Lightology, the largest online retailer of contemporary lighting is offering an energy saving giveaway to kick off 2012!

We’re betting our design-minded friends out there have a few tips and tricks on how to contribute to the energy-efficient movement, even if it is as simple as changing a light bulb!

When you share your energy-saving tip/trick on Lightology’s Facebook or Twitter pages, you will automatically be entered to win one of the GREENEST tickets in town: A Sero Desk Lamp from Cerno Lighting!

The Sero uses only 6.3 watts and is fully dimmable!

 Cerno, a lighting manufacturer that ONLY uses LED technology, has received praise and recognition for its well-designed LED table lamps, pendants, floor lamps and wall sconces.

The Sero LED Desk Lamp is slender and clean, using only 6.3 watts with a High CRI of 82 and a 3000K color temperature, the same as a standard halogen bulb.

To enter, post your easy idea on how to save energy in your home on the Lightology Facebook Wall or send us a tweet to @lightology!

All original ideas will count as 1 entry, and the winner will be randomly selected on February 1, 2012.

To enter, take a photo of your Thanksgiving Dining Decor (family members not necessary!) that also shows off your lighting.

Like Us on Facebook and Post Your Pic on Our Page!

Or Follow Us on Twitter and Tweet Us your Photo!

A winner will be selected Monday, November 28th at 5 pm and will win a Koncept Generation 3 Z-Bar Desk Lamp, a $275 value!

The award-winning Koncept Z-Bar LED table lamp ($275 value) uses only 10.5 watts and is fully adjustable, with rotating arms that move to your exact desired position. The touchstrip allows for easy dimming with a simple slide of the finger. The perfect gift – or reward for your hard work this Thanksgiving!

Send in the photo of your Thanksgiving Dining Room TODAY for a chance to win!

Top Gift Ideas

KONCEPT LIGHTING

Z-Bar® Desk Lamp features the award-winning three-bar design for ultimate reach and flexibility.

The all-LED Generation 3 line from Koncept features enhancements to the multi-award winning fixtures like the Z-bar and Equo. The innovations of Generation 3 include better quality and brightness by equalizing the LED light distribution and a touchstrip that can be smoothly dimmed with the swipe of a finger, or instantly brightened or dimmed with a simple touch.

CERNO LIGHTING

Another brand consisting entirely of LED fixtures, Cerno, is relatively young to the lighting scene. Initially turning heads with their multi-purpose wall sconce turned reading light, Cubo, Cerno solidified their position in the design community with high quality contemporary desk lamps, floor lamps and LED pendants.

ARTEMIDE LIGHTING

Tolomeo has become an icon in the lighting industry, popular across the world and even on display in museums.

Artemide, an icon in the lighting industry, has their top-selling Tizio and Tolomeo lamps: a classic gift that will never go out of style.

EDGE LIGHTING NIGHT OWL READING LIGHT

The Edge Lighting Night Owl series uses a direct beam of LED light, ideal as a bedside reading light that won’t disturb your partner. The wall-mounted Night Owl and Night Owl 3 are available in plug-in and canopy versions with a variety of finishes. The Night Owl 3 also comes with a high/low switch and adjustable beamspread.

LIGHTOLOGY COLLECTION

3POD floor lamp features a black fabric shade and a black carbon steel finish for a classic look that's equally durable.

Lightology offers its own line of fixtures, the Lightology Collection, which represents the highest pinnacle of design and the latest technological developments.

The Holiday Sale lasts until November 30, 2011.

1)    Look for the Lighting Facts Label

Sponsored by the Department of Energy, the Lighting Facts Label is the ‘nutrition facts label’ for LEDs, providing a quick summary of product performance data.

By introducing transparency to the lighting supply chain, the label guards against exaggerated claims and helps ensure a satisfactory experience for lighting buyers.

Luminaire manufacturers who take the pledge agree to use the label to disclose performance results in five areas—lumens, efficacy, watts, correlated color temperature (CCT), and color rendering index (CRI)—as measured by the industry standard for testing photometric performance, IES LM-79-2008.

2)    Color (Correlated Color Temperature)

Students Visit the Color Temperature Wall, which shows all the different colors of light, at the Lightology Showroom

Color Temperature measures light color.

