When it comes to lighting, black is the new white
According to the American Lighting Association, many of the most popular and versatile light fixtures are now available in black finishes. They can be mixed with metals and other colors. A home is only as good as its light. Light fixtures that are black add sophistication and function to any space. This is why so many homeowners choose black for their interior and exterior fixtures.
“Throughout history, the color black has played an important role in architecture and interior design,”Joe Rey Barreau, AIA and IESNA, is associate professor at University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design.
The neutrality of black “has been a consistent design element that can blend and merge easily with traditional, transitional and modern styles,”Rey-Barreau is also an education consultant to the ALA.
“Used as the primary color in interior or exterior lighting fixtures, black brings a sophistication that provides a timeless quality and transcends any specific style,”He adds.
It is sometimes impossible to replace all of the existing light fixtures, but choosing a few old fixtures to upgrade and change gives any room an immediate lift.
Black fixtures are a great way to make sure that the old and new lighting elements blend together without appearing disjointed. You can take stock of the existing fixtures and create a black or partially black fixture that reflects the current lighting scheme.
A black fixture can be paired with metallic finishes, such as nickel, polished brass or brushed penter. You might also consider a two tone look that combines black and another color to enhance the room or outdoors.
Black fixtures are still very popular in outdoor lighting.
“There’s a slow shift from brown asphalt roofs to black,”Jeff Dross, corporate Director of Education and Industry Trends at Kichler Lighting, said the following:
“We’re moving from beige siding to dove gray or light gray siding, and the stone is going from a brown to a grayer tone. Because of that shift, the color black actually looks a lot nicer. It looks much more in concert with the rest of the architecture,”He said.
The ALA has released a new video that provides more tips on how to use black lighting fixtures. To view the video, go to LightingDesignVideos.com.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking to update your interior or simply to try something new, this is the perfect time to transform an old, drab light fixture into something beautiful.
To find a listing of local ALA member retail showrooms and for more information, visit www.ALA.org. AmericanLightingAssoc.com.
