The newest trend in lighting has historical roots, as manufacturers look back to the early American period for some of their most recent introductions. Using thin, delicate arms and simple shapes, these items bring a comforting, rustic look to the home, perhaps reminding one during stressful times of another period, when the country was new and things seemed simpler.—Andrea Lillo 

The Big Screen Scene
Attendees and exhibitors who used the hashtag #lightingmkt during January’s Dallas International Lighting Market may have had their tweet displayed on the Buzz Board, an LED screen on the fourth floor of the Trade Mart atrium that Dallas Market Center debuted at the show. The screen rotated a number of informative and engaging tweets throughout the show, such as the one displayed.

By Andrea Lillo

AF Lighting will expand its designer licensed collections come January with the addition of its new partnership with Angelo Surmelis. Focusing on color and affordability, the new line brings Surmelis’ casual and fun design style to a new consumer for AF Lighting.

Fans of “The Good Wife” who have coveted the decor of their favorite characters on the show can now buy these same looks for their homes.

Interlude Home, which has supplied decor for the show’s sets since the beginning, debuted the show’s licensed line of accessories, lighting and accent furniture at High Point Market.

Lite Source
Living up to its commitment to provide “the largest selection of fashion forward lighting that is always in style,” the company introduced a slew of offerings featuring modern design. A highlight  for the company was Dario (pictured), a contemporary table lamp with chrome metal base, mirror body and black transparent mylar shade. “It’s one of the top sellers for this show,” the company said. “People love the contemporary look of this lamp, and the combination of mirror body and black transparent mylar shade.” lite-source.com

By Andrea Lillo

Several lighting fixture manufacturers delved into the portable category at the January shows, looking to add on a natural extension to business. In addition, the new HGTV line of portables, in the decorating channel’s five design styles, launched at E.L.K. Lighting.

In Dallas, Adesso brought out the first full spectrum LED lamps available to the market, said Lee Schaak, chairman. “We’ve cracked this category.” With a minimum color rendering index (CRI) of 90 and using 8 to 10 watt LED chips for brighter lumen outputs to simulate natural daylight, he said, the line gives out “a lot of light.” And “full-spectrum doesn’t have to be ugly — we have style.”

As the lighting industry kicks off the new year with the Dallas International Lighting Market this month, many topics will be top of mind. The first phase of the new nationwide light bulb regulations rolls in this month, and manufacturers will debut even more energy-efficient product offerings.

Consumers are also much more savvy—and price conscious—and the industry is learning how to better respond to them.

By Andrea Lillo

While Thomas Edison’s commercially viable electric incandescent light bulb in the late 1800s dramatically changed how we live, it’s now undergoing a change of its own, as new lighting regulations take place next month nationwide.  

Adesso Inc., the contemporary home furnishings brand, is returning to High Point Market this month after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Located in the International Home Furnishings Center, space G262, the new showroom is more than 3,000 square feet.

“We’ve been developing our new and recent products to focus on our independent furniture and lighting retailers who may not attend some of the other trade shows, and we’re so excited to get back to High Point to share them,” said Lee Schaak, chairman, Adesso.

Bush Expands my/space Collection
Bush Furniture added six new items to its my/space collection to address what the company said has been a strong consumer response to the brand.

“This has been a very popular collection for Bush Furniture,” said Jim Sherbert, CEO of Bush Industries. “We’re confident that these recent additions to the line will continue to attract customers seeking attractive furnishings, but may be challenged by smaller spaces and budgets.”

By Allison Zisko

Ralph Lauren is on a roll.

As the spring show season begins, Ralph Lauren Home executives are confident they now have all the components needed for an integrated lifestyle presentation, with two distinct brands that do not overlap in price point or design yet share a common viewpoint.

By Andrea Lillo

Lighting introductions at this month’s Dallas International Lighting Market may range in styles, but overall clean design still reigns, and manufacturers differentiate collections by mixing materials, focusing on shapes or adding details such as crystals or specialty finishes.

In addition, demands for lower price points and energy efficient options also continue to shape manufacturers’ offerings.

By Andrea Lillo
The lighting industry expects a brighter 2010, and most feel that January’s Dallas International Lighting Market will start the year on a positive note.
Now with low inventory levels, retailers will do more than look at products during the Dallas market, but also buy, manufacturers said.

By Andrea Lillo
More clean, uncluttered designs will be seen at the Las Vegas Market this September, as lighting manufacturers expand their portfolios and increase their offerings at the lower end of the price scale.
Amid a tough market, manufacturers continue to introduce products and promotions to entice buyers, especially ones that have not attended earlier shows.

By Andrea Lillo
Manufacturers headed to Las Vegas are hoping for a busy market, as the start of the new year necessitates fresh merchandise for retailers.

NEW YORK–As the Feiss family steps aside, Greg Vandia, president of Murray Feiss Lighting, is striving to maintain the family atmosphere and strong relationships, while constantly looking for ways to improve the company.
In a recent interview during a business trip in China, Vandia outlined his top priorities for the company.

All Stories by Nancy Meyer
NEW YORK–Lighting giant Murray Feiss and his family have stepped back from the company they built over the past six decades, and are leaving a legacy of hard work and dedication.
Feiss, 81, has been praised as a visionary, whose foresight led him to transform his mother’s lampshade company into a decorative lamp maker. Then, Feiss and his sons-in-law Bob Greene and Ron Hersh built that into one of the most successful decorative full-line residential lighting companies in the industry.

By Nancy Meyer
NEW YORK–The late George Kovacs is inspiring a new generation of lighting designers.
Nearly 100 students from Pratt Institute of Design participated in the inaugural George Kovacs Lighting Competition, which challenged them to create lamps that exemplify the modern aesthetic of the late Kovacs while using energy-efficient light sources. The lamps also had to address issues regarding green manufacturing, or sustainability.