LED by efficiency & style
Kitchens and bathrooms are increasingly being used for more than just their functionality. Dave Simpson of YESSS Electrical looks at how recent lighting developments can be harnessed to maximise a room’s enjoyment
T
he 2016 Kitchen Trend Report, from interior design expert Houzz, highlighted that con- sumers are spending more time in their
kitchen than ever before, and with bathrooms increasingly becoming a room to unwind in, there is a renewed interest in lighting and how it can be used to maximum effect. Previously just functional spaces, the design
of kitchens and bathrooms has vastly improved and both rooms are fast becoming statements of a homeowner’s style. These rooms are also increasingly recognised by home style and DIY shows as a great way of adding value to a
property’s price. Despite this, the specification of lighting is often left until last, neglecting the fact that the right lighting can make an instant impact on the appearance of a room in the short term and help the owner save money in the long term. It is therefore vital that manufacturers and
retailers have a strong understanding of what customers are looking for in terms of lighting for their bathroom or kitchen space. Style and qual- ity have always been of paramount importance, but energy saving properties have also improved, meaning LED lighting has grown in
prominence. LED technology has developed hugely over the past decade, and with LED products now representing nearly 50 per cent of new sales, this technology is fast becoming the first choice for consumers. The long life span of LEDs means the tech-
nology is cost efficient and the latest develop- ments ensure that LED chips are getting better and produce more lumens per watt. Coupled with its versatile aesthetic possibilities, this makes LED a key development for bathrooms and kitchens, due to the fact these rooms are always in use. From an end-user point of view, energy efficiency needs to translate into cash savings. Consumers should look out for retailers offering usage calculations. This allows them to choose the correct energy saving product that suits the solution which they require. Due to the increase in awareness of new light-
ing technologies, consumers have become much more appreciative of the benefits of good quality lighting and this has encouraged manufacturers to produce more sophisticated products. At one time, bathroom lighting used to be practical and clunky and contemporary design was hard to find. Now, design features firmly in most mass- market products, which can include simply yet effective touches such as contemporary wall fix- ings with polished chrome accents. LED is finding a wide range of applications
across kitchen and bathroom lighting and is being used to great effect for task lighting, installed under cabinets to emit a bright beam of light to make food preparation easier and safer. LEDs are also being used to create mood-lighting to provide the right ambience for socialising.
44 selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60