Page 36 - Lighting Magazine February 2020

Outward bound
I spoke with showroom executives in several markets to get a feel for the changes they’ve experienced in
outdoor lighting and how they are preparing for anticipated growth.
Southland Plumbing Supply
2 locations Louisiana
This family-owned wholesaler was one of the first plumbing showrooms to dedicate themselves to the lighting market. Initially they opened an ex- panded showroom area that was specially designed to display lighting fixtures. Southland’s owner, Alan Vinturella, has always been willing to consider new opportunities for growing the business and better serving customers. Lighting seemed like the logical next step. Alan’s wife, Mona, has a background in interior design which was especially beneficial as they began attending lighting-related shows and events.
One of their first moves was to hire Lacey
Cortello, who had experience in lighting — and, equally as important, a passion. “People tease me that I am constantly looking up instead of straight ahead when we are visiting new places,” she recounts. “I love the way that lighting tops off any space. Outdoor living has become just as important as indoor in our market. It’s incredible when you consider that early in my career, outdoor lighting [consisted of] a ceiling fan and a light kit before moving into recessed cans; now lighting manufacturers are producing extensive lines of outdoor-rated offerings.”
New Orleans has always marched to the beat of its very own drum, although traditional design con- tinues to lead the way. That preference extends to outdoor design as well. One of the most familiar
“Now lighting
manufac-
turers are
producing
extensive
lines of
outdoor-
rated
offerings.”
—Lacey Cortello, Southland Plumbing Supply
TOP TRENDS
1
2 Groups of small lights hidden in plants
3
4
Statement lights with big, bold features such as white or colored orbs to provide a sophisticated look at a relatively affordable cost
Lanterns with new finish options that can be mixed and matched to create customized looks
5 The seemingly limitless opportunities for style, size, and design available with LED lighting
6 Smart home systems that are controlled at the touch of a button or verbal command
Color-filtered lights that can add warmth or coolness to white lights, or create dramatic settings for landscape lighting
or lining walkways to add depth or provide an understated accent
34 enLIGHTenment Magazine | February 2020
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