A Source of en-LIGHT-enment

Clean Air & Lights

OK, I have to give credit to Inhabit.com for this one.  I've been on a want-to-be gardener kick lately.  I haven't done much about it, but this little LED/Light Terrarium that uses air-purifying plans is pretty neat.  It uses a solar panel to charge, and then gives off light with the ultra-efficient LED light. 

Haute Green is a design show that will be happening in New York in a few weeks that showcases high-end green products.

Link: http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/05/07/green-light-botanical-lamp-and-air-filter/#more-4089

Book Lamps: New Meaning for Light Reading

These are cool.  If I were feeling artistically inclined today, I might be tempted to attempt to make a lamp out of a book.

I offer credit to Inhabit for posting about this design out of the Netherlands.  Prices in Europe are 200-400 Euros and each is hand crafted. 

It might be great if you've got a huge home library and want to make a statement with your lighting to read by!

Link: http://www.bomdesign.nl/productshop/boeklampen.html

Lighting the Walls

Imagine being able to snap a light into the wall where ever you want it.  A Japanese company is working on modular electric walls that some day may let this happen. Unfortunately, the company is not mentioned in the article below so I am having a difficult time locating more information on them.

Link: http://www.livescience.com/technology/051214_electronic_walls.html

Smart Lightbulbs may be a bright idea...

At some point in the future, consider that your light bulbs may let you know when they need to be replaced. Fujitsu is working on a smart light bulb that will be able to send you a text message when it dies.  As far as I can tell, there is no US release date pending. 

Link: http://www.lighting.com/content.cfm?id=1636&sid=30&page=/

Buring Water...

The Aqueon fireplace alternative burns water, really.   Give it 1/2 gallon per hour, a source of electricity and you've got a fire.  This marvel uses electrolysis to separate the oxygen and hydrogen atoms, promptly burns the hydrogen, adding oxygen to control the brightness and color of the flame. 

There are no harmful fumes with this process and so no need for a chimney or other ventilation.  Excess oxygen is released back into the room and all heat produced is kept in the room.  The fire is visible from all sides and ignites with the flip of a switch.  Apparently, the cost will run you almost $50,000, yes, that's right 50 K to put into your home.

Thanks to Dylan for the link via Gizmodo and Heat-n-Glow

Link: http://www.heatnglo.com/products/fireplaces/aqueon/aqueonhome.asp

Not an Uptown Manhattan Chandelier

Woodsy lighting a necessity for your next party?  Why not get an antler chandelier from the Cabin Place.  Their lighting variety should do the trick, from sconces and table lamps to floor lamps, chandeliers and more.  The site says they are all imitation antlers and UL approved, with internal, invisible wiring.

This is a Whitetail 9 Antler Chandelier and retails for approximately $485.

Link: http://www.cabinplace.com

Want to Add Personality to a Room? Try Pendant Lamps

Pendant lamps are all the rage right now, from Ikea to high end designers seen at the International Contemporary Furniture Festival.  They can add personality and flair without a complete redecoration or remodel of a current space.  These are made by Meyda Tiffany as part of their Metro line and have a suggested price of $250.

Other stores that carry pendant lamps include Amazon.com and Lamps Plus.  They can also be located at local galleries and at some street fairs during the summer.  Hardware for attaching a pendant lamp can be quite simple, from a hook screwed into the ceiling to hang the lamp and cord from, others may require attaching a fixture to the ceiling.  This isn't too difficult, but probably something you wouldn't want to do an hour before your next dinner party.

Remodling for Light?

I saw an interesting article in a magazine that talked about one of the more popular ways to bring more light into a house is by adding a sun room.  The thought of four walls of glass is definitely appealing.  These days, you can install curtains, blinds, one way glass and many other features to help protect your privacy, if that is important to you.  Apparently, construction can be completed in a few days instead of the weeks or months that many remodeling projects can take.  Many types of glass today also can be insulated in such a way that they keep heat in in the winter, and heat out during the summer.

Light Drops... or Liquid Light??

I guess today is a cool light fixture day... anyone intersted in this stuff might also want to check out
Gnr8 lights at : http://www.gnr8.biz/drop2.html

Blue Feather Accent Lamp

I'm not quite sure if this is a really cool lamp, or one that is really hideous.  It runs for about $79 at LampsPlus.com. It reminds me of something that some of my dorm mates might have had in college or that might have appeared as a gag-housewarming gift that grew on the hostess.   Maybe if I had a frou-frou dressing room...