I Built A Chandelier Which Flashes When It Detects Radioactive Particles

This article explores the benefits of upgrading swimming pool lighting to LED technology, focusing on energy savings, reduced maintenance, and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Many existing pools, equipped with older incandescent or fiberoptic lighting systems, present a significant opportunity for service professionals to offer LED conversions. LEDs offer substantial energy savings compared to traditional lighting. Incandescent lights consume up to 500 watts, fiberoptic lights use 150 to 200 watts, while LED pool lights typically use between 20 and 50 watts per hour. This drastic reduction in energy consumption can lead to considerable cost savings for pool owners, potentially paying for the conversion within one to two years, depending on usage habits. Beyond energy efficiency, LEDs also boast lower maintenance requirements. Incandescent bulbs need replacement approximately every 2,000 hours, and fiberoptic systems require replacement every three to seven years, alongside other components like motors and color wheels. LED lights, in contrast, have a much longer lifespan, often exceeding 10 years, significantly reducing the frequency and cost of replacements. This longevity makes LEDs a more sustainable and economically sound option for pool owners. The ease of upgrading is another compelling factor. Many LED models are designed to fit into existing light niches, simplifying the installation process for service technicians. For instance, Hayward’s Universal ColorLogic LEDs are UL listed for various niche styles, eliminating the need for technicians to determine specific niche types. Similarly, Pentair’s GloBrite lights are made entirely of plastic, removing the need for grounding or bonding and making them suitable for gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl pools. One of the most appealing aspects of LED pool lighting is its ability to introduce a vibrant spectrum of colors. Pool owners can select from a wide range of hues or program dynamic light shows to match specific moods or events. This customizable lighting transforms the backyard ambiance, offering a significant upgrade from the static illumination of older systems. The transition to LEDs also extends beyond just the pool; modern platforms allow for the integration of multiple LED lights on a single transformer, enabling homeowners to illuminate landscaping, water features, and other outdoor elements, thereby creating a cohesive and visually striking outdoor environment. This expanded application presents additional opportunities for service professionals to broaden their offerings. Specialized LED replacements are available for fiberoptic systems as well. Companies like Fiberstars offer small-niche LED lights that fit directly into existing wall fittings, replacing fiberoptic cables and connecting to a 'Power Tower' controller with built-in transformers and wireless remote control. This allows for a straightforward conversion from older, more expensive fiberoptic systems to modern, color-rich LED lighting. Finally, the convenience of remote control is a major draw for contemporary pool owners. Systems like Zodiac’s iAqualink enable users to manage their pool lighting and other features via smartphones or tablets, enhancing user experience and control. The inherent safety of low-voltage LED systems (typically 12 volts) is also highlighted, particularly in contrast to the potential electrical hazards associated with high-voltage pool lights. Overall, upgrading to LED pool lighting offers a combination of energy savings, reduced maintenance, aesthetic versatility, and enhanced safety, making it an attractive investment for pool owners. #LEDLighting #PoolDesign #EnergyEfficiency #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLighting #SmartHome #PoolMaintenance #TechnologicalAdvancement #BackyardDesign

