Aldo Bernardi Outdoor Lighting Creates Curb Appeal And Adds Value To Homes

Ollier Distributors, Inc., exclusive Aldo Bernardi lighting distributor for the USA and Canada, recognizes that outdoor living and lighting is a major shelter industry trend for 2013. Ollier has seen a significant increase in sales of outdoor lighting and lighted trellises this spring from homeowners creating added value by developing their green spaces and patios into outdoor living and dining areas.

According to a poll given to landscape architects specializing in residential design released in February 2013 by the American Society of Landscape Architects, outdoor living spaces received a 94.5 percent rating of very popular with lighting specifically receiving a popularity rating of 95.1 percent. Outdoor lighting is a major component of outdoor living and garden areas and is an essential element in the perceived value and curb appeal of a property. Outdoor lighting can significantly enhance or detract from a property’s first impression – yet it is one of the most cost effective options for homeowners to improve outdoor living areas. “For homeowners looking to add perceived value to their property, the right outdoor lighting can do wonders for a home’s exterior, ” Curb Appeal, Residential Lighting Magazine.

Furthermore, real estate professionals notice that homes that are beautifully landscaped and have quality outdoor lighting (for both home and garden) sell faster and show more often than homes without this type of curb appeal. “Lighting professionals like to say that good exterior home lighting can add up to 20% to the perceived value of a home. And perception can add up to real money.”, RealEstate.msn.com

Outdoor lighting is used to highlight the best features and angles of a home or architectural structure and can transform and add an artistic element to landscaping and outdoor entertaining and living areas. When choosing outdoor lighting it is important to keep in mind the main functions of outdoor lighting – it should add aesthetic appeal, illuminate areas for outdoor living, and provide safety and security features to the property. Aldo Bernardi’s outdoor collection offers lighting that is energy efficient, of the highest quality standards and is designed to add lasting value and beauty to any exterior application for both residential and commercial use.

Outdoor Pendants

Clematide, SUN9.P.O
36.22″ W x 29.53″ H x 5.71″ D

Outdoor Sconces

Loggia, 7920
9.84″ W x 14.17″ H, 15.75″ D

Outdoor Floor Lamps

Ibiscus, TWIL3
19.69″ W x 49.21″ H, 19.69″ D

Post Mounted Street Lamps

Fiati, 6830.e/H3
10.63″ W x 118.11″ H, 34.45″ D

Path Lights

Attila, LAR194.40.B
5.51″ W x 15.75″ H x 5.51″D

Gazebos

Villa Borghese, SHA1
118.11″ W x 127.95″ H x 118.11″ D

Trellises

Soiree, SOIR2
51.18″ W x 55.12″ H

Interested in more information on Aldo Bernardi’s outdoor lighting and garden structures? Please call (317) 634-5000 or email us at info@carolollier.com

Aldo Bernardi Expands Line Of Outdoor Floor Lamps

Caprifoglio floor lamps by Aldo Bernardi beautifully illuminate and accent this Italian outdoor living space.

Ollier Distributors Inc., the exclusive distributor of Aldo Bernardi lighting in the USA and Canada, announces the addition of stationary outdoor floor lamps with aged brass bases to Aldo Bernardi’s outdoor living collection.

The new floor lamps will be added to Aldo Bernardi’s current collection of outdoor lighting designed to expand the living room beyond the house.

The outdoor living collection includes lighted gazebos, pergolas, trellises and floor standing lamps. Outdoor living rooms are increasingly becoming a popular way for homeowners to add value and functional living space to their homes. Humans intrinsically have a desire to connect with and be close to nature, and an outdoor living area satisfies this in addition to creating space for lounging and entertaining.

The outdoor floor lamps – Pitosforo and Caprifoglio – feature a clean and modern silhouette and are made of aged brass tubing, with shiny white methacrylate shades and concrete bases covered with aged copper. These floor lamps are ideal for use under gazebos, pergolas or in any outdoor living room to create ambiance by day or night. The classic lines of the floor lamps lend themselves to an array of design styles from contemporary to transitional.

Pitosforo, TWIL4/B – 15.75″W x 52″ H, E27 x 70W

Caprifoglio, TWIL3/B. 19.69″ W x 59: H, E27 x 70W

For pricing or sizing information on the floor lamps please contact Ollier Distributors at 317-634-5000 or via email at info(at)carolollier(dot)com

Introducing Moonlight – A Luxurious New Modern Pendant Light from Aldo Bernardi

Introducing Aldo Bernardi’s New Modern Moonlight Pendant with Luxurious Shades Finished in Precious Metals

MOON3.GF  Moonlight pendant with gold leaf interior finish. 

