Tax Free Weekend

Our best month for the last four years has been August, because of the tax free holiday. Now the Tax Weekend becomes the first month of a tax increase...Just because our state government doesn't want to, doesn't mean we can't

So this weekend select GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag, Kitchenaid, Franke, Bosch, Schonbek Crystal, Hinkley, Rohl, Hansgrohe, Bertazzoni, Marvel, Uline and Blomberg will have full tax rebates of the 6.25%

August 15, 16 and 17

Fad or Fashion

You are looking at the Schonbek line of modern crystal called Geometrix. In my opinion, this was the brilliant introduction in the history of lighting. Geometrix basically thrust Schonbek into the contemporary market for crystal, which was huge.

And guess what, Swaroski, the huge crystal company, purchased Schonbek soon thereafter. Unfortunately, lighting can be traditional or a fashion item.

Have a look...





How would you feel if you were the owner Swaroski crsytal right about now...For the people buying pendants, consider this a cautionary tale.

How To...Differentiate a White Kitchen

White kitchens are making a comeback. ...Lets look at ours as there are a few good appliance and lighting ideas as well.

White is quite simply the easiest to match and accessorize...In this example, it was matched with green undertones, granite, sink base cabinet and the lighting, which is Geometrix by Schonbek.







If we look at the tiling, it is multi colored and thus contemporary. A more tradition adaptation would have, for example, the white subway tile and a couple of more traditional pendants.





Fisher Paykel manufactures single drawer dishwashers as well. Although more space is required, the single drawer allows for less bending. The Fisher Paykel can be panelized, so it is great for bars and other point of use areas within your house





Definitely consider white for timeless yet adaptable style. This kitchen was designed by Diane Auchello of Metropolitan Cabinets in Natick....

Cool New Stuff...Lighting

As I have said in previous posts, there is the beginning of a design trend, which is optic glass. This is the latest product offering from Wilmette.





I love contemporary fans. Unfortunately, modern and flush or close to the ceiling seemed to be mutually exclusive, until Modern Fan company started manufacturing this new series





Never had a fondness for crystal...until recently. Schonbek has broken out of the...this is a look only your grandmother could love and started marketing crystal with an edge






Traditional lighting is about well...tradition.... which is a polite word for never changing. The bell jar is a very traditional light, but note the finish....smoke. No kidding, this may be considered radical thinking for an entire industry that only stopped manufacturing just polished brass





What is it with retractable fans....Do people hate blades? Well here is a new one....

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.