• “Cool” colors have higher Kelvin temperatures (3600–5500 K).
• “Warm” colors have lower color temperatures (2700–3500 K).

These colors are charted on the Kelvin scale for you to use when choosing a light source. Many LEDs are developed with a color temperature of 2700K, which is the same as a standard incandescent, or 3000K, which matches the color of Halogen light.

It is important to match the color temperature in all light sources when designing a space, otherwise the differences might be quite noticeable.

3)   Quality (Color Rendering Index)

This picture shows that the colors on the tissue box look better under LEDs with a higher CRI. All three tissue boxes are lit under the same Color Temperature, only the CRI is different.

CRI measures color accuracy, or more specifically, it is the effect of the lamp’s light spectrum on the color appearance of objects.

Based on a scale from 1-100 (100 being the best), a low CRI LED will make colors in fabrics, paint and people look duller, less vibrant. It’s a great idea to place color samples from your project underneath LEDs with differing CRIs, this can help you decide which LED source makes the color in your sample look the best.

Typically, a CRI in the mid-70s and up is acceptable for commercial applications. For residential applications, A CRI of 80 or above are preferable.

4)    Lumens, Watts and Lumens per Watt

This chart shows the comparison in efficacy between an incandescent, fluorescent and LED.

Lumens measures light output. The higher the number, the more light is emitted.

Watts are ONLY a measurement of the energy required to light the product. The lower the wattage, the less energy used.

Lumens per Watt is a way to measure efficiency, similar to the Miles Per Gallon you get in your car. The higher this number is, the more efficient your product is.

5)    Thermal Management

The Scope LED Head uses aluminum as a heatsink to pull heat away from the LED, making sure it maintains the 50,000 hour lifespan.

Heat plays a major factor in the lifespan of an LED. LEDs are a condensed point source that gets very hot, so an aluminum heatsink is necessary to dissipate the heat over a larger surface and keep the junction (where the LED meets the circuit board) temperature below 80°C.

Running an LED just a few degrees too warm can shorten the lifespan of an LED up to 50%! A good rule of thumb is in an open air environment, the LED needs 2.5 square inches of heatsink for every 1 watt.

Use Edge Lighting’s Scope LED as an example. At 9 watts, the scope needs 22 sq. inches of heatsink. The cylindrical fixture is 2.24”W x 4”H. You use the formula below to determine the square inches of the aluminum fixture (the heatsink).

Width x π x Height

2.24 x 3.14 x 4 = 28 square inches

The Scope LED fixture exceeds the required amount of heatsink to guarantee LED lifespan. Keep in mind that enclosed fixtures, like recessed LEDs can require around 15 square inches per 1 watt, so the heatsinks on these fixtures will be much larger, but still hidden from view.

Download a PDF of our Lamp Comparison Chart to see some of the basic differences between lighting options available to you.

To enter, simply ‘Like’ the Lightology Facebook Page and leave a comment, or follow Lightology on Twitter and tweet to @lightology why you should win! All retail orders placed on the Lightology website from July 1-18, 2011 will also be entered into the drawing.

The Arden Floor Fan from Fanimation has walnut legs and an Oil Rubbed Bronze finish, recalling the clean and classic lines of an architect’s tripod. Complementing transitional as well as classic décor, the Arden has a three-speed rotary switch, providing a trio of comfort levels.

The Marea Ceiling Fan provides functional art on the ceiling! Circulating air with its distinctive, acrylic-frosted blade, the Oil Rubbed Bronze finish coordinates beautifully with similar finishes in the house. The Marea comes equipped with a hand-held remote and a wall-mount control. The three forward and reverse speeds provide just the right amount of comfort year-round. The 42-inch blade sweep is ideal for bedrooms, living spaces, and sunrooms.

Visit Lightology.com to see the large variety of ceiling fans, perfect for keeping cool and saving energy this summer.

The Lightology Summer Ceiling Fan giveaway ends July 18, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and contacted on July 19, 2011.

Lightology.com is giving you the chance to win $300 in Hinkley Outdoor Lighting!
No matter if it’s a patio, a pathway or a tiny patch of grass — everyone deserves a well-lit outdoor space they can enjoy.