Aldo Bernardi is known for his rich and rustic living finishes. He is broadening his personal style by bringing a modern, new look to his design repertoire using steel instead of his traditional brass and copper for his Moonlight series of pendants. Moonlight is the first fixture from Aldo Bernardi’s modern body of work to be introduced in 2013.

Three Shade Reflector Options

The Moonlight features a hemispherical aged steel shade coated with a semi-opaque shellac to slow the natural aging process of the finish.  The shade reflector is available finished in silver, gold, or bronze leaf.

Three Shade Sizes

Moonlight is available in three shade diameter sizes  19 1/2″, 28 1/4″ and 35 1/2″.  The overall height of the pendant needs to be specifed at the time the order is placed.

Energy Efficient

Moonlight pendants support energy efficient light bulbs like LED, Fluorescent and Incandescent bulbs with an E26 medium base. As is true with all of Aldo Bernardi’s lighting, each piece is crafted using handmade processes.

As seen in Architectural Digest! 

The Moonlight pendant, MOON2.SF, the medium-sized pendant from the series with a silver leaf shade was featured in Architectural Digest, March 2013, on pg. 52 under Discoveries and online in March’s Most Wanted Home Furnishings and Accessories. 

For the latest Aldo Bernardi lighting news, industry news and discussions, design inspiration and more; like, follow, and pin us!

    

2012 Best of the Press

The year has flown by so fast! Before we move on to the next, we want to take a look back and reflect on the accolades and accomplishments of the year that has past. We’re proud to have received a lot of great press in the United States in 2012 for the new outdoor collection Shadows and Lights by Aldo Bernardi.  Enjoy browsing the Aldo Bernardi lighting chosen as press worthy this past year and as always please let us know if you have any questions!

California Homes, April 2012. Elicriso, TWIL1 Outdoor Aged Brass Floor Lamp.

Elle Decor, May 2012. Elicriso TWIL 1 Outdoor Aged Brass Floor Lamp.

Robb Report, June 2012. Corbezzolo TWIL2 Outdoor Stationary Floor Lamp

Elle Decor, June 2012. SOIR2 Aged Brass Lighted Trellis.

Residential Architect, July 2012. Clematide SUN9/P/O Aged Brass Outdoor Pendant.

Traditional Home, July/August 2012. Clematide SUN9/P/O Aged Brass Outdoor Pendant.

Better Homes and Gardens Beautiful Kitchens and Baths Winter 2012. Provenza 9915/ib Handpainted Ceramic Blue and White Counterweight.

Illuminate Holiday Tables with Bespoke Lighting

The Yellowstone Club, Montana

The holidays are the busiest entertaining season of the year, and everyone wishes their living spaces to look their absolute best for holiday entertaining.  Cozy gatherings on cold wintry evenings call for intimate and warm lighting that increases the warmth and comfort of the space but still provides enough working light.

The Ciotole G130/B/A pendant. Balena, Chicago.

Small groupings of pendants or solitary lights can create a more intimate and inviting environment.  “The homeowner should select a style and material finish that they find pleasing to themselves and the space, working in balance with the scale of the furniture, the number of seats, the size of the actual room and the overall color scheme.”, Aldo Bernardi.

The Civetta 11.600 chandelier. The Yellowstone Club, Montana.

The Civetta 11.600 chandelier was customized with Aldo Bernardi’s conduit system, L’Impianto to create unique, one of a kind, statement chandeliers for this luxury lodge.

Aldo Bernardi believes that lighting is the most integral element to dress a space and create mood. When illuminating contained indoor spaces like a dining area, understanding the nuances of lighting, from the best style to select, to the ideal placement, type of lighting and relationship between different light sources can enhance or detract from a room’s ambiance and functionality.

The Pramper 11.910. Inspired by the high roads and mountain passes this contemporary industrial pendant has clean simple lines, and clearly sparkles and shines.

May your holidays be merry and all of your parties beautifully lit!

Blue and White : Interior lighting

Why do we love and use blue and white?  It’s a classic combination that has withstood the test of time because it works.  It can look   traditional, modern, relaxing, tranquil, and vibrant based on what shade or tone of blue is paired against white. The Dutch used it in the Delft patterns and it gained popularity with the French in the 18th century, and of course it’s hard to not think of the Greek islands when talking about it.

The Aldo Bernardi lighting collection I Classici in Ceramica contains a selection of handmade ceramic interior light fixtures in blue and white. (All fixtures are also available in white only).  With a range of pendants, sconces, counterweights, and ceiling mounts it makes it easy to create an elegant,  classic, and simple blue and white lighting plan.

