Page 42 - Lighting Magazine August 2018

FAN-TASTIC
Movement
New design trends and product development are good reasons to evaluate your merchandise mix in this category.
BY HANNAH RACHEL CARROLL
38 enLIGHTenment Magazine | august 2018
www.enlightenmentmag.com
In the hot summer months, a ceiling fan can be critical. It can help circulate air and even lower electricity bills — but is it a design no-no?
“Most designers want the fan to come down and a light xture to go up,” says designer Kristie Kyle of Design Elements Group in Dallas. “I prefer it, too, but I have to work with them. Sometimes they are a necessary evil. Luckily, there are plenty of op-
tions to pair with personal taste and preferences.” Despite some designer misgivings, Leslie Kill- ingsworth, Director/Purchasing for Progressive Lighting stores in Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas, says ceiling fan sales are not slowing down. Like Kyle, Killingsworth believes recent design trends have helped homeowners incorporate fans into their décor, rather than lament their existence. “Fans are a great alternative to regular lighting, and they have become much more stylish,” Killing- sworth explains. “The updated designer nishes we’re seeing mimic those happening right now in home lighting; warm brass accents, gold and silver
trim, gray-toned woods, mixed metals, and black.” “Black is extremely hot right now,” notes Fanima- tion’s VP/Sales & Marketing Kristina Christopher, who agrees that metal nishes in galvanized and “greige” are popular along with the look of weath-
ered wood blades.
According to a recent survey published by South-
ern Living, ceiling fans with a more industrial or streamlined stainless steel look are becoming more desirable. Still, white fans remain the top sellers because of their inconspicuous appearance against white ceilings.
“Make it decorative, make it a ractive... or make it disappear,” Kyle says.
Fanimation’s fans are designed to encompass disparate tastes. “Over the last few years, we have evolved our line to include styles that are simple and meant to become invisible, as well as o er impeccable designs that can be the focal point, centerpiece, or the crown jewel of any space,” Christopher remarks.