Lighting Trends for 2011

Looking to give your home a fresh new look for the new year? More and more homeowners and designers are discovering the importance of a sophisticated lighting plan in the home, with stylish, high-quality fixtures.

Today’s fixtures are designed with an eye toward timelessness, but there are distinct lighting trends for 2011 that you’ll surely want to try in your own home. Among these:

• Flat Finishes. This year we have seen an influx in flat/ matte lighting finishes, particularly white and black. White chandeliers, lamps, and other lighting fixtures lend an ethereal antique touch to the home, particularly if they are adorned with feminine accents like crystal or beads. Flat black and bronze remain popular lighting trends for 2011.

• Energy Efficient Bulbs. Incandescent bulbs continue to be phased out, as emerging legislation (affecting manufacturers) mandates energy efficient bulbs. Energy Star/ energy efficient lighting will be available in more styles than ever before. Not a fan of fluorescent? Don’t fear - today’s energy efficient lighting is almost identical in light quality to traditional incandescent.

• Distressed Looks. In the hottest furniture stores, you may have noticed an influx of furniture and accessories with an antiqued/ distressed feel. The trend is going strong in lighting design for 2011; you’ll see lots of “patina” finishes, designed to look antiqued, as well as a vintage influence in many styles.

• The Natural/ Organic Look. The trend toward natural/organic styles and materials is going strong in  2011. This can be a great option if you’re looking to create a soothing “feng shui” or even an international decor. Look for fixtures or lamps with “raw”natural fabrics (like rattan), or naturally-occurring elements like shell or stone.

• Simplicity Rules. Many of the most popular chandelier and fixture designs will be transitional styles, with simplified traditional silhouettes. This timeless 2011 lighting trend is perfect for those who wish to create a “clean and classic” feel, and don’t plan on changing their lighting fixtures very often to accommodate the latest trends.

• Pendants! Pendant lighting continues to remain prominent in 2011 as an alternative to the typical chandelier or ceiling light. In particular:
  
  Schoolhouse pendant designs
  Drum pendants (in the kitchen or dining room)
  Mini pendants (over the kitchen island)
   
• Mid-Century Styling. From the uber-popular Art Deco-inspired mirrors to curvy, mod lamps, Mid-Century inspired styles will be another prominent lighting trend for 2011. Look for playful takes on the Mid-Century design elements that have risen in popularity over the past year, like bright pops of color.