In case you have not heard, incandescent light bulbs are on a timeline to be phased out. 100 Watt bulbs will be phased out in 2012, 75 watt bulbs will be phased out in 2013, and 40 and 60 watt bulbs will be phased out in 2014.   This leaves us with the choices of CFL or LED. I am not a fan of CFL lighting because of the “three-mile island” greenish cast of light, which messes with the colors in a room and offers an odd ambience.  CFLs do have the advantage of lasting about 7 years, but if improperly disposed of, can harmfully expose people to  mercury. These factors make LED lighting look quite appealing. While the bulbs may cost more initially, they last 23 years. Yes, you read that right. 23 years is likely longer than most people will even keep a lighting fixture. Not only are the LED options efficient and responsible environmentally, but they open up a new world of creative possibilities, first embraced by commercial design and now taking hold in residential interiors. 

Kitchens are already benefitting from LED updates with under counter lighting and other creative options that will revolutionize kitchen design. See below for resource.

This is The Ice Kube Bar in Paris. Isn’t the color range incredible?! After the enormous cover charge, guests can only stay in this small frozen room for up to 30 minutes, lounging on fur cushions while they quickly sip their cocktails.  Read more at www.MrandMrsSmith.com

This is a bathroom in the Anna Hotel in Munich, Germany, also from www.mrandmrssmith.com

If the bright funky colors are too much for you, see the more sedated use of LEDs below, transforming chandelier design, the next three photos from a store in SOHO.

LED lights have the option to fit in existing lamps, save energy significantly, and even come with dimmable options now. Thrilling! I don’t know about you but I am thoroughly enthused about the LED possibilities. If you are interested to learn more about this topic, here is a great article.

HOW TO: Switch Your Light Bulbs And Get Ready for the Big Light Bulb Phase-Out http://inhabitat.com/how-to-switch-your-bulbs-to-leds-to-get-ready-for-the-incandescent-bulb-phase-out/

And a resource for LED products: Pegasus Lighting http://www.pegasuslighting.com/led-lights.html

 Have you made the switch yet? What innovative ideas do you have for LED use?