Last week, you heard from the designers over at Marks-Woods Construction about their first visit to the newly opened Alexandria Lighting + Design. Because lighting is such a big part of design and real estate, I knew that this new showroom would become a staple for our clients and customers! It’s clear to see it’s more of an experience than just a store or showroom. Walking into the new location is an inspiration!
Alexandria Lighting + Design and its attached cafe is now a destination for home builders, designers, customers, and even neighbors, too! I loved starting my visit with a cup of coffee from the new Electric Cafe located right inside the showroom. It was the perfect place to escape the rain, enjoy a latte, and read the local paper while I waited for a meeting with my friend and Alexandria Lighting + Design’s president, Teddy, for a tour. (Once he joined me, he gave me a great insider tip – ”Try the nitro london fog.” It was delicious!)
I loved that the Electric Cafe also carries food items like fresh French baguettes and macrons, bagels from local favorite The Chewish Deli, and other sweet treats to pair with the coffee and teas. Ready for those late afternoon and evening meetings, the cafe also serves beer and wine, including bottles of quality Sancerre, Whispering Angel Rosé , and Four Graces Pinot Noir. It’s easy to see that the Electric Cafe will be a great meeting place for designers and their clients to talk through projects before walking through the showroom for selections. I’m looking forward to coming back.
One of the first things I was drawn to as Teddy began our tour was their large display of light bulbs. Although it’s expected that a lighting and design center would have light bulbs, it was helpful to see so many varieties with on-site help to advise on what bulbs, color, and temperature is the best for a space or fixture. I love that they are all about a one-stop-shop experience.
When we toured the showroom, it was hard to focus on just one thing. The walls and ceilings are filled with lights of all sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. Their selection spans many different price points and uses. Products include fixtures from Kichler, Modern Form light & smart fans, Livex, Crystorama Lighting and more. While some of the brands can be found at Lowes or Home Depot, Alexandria Lighting + Design’s selection is a higher quality and can come with a warranty. In store, you can see samples of Troy Lighting, Capital Lighting, Coolican Lighting, traditional lighting, and regal house lights and mirrors. The showroom also carries designer wallpaper and hardware. Again, it’s all about an experience that brings your project and design to life all under the same roof.
Teddy walked us through each section and pointed out a few of his favorites, as well as the customer favorites they sell in store. One of the customer favorites was Lotos LED adjustable lights, the latest recessed wafer light that allows owners to tilt the light in the fixture. These give a more contemporary look for about $25 a light.
Alexandria Lighting + Design’s new space is definitely one to visit, even just to see a beautiful showroom while enjoying a cup of coffee. I definitely recommend a visit if you’re looking for local expertise for lighting. I left feeling inspired to come back! Make sure to check out Teddy’s post tomorrow in Stylebook that invites you to their launch party. You’ll see our team there along with local designers, builders, and lighting lovers, to support this wonderful Alexandria business. The launch party open house will be hosted at the 444 S Pickett Street showroom on November 15 from 6-8pm. I’ll see you there!