This article reviews the Twinkly Strings smart Christmas lights, highlighting their advanced features and customization options for holiday and everyday home decoration. The author, an interior designer and former professional holiday decorator, emphasizes the transformative power of lighting in a space and notes how Twinkly lights offer a modern, app-controlled solution for intricate light shows that were previously expensive and inaccessible to the average homeowner. The review delves into the specifics of the Twinkly Generation II string lights, which allow for millions of color and pattern combinations, controlled via a robust app requiring a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. While multiple strings can be managed through the app, they do not support daisy-chaining like traditional lights. These versatile LED lights are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, plug into standard two-prong outlets, and feature thin, pliable connecting wires with bulbs spaced every 3 inches. The article notes their surprising brightness and the app's functionality for dimming them for indoor settings. Key features of the Twinkly smart Christmas lights include app-based power control, dozens of pre-set patterns, and extensive color options with adjustable speed and brightness. Users can also control the angle of motion for certain patterns. The app integrates a timer for automated scheduling and a unique mapping process that uses a device's camera to detect each bulb, ensuring patterns are applied accurately to the display. This mapping also allows users to draw custom designs or upload GIFs for personalized light shows. The lights are compatible with popular smart home systems such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Home Kit, enabling voice control. For an enhanced experience, the optional Twinkly Music device can sync the lights to music, creating an immersive audiovisual display. The author recounts their personal experience testing a 100-light strand on a 7.5-foot slim Christmas tree, noting that more lights would be needed for a full tree and that the 100-foot strand is ideal for smaller decorative applications like windows or mantles. They detail the setup process, including connecting to Wi-Fi and mapping the lights in 2D mode, and express enjoyment in customizing effects, colors, brightness, and speed, despite a 15-effect save limit in the app. The author also explored color adjustments, such as modifying a cold snow effect to a warm yellow, and discovered additional effect libraries. The review concludes by summarizing the pros, such as multi-colored LEDs, extensive customization, ease of use, smart home integration, and energy efficiency, and acknowledges the cons, including the lack of daisy-chaining and a cool-toned white light. User testimonials from Amazon underscore the lights' impressive visual effects, durability, and user-friendly app, reinforcing their value despite the higher price point compared to traditional lights. The article also differentiates Twinkly Strings from other Twinkly products like Candies, Icicle, Curtain, and Net Lights, explaining their specific applications. Overall, Twinkly smart Christmas lights are presented as a versatile, enjoyable, and energy-efficient solution for creating custom lighting experiences for various occasions, extending beyond just the holiday season. #SmartChristmasLights #LEDLighting #HomeAutomation #HolidayDecor #AppControlled #CustomizableLighting #InteriorDesign #SmartHomeTech

New York-based design studio Trueing has unveiled its latest lighting collection, Cerine, at this year's NYCxDesign festival. The collection, which includes two pendants, a floor lamp, and a sconce, features bold, hand-formed chain links made from thick borosilicate glass in a variety of vibrant colors. The Brooklyn studio, co-founded by Aiden Bowman and Josh Metersky, aimed to offer an "interesting spin on the familiar" by reinterpreting traditional chain motifs found in jewelry, industrial settings, and architectural ornamentation. The design draws inspiration from diverse sources, such as delicate golden chain necklaces, robust metal chains seen in shipyards, and the decorative elements on Beaux-Arts building facades. Metersky explains that while chain is a common element in traditional lighting design, Trueing sought to create a fresh interpretation, making the chain itself the focal point rather than merely a functional component. Each individual chain link is precisely seven centimeters wide and twelve centimeters tall, and can be customized in seven opaque or transparent color options to suit various bespoke arrangements. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, the glass chains play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the lights, allowing them to be positioned and held in place. The metal finishes accompanying the glass elements are available in brushed brass, satin or polished nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, providing a range of complementary material options. Metersky highlights the unique character of the hand-made links, noting that their individual imperfections contribute to a cohesive and natural overall appearance. The Cerine series showcases different applications of these distinctive chains to support mouth-blown glass bulbs. One pendant design uses two hooks to suspend the fixture from the ceiling, creating a significant, inverse-arch-like droop. The sconce variant incorporates three glass links that dangle from a metal arm, which in turn holds the light bulb. The floor lamp design features nine stacked pieces of Carrara marble forming its base, with five pastel pink glass links suspended from an arched arm that supports the glass orb. The glass orb itself can be specified in classic white opaline or a selection of custom colors. Trueing launched the Cerine collection through a partnership with Pas De Calais, a Japanese clothing store situated in Manhattan's Soho district. This collaboration was deemed a natural fit due to the shared design sensibilities between Trueing and the fashion label, both prioritizing purity, nostalgia, and a refined, elemental approach to traditional forms. Bowman emphasized that the collection's essence—recalling traditional design pieces rendered in a reductive manner—aligns perfectly with Pas De Calais's ethos and aesthetic. The Cerine exhibition at 482 Broome Street was open until the end of May, coinciding with NYCxDesign 2019, which ran from May 10th to 22nd. This marks Trueing's second collection, following their debut range launched in January at The Future Perfect in Manhattan. The NYCxDesign festival also featured other notable exhibits, including Workstead and Calico Wallpaper's designs showcased at New York's Arcade Bakery, and an immersive lighting installation by Snarkitecture. Photography for the Cerine collection was provided by Lauren Coleman, with additional images by Alan Tansey for the installation at Pas De Calais. #LightingDesign #GlassChains #NYCxDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #TrueingStudio #HandFormedGlass #DesignExhibition #CerineCollection

