September 2012

Greetings!

Are you confused with all of the options out there for a light bulb? The choices used to be 60w/75w/100w/3way. Now, purchasing a light bulb almost requires your electrician to come along for the purchase! To make life more complicated, incandescent bulbs are being phased out in favor of more energy efficient technology.

This month, we will de-mystify the options and make some recommendations as to which bulb works best for your different applications.

Lighting - Switch To What?

Ok, so the bad news first - The phase-out starts this year, 2012, with the 100watt bulb, and each year, another wattage will be eliminated, making incandescent not just obsolete but extinct by 2014.

So, what are your options?

1. CFL’s - Compact Fluorescents: These can replace incandescent bulbs in most household fixtures, including lamps and recessed lights. Each uses approximately 75% less energy, throws off less heat, and lasts 10 times longer than an incandescent. However, on the down side, CFL’s contain trace amounts of mercury so handle with care and recycling is recommended. In addition, they take a while to reach their full brightness and consumers complain that the light quality isn’t as kind to their eyes or faces.
   
   
   
   
2. Halogen: An older, more familiar illumination source which lasts 3 times longer as incandescent but they throw off a lot of heat. They are largely used in outdoor floodlights and small spotlights.
   
   
   
   
3. GE’s Reveal Hybrid bulb: This bulb is GE’s answer to one of the issues with the CFL’s that it slowly brightens. The hybrid is both a CFL and halogen. Flip the switch and the halogen lights up and remains on for about 30 seconds, until the CFL reaches capacity, solving the instant light issue and energy savings.
   
   
   
   
4. LED’s - Light Emitting Diode: Long-lasting and low-wattage, LED’s are versatile, don’t run hot, and are great for work spaces such as kitchens. The downside is that LED’s cost more but last longer, plus they are mercury-free, making them the greenest choice.
   
   
   
   

So, if you’re tempted to stockpile your favorite incandescent bulbs, remember, technology advances quickly and energy costs keep rising.

Ask the Designer

Q: What is a good rule when it comes to lighting a room?

A: Lighting is the science of balancing the quality and quantity of light. Overhead light works best when paired with sconces and table lamps or floor lamps. Dimmers are a must, totally changing the mood of a room from a workspace to an intimate dinner party.

Design News

Warhol - Sixty Artists, Fifty Years

An exhibit of 45 works by Warhol, alongside 100 works of 60 other artists across generations. Metropolitan Museum of Art. September 18-December 31, 2012.
http://www.metmuseum.org/

Antiques, Art & Design At the Armory

Showcasing 60+ dealers specializing in high quality art and antiques. Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, NYC. September 21-24, 2012.
www.avenueshows.com

Sotheby’s

Sale of furnishings and jewelry from the estate of Brooke Astor. 1334 York Avenue, NYC. 212-606-7000. September 24-25, 2012.
www.sothebys.com

Armonk Art Show

In its 51st year, a juried show of fine art and crafts. 205 Business Park, Armonk. September 29-30, 2012.
armonkoutdoorartshow.org

Bedford Antiques & Design Show

Bedford Historical Hall Bedford Village. 914-234-9751. October 13-14, 2012.
www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org

Westchester Fine Craft Show

19th year, juried show of 100 artists and crafts persons. Westchester County Center, White Plains. October. 12-14, 2012. 203-254-0486.
www.craftsamericashows.com

Blog Updates

See the latest on my blog about 5 Keys To Surviving A Home Remodeling Project, here.

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About Us

Susan Marocco Interiors is a full service interior design firm, staffed with professional American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) who have the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from concept to completion. Our firm creates interiors that are elegant, distinctive and comfortable. Our inspiration comes first from listening. We then meld our skills and experiences to our clients' wants and needs. We develop design solutions that reflect their taste and lifestyles. Our website has a variety of pictures of the work we have done for many of our clients and you are more than welcome to view them.

To find out how Susan Marocco Interiors can help you with all your design needs, please contact Susan at 1-914-234-7066 or via email.

Thank you for your readership, input and questions. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on how to make it better, we are always eager to listen. If you would like to speak to us about your Interior Design needs, we would be pleased to be of service.

www.SusanMaroccoInteriors.com
Tel: (914) 234-7066
Fax: (914) 234-0003