June 11, 2014

The Crane House

Crane House is located on the coast of Sonoma, CA. The craggy coastline features natural arches, long sandy beaches, secluded coves, open grasslands and forested hills. This is an ideal area for fishing, abalone diving, or just listening to the pounding of the surf and watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Our own Drew Dearwester was the head designer on this project, which was completed a few years back, but we’re still really proud of his accomplishments!

Check out the video and photos:

June 10, 2014

Inspiration: Over the Dining Room Table

Hello, friends!

Today we’re sharing some ideas for lighting over your dining room table! Whether your style is more classic, or you want something more fun and exciting, these photos should get you inspired!

The classic approach:

^{Topo by Tech Lighting}

^{Lilith by Leucos}

^{Ge by Kartell}

^{Pangen by Fontana Arte}

Making a statement:

^{Canal by Leucos}

^{Discoco by Marset}

^{Fl/y by Kartell}

^{Pirce by Artemide}

^{Muse by Axo}

Using Multiple Pendants:

^{Seguro by LBL}

^{Fire by Tech Lighting}

^{Kube by Tech Lighting}

^{Briolette by LBL}

^{Beacon by Tech Lighting}

June 6, 2014

Featured: LIM Floor Lamp

Today’s featured product is the LIM Floor Lamp by Pablo! The LIM showcases a minimal design with a high output LED light source.

One of the really cool features in the design of LIM is the incorporation of high powered magnets which are used to adjust the height of the fixture!

“LIM is a revolutionary, ultra-slim LED task light that is as fun to use as it is functional.” -Pablo

June 5, 2014

Inspiration: Lighting the Outdoors

Hello, Friends!

Today we are sharing some inspiration for lighting your outdoor space! If you’re thinking of getting some lighting for outside, but aren’t sure what you want, take a look at some of these photos and get some ideas!

Tornado by Studio Italia Design

Santoniri by Marset

Tolemeo XXL by Artemide

Magnolia by Tango

Campanone by Modoluce

Lite Cube Box by Tango

Lighthouse Oil Lamp

June 4, 2014

Our Top 5 Desk Lamps for Your Office

Today we’re here to share with you our top 5 picks for the best desk lamps for your office! The fixtures we chose for this (exclusive) list were chosen because they are all the most functional and classic fixtures that would fit into any space nicely. These aren’t really in any particular order (we could never settle on an absolute favorite)!

One:Artemide Tolomeo Table

The first fixture on our list is the Tolomeo Table by Artemide. We love this fixture for its classic design and maximum flexibility. Tolomeo Table features an arm with a joint in the middle, and the ability to rotate 360 degrees. The head also rotates 360 degrees, so we aren’t kidding when we say this fixture is flexible! Tolomeo also has the option to come as an LED with a setting in which you can adjust the color temperature from cool to warm. That’s pretty amazing. To top it all off, it’s available in multiple colors and sizes, so it can easily be incorporated into any design style!

Two: Artemide Tizio

Artemide really knows their stuff. Our second fixture is their Tizio Lamp.
Tizio is also well know for its timeless design (it was first designed by Richard Sapper is 1972!) and functionality. The lamp features two arms with counter weights you can adjust to fit your lighting needs. It uses a halogen light source, and is available in a classic or mini version.

Three: Marset Polo

Next up is Marset’s Polo Lamp. Designed by Joan Gaspar in 2012, we enjoy the clean minimalism of this lamp! It’s LED and provides a wonderful, direct light for a workspace. Polo is available in white or black matte.

Four:Pablo Pixo

If you visit our blog regularly, then you already know of our love for the Pablo Pixo Lamp! This little lamp has great versatility with an arm that both tilts 180 degrees and rotates a full 360 degrees! The head can also do a full rotation. Pixo is an LED that has two brightness settings, and it even showcases a USB charging port right on the fixture!

Five: Anglepoise Original 1227

Our final product for this list is the Original 1227 from Anglepoise. If the Tizio is an old, yet classic design, then the Original 1227 is an ancient classic design! This collection was originally designed by George Carwadine in 1934! How is that for standing the test of time? The Original 1227 uses spring technology to accomplish ultimate flexibility and balance, plus it comes in a wide array of colors!

