The latest next big thing in lighting design is the ability to have better control and more energy efficiency, also concealing lights in the walls and floor is very fashionable and creates a lovely layered effect.
If you only change one thing this year to improve the atmosphere in your home install dimmer switches!
There are three different lighting effects in your home, all of which should be operated separately so the balance of light can be changed at the flick of a switch to create different mood. Firstly there is ambient lighting which provides the overall lighting (or background) this is provided mostly by the use of downlights, centre lights, table lamps and wall lights. Secondly there is task lighting which is for a specific purpose for example over kitchen worktops, reading, lighting stairs etc. Some of the possible options for this type of lighting is again downlights, lamps specifically for reading, leds maybe for highlighting stairs. