Q.
What bulb has replaced the "warm white" fluorescent? Is it kitchen &bath or "sunshine" or something else?
A.
Warm white is still out there. There are many new alternatives to warm white now.
To help you decide which are best for you, you need to think in terms of "color temperature".
Fluorescent bulbs are marketed in "temperatures" running from 2700K to 5000K for residential use.
2700K is closest to incandescent (think warm fire glow light color). 5000K is closest to sunlight.
Viable options for residential usually fall into the range of 2700K to 3500K. A lot depends on the colors used in the room and personal preference.
To see the colors for yourself, you will need to find a lighting store (or lab) that displays a fluorescent color box. Such a box has several different fluorescent lights in it in the most popular colors. You can put a fabric swatch, a wood sample, a paint chip, your hand, etc. into the box to see the effects of the different colors.
Very few lighting stores have these boxes right now. You will need to call around to find one and, if you are not in a metropolitan area, you may not find one at all.
Ask each outlet to get one. They are somewhat expensive so retailers will try to avoid the expense. Only demand from consumers will put this tool into our hands.
I had to send my clients to the City or to San Jose to look at a light box. Therefore, last year, I spent $500 on one myself and now keep it in the back of my car to help clients visualize the colors available.
Since I don't sell light bulbs (or anything at all) I regard this as somewhat of an imposition...but a necessary one. ;>D
Peggy
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Think Zinc!
Here is a company in Tulsa Oklahoma that makes the most beautiful zinc countertops. They are to die for (I believe these cabinets are probably chestnut).
Peggy
CJ Design Kitchen Countertops uses 48 oz zinc to provide a zinc counter top and zinc sink that will last a lifetime.
All zinc countertops can be built with integral zinc sinks that are custom built to the customer’s over all size, depth and with one or more compartments.
Zinc has an old world charm and is really beautiful alongside antique woods.
Zinc is a soft metal.
The surface of the zinc countertops will naturally oxidize into its patina finish, which is a dark gray.
If various chemicals are used on zinc countertops, it can accelerate the patina and create unusual effects.
All zinc countertops can be fabricated with custom integral back splashes at different heights
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Are LEDs Ready for Prime Time?
Q.
Is there an alternative to CFL lights for residential lighting? I know CFLs are the alternative to traditional incandescent light bulbs, but is there another option to CFLs? I heard LED light bulbs are, but is that true?
anonymous
A.
CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and other fluorescent shapes are the only viable option at this point, and a very viable one at that!
LEDs are not "there" yet.
Eventually (within a year or two experts say) they will be.
But right now you get more lumens (light) per watt (unit of energy) with fluorescent than with LEDs.
If you match them watt for watt, the LED fixture will be too dim to give you enough light for your tasks.
That's why California's Title 24 does not yet recognize LED fixtures as equal to fluorescent ones.
You CAN get an LED fixture bright enough, but only by adding more LEDs...and that adds more energy usage and HEAT; making them less efficient.
You see LED fixtures are made up of many tiny LED light bulbs.
Just like you see looking at a traffic light...all those little green dots are individual LEDs.
A Japanese inventor just created the first bright white LED last year, which made them a lot brighter.
It's only a matter of time...but not yet.
On the other hand; fluorescent lighting, in the hands of a creative designer, is a very energy smart, cool and long lasting lighting choice.
In the last few years new fluorescent colors have become available that are very close to incandescent in appearance (very warm), or approximate sunlight, or several color stages in between.
Designers also have the option of using lenses and photographic gels ( like colored cellophane) to alter the color temperature of fluorescent lights. So even the wide range now available is customizable!
My web site has a great article on lighting at:http://www.kitchenartworks.com/lighting.htm
Peggy
Is there an alternative to CFL lights for residential lighting? I know CFLs are the alternative to traditional incandescent light bulbs, but is there another option to CFLs? I heard LED light bulbs are, but is that true?
anonymous
A.
CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and other fluorescent shapes are the only viable option at this point, and a very viable one at that!
LEDs are not "there" yet.
Eventually (within a year or two experts say) they will be.
But right now you get more lumens (light) per watt (unit of energy) with fluorescent than with LEDs.
If you match them watt for watt, the LED fixture will be too dim to give you enough light for your tasks.
That's why California's Title 24 does not yet recognize LED fixtures as equal to fluorescent ones.
You CAN get an LED fixture bright enough, but only by adding more LEDs...and that adds more energy usage and HEAT; making them less efficient.
You see LED fixtures are made up of many tiny LED light bulbs.
Just like you see looking at a traffic light...all those little green dots are individual LEDs.
A Japanese inventor just created the first bright white LED last year, which made them a lot brighter.
It's only a matter of time...but not yet.
On the other hand; fluorescent lighting, in the hands of a creative designer, is a very energy smart, cool and long lasting lighting choice.
In the last few years new fluorescent colors have become available that are very close to incandescent in appearance (very warm), or approximate sunlight, or several color stages in between.
Designers also have the option of using lenses and photographic gels ( like colored cellophane) to alter the color temperature of fluorescent lights. So even the wide range now available is customizable!
My web site has a great article on lighting at:http://www.kitchenartworks.com/lighting.htm
Peggy
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