By Maria Deschamps
All photos courtesy Illuminated Design
In our last conversation with Lynne Stambouly of Illuminated Design (Summer 2024 issue), we explored the evolution of lighting design and how technology has dramatically changed the way we illuminate our spaces. As an interior designer, conversations like this help me better understand the reasoning behind lighting design selections, allowing me to create spaces that are not only beautifully lit but also thoughtfully and functionally designed to enhance both private and public environments.
Let us turn our focus to LED lighting, a technology that has revolutionized the industry with its versatility, energy efficiency, and design potential. We’ll explore not only the benefits of LEDs but also how they’ve influenced design aesthetics and energy efficiency.
“In my opinion, as a lifetime lighting professional, tunable white is the absolute Holy Grail. LED technology is working hard to mimic the warmth of incandescent light, which humans have been drawn to since the days of fire. Tunable white allows us to have bright, crisp light in the morning or midday, and then transition to a warmer, softer light at night to help relax and prepare for sleep. It supports our natural rhythms and helps us unwind.”
Lynn Stambouly
Maria: Let’s dive into LED lighting and its evolution. How has LED technology transformed the industry, and in what ways has it changed how interior designers approach lighting compared to traditional options like incandescent, halogen and fluorescent?
Lynne: Amazing questions! LED lighting truly represents an evolution. Compared to incandescent and halogen lights, LEDs have transformed the industry in several ways. First, LEDs are far more energy-efficient, providing two to three times the lumen output per watt. For example, a home with 100 recessed halogen lights might use 9,500 watts, but the same setup with 10-watt LEDs would only require around 900 watts, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additionally, LEDs produce less heat, reducing strain on air conditioning systems. Lastly, LEDs have a much longer lifespan – 20,000, 50,000 and even 100,000 hours compared to approximately 2,500-hour lifespans of incandescent bulbs. These improvements in efficiency, heat reduction, and longevity have revolutionized both residential and commercial lighting.
LEDs have drastically changed how interior designers work with light. With incandescent bulbs, dimming would naturally create a warm, glowing effect as the filament dimmed. LEDs, however, dim digitally, which means you’re often left with less of the same color temperature, and earlier LEDs could even look grayish when dimmed. Initially, the color shift was dramatic, with a very industrial, blue-white appearance. Today, manufacturers are striving to replicate the warm, natural dimming of incandescent, which has become the “Holy Grail” of LED lighting. This shift has transformed how designers choose lighting and colors for their spaces.
Maria: Can you tell us about LED fixtures where the entire unit needs to be replaced when the light dies, rather than just the bulb?
Lynne: When it comes to LED fixtures, there are two main types. The first is like traditional recessed cans, where an LED bulb with a chip and driver is screwed in, and when it goes out, you simply replace the bulb. The second type is “chip on board” or “integral LED,” where an array of chips are mounted directly onto a board in the fixture. This type often involves optics to control the light, such as wide or narrow beams. It’s usually the driver, not the LED chip, that fails, and in some cases, the driver can be replaced without changing the whole fixture.
The challenge is that LEDs lose intensity over time. So, if one light in a space requires replacing, it may not match the brightness of the others. Lutron’s smart technology, like their Ketra and Rania lines, addresses this by allowing fixtures to communicate, ensuring consistent brightness and color across the space.
Maria: In my experience, the color shifts in LEDs seem much less noticeable over time compared to the old fluorescent fixtures. Is that accurate?
Lynne: You won’t notice the color shift between lights that are in the same room. The difference only becomes apparent if, after a few years, you replace one in a group with a brand-new fixture. That’s when you’ll see the contrast.
Maria: What should homeowners or businesses consider when switching from incandescent or halogen to LED, particularly regarding compatibility or fixture upgrades? What are the most common challenges in making the switch, and how can they be addressed?
Lynne: Let’s say a homeowner has a kitchen with eight recessed cans, and one bulb goes out. Over time, they may have replaced them with different types – incandescent, fluorescent and various LED colors – leading to a mismatched look. To avoid this, it’s best to replace all bulbs with LEDs at the same time. Also, do your homework on color temperature – decide whether you prefer a warmer or cooler light before making the switch.
Maria: Or hire a lighting designer who knows their stuff!
Lynne: Yes! Another important consideration when upgrading to LEDs is that older dimmers for incandescent bulbs may not be compatible with LED’s digital dimming protocol. When switching to LEDs, you’ll need to change to a dimmer that works with this new protocol.
The biggest challenge people face when switching to LEDs is cost. Retrofitting an entire house can be expensive, with bulbs ranging from $25-$35, and in some cases, like Ketra, up to $160 per bulb. Plus, you’ll need to change dimmers at the same time. My recommendation is, if you can’t do it all at once, tackle one room at a time and buy as many bulbs as possible at once to ensure consistency – much like purchasing wallpaper from the same “lot” for uniformity. That way, when you move on to another room, if there’s a slight difference, it won’t be as noticeable since the rooms aren’t side by side.
Maria: That’s good advice. Let’s talk about RGBW and RGB. What’s the difference, and why has RGBWW become a new standard? What would you recommend using?
