Interior lighting choice aids successful decorating

Home lighting is becoming more and more of a fashion statement, according to local suppliers.

Gary Loyd, owner of Light House Gallery said because lighting is connected to design, colors and shapes are constantly changing in response to style changes in home decor.

Retailers go to market in Dallas twice a year to seek out the latest colors and designs and keep up with fast-moving trends in the industry, Loyd said, adding that changes in design and color usually start on the East and West coasts and filter to the central part of the country within about two years.

Light House Gallery has been in business in Springfield more than 30 years. Loyd takes pride in an experienced staff who keep up with trends and provide expert advice to customers who are building or remodeling their homes.

Suppliers agree that lighting today is more than functional. Ann Howell, assistant manager at Metro Builders Supply, notes that people are using lighting to create atmosphere in hallways, staircases and bedroom.

Indirect lighting and rope lighting is often used to accent ledged ceilings or illuminate stairways with soft, subtle light, Howell said.

Carol Ann Burgess, assistant manager at Heintz Lighting Center, underscores color as an important element in lighting fixtures.

Fixtures with painted finishes can be found in any color buyers can imagine and people are even increasingly using brightly colored lampshades to add dimension to accent areas throughout their homes.

Lighting has become so much a part of home decor that suppliers have added accessories such as mirrors, pictures and accent pieces to provide customers a total package, Loyd said. Buyers can even coordinate picture frames with lamps and other accessory pieces to provide continuity.

Suppliers also say metals are big in today's lighting market. Antique copper, iron, pewter and distressed brass are popular, and buyers are mixing these finishes with color to create unique settings. Natural colors and finishes also are popular.

"Everyone is looking for something unusual," Burgess said.

Loyd notes that customers can select the type of fixture they want and order it in about any style, size or color they want.

He encourages people to think about their lighting needs early in the building process. He said he believes the key to getting exactly what they want is to make the decisions before becoming pressed for time.

"Lighting is one of the last things installed in a new home, but it should be given the first thought because of design and layout," he said.

According to Loyd, traditional styles such as the crystal chandelier remain popular because such pieces blend with almost any furniture and decor. Soft contemporary styles are catching on in this area for the same reason.

Loyd's showroom spotlights a variety of many choices available. "We have product in all price ranges for all applications," he added.

Suppliers agree that in recent years ceiling fans have become more a necessity than a luxury. Many homeowners are even installing them on patios, said Howell.

Loyd added that the ceiling fan industry estimates homeowners can save as much as 10 percent on their utility bills by using ceiling fans to augment air conditioning.

In purchasing ceiling fans, as with decorative areas using lighting, customers are looking for something unique, Burgess said. "There are lots of new styles to choose from, so fans are going to be more popular than ever."

In general people are searching for fixtures and accessories that reflect their own tastes and lifestyles.

In accent areas they mix color and style to create a look that sets the space apart.

Along with enhancing decor with lighting, the functionality of home lighting has been drastically improved by technology in the last few years.

Builders and remodelers can now install computerized systems that enable the homeowner to control their home lighting and lighting receptacles with a phone call.

"You can even have your coffee ready when you get home," Burgess said.

Wall panels can now be programmed to fit any taste or need, and wiring can be tied to a central computer system to control lighting and receptacles throughout the entire house.

Light House Gallery is located at 4113 S. National, just west of National behind Shorty Small's. Heintz Lighting Center is at 4560 S. Campbell, south of James River Freeway. Metro Builders Supply is located at 3252 N. Glenstone, north of I-44.