5 New Lighting Releases That Add Warmth and Dimension

Well-curated lighting was the theme of 2024, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2024 Kitchen Design Trends Report. At least when it comes to functional spaces like the kitchen, smart features such as light and motion sensing, voice activation, and programmable control options grew in popularity last year. 

Designers also opted for layered lighting to create more ambient looks in their projects, according to the report. And as 2025 approaches, many of these trends will likely remain. According to Houzz's 2024 Kitchen Trends Study, a whopping 79% of homeowners opt to upgrade lighting when remodeling their kitchens. Most of these upgrades include undercabinet and recessed lighting, according to the report. But it's not just for aesthetics either—54% of aging-in-place remodel scopes included adding additional lighting.

To get a sense of where the lighting industry is headed, Custom Builder rounded up a mix of recent lighting product releases that work in all parts of the home.

WAC ADDED DIM-TO-WARM TECHNOLOGY TO ITS AETHER ATOMIC LIGHTING SYSTEM. | PHOTO: WAC LIGHTING

WAC Lighting's Dim-To-Warm Technology for Aether Atomic Diminutive Recessed Luminaires

WAC Lighting’s latest Aether Atomic lighting system includes dim-to-warm technology that adjusts the color temperature from 1,800K to 3,000K, creating a comfortable and familiar incandescent-like glow. 

This allows for energy-efficient LED lighting with up to 900 lumens at full brightness while offering a warm, relaxing ambiance when dimmed. According to WAC, the system is ideal for a variety of rooms, including bathrooms, dining rooms, and home theaters. The system comes in more than 50 finish options for various models, including downlights, pinholes, and wall-wash options.

THE CHROMA DMX DOWNLIGHT COMES IN A NUMBER OF COLOR COMBINATIONS FOR ANY SPACE. | PHOTO: AMERICAN LIGHTING

Chroma DMX Downlight from Proluxe by American Lighting

Proluxe by American Lighting recently introduced the ChromaDMX Downlight. Designed for new construction, the light offers more than 1 trillion color combinations to transform any space. Users can easily adjust the lighting ambiance—from warm and cozy to cool and modern—using touch or voice commands. 

Available in circular, square, or mud-in trims, this downlight allows for complete customization and easy installation.

THE EVO FROM COASTAL SOURCE OFFERS MORE EXPANSIVE LIGHT TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER OUTDOOR AMBIANCE. | PHOTO: VALERIE KUGLER

EVO from Coastal Source

EVO from Coastal Source is a compact, high-performance outdoor lighting fixture that offers both flexibility and durability. Compared with a typical 6-Watt MR16 fixture, EVO is 50% smaller but provides a higher output of up to 560 lumens, wider beam angles, dual dispersion patterns, and two color temperatures. 

It features a fully integrated, sealed LED module based on CREE LED technology, ensuring thermal efficiency and water resistance. Available in black and antique brass finishes, the fixture can be mounted in various outdoor settings and uses a patented Plug+Play cable system for quick and tool-free installation.

SHOWN IS THE MARIN LIGHT FROM PLANK HARDWARE. | PHOTO: PLANK HARDWARE

New Lighting Collection from Plank Hardware

Plank Hardware's new lighting collection offers a range of finishes to suit various interior styles, from timeless neutrals like brass, antique brass, black, and cream, to trendier options inspired by playful colors, such as rust red, khaki green, dark stain oak, and lilac. 

The collection features three lighting products: the Jensen, a classic option for small spaces; the Freya, a pendant light ideal for kitchen islands or dining tables; Marin, a glass pendant light; and the Novi, a compact wall light perfect for adding warmth and character to various areas of the home.

SHOWN IS THE FORKED LIGHT WITH METAL SHADE AND GLASS GLOBE. | PHOTO: BUSTER + PUNCH

Forked Light from Buster + Punch

The Forked light by Buster + Punch is a modular design that blends cast, machined, and hand-spun solid metal, featuring a distinctive fork detail. Its modular options include a hand-spun metal shade and a hand-blown glass globe, available in opal or smoked finishes. 

The Forked Light can be customized with different configurations, which include the light with a shade, light with a globe, or light with both shade and globe. It comes in several finishes as well, including steel, burnt steel, brass, and gun metal.