LED lighting breaking through the residential market

In 2007, we thought LEDs, or light emitting diodes, were going to be mainstream REALLY soon, and it didn't happen.
Most recently, however, we have seen significant progress addressing issues such as cost, light intensity, and bulb diversification as well as replacement lights for existing fixtures.

Thanks to the semiconductor industry the LEDs advanced rapidly. The timing is more than ever right for these bulbs: Consumers are demanding more effiecient and environmntally safer products due to concerns with rising energy costs and global warming.
Governments are imposing higher energy standards and more money is invested in reseach.

LEDs are superior due to several reasons:

1. They generate more light far more efficiently than incandescent ones, because they do not generate any heat.
2. They are as efficient as CFLs, but unlike CFLs, they can typically be used with a dimmer, and they do not contain mercury, a hazardous substance.
3. Lately LED lights are closer to providing light with a warm glow.
4. They are more reliable and durable than CFLs or incandescent bulbs.

LEDs are now available for recessed down lights, task lighting, such as under cabinet lights and desk lamps and many other types of fixture.

Major corporations are entering LEDs into the consumer market:
Philips EnduraLED is designed to last 15000hours, with a 3-year life wrranty.

i-saveenergy.com has many diffrent fixtures and replacement bulbs . I have seen the recessed lights first hand and they are beautiful and have a wonderful glow similar to sunlight.





Lighting Science Group introduced the new ultra-effiecient LED replacement bulbs in May 2010.

Prices could run $20-$60 per bulb, but they make up by lasting longer than other types of bulbs in energy usage.
Consider LEDs for your next lighting application or replacement bulbs, they pay off in the long run.

Makeover on a budget: Mix of Modern and Traditional

How do you mix your prize modern furniture in a traditional home without spending a bundle?

1. Spend your money where it makes a difference.
2. Carpenters and good handymen can work miracles. Consultation is often free.
3. Your local hardware stores and your own home is full of ideas.

Our friendly carpenter, simply built a chunky sleeve, a simple box made of reclaimed wood, stained it very dark for contrast (low VOC stain of course). This box slides on to the existing mantel.
The carpenter also refinished an old vintage side table that almost headed out to the sidewalk to match the stain on the mantel.
We purchased a simple fireplace screen from the local hardware store.
A few different pieces of exisitng accessories from other rooms help create a cozy space next to the prized Le Corbusier chaise lounge near the fireplace. A perfect place to relax in after a hard day at work.

GREEN alternatives to granite countertops

 Granite is a completely NON-renewable resource. It takes a lot of energy to mine and transport and manufacture it from all over the world and the miners may not be provided with proper protection or given fair wages or treatment.
It is time to consider the environmentally friendly alternatives. 
Please don't rip out a perfectly good granite to replace it with a green alternative!
If you must replace a countertop or building a new kitchen, there are several green alternatives to granite and I have my favorites listed below.

IceStone^® surfaces are the ideal choice if you are searching for an eco-friendly, green countertop,  backsplashes, bathroom vanities, table tops, bar tops, interior walls, and commercial flooring applications.  IceStone surfaces can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Beautiful shower and bathtub surrounds and kitchen sinks can be made with IceStone.

You choose from 29 available colors. At this time custom color options are available for commercial projects only.

100% Recycled glass makes up 75% of the product. Cement bonds the glass together, and requires sealing annually (similar to granite counter tops) 

Just like granite, prolonged excessive heat can break the seal, but it will not crack like granite. The product is plastic free and VOC-free, Petrochemical free. The company constantly is improving their green attributes. 

 

 

 Images from Icestone official website.

As far as green certifications and processes, IceStone has received MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification* for the IceStone durable surface, and the production processes used to produce it. IceStone compares their pricing to mid-to-high end granite, and notes that fabrication and installation very depending on your local contractor rates.

Vetrazzo^® is 85% glass, and all the glass they use is recycled - so it really is good for the environment and has been certified by NSF International

Images from vetrazzo official website.  

