Q & A With Local Lighting Expert

TEAMWORK MAKES YOUR DREAM WORK. WE’VE LEARNED THAT GETTING THE BEST PLAYERS ON YOUR TEAM IS WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE GREATEST SUCCESS – NOT JUST FOR US, BUT FOR YOU.

So, we’re taking some time to sit down with some of our most trusted partners to learn more about them. Today, meet Renae Bruns of WT Lighting, one of our go-to lighting experts in Rochester. 

R. FLEMING CONSTRUCTION: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE LIGHTING BUSINESS AND WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WHEN WORKING WITH CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS?

Renae Bruns: My father started WT Lighting in 1992 so it’s been a part of my life for over two decades.  In college, I studied interior design and in 2015, I found lighting design to be my core passion. Lighting touches every finishing decision made in the building and remodeling process and is often the most overlooked.  I encourage our builders, designers, and DIY-ers to contact our team as early as possible to help guide them through the lighting design and selection process.

RFC: WHAT ARE SOME CURRENT LIGHTING TRENDS FOR 2024/2025 AND ARE THERE ANY MAKING A COME BACK?

RB: Texture! Textures are huge right now along with more minimalist contemporary designs. Black fixtures are all the rage, but brass has made the biggest comeback in recent years. It’s not the shiny polished brass from the 1980’s but a soft, elegant, warm brass! More and more we are seeing a mixing of metals, styles and layers of lighting as well.

RFC: WHAT IF I AM REFURBISHING A LIGHT? WHAT ARE SOME TIPS OR QUICK TRICKS TO DOING THIS ON MY OWN SO I CAN MAKE IT LOOK NEW AGAIN?

RB: Paint does a great job to refresh things​ however and electrical and wiring work should be done by a professional. 

RFC: HOW WILL LIGHTING DESIGN IMPROVE THE VALUE OF MY HOME BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR?

RB: Lighting is often overlooked but one of the most important things to consider in your design. Highlighting surfaces and objects can change the whole feel of a room. Layers of light with the proper color temperature will set your space apart from the rest!

RFC: IS THERE A SPECIFIC TOOL OR METHOD YOU USE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH LIGHT IS ACTUALLY NEEDED IN A SPACE TO HELP A CUSTOMER SAVE MONEY ON LIGHTING? 

RB: Getting to know the client’s vision is the best way to determine the amount of light needed in each space.  For example, the laundry or home office may demand more light than a den.  When possible, we like to advocate for well-lit spaces with dimmer switches to fine-tune the amount of light.

RFC: WHAT IF I HAVE A DAMAGED LAMP, LIGHT FIXTURE, OR PENDANT? HOW WOULD ONE DISPOSE OF IT? WHERE WOULD I TAKE IT?

RB: We are happy to look at a damaged fixture and give our thoughts on whether it is repairable. WT Lighting often donates working fixtures to Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s Homeownership program.  Olmsted County Recycling Center accepts hazardous materials for disposal such as CFLs and fluorescent tubes.

RFC: WHAT KIND OF BULBS (HALOGEN, LED LIGHTS, FLUORESCENT BULBS) DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME?

RB: 100% LED.  Adding dimmer switches and timer/dusk-to-dawn controls can also greatly increase energy efficiency and save on your utility bill.  

RFC: ADVICE ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF LIGHT? HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT ROOMS OR SPACES NEED A LIGHT FIXTURE VS. NATURAL LIGHT?

RB: Natural light is the best until the sun goes down. Our showroom offers 100’s of fixtures on display and our website thousands more.  We offer free in-home consultations to look at your space as well as in-person appointments in our showroom.

RFC: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ALL OF THE ADVANCEMENTS ON LIGHTING, VOICE ACTIVATED LIGHTING WITH ALEXA, SMART OUTLETS, DIMMING? ARE THESE FEATURES SOMETHING TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING A HOME?

RB: Traditional dimming and wall controls remain the most practical and user friendly but new technologies have transformed the lighting industry.  Convenience is changing consumer behavior and the ability to modify our living environment by smartphone and voice is becoming far more common.

RFC: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES YOU SEE FOR INDIVIDUALS? (HANGING HEIGHT, WRONG PLACEMENT FOR A LIGHT, DANGEROUS LOCATION ETC?)

RB:

An underlit room is one of the most common mistakes we see, which is why we urge clients to meet with our team of professional lighting consultants early in the building or remodeling process.  We’d love to partner with you and help bring your vision to light!  

You can learn more about WT Lighting by visiting their website.