Want to learn more about any of the products we’ve mentioned? Contact us!

June 3, 2014

The Maurice Harris Album Launch Party

Hello, Friends!

Last Friday we were happy to host the album launch party for Maurice Harris’ new album ionne: Love Moves Faster!

Also, check out the use of our Giant in his music video!

The party was a huge success with lots of dancing and friendly faces! Check out some of the photos:

: Bertie and Maurice

: Bar area

: Party Goers

: Bertie Ray III Selfie

: Hanging out

: Party Goers

: Maurice and Friends

: Lovely Ladies

: Spinning Hard.

May 30, 2014

Tip: Using Layered Lighting

If there is one thing that all lighting designers agree on, it is that the key to good lighting is the use of layered lighting. Using layers of light not only allows for maximum functionality and flexibility out of a space, but can also be used to create a variety of moods.

There are three layers that should be considered and included in every lighting design: general (or ambient) lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.

General Lighting

General lighting is typically the first layer to take into consideration. It consists of ceiling mounts, down lights, pendants, and cove lighting (like above cabinet lighting). General lighting is used to uniformly light a space, and tends to be a soft light.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is used to provide extra light needed to perform specific activities. Examples of task lighting may be a desk lamp a student uses for homework, or under cabinet lighting that helps you see when chopping vegetables! These usually consist of table and floor lamps.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used to draw attention to something using a brighter contrast. In a lot of cases, it is used to highlight artwork or architectural details. A lot of accent lighting is usually used in landscape architecture to highlight a specific tree or textured wall. These usually consist of track lighting, down lights, and decorative lamps.

Dimming and controls:
A good thing to consider when using layered lighting is the controls. It is especially helpful to have each layer on separate switching and dimming. This allows for the widest variety of moods and functions available to the user!

Still have some questions about using layered lighting? Come in or schedule a consultation with us! We’d love to answer any questions!

May 29, 2014

Featured Fixture: Pixo Lamp by Pablo

Hello, Friends!

Today we are featuring one of our new favorite table lamps! Pixo by Pablo!

Chances are that if you’ve been in our showroom in the past week or so, we’ve presented this fixture to you. We just love it so much. We can’t help but show it off!

Pixo features a wide range of motions. The arm can be angled any way you please, including flat on the table! The head also rotates a full 360 degrees to accommodate whatever you may need lit up. This lamp also features LED technology and has three different brightness settings. Pixo also boasts of soft touch technology, so the fixture has a wonderful texture when touched.

To top it all off, Pixo also has a USB port on the base, so you can charge most any device on your desk or table!

Stop into Switch today to check out Pixo in person! They make great gifts for any recent graduates starting a new career! (and at only $199, who could resist?)

May 28, 2014

Our ICFF Favorites!

Hello, Friends!

As I’m sure most of you know, Switch was in New York for ICFF last week! (Check out our experence here!) Now that Drew and Bertie are settled back in Cincinnati, it’s time to share their favorite pieces from the show!

Drew’s Favorites
Plumage: New from Axo Lighting!

Plumage is a new large scale suspension and floor lamp collection by Axo Lighting. The fixture features a metal frame with fabric diffusers, and is available in seven different colors, or even multicolored!

Trapeze: By Light & Contrast!

Trapeze by Light & Contrast is a new LED table lamp with a full range of motion. It is available in two versions, one with an extra joint for more versatility, and one with a clean, straight arm.

Bertie’s Favorite
Scraplights: By Greypants!

The Scraplight from Greypants is available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and configurations. Each lamp is constructed from laser cut, recycled cardboard!

May 27, 2014

Maurice Harris Album Release + Final Friday!

Hello, Friends!

We have an event to announce! This Final Friday Switch is happy to be hosting an album release party for our dear friend Maurice Harris! On top of great music, we will also have light refreshments available, so make sure to stop in an say hello!