To enter the contest, send a photo of your outdoor space in need of new lighting to marketing(at)lightology(dot)com or post it to the Lightology Facebook wall, along with a few words about how you would enjoy your newly lit open-air escape! All submitted photos are posted on the Lightology Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/lightology).

The photo with the most ‘Likes’ on the Lightology Facebook Page at 11:59 PM on June 8, 2011 will win a $300 retail gift card to spend on the Hinkley Outdoor Lighting fixtures of their choice!

Shop Hinkley outdoor lighting on Lightology.com to see the large variety of fixtures that will not only define your outdoor space but also add charm and ambiance. Use outdoor wall sconces to illuminate architectural elements for added drama; or define an intimate sitting area with a soft, exterior pendant light.

Landscape lighting can also be used to develop a safe pathway or create focal points. Use recessed garden lights for glowing gorgeous flowers. Or, create texture by using a spotlight to accent bushes and shrubs.

Lightology offers a vast array of Hinkley outdoor lighting in contemporary and traditional lighting styles. Send your photo today to marketing(at)lightology(dot)com and ‘Like’ the Lightology Facebook Page to enter to win your $300 in Hinkley Outdoor Lighting!

See the Rules and Regulations for the contest.

Marty Lescht ASID and AIA (PA) of Lescht and Associates, is an Interior Architect and Designer based out of Chicago but known nationwide for his almost 40 year resume, touting such greats as Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (Hub 51, Tru, Everest) to luxury hotels and the restoration of the Wrigley Building. Marty often pairs with Lightology for his projects, most recently to design Karyn’s On Green, an all-vegan restaurant looking for a design to match its chic, eco-friendly menu.

“I carved the ceiling tiles to look like branches,” says Lescht. “And we used the Saggina Chandelier because of its likeness to the branches of a tree. With the lights, you get a starlight effect, making the whole chandelier really play off the branch carvings and everything that I did with the ceiling.”

What was your vision for the space?  
Because we live in Chicago and it’s dark so much of the year, and I wanted to create a feeling more like Malibu or Santa Monica — very cool and natural, with an outdoor feeling. When you walk into Karyn’s On Green, you get the feeling that the food and the experience will be fresh and clean. I create unique, interesting designs, but I like working with neutrals and am influenced by nature. This way, the people and the food really get to be the star and enhance the ambiance of the restaurant.

How do you incorporate lighting into your designs?
I don’t incorporate lighting; it is the main factor in my projects. I could spend a million dollars on a project and if it’s not lit properly — it’s a waste. Dimming is incredibly important so you can change lighting effects from day to night, seasonally, etc. And for this project, all the lighting is eco-friendly, to coordinate with the all-vegan menu.

LED Table lamps and LED Desk lamps are an ideal way to begin the process of converting to LEDs. Lightology offers a vast array of award-winning, classic and modern table lamps that fit perfectly with other contemporary lighting or design styles.

Equo by Koncept

Koncept offers an array of extremely popular LED desk lamps, like the I-Bar Mini and the Z-Bar, that fold away or extend for high-power LED brightness with four-step dimming. The Equo desk lamp recently earned a ‘Best in Class’ award from Next Generation Luminaires, an LED competition sponsored by the Department of Energy. It earned this recognition for its touch-sensitive control strip, great value (only $225) and cool design.

Kelvin LED by FLOS

One of the most popular debuts in LED lighting this year was the Kelvin LED from Flos. Designed by Antonio Citterio, the fixture has an on/off touch sensor, 365° adjustable arm and 355° adjustable head. It consumes a mere 8 watts and is made entirely of recycled materials. Its soft, warm white light, has, until recently, been difficult to achieve with LED light sources.

Link LED by Pablo

The Link Table Lamp from Pablo adds a bit of whimsy and fun — coming in a variety of hues like green, orange, white, silver, grey and black and match with the coordinating Link Clamp-On, Link Wall Mount and Link Floor Lamp versions.

Tolomeo LED by Artemide

Some iconic fixtures, like Tolomeo from Artemide and Berenice from Luce Plan are now available in LED for a contemporary lighting touch that will never go out of style.