Schlüter-LIPROTEC LED niches from Schlüter-Systems are highlighted as a product designed to enhance hotel bathroom experiences, creating a 'wow factor' and promoting a wellness oasis atmosphere for guests. As the hospitality industry prepares for reopening, there's an increased focus on providing memorable experiences, with wellness and serenity being key guest priorities. Incorporating spa-like elements into guest bathrooms is a straightforward method to improve a stay, whether through offering complimentary skincare products or optimizing the space for relaxation. Schlüter-Systems facilitates this through their versatile Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD-N prefabricated niches and shelves. These products are made from the multi-functional tile underlayment Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD and can be directly tiled or covered with suitable rendered/plaster materials. The Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD-NLT version incorporates LIPROTEC technology, enabling the installation of illuminated niches in both bath and shower areas. The plug-and-play design ensures easy installation, making them an ideal solution for hoteliers aiming to integrate spa-like features as they prepare to welcome guests back. Bathroom and shower niches serve practical and aesthetic purposes, including offering additional storage and elevating the room's design. The use of soft, ambient lighting within these niches can significantly contribute to guest well-being. The article paints a picture of luxury, where a guest can enjoy a relaxing bath with a good book, their beverage conveniently placed in a calming, illuminated niche. This level of comfort and thoughtful design is what many travelers seek when booking a hotel stay. Schlüter-Systems is recognized as a recommended supplier, regularly featured in the Supplier News section of the Hotel Designs website, underscoring their relevance in hotel interior design. #HotelDesign #Bathroom #InteriorDesign #IlluminatedNiches #WellnessDesign #SchluterSystems #HospitalityDesign

The Matter standard has gained significant attention for its potential to unify smart home devices, but its application in fully assembled lighting fixtures has been relatively underexplored. While the market is populated with LED bulbs and light strips, there has been a noticeable lack of decorative luminaires with built-in Matter technology, especially outside of integrated systems like Philips Hue or Wiz. Ledvance, a Chinese LED specialist also known under the brand names Osram and Sylvania in Europe and North America, is addressing this gap by launching over 80 lighting models designed to be Matter-enabled. These new Ledvance products will connect to home networks using Wi-Fi (Matter over Wi-Fi), ensuring compatibility with various smart home ecosystems, including those from Amazon, Apple, Google, and SmartThings. For users who prefer not to rely on these larger platforms, the Ledvance Smart+ app offers an alternative control method. The extensive product line aims to cover a wide range of lighting needs and applications within a smart home environment. The initial offerings include track lights, which are spotlights and floodlights designed for Ledvance’s high-voltage track system. Specifically, two tracklights named 'Circle' and 'Osaka' are highlighted. These adjustable and pivoting spots are available in black or white finishes and offer tunable white light, allowing users to adjust the color temperature from 3000 K to 6500 K. These fixtures are ideal for accentuating wall art or specific furniture pieces. Beyond track lighting, Ledvance is introducing a variety of decorative wall sconces, including models crafted from wood, such as the Orbis Wood series, which provide indirect lighting. Some of these wall lights, like the splash-proof Orbis Bath series and Orbis Aqua, are specifically designed for use in bathrooms, typically mounted near mirrors. While many models feature tunable white light, there are also RGB variants available, such as the Adjustable Beam Wall light cube, offering a broader spectrum of color options. For general room illumination, surface-mounted ceiling lights with names like Claria, Spiral, and Stea will offer remote-controllable lighting. This category is further complemented by downlights and flush-mounted models, providing versatile lighting solutions for different ceiling types and aesthetic preferences. The Planon series, designed for panel lighting, will be available in various sizes and thicknesses, ranging from compact square panels (30 × 30 cm) to larger panels up to 120 cm in length. These panel lights, particularly the Planon Plus series, are also suitable for office environments. The launch of this new range of Matter-capable fixtures is anticipated to begin in the fall, with the first models expected to be released in October. This initiative by Ledvance signifies a crucial step towards standardizing lighting control in the consumer market, fulfilling a long-held expectation for a uniform smart home lighting ecosystem. The manufacturer's international product pages provide comprehensive details on the upcoming product lines. #SmartHome #MatterStandard #Ledvance #SmartLighting #HomeAutomation #CeilingLights #WallLights #DecorativeLuminaires #WiFiConnectivity