Like what you see?  Print or save a .pdf! of the “Blue & White: Interior Lighting”  quick reference guide.
Blue and White – Quick Reference Guide

 Portalampada 31/FB

Caracoi 9133/IB/L

Caracoi 9104/IB/L

Provenza 9915/IB

Caracoi 9121/IB/L

Provenza 9920/IB

Spot 42/FB

Mansarda 41.9821/IB

Like what you see?  Print or save a .pdf! of the “Blue & White: Interior Lighting”  quick reference guide.
Blue and White – Quick Reference Guide

The Opere Collection: La Traviata

by Morgan Sheets

The backside of a La Traviata record.
Photo copyright – hansthijs

In the new Aldo Bernardi Opere collection of  “Le Magie dell’ Elefante”, each light fixture or family of light fixtures is named after an opera composed by either Verdi or Puccini. Today, I am going to highlight one of the most beloved opera’s, La Traviata.

La Traviata was written by Giuseppe Verdi and set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave.  Translated, the title literally means The Fallen Woman or Woman Who Goes Astray.  It is based on the French play, La dame aux Camelias, adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas.

The Camelia flower.
Photo copyright – Renata_Pancich

This three act opera was first performed on March 6, 1853 at the La Fenice opera house in Venice.  Initially, due to an unpopular casting choice for the singer playing Violetta the opera was not well received.   The displeased audience led Verdi to wonder whether it was his poor writing or the ill cast Violetta that was to blame.  Thus, the opera went into revisions and emerged a few years later to much acclaim.  Today, it is one of the most popular and second most performed operas worldwide (according to Operabase).

The main character of the story is Violetta, a famed courtesan from Paris who lives a life of leisure, and though she is courted by a Baron she maintains her independence and freedom and has never fallen “victim” to love.  This all changes as Alfredo, a friend of a local count, professes his love and devotion to Violetta as well as his concern for her fragile state of health.  Initially, she turns him away because she is unwilling to give up her current lifestyle and fears that fate will only thwart her love and happiness.  However, she soon changes her mind as Alfredo’s advances seep into her heart and she decides that the prospect of a sincere and true love is worth giving everything away for and risking the pain and devastation of another dissapointment in her life. For those who have not seen this opera I do not want to give away too much.  Just know that it is a story of love found, lost, and regained.

An ode to Violetta
(note: that was not the original concept for this photo, simply this usage)
Photo copyright – Morgan Sheets/J.Escalante

I had the pleasure of seeing this opera performed last Friday by the Indianapolis Opera at Clowes Hall.   Since we’ve released this line of lighting I’ve been very intrigued by the opera’s themselves and finding a connection between the light fixtures and the opera’s which they were named after.   I’m still a bit unclear about these connections and if they truly exist but in my musings I have noticed a few resemblances.  For one thing,  the shades of the Aldo Bernardi La Traviata series of lights seems to mimic the petal of the Camelia flower.  Also, the gently sloping curve of the shade is reminiscent of the style of the dress highlighted in the opera which accentuates and gently exaggerates the curve of a woman’s hips.  In my eyes, Aldo Bernardi is similar to Verdi as well.  Although his lighting has been widely successful in Europe and has received accolades, I don’t think his genius has truly been recognized yet.  I see this timeless and classic yet forever modern family of La Traviata sconces  as withstanding the test of  time just the same as the opera that it has taken its name from.

LAR 178 – La Traviata – Aldo Bernardi sconce

LAR 179 – La Traviata – Aldo Bernardi sconce

LAR 180 – La Traviata – Aldo Bernardi sconce

LAR 181 – La Traviata – Aldo Bernardi sconce

Like what you see?
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In the Press : New Aldo Bernardi Collection Le Magie ‘dell Elefante

by Morgan Sheets

We quietly released the new Aldo Bernardi collection Le Magie ‘dell Elefante this spring and it has been very well received.   Thank goodness for the warm and sunny welcome because this gray and gloomy Spring weather was dampening our spirits.

The new Le Magie ‘dell Elefante collection is a casual take on Aldo Bernardi’s classic collection with the same farmhouse modern meets rustic chic feel.  The line is a great solution for the current demand of sophisticated yet relaxed comfort in the luxury market.

Like all Aldo Bernardi lighting, Le Magie dell’ Elefante  is designed and manufactured in a small village located northwest of Venice, Italy, in an area renowned for its traditional artisan cottage industries. Le Magie offers everything expected of Aldo Bernardi products: top quality, designs that blend the past with the present need for practicality, versatility, and handcrafted manufacturing but it comes at a more economical price point, which allows for stretching today’s tight budgets. All pieces have been adapted for use in the North American market.

