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Why I’m using LED lighting in my new home

August 14, 2017 Leave a Comment

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LED lighting used to be energy efficient but well, kinda ugly! The good news is that these days, by choosing LED, you can save energy and money, have your pick of beautiful light fittings and a nice, dimmable light which isn’t blue-tinged or harsh like a hospital! Winning!

I first learned what money-suckers those halogen downlights can be in our old apartment, where we had them in every room. OMG. When we swapped them for the newer style LED downlights, our power bills decreased dramatically. I’m someone who likes light and to have lights on if it’s anything less than full sunlight in the day, much to my husband’s annoyance!

When we moved into this house (with more rooms and therefore more lights!), we were faced with a lot of dated glass pendants (an old lady had lived here for 30 years before us) and, unlike many people, I didn’t want to immediately start again with downlights. I love pendants and they can be really nice design features, like jewellery for your room in a way. It was also a lot cheaper to replace pendants with pendants than have downlights put in. I still wanted good-looking LED light fittings though. These days, that’s not an issue.

I chose some gorgeous gold chandelier-style lights from Beacon Lighting (they’re now sold out in gold, but these are very similar) for our foyer, living room and play room. They’re so elegant and just the right mix of classic and modern.

They take nine globes each (27 in total!) so it was important they were energy efficient! We chose the heritage LED globes in warm white which are pricey at almost $30 each, but come with a three-year warranty (I’d suspect they’ll last a lot longer than that). It took a couple of attempts to get the right brightness after trying the first batch in our home and finding they were way too bright (these globes aren’t dimmable, but some similar ones are), but we are now delighted with them. Everyone comments on the lights as soon as they come in! The globes don’t look anything like what you’d imagine as energy efficient. And they really had to be as good-looking as the chandeliers or it wouldn’t work!

An LED heritage globe. Not ugly at all!

In our bedrooms, we went for something more neutral with less globes! These rattan shades from Josh & Jenna’s range for Beacon were my way of sneaking some rattan (which I love and my husband hates!) into the house.

I love the texture they provide, and they take two globes each, so it’s a nice diffused light. These come in three different diameters and two different colours. I went for this natural one, but there’s a darker tan too (there’s also matching floor and table lamps too if that’s your thing!).

I’m getting some professional shots of my reno progress so far very soon, so look forward to sharing some of the lights in situ with you all.

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode; a semiconductor device that convertsย electricity into light. Super energy efficient and long lasting, LEDs use approximately 85% less energy than halogen or incandescent lighting, which means significant savings on your power bills. The estimated lifespan of LED lighting (depending on the globe) is 15,000 to 50,000 hours. That’s compared to 1,000 to 5,000 for halogen.

If you’re not sure where to start, need advice on how many lights you need and how bright for example, Beacon Lighting can give you personalised help via their online chat facility, by emailing them or by calling 03 8561 1599.

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Want to try a different tipple this weekend? Toda Want to try a different tipple this weekend?

Today's #iafoodiefriday recipe is a lemon and pink peppercorn spritz by our friends at @thewholefoodsrefillery ๐Ÿธ 

They'll give you 20% off your first order with our code. Find everything you need on the blog now via link in bio.

Cheers! 

#pinkpeppercorn #spritzlife
Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! 

@kethy.australia, whose cabinet hardware I've used in my own kitchen, laundry and on my recent sideboard glow up, are passionate about bringing you the latest design and finishes from around the world!ย 

Their stunning timber knobs and handles from Denmark add texture, warmth and an organic feel to yourย projectsย that can only be achieved by using natural materials.

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovating an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry or updating a piece of furniture, Kethy have something for you in their huge range.

See it all online and find your local re-seller at their website via link in @kethy.australia bio.

#timberhandles #timberknobs #cabinethardware #cabinethandles #finishingtouches #drawerpulls #kitchenhandles #kitchenpulls #kitchenknobs #kitchendrawer #kitchendrawers #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #theinteriorsaddict #homerenovations #interiordesignaustralia #interiordesigninspo #transformyourhome #housemakeover #designinspiration #trusttheprocess #designwork #beautifulhomes #dreamhouse #homestylingsydney #beforeandafterrenovation #creatingbeautifulspaces #kitchentrends2022 #kitchenglowup
Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping ALL the character!

What a great example this is by @huntingforgeorge 

See all the details, and the laundry, on the blog now, via link in bio.
The patient has very much bounced back! Letterbox The patient has very much bounced back!

Letterbox kinder egg deliveries from a friend, dressing changes without a flinch and refusing to nap despite all the bribes (check the face on him in pic 3!).

Thanks for all your care and messages/comments for this tired and shaken up mama! Now very relieved and grateful ๐Ÿ™
Before & after It's not just the award winning de Before & after

It's not just the award winning designer houses that get us excited here. It's also the beloved family homes which are renovated and extended to make them fit for purpose so people can continue to live where they love ๐Ÿค—

@inspiredspacesaus helped her clients with teenage kids transform this house in Sydney's Hills District inside and out, making it their forever home. 

Due to the nature of the block they could only extend sideways and then gave it street appeal with render, new windows and doors.

See inside on the blog now, via link in bio. It was completely overhauled!
Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!

UPDATE: thanks for all the love! Charlie is so well this morning after a big sleep!
Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop
#creatingbeautifulspaces #homestylingdesign
#designbywomen #homestylingtips #sydneycreatives
#homestylingsydney #interiorstyling #interiordesignsydney
#everydaydesign #interiortrends #renovationinspiration
#homedesigninspo #lovemyhome #stylingdetails
#loveinteriors #homeimprovements #interiordesignaustralia
#dreamhomeinspiration #homemakeover #personaldesign
#interiordesignaus #creatingbeautifulspaces
#creativehomes #housestyling #sydneyhomes
#interiorinspiration #myhomedesign
I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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