Neues Licht, a company whose name translates to "new light" in German, presented an innovative lighting fixture, the UFO Chandelier, at the Cologne Furniture Fair. This chandelier is a creation by designer Simon Bruenner and is characterized by its use of fiber optic cables arranged to form a floating, glowing ring, evoking a celestial or extraterrestrial aesthetic. Bruenner describes the design as embodying "simplicity from another planet," highlighting its unique and forward-thinking nature. The core innovation of Neues Licht's designs, including the UFO Chandelier, lies in their fiber optic technology. This technology allows for the light source to be separated from the fixture itself, offering significant design and functional advantages. For instance, the light source can be situated in a different room, which can contribute to a cleaner aesthetic and potentially reduce heat in the illuminated space. An even more sustainable application of this technology is the potential for the lights to be powered by natural sunlight, completely eliminating the need for electrical consumption for illumination. This concept aligns with modern sustainability goals and offers an avenue for energy independence in lighting. Furthermore, the inherent properties of fiber optics make these lighting fixtures completely waterproof. This feature expands their application possibilities to environments that traditionally pose challenges for electrical lighting, such as wet rooms, spas, and pool areas. The waterproof nature ensures safety and durability in moist conditions, opening up new avenues for sophisticated lighting design in these spaces. Another significant benefit of Neues Licht's fiber optic system is its energy efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements. A single light source can power multiple individual lights, leading to a substantial decrease in overall energy consumption compared to traditional lighting setups where each fixture requires its own power source. This centralized power approach also simplifies maintenance, as fewer individual components need to be managed or replaced, contributing to lower operational costs over time. The company posits its fiber optic lighting solutions as a glimpse into the future of illumination, emphasizing their combination of aesthetic appeal, technological innovation, energy efficiency, and functional versatility. #FiberOpticChandelier #NeuesLicht #UFOChandelier #LightingDesign #SimonBruenner #CologneFurnitureFair #EnergyEfficientLighting #WaterproofLighting #InteriorDesign

This article details a practical and cost-effective hack for repositioning pendant lights without the need for an electrician or extensive re-hardwiring. It addresses the common problem of a light fixture becoming off-center due to furniture rearrangement or slight alterations in a room's layout. The traditional solution, calling an electrician, can be expensive, ranging from $300 to $600, and involves potentially disruptive work like cutting into ceilings. The featured hack, demonstrated by Cathy Poshusta, involves 'swagging' the pendant light, a technique that costs as little as $13 for a brass ceiling hanger. This method is particularly beneficial for renters or those looking for a relaxed aesthetic. Poshusta's approach offers a straightforward DIY solution, which she outlines on her blog, and the article distills into three key steps. The first step focuses on determining the appropriate height for the pendant light. This involves a simple measurement and visual assessment, often aided by a second person, to find the 'sweet spot' for the fixture's placement. The article provides an example of Poshusta and her husband finding their ideal height at 36 inches from 10-foot ceilings, while also highlighting that flexibility exists, allowing for dramatic drops, such as Lynda Gardener's use of an oversized industrial lantern brought low near a sofa. The second step, customizing the chain, involves calculating the necessary length to provide enough 'give' for the light to hang correctly and allow for the desired drape. Poshusta added an extra two feet, bringing her total chain length to 60 inches. The article also mentions options for concealing wiring, such as Diane Keaton’s lighting collection, which includes pre-hardwired chains and ropes, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Finally, the third step covers the installation of the hook. This involves pre-drilling a small hole in the ceiling at the desired suspension point. While Poshusta was able to twist her hook directly into solid-wood ceilings, the article advises using a screw anchor for added security in most cases. This method effectively creates an asymmetrical yet balanced lighting setup, offering a practical and visually appealing alternative to traditional hard-wiring. #PendantLight #DIYHack #HomeRenovation #LightingDesign #InteriorDecor #CostSaving #HomeImprovement #RentalFriendly

