Where Are They Now? Trend Notes from 2012

2012 seemed so long ago but it was a year full of highlights. 

We had the Summer Olympics in London, Michael Phelps became the most decorated olympian in history, and the "Curiousity Rover" successfully landed on Mars. 

Back in 2012 (and still true today), the lighting industry was also seeing some sizable shifts.

Here are the five big notes from 2012's Dallas International Lighting Show:

Note 1: Innovation

Riding big waves of change, 2012 became a banner year for the Dallas lighting market as its strongest release of new products in several years. This growth and expansion are due to the natural progression of creativity in lighting trends, and a “pent-up” demand from American consumers who are looking for something new and innovative, inviting manufacturers to take risks on new designs and technology. 

After all, Lightovation, the Dallas International Lighting Show, is about the intersection of lighting and innovation.

Update: Innovation is bigger than ever. In the post recession economy, a cleaner, more versatile manufacturing and design focus has transcended not just the lighting industry, but all of American goods and services. With competition so stringent, coming up with new ideas and adaptations of existing ideas is paramount to success. 

Note 2: Price Trends

Products of these trends target commercial and residential customers. Light fixtures now offer compact designs as well as added features, made more attractive by lower prices.

Update: After the initial price shock of new LED technology, more manufacturers have hit the lighting scene and dramatically reduced costs. With any new technology, there is always a period of the high price before the manufacturing process can refine and cut costs that significantly affect market pricing.

Note 3: Shapes

Circles and ovals are presently dominating the lighting scene as active design elements, while Oil Rub Bronze retains its spot as a dominant finish. However, companies are testing the waters with lighter finishes on their pieces, but so far these haven’t spiked any reliable trends. On the other hand, copper finishes are on the rise.

Update: The circular trend that dominated 2012's offerings appears to be back in force five years later. Companies like Kichler, Hinkley, Feiss, Et2, ELK, and more have revolutionized lighting designs and set the stage for a new way to look at an overhead light. Many new manufacturers have also started to dabble in circular light shapes. The reason for even more circular designs? Affordable and reliable LED options.

Note 4: Old Fashioned or "Edison Bulbs."

One back to the future trend is Old Fashioned Bulbs, which show up in many newly designed items this year. Also, many companies are introducing Retro Pendants, featuring a restoration style for today’s modern home.

Update: These are the hottest trend on the market today, which means full user adoption has occurred and they are near their peak of popularity. Check out the Lamps USA "Get the Look" segment on industrial era lighting.

Note 5: Laser Cut Lighting

Also, chandeliers are taking on a more sparkly feel—with crystal emerging as a trending accent— and are popping up in several light lines. Many companies are shifting to laser cut metal in most of their designs, creating a whole new world of lighting creativity.

Update: A familiar story is emerging about these trends. As they were all developing in 2012, five years later they have become near standard. All manufacturers have dabbled in laser cut technology, paving the way for the coolest designs we've seen yet. 

Check out the Lamps USA collection of weird, cool, and altogether fun lighting for examples. Just don't forget a subsequently cool lamp shade to go with!

Trends in the lighting world have a long shelf life, which is great when you are forking over some serious cash to update your space. In fact, many of the top lighting brands see their products transcend time and style to have an everlasting grander. 

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