Coming or Going? A look at lighting trends

When I was searching through photos for the previous post about the Vegas Show Homes I noticed a repetition of lighting trends that was so dominant across three different visits to the International Builder’s Convention it left me wondering if this look is still on its way to the main stream or has it already passed us by?

Here’s a look at a few of the most obvious lighting trends being represented-

Hanging bedside chandeliers

From a simple example in a guest room with a subtle wallpaper to a more dynamic feature fixture in this suite with a suspended bed…you can see how the look is all about doubling your pleasure without cluttering your side table.

This trend can accomplish two things. It offers a designer an extra way to really make the bed a stunning focal point and it gives the traditional bedside table with matching lamps a break. It can be stylized either way- as the “less is more” ideology or the “more is more” aesthetic.

Hanging vanity lights

The hanging pendant look was a practical solution for any bathroom where adding a transom window above the mirror shrunk the area to mount a light.

Now it’s just a fun way to use a designer piece to enhance your bathroom design.

This corner example is a throwback for me of a time when bathroom lighting was draped with a chain on plant hanger hooks.

This application uses a stunning fixture that benefits from being replicated by the angle of the mirrors. It also serves as a way to give balance to an asymmetrical vanity space.

Lighted Mirrors

One of the most practical additions to bathroom lighting has been the lighted mirror. Since the mirror is doing the heavy lifting of providing adequate task lighting the hanging pendants have the opportunity to show off as accessory lighting.

This example takes on a sculptural presence by gathering a bouquet of bare bubs together and setting them against an unusual tile wall. This lighting in integral in creating the shadows that enhance the tile’s design.

And this idea of lighting not just the mirror but the wall behind it has inspired a whole wave of wall finishes, even more prominent in the following examples of sconces.

Sconces

These sconces are once again- just for show. They act as mood lighting and bring out the characteristics of the walls behind them.

Not to be outdone by a wave of fresh and enticing wallpapers, or your classic stone veneers- the tile industry has given us a lot to consider in terms of geometric interest by creating dynamic dimensions and equally interesting contrast of matte and sheen surfaces.

While you are probably more likely to see these types of design choices in the commercial setting of a hip restaurant or high end boutique store, it is only because the average homeowner usually fears the permanency of a bold application like this.

The looks here are well defined. Traditional vanity lights above the mirror have been replaced by hanging or mounted fixtures flanking the mirrors and singular stand out pieces have been replaced by light groupings. Overhead chandeliers and simple lamps in bedrooms are replaced with showy designer pendants. So I guess my question remains- are we adapting to bolder statements and a commitment to this type of variable lighting plan? Or has the concept already come and gone as a fun idea to entertain but impractical for most of us to try?