GE on Tour

Making energy-efficient light bulbs more pleasing to the eye: Enter the LightingRevolution

A number of professional and consumer products were on display, like these CFincandescent bulbs.
Photo by Dillon Sorensen
GE's Lighting Revolution truck was camped out at the Omni Hotel at Eldridge andI-10, in the heart of Houston’s bustling Energy Corridor.
Photo by Dillon Sorensen
Power meters were placed strategically throughout the facility so that visitorscould monitor the efficiency of the new equipment.
Photo by Dillon Sorensen

When it comes to “going green,” one of the first steps that many consumers take is changing out their light bulbs for more energy efficient options. It makes sense: eco-friendly fluorescent light bulbs often last longer and end up being less costly than their incandescent counterparts.

While every conscious effort makes a difference, however, the reality is that replacing the bulb in a lamp or two isn’t the key to preventing climate change or environmental damage.

But if architects, lighting designers and business owners take steps to implement cutting-edge lighting and electrical technologies into large-scale projects, a significant difference can be made. And this year, GE has embarked on the Lighting Revolution Tour with hopes of doing just that.

Recently, the Lighting Revolution truck camped out at the Omni Hotel at Eldridge and I-10, in the heart of Houston’s bustling Energy Corridor. The setup included demonstrations of various new technologies, some currently available and some still in development.

Most of the items on display could only be fully appreciated by someone truly knowledgeable about lighting, but members of the expert staff were still kind enough to give me a tour.

I was perhaps most impressed with GE’s efforts to develop new lighting management technologies in addition to new bulbs. For example, a new system of ultra-efficient fluorescent bulbs has been developed in conjunction with an automatic photo sensor that adjusts the light level based on the amount of natural light present in a room.

Some consumers find that fluorescent bulbs can make a room feel cold and industrial. However, GE has perfected the technology and created bulbs that don’t look excessively artificial. It’s no longer necessary to sacrifice aesthetics for eco-friendliness.

In addition to fluorescents, GE has been working to perfect LED light bulb technology. In recent years, GE has helped large corporations integrate LED and Fluorescent technologies into their operation. For example, the brand has developed lighting for WalMart’s parking lots and produce sections alike.

But even if you’re just looking to revamp the lighting in your residence, it’s important to consider eco-friendly options.

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HAUTE PROPERTIES

Southern Living picks Texas Hill Country as location of 2026 Idea House

Southern Living Idea House Fredericksburg

Rendering by Jon Messer.

Southern Living Idea House will be open for tours beginning September 18.

Whether Texas is part of the South may still be an open question, but Southern Living is settling the debate with a big investment. The Birmingham, Alabama-based lifestyle magazine will build its newest Idea House in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.

For more than 35 years, Southern Living has drafted Southern builders, architects, and designers to build new homes that not only showcase the latest innovations in home design but are the epitomes of Southern style. This year, the magazine chose Fredericksburg's Friedën community, a 130-acre development featuring parks, nature trails, and lakes.

"We're excited to call Fredericksburg home for the year and to celebrate the distinct character of the Texas Hill Country,” says editor-in-chief Sid Evans in a release. “Surrounded by rolling hills and wide-open views, this home reflects the region's natural beauty and the relaxed spirit of the Lone Star State."

The design of the versatile home proves the modern farmhouse trend still has some legs. Southern Living’s designers update the look by ditching whitewashed everything for a more contemporary color palette that blends in with the Hill Country’s natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows further “dissolve the boundaries” between the interior and the great outdoors.

To bring their vision to life, Southern Living drafted a local team, including builder Kurk Homes, architect Andrew Bray of Mustard Architects, landscape designer Melissa Gerstle, and interior designers Jean Liu, Marcus Mohon, and Paloma Contreras. But real estate gawkers will have to wait to see most of the details. The house won’t be unveiled until September 18, when public tours open and the October issue hits stands.

Southern Living, however, did tease a few details, saying the home is being built for “multi-generational” living with sustainable products and appliances, a motor court entry, and a private casita. No doubt, interior design buffs will also find inspiration in the decor's bold choices. Last year’s Idea House in Virginia mixed in everything from garden florals and African mudcloth to animal prints and kitchsy cottagecore art.

The Idea House will be open to the public for tours from September 18 through December 20, 2026. Tickets will be available beginning in April, with a portion of the proceeds supporting area charities. After the open house, the home will be available for sale at an undisclosed price.

homes home design interior design fredericksburg hill country southern living