Looking to renovate your home and finally create that dream space? Wondering about the latest colors, design, layouts, materials, energy efficient options? Look no further!
The following is my response to the second in eLocal’s blog off series. This time, us experts were asked to identify the home improvement trends for 2011, and more specifically, which of these trends were most likely to last vs. be considered passing fads.
My Response:
My personal design preferences usually revolve around the placement of big screen televisions, and the associated paraphernalia that go with them, such as enhanced sound options. I believe that I will continue to trend in that direction for the new year of 2011.
However, to address the question at hand, I am going to come at this from the angle of lighting trends for 2011.
I think that the most prevalent trend in lighting won’t come from wires and fixtures, but rather from a source that has been around since the beginning of time, that big burning mass of hot gasses also known as the sun. Designers are moving towards incorporating more natural light with the strategic placement of windows, larger windows, and more of them. Solar tubes and skylights are also making a big comeback in design plans.
Lighting choices of the more traditional wired types are being pushed toward the green movement. Legislation is the driving force, and people’s desire to become more environmentally sensitive will see incandescent lamps on the museum shelves of the future. LED (light emitting diode) is the fastest growing trend, and the ever evolving and improving compact florescent technology is becoming commonplace.
There are few limitations now for any type of light fixture to be available using either LED or CFL lamps, and retro-fitting almost any existing fixture to the new improved technology is readily available.
A big advantage of the new LED technology is that there is no longer a need to compromise design for efficiency. They last longer and reduce energy required for lighting by a significant percentage. They have also improved the spectrum of light output to allow a warmer white light than in past years.
As far as style choice, look for a continued move toward the incorporation of natural materials in light fixture design, such as stone, natural fabrics, and such. This will go nicely with the 65” 3D LED television that should adorn the walls of most living areas of the home.
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But there’s a lot more to this! See what new materials, techniques, types of projects, fixtures and layouts the contractors discussed, and check out the designers’ take on color and styles by reading eLocal’s blog – click here to view it.
What do you think? Is there a trend that you feel is going to go the distance? Share your comment below.