Vetrazzo is comparable to granite in strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, durability, and care & maintenance. Acidic subtances such as lemon juice, vinegar, red wine will leave a stain in the concrete areas if not cleaned up right away. However like aged marble or wood, signs of living can enhance the look. Resealing is recommended every year. Just like granite, prolonged excessive heat can break the seal, but it will not crack like granite.It is already broken glass afterall.

I have visited the plant in Richmond California and it is surprisingly clean! The product color pallette is gorgeous and the employees look happy.
Their view on sustainability is posted http://vetrazzo.com/sustain.asp.

Stainless Steel is seen in many contemporary residential or commercial applications. You can have a seamless countertop. It is durable, easy to clean and looks great for a long time. However, it is a bit on the pricey side and you could cause a dent, but cannot be cut or cracked due to heat.
Steel is the most recycled material, so look for recycled steel, because mining and refining it uses a large amount of energy and pollutes the environment.

You should look for a reputable local manufacturer/installer to reduce your cost.

 Concrete is one of the most customizable choice.
It is often cast right in your kitchen or bath. Good option for fireplaces also. It also may have a higher price tag.
Resistant to heat and scratches, it can be color-tinted. It is very important to have it sealed and seal annually. There are new treatments that eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative and you can have it tinted or have anything embeded to create a unique and exotic look for you.
Mid to high range on cost due to custom work. For a green concrete, ask for fly ash which is a byproduct of the coal industry and the aggregate should be of recycled variety to be counted as green.

 photos from Cheng Concrete design gallery

You should also ask for low-VOC sealers. Again a reputable manuafcturer should be able to provide you with a beautiful green alternative. So do some reasesach before commiting yourself to one.

Healthy Home: Why Green Design makes sense

Green or Sustainable Building is the practice of creating healthier and more resource and energy efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition.

According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), as of January 2006, the annual market for Green Building in products and services was $7 billion, a 37% growth over 2004 Over 531 million square feet of commercial building space has been registered or certified under LEED.
Green Design has significant benefits:

Contributes to better health
EPA studies indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher – and occasionally more than 100 times higher – than outdoor levels. Studies with 30,000 subjects showed that  there are significant relationship between low ventilation levels and higher carbon dioxide concentrations – a common symptom in facilities with sick building syndrome. Green buildings instead use alternative building materials that do not emit toxins, like formaldehyde or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Saves you money in the long run 
A Well-designed green buildings will be more energy efficient and have lower utility costs. Recent studies indicate that with an upfront investment of 2% in green building design, can result on average in savings of 20% of the total construction costs in lifecycles– This is more than ten times your initial investment.

Increases your productivity
Factors considered in Green design include abundant daylighting, individual climate controls, and outdoor views increase employee and tenant satisfaction, which improves productivity. A study by Carnegie Mellon University measuring the relationship between increased lighting control and productivity showed an average increase of 7.1% in productivity.

LED: COOL task lighting that is not hot.

LED produces more light, much less heat and uses a lot less energy and lasts a lot longer. The LED technology has come a long way ans is becoming more affordable in residential applications.

Normally task lighting produces a lot of heat. Not the case with these colorful, bright, and good looking LED lamps by Pablo Designs (www.pablodesigns.com).

I especially love the variety of styles, sizes, and attachment capabilities of Pablo task lighting.

LED under cabinet lighting is also becoming mainstream as more designers are incorporating them due to the new energy saving requirements in the building codes. Next time you are looking for lighting, check for LED options. You may be surprised at what you find.

Creating storage where there is none: think vertical

When short of storage, take advantage of your vertical space.

This bedroom was in desperate need of storage. It was very tight and had a small closet. There was really no place to put a dresser.

Instead of using side tables, I opted for creating vertical storage on both sides of the bed and a headboard to fill the space in between. Custom built-in cabinets were not in the budget. Fortunately, I found two units with perfect width and height at Ikea! at a fraction of the cost of custom cabinetry. The clients are pretty handy with a staple gun, she and her husband built the headboard for the cost of materials below $100.

All the drawers in the cabinets serve as two HIS and HERS dressers, there is room for bedside necessities, the closed storage at the bottom make the space look uncluttered and open shelves provide some display space to add interest. A perfect solution within their budget.