Le Magie dell’ Elefante consists of three collections: Alba (daybreak), Punti di Luce (bright spots) and Opere (opera’s). Mythically, the elephant has been a symbol of wisdom, strength, reliability and longevity and this new casual lighting line by Bernardi reflects these merits with its durability and steadfastness.

This collection is NOT on our website yet, but you can give us a call and we’ll happily send you a catalogue.  Visit our site for contact info – www.carolollier.com.

I could go on and on about how fabulous this new line is but I’ll let the press and blog love speak for itself. 🙂

Happy Spring!  Oh, and you can join us on Facebook and Twitter now too!

January 2011 – Contract Design

March 2011 – Pond Trade Magazine

March 2011 –  Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine

April 2011 – Blissful B Blog – I heart Mondays

May 2011 – Elle Decor

April 2011 – Just Luxe Blog

“Light is not so much something that reveals as it is itself the revelation”. – James Turrell

Don’t forget to join us on Facebook and Twitter too!

For a catalogue or questions please visit http://www.carolollier.com for contact info.

The Modern Traditionalist – Aldo Bernardi keeps traditions alive

by Aak Lengkeek

 

What does it mean to be a modern traditionalist?

We would define traditions as the specific manners that people who are regionally, ethnically, professionally or organizationally connected, use consistently to meet their needs or cope with demands in their environment. Traditions develop in the ways people grow and prepare their food, dress, socialize, dance, build their houses, develop skills etc. etc.

Traditions often have a local or temporal flavor because they are developed at a certain time or under certain local conditions, like the availability of specific resources, knowledge and technology. Typical of traditions is that they are shared by a number of people who are connected through blood ties, boundaries, the area they live in, the values and ideologies they endorse. We speak of family traditions, local traditions, national traditions. Traditions are the habits of a group or collective and as such express and reflect common characteristics, traits, perceptions,and skills and often have a normative side:”this is how it should be done”.

They give the people who share them a sense of control, security, familiarity, belongingness and even a sense of identity. People recognize themselves and set themselves apart from others by their traditions.This is probably the reason why people tend to hang on to traditions when conditions (times, boundaries, resources, values, technology) change. Even as the conditions that gave rise to certain traditions cease to exist, traditions often continue and start to lead a life of their own: we call them “timeless”, or “classic” or identify them as a particular style: the French Cuisine; a  Louis XV piece of furniture; a “Victorian” house; “la methode campenoise” for making sparkling wine, and with exposure they often acquire international or mondial appreciation or recognition. Traditions tend to elicit a feel of familiarity and even nostalgia.

The concept of “quality” is closely related to the concept of tradition, because traditions often have been handed down the generations, have been tried and been proven to work and be effective. Tradional products tend to have durabilty; have been designed and manufactured in times where people took the time for refinement and attention to detail.

In the case of architecture and interiors we consider any dwelling that represents a certain time, region, method or distinct style a traditional home.

A good example of how traditions can keep enriching our lives without returning to the times in which they were developed, is the tradition-based design of  Aldo Bernardi’s Italian lighting: the designs are based on local resources (metal and white ceramic) and cottage industries as well as on the fuel (gas) used for lighting in a past era in Northern Italy. This gives the fixtures a distinct “look” that elicits associations with everything connected with traditions: familiarity, durability, quality, attention to detail . Within that general “look” or “feel”, created by materials and components used in gas fueled lamps or in the first electrial lamps, the manufacturer has made room for technological innovations and innovations in design that make his collections both “timeless” and versatile. While clearly distinct, they tend to adapt to the environment in which they are used.

For your own judgment: please visit our website @www.carolollier.com

 

Travel Diary #5 – In the City of Angels

A few weeks ago Carol (President of Ollier Distributors) paid a visit to Los Angeles for a round of appointments with designers and architects about the Aldo Bernardi lighting line. Going on the road is always fun because it allows us to introduce new people to the magical world of Aldo Bernardi lighting. The romance, great design, superb construction, and story behind the line make it a delight to show and tell. Traveling and going on sales calls also provides us with great feedback on our sales materials and ensures that we are helping our clients meet the needs of their customers and presenting to their customers. It’s inspiring to step out of familiar, often seen territory, and observe the different trends and types of people that comprise the populace of a city.

Palms in L.A.

The familiar landmarks of the palm trees were a warm welcome. The spiky sharp lines of the palm leaves reminds us of the Civetta chandeliers from the Le Alte Vie collection of Aldo Bernardi lighting. Fun, fresh, and definitely the type to stand out in a crowd.