Lynne: When we talk about RGB (red, green, blue) and RGBW (red, green, blue, white), RGBWW adds warm white to the mix. This gives us a broader range of chip colors in a system, like a linear LED tape, where you have red, green, blue, cool white, and warm white chips. With a dial or a DMX system, you can select any color or tone you want, which is processed through digital technology to create the desired effect. You need all these chips to get the full spectrum of colors and whites.
RGBWW and now RGB-TW (tunable white) allows for even more customization by controlling multiple chips digitally, adjusting white to achieve the perfect color temperature. The real key isn’t just the chips but how the chip technology, drivers and controls work together. This ensures smooth transitions and gives you access to millions of colors, plus all shades of white, from warm to cool. So, it’s a great way to accomplish a lot as far as design.
Maria: So, if I understand correctly, RGB was the first color-changing technology, then it evolved to RGBW, RGBWW, and now tunable white (TW). Has it been an evolution over time?
Lynne: 100 percent. Originally, the white produced by RGB was more of a blue-white, not a true white. Over time, the technology evolved, leading to RGBW, RGBWW and tunable white systems, which are much more advanced. Products like Ketra and Rania are examples of how far this has come.
It’s important to note that this technology must be paired with a compatible dimming control system. You can’t just install the lights without the right control system, which can be app-driven or integrated with systems like Lutron or Crestron. Lutron is a leader in this area, offering precise digital control and addressability to manage and enhance the color output from the chips.
Maria: That’s good advice. Let’s talk about RGBW and RGB. What’s the difference, and why has RGBWW become a new standard? What would you recommend using?
Lynne: When we talk about RGB (red, green, blue) and RGBW (red, green, blue, white), RGBWW adds warm white to the mix. This gives us a broader range of chip colors in a system, like a linear LED tape, where you have red, green, blue, cool white, and warm white chips. With a dial or a DMX system, you can select any color or tone you want, which is processed through digital technology to create the desired effect. You need all these chips to get the full spectrum of colors and whites.
RGBWW and now RGB-TW (tunable white) allows for even more customization by controlling multiple chips digitally, adjusting white to achieve the perfect color temperature. The real key isn’t just the chips but how the chip technology, drivers and controls work together. This ensures smooth transitions and gives you access to millions of colors, plus all shades of white, from warm to cool. So, it’s a great way to accomplish a lot as far as design.
Maria: So, if I understand correctly, RGB was the first color-changing technology, then it evolved to RGBW, RGBWW, and now tunable white (TW). Has it been an evolution over time?
Lynne: 100 percent. Originally, the white produced by RGB was more of a blue-white, not a true white. Over time, the technology evolved, leading to RGBW, RGBWW and tunable white systems, which are much more advanced. Products like Ketra and Rania are examples of how far this has come.
It’s important to note that this technology must be paired with a compatible dimming control system. You can’t just install the lights without the right control system, which can be app-driven or integrated with systems like Lutron or Crestron. Lutron is a leader in this area, offering precise digital control and addressability to manage and enhance the color output from the chips.
Maria: Since we’re on the topic of tunable white, I love the concept but feel many people aren’t aware of its benefits. Could you explain what tunable white lighting is and where it’s most useful?
Lynne: In my opinion, as a lifetime lighting professional, tunable white is the absolute Holy Grail. LED technology is working hard to mimic the warmth of incandescent light, which humans have been drawn to since the days of fire. Tunable white allows us to have bright, crisp light in the morning or midday, and then transition to a warmer, softer light at night to help relax and prepare for sleep. It supports our natural rhythms and helps us unwind.
What’s exciting now is that lighting control systems can not only adjust brightness but also the color temperature. This evolution means integrators need to understand more than just dimming – they must now master programming light intensity, color, hue and saturation to create the right ambiance for different spaces, from kitchens to bedrooms.
The evolution of lighting is happening right now, shaping the future before our eyes.
Maria: What are the best ways to control LED lighting systems in homes or offices, and how has smart home technology advanced these options?
Lynne: Who would buy a radio without a volume control? No one! The same goes for lighting – you need control over the intensity. Lighting controls have advanced significantly, with manufacturers working hard to keep up with the rapid developments in LED fixtures and drivers. Remember years ago, when using a dimmer with an LED often caused flickering? That’s because dimming used to be based on incandescent technology. Now, it’s all digital.
Smart home technology has revolutionized lighting control, with AI, voice activation, and automation making it easier than ever to manage. The advancements are happening so fast that every trade show I attend introduces something new. For homeowners building a new home, it’s crucial to research different dimming systems and ensure they are compatible with your lighting choices and budget. Hiring a professional lighting designer and a skilled systems integrator can make all the difference in getting a system that will last for 20-30 years. Investing time and money into the best available technology is a smart move.
Maria: Really good advice! Thank you so much!
Maria Deschamps is an innovative interior designer, naturally bridging the gap between technology and aesthetics, redefining spaces with a global touch. Splitting her time between the vibrant design scenes in L.A. and Montreal, she draws inspiration from diverse cultural influences to create immersive and exclusive environments.
