Low-Wattage Metal Halide Lighting

Looks like metal halide could be the next big thing in residential lighting.
The darling of designers has been halogen lighting for its sparkling intense light.

A new study shows that energy-efficient small metal halide bulbs can replace halogen, compact fluorescent and incandescent.

"Low-wattage metal halide lighting systems offer high-intensity light output in a small, energy-efficient, package. Recent developments in the technology have broadened their range of applications, replacing higher wattage incandescent lamps, PAR halogen lamps, and compact fluorescent lamps in recessed downlighting, accent lighting, and retail lighting. Low-wattage metal halide lighting systems provide good color rendering properties and good optical control."

This set of images is from Venture Lighting. The center image is a proprietary product they are making for commercial use (the wattage is way to much for residential).

Peggy

Color Preferences

Here's an interesting treatise, by Joe Hallock, on COLOR...I know. Not my bag. But I found it very compelling nevertheless.

He studied male/female differences in color preferences, as well as age-related differences and color associations. Also the psychological effects of different colors.

Peggy

Windows in Kitchens

Designer and blogbuddy Susan Serra has a great article on windows in kitchens on her blog The Kitchen Designer. Go Large - Designing Kitchen Windows

I thought about commenting there, but decided to do it here instead. Susan has great observations about how important windows are and how they should match those in other parts of the home and be as big as possible to let in lots of natural light and views (170 rose bushes, and three more on the way, IS over the top Susan!).

One thing I like to do when the window can't be as wide as we would like (to allow for a few wall cabinets in our often smallish Bay Area kitchens) is to make the window over the sink longer instead of wider by using a bay or bump-out window and setting it at counter height.

This sleight of hand,with horizontal counter going out behind the sink,carries the eye right outside. The effect is to bring the outdoors in. And to visually widen the room, without an addition, as well.


I use bay windows in cases where the architecture calls for them, bump-out windows in Arts & Crafts bungalows, and occasionally even a bow window.






Here's an image of a bump-out window from the outside so can you understand what I mean.












I also love to use roof windows or skylights in creative ways, stashing lighting up above openings in the ceiling, where it can bounce off the vaulted ceiling after dark. The added volume in a small room can be quite arresting. This kitchen has both a bow window and a vaulted ceiling recess with roof windows.

Some of these techniques are a distinct departure from the ways windows were historically used in kitchens...but I like to think we designers can improve upon history in some respects.


Peggy