So, if you are reading this email somewhere in your house, close your eyes.
Tell me how many switches or plugs are in the room. What color are they? What do they operate (or not!)? Anything lucky enough to be on a dimmer?
The truth of it is, most of us don't even give a second thought to how these operate or understand the importance of their function in a well designed space. They are usually an ivory colored, plastic, "I don't even know what that switch does!" afterthought.
It will come to you as no surprise that most designers do think about these things. After all, the devil is in the details. And this detail can not only be the icing on the cake, but cake that's actually good for you too!
In recent years there have been so many improvements to the lowly switch. From dimmers to lite switches, to wireless, to stunning ergonomic design and detail, this utilitarian device has earned it's esthetic bragging rights.
A few weeks ago I was fortunate to be part of a new launch of switches and wall plates for Hubbardton Forge by Legrand in NYC, NY.
From left to right: Christy Davis, Donna’s Blog; Jeanne Chung, CozyStylishChic;
Kristin Cadwallader, Bliss at Home; Renee Carman, Interiors by Mandeville Canyon Designs; and Patricia Davis Brown, Dig this Design.
Now, for almost any one who is my client, you know that my go to lighting source is Hubbardton Forge. Their impeccable handcrafted line of lighting based on a 6,000 year old metal forging technique produces timeless and elegant design that I have been able to incorporate into any kind of visual esthetic.
So you can imagine my excitement when I learned that Legrand, the leading manufacturer of cutting edge touch sensitive technology decided to join forces with Hubbardton and complete the package.
The story of their reunion is simple but powerful. While visiting the Hubbardton Forge booth at a trade show, the folks at Legrand realized that something was missing. Why not take a stunning piece of lighting artistry and combine it with equally stunning technology and design. Two years later a partnership forged in the fires of creativity and passion was realized.
The Adorn collection for Legrand is nothing short of playful and zesty. Pushing the color palette they encourage the end user try something a little different, but it doesn't stop there. There's brains behind the beauty. Not only are there paddle switches, but silent touch switches (so as not to wake that sleeping baby, or spouse), wave switches and even motion sensor (cue my kids waving madly to create magic lighting. Some things we can't help to change!).
Imagine now that you switches can coordinate with your decor. As designers we usually try to blend the switch system to a wall or tile, try to make it disappear. With the new hand forged line from Adorne, you actually may want to bring attention to your device!
I am actually going to install these switches in our own kitchen reno. I am using a backsplash of slate infused with iron and smoky glass elements. The Hubbardton Forge Bronze plate is really going to make a statement in the whole design.
Everything will be on a dimmer.
I can just imagine the lights set on low, a romantic dinner prepared with our favorite wine and chocolate and.... OK fine, a kitchen full of kids making pizza while One Direction blasts in the background.
Quick Legrand we need a mute switch!
To check out Legrand and Hubbardton Forge's great video, click here!
You can also find more design inspiration on our Pinterest board.
And remember, switching up things once in awhile is good for you!
Best,
Renee
Renee possesses a rare combination of artistic creativity and intuitive design. Her warmth and compassion extended beyond working with us to understanding the style and feel of our home and how we live in it. We felt fortunate to work with and get to know Renee and absolutely love the updates she made to our home- from windows and walls to artwork and furniture!
Renee is an absolutely wonderful designer. Very talented and easy to work with! She will transform your room or outdoor space into exactly what you want, only better!
Talented, creative, dedicated, great communicator. Renee is such a special person.
We have worked with Renee Carman at this company for almost 2 years. Renee is professional, personable, and a pleasure to know. She is very helpful and will go the extra mile to please her clients. Renee has excellent expertise and knowledge of interior design. We have a beautiful home and highly recommend her.
Renee possesses a rare combination of artistic creativity and intuitive design. Her warmth and compassion extended beyond working with us to understanding the style and feel of our home and how we live in it. We felt fortunate to work with and get to know Renee and absolutely love the updates she made to our home- from windows and walls to artwork and furniture!
Renee was a pleasure to work with and has great vision. We were doing a total rehab of a recently purchased property and she was able to look at a gutted out '50s cottage and turn it into a beautiful mid-century modern home. She understood our budget and timeline and was good about narrowing all our options down to just a few choices. This expedited the process, made it less difficult and more enjoyable. Once the rehab is done, we look forward to working with her again and finish the rest of the rooms.
Renee at Mandeville Canyon Interior Design was simply wonderful to work with. She was able to understand what we were looking for in terms of color, function and design from the moment we first spoke. She's easy to work with, goes above and beyond and delivers an outstanding design.
I highly recommend Renee and Mandeville Canyon Interior Design. I don't think I will attempt to decorate another room in my house without the help of Renee!
Love working with Renee and Mandeville Canyon Interior Design ! I had the opportunity to collaborate on a large scale design project recently and the results were fantastic! Creative, resourceful and one of kind design ideas made this design opportunity with Renee "one of a kind" Have a large or small project? You won't be disappointed!!
Renee not only has an amazingly creative eye, she also directed a massive renovation for us this past year that included the challenges of operating during the pandemic. She put together a team that had an incredible work ethic and brought the project in on-time and on-budget. She's a great listener. When we threw ideas at her, she was never dismissive; quite the contrary, she made them better. Her patience, attention to detail combined with her whacky sense of humor meant we were all able to smile while producing a home that we love. A great talent and a great lady.
Rene is amazing! Great customer care and wonderful attention to detail.