Paddle Fans

Paddle fans used to be a Southern thing (I lived in New Orleans I can say that). In the old days, people would buy a white fan and call it a day. Now paddle fans are part light fixture, part design statement and part mover of air.

Paddle fans do not actually lower temperature. They, however, produce a wind chill effect or perceived temperature on the skin. Think of wind chill in the winter. It feels much colder outside with the wind blowing. Reverse the blades in the winter and the heat is disbursed from the ceiling.

There seems to be a changing of the guard in the industry. Casablanca once dominated, but now MinkaAire, Fanimation and Hudson Valley manufacture great fans.

Have a Look...

A Change Of Styles

Have a look at these two pictures





These pictures are snapshots of the same Wolf kitchen in our store. We changed the display last week. Although traditional woods are not exactly my taste, a couple of interesting conclusions can be drawn from this display

1. Stainless steel matches everything

2. Lighting defines the space. You are looking at Hudson Valley chrome pendants and white beehives and Juno low voltage bronze recessed lighting.

3. Today's' style is eclectic....In other words, traditional and modern elements can be used in the same space effectively.

A few more pics...

Change your Environment and spend $110

I am a little worried. if you read the last two posts, you will probably think I am an elitist. This is not true...OK maybe partially true. Seriously, there are tons of ways to save money and buy great looking products.

As you know from reading previous posts, pendants have become increasingly popular. Kitchens now incorporate a dining space or an island or a penisula. Frequently, three smaller fixtures spaced evenly has more appeal than one chandelier.

Unlike my wine post of yesterday, this is a perfect opportunity to spend a little less and still buy an asthetically pleasing product. Hudson Valley manufactures reproductions of 19th century fixtures complete with different glass and finish options. It looks authentic yet it is only about $110.

Have a peek:

New Lights

I am an awful photographer as you can see in this post. Following are pictures of new lighting now available. One quock note: I lean more to eclectic(a nice word foor strange) or modern stylizations


First picture...Retro modern flush pieces from CSL. A few of these lights are UL for damp location so they can be used in a bath application






LED lightrail....Great for commercial applications, but it is a little expensive.



Vibia...Stainless steel flush mounts.



This is a remote control fan. The blades expand when the fan is activated. Really cool



A very bad picture of some very versatile pendants....Wilmette can be used in modern or the
the new French Neo Classic type of look....



Very interesting flushmounts from Hudson Valley...Not expensive



A very clean chandelier from Sonneman






I like this chandelier. It is ebony bronze, and can be used in classic or contemporary adaptations



Semi-flush on the right and flush on the left. Once again, a little different look

My Favorite Lighting

This yet another totally biased blog entry. What further complicates matters is that I have contemporary tastes. The important idea behind this blog is understanding the importance of lighting. Well designed lighting does not have to cost a fortune and is integral to the environment.

Undercounter lighting: CSL, Seagull Ambience

Think about it. Meals are prepared on counters. Placing lights on the cabinets above is a good idea.

CSL is a strip of halogen lights that is available in varying lengths.


Seagull Ambience is a low voltage cable that allows for greater flexibility. Ambience is also low voltage, so it emits a whiter light.


Pendants: Techlighting, Hudson Valley

The demand for pendants increased dramatically with larger kitchens. As previously discussed, the kitchen and formal dining area have combined to form one "great" room in most new homes. Usually, there is a type of island in the plan. Pendants(essentially small fixtures) have become the light for these areas.

Techlighting is the premier contemporary pendant company with a profusion of color and styles.


Hudson Valley is a very decent transitional to traditional line of pendants and fixtures. Hudson also manufactures some great period pieces and most of the products are under $120.


Wrought Iron: Hubbardton Forge.

Wrought iron has become increasingly popular in transitional and traditional adaptations. Hubbardton stull forges lighting by hand.


Crystal: Schonbek

I say crystal, and the image that immediately runs through brains is your grandmas house(not that it is a bad thing) Crystal is incredibly interesting. Look at Geometrix from Schonbek.


Monorail: Techlighting

Think of it is very updated track that is bendable and with the ability to light track heads and/or fixtures.


Bulbs: Compact Fluorescent, Krypton bulbs

The equation is simple 13 watts fluorescent equals over 50 watts incandescent.


Krypton bulbs are beautiful bulbs for chandeliers. They also use much less energy.


Traditional: Visual Comfort

VC has some great heavier traditional pieces that even I appreciate.