Chances are the upscale lighting fixtures in your home right now got their start as commercial light fixtures.

The greatest investment made in the science of lighting almost always starts with commercial applications. That’s where all the research and development is done.

Working in collaboration with architects, engineers and interior designers is where what’s new and cutting edge gets its start. And that’s where the science of lighting transitions to the art of lighting.

By the time the consumer sees lighting applications for residential use, the technology has been in use in commercial aspects for two to three years.

So, what does that mean for the residential lighting consumer?

Simple, residential lighting manufacturers look at these applications and begin to ask does a commercial design transfer to your home? The greatest benefit for residential consumers is that the significant cost of developing a particular lighting application all happens commercially.

As an added benefit, for residential consumers who work with Gainesville Lighting, is that we do both – commercial and residential. But because we have been working with the product on the commercial side, we know how to take that high-end design and fit it to the needs of our residential clients.

As a residential consumer, how do you know what’s right for you?

Again, that’s where we come in. We can show you the value that is in the details. For example, how long will the finish last, or how well will the fixture perform over time?

We can answer these questions because we’ve been part of the evolution of that fixture from inception. This enables us to help you make the correct decisions for your individual needs. When the question is whether it is worth the extra money, we can help.

Often, we direct you to lower-price products because the marginal difference between low and high may not be worth it.

We look at each and every situation and offer our advice on what would work better – commodity grade or designer product. It’s who we are.

At Gainesville Lighting, we love nothing more than the challenge of creating unique lighting environments for our clients – both residential and commercial. No matter the situation or setting, we endeavor to respond to that challenge.

During these trying times, many visionary entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity to take an innovative and refreshing look  at what this community will be in the coming months. These innovators in hospitality are preparing all of us to let the good times roll.

That means the Gainesville area will see a whole new world of entertainment and hospitality.

Thanks to the vision of these forward-thinking entrepreneurs, Gainesville Lighting is involved in the design of some of the most exciting growth this area has seen.

Gainesville’s new look includes renovations of the old and construction of the new.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. In addition to the event facilities, restaurants, theaters and hotels, cutting-edge condos, townhomes, retail and other residential beckon your call.

We invite you to look at these examples to get a sneak preview of what’s here and what is to come.

Much of our activity has been focused in Celebration Pointe. There, we are part of the design of a unique shopping and dining experience. This will include Spurrier’s Gridiron Grill, Prime and Pearl, Sensei Asian Bistro, The Keys Grill & Piano Bar, Le Macaron French Pastries and much, much more.

Out in the Town of Tioga, don’t miss Local Provisions restaurant. Inside and out, the lighting and fans set the mood for a fun place.

When the Hippodrome reopens, brace yourself for lighting technologies that juxtapose the old and the new. The brainchild of architect Andy Kaplan, the new design is clean and functional. Whether you’re in the bar, lounge or galleries, the lighting we manufactured is true to Andy’s vision.

If you’re driving on Main Street in downtown Gainesville, you have to book a date at Keith Perry’s renovation of the old Masonic Temple. Keith wanted flexibility. While both elegant and homey, he wanted a feel appropriate to any event. My favorite rooms are the bridal and groom dressing areas. Book any kind of social or business event now. I assure you; their calendar is going to fill up.

Last but not least, make a trip to Magnolia Parke on Northwest 39^th Avenue. There’s a clean and sophisticated look at Ichiban Sushi. This modern design is the best of both worlds. Organic, I think, describes both the lighting and cuisine. And if you haven’t traveled to Magnolia Parke in the evening, you should. That’s the best time to get the full impact of the lighting.

As we enter a new year, a whole new Gainesville awaits you. We’re thrilled that Gainesville Lighting has been, and continues to be, a part of making it all happen.

GLEE: What Is It?

No, we’re not talking about an old TV show. GLEE stands for Gainesville Lighting’s Enhanced Experience. So, what does that mean?

It means we will do everything possible to make you comfortable with your purchase. While most businesses will tell you that, we actually live it. GLEE is a commitment on our part to make sure you are totally comfortable with your purchase.

With GLEE, we attempt to clarify for you some of the mystery involved in buying and installing the right lighting for your needs and purposes. We provide added value for you by including this additional service at no additional cost. This is not typically done by most lighting stores. We offer this to you and encourage you to take advantage of it.

Here are some of the things we mean by GLEE.

It starts with cost comparison. You may go online to look for your lighting needs. The online offering claims to be the exact product you want, and it is being offered at a great price. But when it comes time to make the purchase, that item may be discontinued or not available. The online retailer then offers an alternative at a much higher price. Not only did you just waste your valuable time, if you make the purchase, you likely overpaid.

We promise that before you leave Gainesville Lighting you will know exactly what’s available, what it costs and what items may be additional or optional. You will always be advised about suggested additional items and their cost. There are no surprises.

Additionally, when you shop with us, you get to touch and feel what you’re buying. Let’s say you’re purchasing crystal. Quality and grades of crystal vary. We will provide a sample of the exact crystal you are buying from us.

If you’re trying to compare prices to find the best deal you can, don’t worry. We provide total transparency as far as pricing goes. We will go online with you, compare prices and explain the difference. In most cases, our prices are going to be better than anything you find online, in another lighting store or in the big box stores.

Then there’s warranties. Warranties are rarely included in the boxes. We want you to be happy with your purchase and secure long-term. We will provide you with printed warranties. Our printed warranties will include component and model numbers, so if a piece of crystal or glass breaks, it can easily be replaced.

And with the technology in the lighting industry ever changing, you may be wondering about LED vs. traditional lighting. You may be thinking about switching to LED, but your fixture may not be equipped to handle LED lighting. We will always give you the best advice about retrofitting and what is possible in your situation.

In fact, we will help you with that process even if you’re not coming to us but instead going to a big box store that may be closer to you to replace lighting.

So, in closing, the more you expect of us, the more we’re going to give you. We don’t want you to be apprehensive about any part of this process. That’s what GLEE is.