Here in Chicago, the Merchandise Mart’s annual DreamHome event hosts 9 different designers,
all selected to showcase their style and talent in different residential rooms.

This year, landscape designers Michael and Lori Anthony of 1 Design Group and Jeremy Stanulis of J. Stanulis Architects were given the privilege of designing the outdoor space in the DreamHome. With a little help from Lightology,  they were able to create a relaxing outdoor retreat that leaves us all yearning for our own open-air haven.

What is your inspiration/vision for the space?
The theme this year is ‘Modern’, and we wanted to show off how warm a modern space can be — no matter the size.  We wanted to push the envelope and maximize the space for functionality while remaining visually appealing.
How does the lighting that you chose solve problems and/or enhance the space?
Lighting is such an important element in any size landscape and should not be overlooked.  In our landscape, the lighting brings the boxwood to life and sets the mood in the space. It is enchanting, and invites people to relax and have a good time.
What is your overall design philosophy and how are you expressing that in the DreamHome?
Our goal is to first listen carefully to our clients: our challenge is to evolve their wants and needs into their purest expression.  In the DreamHome, we expressed our modern design style within the theme, while bringing in the different design elements that can be utilized in your exterior space.

Get the DreamHome Landscape Look…

Michael and Lori’s outdoor retreat feels inviting and warm due to the many layers of light they created using a variety of products from Lightology.

The Alpine produces bi-directional light for a soft glow.

The Sun3 LED is a 10 watt, award-winning recessed light that they used as an uplight to show off the boxwood and stone wall.

Find out more about the 2011 DreamHome and see 1 Design Group’s landscape for yourself!

Ninety-something photos (see all submissions here) and thousands of votes later, two winners stand out above the rest.

Karin H. Edwards Interiors won the People’s Vote on our Facebook page with 122 votes for her Master Bathroom design while Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects got our vote for their transformation of a worn-down shed into a lighting designers dream.

We had a chance to chat with both design teams, and here’s what they had to say about their winning projects!

People’s Choice Winner: Karin H. Edwards Interiors

What is your favorite part of being a designer?

“I honestly believe that improving surroundings has real benefits. I’ve seen how the right design can build confidence, spark imaginations or put people immediately at ease. And, I love the nuts and bolts of the doing.  It’s always about collaboration — with craftspeople, with manufacturers, retailers and, most of all, the people using the room.”

Could you share some background on the project featured in your photo?

“It’s my own master bath and a labor of love.  The paneling is meant to give it a dressing room feel and link to the bedroom’s closet doors, which explains the choice of chandelier over the tub. Because the room is open to bedroom, I needed to create a powerful vista.”

Is lighting an important element of your designs? Why or why not?

“It’s critical.  Anyone who says paint is the quickest changeup is wrong. Lighting draws the first notice, often unconsciously. It’s the invitation, and it’s the best way to build drama.”

Lightology Winner: Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects

What is your favorite part of being a designer?
“Getting to generate and share positive energy from the designs that we create. Design is about communication and sharing of thoughts with other people. It’s most satisfying when your results are truly appreciated — you know you have done your job well.”

What is your/your firm’s design philosophy?
“We believe in a blend of simplicity and whimsy. If a design becomes too complicated, it loses its “thrust” and effectiveness. A clear concept usually wins out over trying to do more than necessary. It’s important to have some aspect of expressiveness there too — so that you can use space and light as a canvas. Whimsy can represent a number of things as you can be loose or intellectual about it — it’s all about how you choose to execute it.”

Could you share some background on the project featured in your photo?
“This photo represents a metamorphic culmination. We took what was once a non-descript, uninspired shed in the woods and made it into something that has a strong identity. The original raw space (with no interior finishes, light fixtures, or even mechanical system) was completely transformed into a hip loft space. It came together very quickly from a design standpoint but fleshing out the details took a bit more time.”

What made you choose these fixtures?
“We took a walking trip to Lightology to get inspiration for the lighting, and originally we had only planned to scout out some sconces for the walls. Upon seeing the LED system featured in the showroom, we knew that we had to integrate that fixture into the design to add another dimension to the “mood” of the space. The idea of color splashing against the ceiling using beam-mounted LED lighting was something that we knew would be an instant conversation piece.”