Traffic, traffic, everywhere!

The traffic is not pleasant to deal with in L.A.  so on this trip it was decided that a rental car and driving were not feasible.  (Note:  This ended up being a great idea.  See the traffic? )  Riding in cabs was much more relaxing.

Kelly Wearstler Interiors Lobby

We met with Leana at Kelly Wearstler Interior Design. We loved the entryway decorated with a rich, eclectic gathering of marble sculptures atop a granite table. The dramatic pattern of the multi colored marble flooring lends a whimsical and refreshing modern twist to a classic material. This space seems to offer a glimmer of the style of Kelly Wearstlers’ designs.  Their design work is very L.A. funky, upbeat, and can be glitzy. Her and her team are masters at mixing elements to create interiors with eclectic and bold visuals.   If you haven’t heard of Kelly Wearstler before you should definitely take a look at her work and website at www.kellywearstler.com.

Aldo Bernardi Duse Counterweight No. 2115

We had a great time meeting with Cassie at Pizzuli Associates ( www.pizzulli.com). Her charming personality and wonderful sense of humor made the visit a pleasure. The focus of the firm is to create cohesive, innovative, and environmentally responsible spaces. At Pizzuli they loved the Aldo Bernardi handmade white ceramic fixtures for use in interiors. These artisan crafted lights fit well with their purpose as a firm. Browse through the galleries of Pizzuli projects and peruse their vast gallery of past works in residential, commercial, hospitality, and more.  An Italian – American owned company paired with an Italian lighting line.  How could we not get along?

Aldo Bernardi Pra Path Lighting

At Exteriors, a landscape design firm, we met with Rick.  Exteriors provides a complete range of landscape design services to custom residential properties. We share the same design vision in that we believe in creating integrated outdoor living spaces or any space in general which work harmoniously with the architecture and the site as well as the personalities of the inhabitants.  Rick especially liked the Pra as a great accent and design in path lighting.

The wine cellar at The Barrett Group

Visiting with Barry at the Barrett Group and touring his office was definitely a highlight of our trip.  His quirky office was featured in Hospitality Design magazine for the most unique office space. The office is a wine cellar!  We love wine and knew this was a match made in heaven. Barry’s office is much like his personality. Innovative and creative with a timeless elegance and a well edited mixture of items combined perfectly.  He’s reminiscent of a Fred Astaire era where men were charming, friendly, warm, and graceful with good manners.

The dining area at Yxta.

Doesn't the food look fresh and yummy? Fellow diners enjoying their meals

Of course with all of this running around refreshments were in order.  A stop was made at Yxta Cocina Mexicana (www.yxta.net) for some refreshment. It’s a funky and cool hidden gem. From the outside it doesn’t look like much but once you walk through the door there’s a pleasant surprise waiting. With a clean, colorful, quirky, and open interior this space offers the perfect venue for a lunch time breather. We loved the sculptural pendants that were chosen to light and set mood to the space.  Lighting is like jewelry for a room.  Just like the perfect jewelry sets off an outfit, the lighting sets off the ambiance, decor, and overall look of the room. The food was fresh and homemade and definitely a good value and quality for the price.   We experienced good service and had a friendly waiter, which can make or break a dining experience! If you’re wondering where the name came from, so were we! Apparently it is derived from the name of one of the restaurant owners teachers at law school.

Steve N., Sales Rep at William Switzer LA

Doesn’t Steve look dashing?   Steve is fun to work with and we had a lot of fun running around and giving presentations.  He’s very professional, organized, and nice to look at!  We love the classic blue and white patterns he has chosen to bring out his striking blue eyes and salt and pepper hair.  He looks very handsome, fresh, and polished.  Steve N.  is one of the sales reps at William Switzer in Los Angeles.  Stop in the showroom and say hi sometime!

Display window at William Switzer Los Angeles

On display in the William Switzer window are the Aldo Bernardi Foresteria sconces from the Gli Ottoni collection. They add an elegant touch of solidity and luxury. We love the rich cream and black textured commode and mirror.

Dennis G. hard at work inside the William Switzer showroom in L.A.

Inside the showroom Dennis is waiting to assist! He was showing off some finish samples when we snapped this pic. Those color palettes look great with the Aldo Bernardi Ferrovia pendant shown in the foreground.

Bedroom display in William Switzer Showroom

The bedroom display at William Switzer shows the perfect pairing of Aldo Bernardi’s unique and classic Civetta chandelier with this traditional four post bed.  The Loggia sconces attached with the Aldo Bernardi L’Impianto system add the perfect weight and ground this arrangement together as a whole.