How does Barn Light differ from its competitors? Is there anything in particular that contributes to your success in a competitive market?
As far as I know, we were pioneers in Brevard County by hand-spinning and offering porcelain steel components with hand-sprayed porcelain steel frit. In the United States, there are no other lighting specialists using this type of finish. The process involves melting it in a large oven, which not many have access to. The necessary machinery has been acquired by Barn Light, brought to the U.S., and all the work is done by hand, proudly American-made and crafted.
How do you keep up with changing trends in the hotel design industry whilst maintaining the integrity of your vintage styles?
We have been blending modern and vintage aesthetics, which has been a focus for us. This fusion inspired our initial branding concept. We are now venturing into decorative lighting and collaborating with architectural designers, new construction developers, hotel designers, and even individuals involved in shows like HGTV. Our connection with these networks has led to features in farmhouse and HGTV shows, as well as the Food Network. In my new role, we are actively seeking influencers to collaborate with regularly. Our marketing strategies aim to establish us as a well-known brand that resonates with everyday homeowners and professionals in the design and construction industry. We intend to cater to both markets while maintaining the uniqueness of our original pieces as our defining feature.
In your opinion, how does lighting influence the overall guest experience in hotels?
When you enter a building, the ambiance plays a significant role in how you feel. The lighting, whether bright or dark, sets the tone and influences your mood. The right lighting can create a cozy or energizing atmosphere, while the wrong lighting can be overwhelming. Choosing the correct color, fixture, and brightness level can transform the mood for everyone. Like the way light colors affect emotions, finding the perfect balance in lighting is crucial. Avoid overly bright lights that can be blinding, as finding the right color temperature and angle of light is essential for creating the desired atmosphere.
Are there any particular products that you’ve found are particularly popular with people?
The preference differs between indoor and outdoor settings. For outdoor decoration, customers often prefer our substantial gooseneck lighting fixtures. On the other hand, for indoor spaces, they tend to lean towards our delicate and ornamental pieces such as sconces and machine age sconces with unique finishes compared to our outdoor collection. We can draw parallels between the indoor and outdoor decorative styles we offer as we venture into this new territory with a fresh approach.
Have you noticed any difference in the brightness of those lights? Do people seem to prefer brighter outdoors and more subtle indoors?
Outdoors, our LEDs can produce up to 5,000 lumens, providing bright illumination for various settings. Whether you need to light up large areas like parking lots or the front of a building, or smaller spaces like hallways or bathrooms, our lighting solutions offer visibility without overpowering the room. You can even integrate the LED lights with your decor, thanks to our range of soft and subtle color options that maintain a cozy ambiance.
Can you provide any examples of any testimonials or feedback that you’ve gotten from hoteliers or others who’ve incorporated your products?
Our current collaboration is with Johnny Knight, the host of HGTV’s Farmhouse Fixer. Recently, we supplied them with approximately 20 lights, which they used to illuminate a whole room and a couple of camping spaces. In an email, they expressed their satisfaction with the lights, noting how they enhanced the area beautifully. These lights will be showcased on June 9th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and they are very excited about it, highlighting how well the lights complemented the space. The feedback received has been extremely positive. Additionally, we have received numerous positive reviews from our customers, which can be viewed on our website. The quality of our lights truly speaks for itself!