Plum Bottom Gallery in Door County recently hosted an opening reception showcasing new additions to fused-glass collections from artists Kellie Hanson and Laurel Grey. The gallery's Plum Bottom Road location features a garden setting where glass stands and sculptures interact with sunlight, flowers, and trees, extending this aesthetic indoors through mosaics and wall panels. The event provided an opportunity for artists and customers to engage in conversations about the art pieces. Kellie Hanson, one of the featured artists, specializes in mosaics, creating art for windows and walls. Her works, such as “Door County Waters” and “By the Lake,” use varying shapes and sizes of hand-cut glass to depict natural scenes, with larger pieces forming elements like the sky and smaller ones mimicking rippling water. Hanson's inspiration for mosaics originated from a stained-glass window in her aunt's home, prompting her to explore this art form. Her artistic focus is deeply influenced by the landscapes and waterscapes of Door County and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Laurel Grey, another artist, is known for her glass leaf strands, which are displayed in rainbow colors and brilliant turquoise throughout the gallery gardens and around the entrance. Grey's motivation for creating these pieces came from a desire to bring nature indoors due to limited opportunities to spend time outside. She transitioned from making flat, painted stained-glass leaves to more dimensional ones, aiming for each leaf to be as unique as those found in nature. Her process involves hand-painting, kiln-firing, drilling, and stringing individual glass leaves into columns. She often incorporates local elements like driftwood and stones from Door County into her designs, and also integrates her leaves into ornaments, tree sculptures, and wall panels. Grey's artistic style is significantly shaped by her childhood experiences in Japan, where she observed the organization of nature in bonsai trees and raked rock gardens. Her visits to glass factories in Japan also influenced her decision to focus on glass as her medium, as she witnessed skilled Japanese artists transforming molten glass into various beautiful objects. Furthermore, Buddhist philosophy, particularly the teaching of "letting go of the outcome," resonates with her approach to working with glass, as the material often reacts in unexpected ways. The versatility of fused glass is highlighted by Grey's leaf strands. In shaded areas or on cloudy days, they illuminate spaces with shiny color, while in direct sunlight, light dances off the leaves, creating vibrant reflections. The rainbow-colored strands exhibit an iridescent quality, symbolizing how different colors combine to form white light. This interplay of glass, color, and light enhances both indoor and outdoor settings, with pieces sparkling and capturing ambient light in any room, offering a whimsical impression of a sunny garden or a reminder of a Door County scene. #FusedGlass #ArtExhibition #PlumBottomGallery #DoorCounty #GlassArt #MosaicArt #NatureInspired #ArtisticProcess #GlassSculptures

This article explores the innovative work of designer Shane Holland, who transforms repurposed materials, particularly old airplane parts, into distinctive pendant lights. The piece begins by discussing the common experience of furnishing a home, where many fixtures are pre-determined, and highlights the recent resurgence of pendant lighting as a key element in interior design. It then introduces Shane Holland Design as a standout Irish studio in this field. The narrative delves into Shane Holland's background, tracing his journey from graduating NCAD in 1989 to his early foray into lighting design in 1991, famously converting a Russian hoover into a light fixture. The article paints a picture of Dublin in the 1990s, characterized by available studio space and low rents that fostered a thriving community of artisans and designers, including Holland. However, it also notes the subsequent urban development that led to the displacement of many of these creative spaces, with Holland himself relocating his life and work to Meath. Holland's move to Meath proved to be a catalyst for new creative avenues, specifically connecting him with individuals involved in recycling diverse materials, including airplane components. A pivotal moment occurred when Holland received a consignment of un-recyclable parts from a Boeing engine. These pressure canisters, constructed from materials like Kevlar and fiberglass-coated aluminum, presented a unique design challenge and opportunity. Holland, guided by the philosophy that "Objects come your way - you have to act on them," saw the potential in these distinctive, bomb-shaped capsules. He ingeniously repurposed these discarded aviation parts into the 'Cruise Aviation' pendants. The article emphasizes that these lights are not merely functional but also aesthetically striking, retaining the original manufacturer's markings, which serve as a unique 'fingerprint' or 'signature' of their origin. The 'Cruise Aviation' pendants are described as cool, beautiful, and capable of adding a distinct character to any interior, showcasing Holland's ability to infuse recycled industrial components with artistic value and contemporary design appeal. #ShaneHollandDesign #PendantLighting #Upcycling #RecycledMaterials #AirplaneParts #IndustrialDesign #IrishDesign #HomeInteriors #SustainableDesign