you need a low profile option. There are a few things to keep in mind with LED, as this picture above illustrates on a high gloss (like most granite) surface the bulbs are reflective and will be very noticeable. If you have a lip under your cabinets I recommend mounting the LED tape to the side of the lip so that it does not shine directly onto the counter top. This will diffuse the harsh light so the reflection is less noticeable. I wish I had a good picture to show the difference, I will have to try to find one.
LED light requires a driver, most systems have drivers that can be hardwired or drivers that will plug into an outlet.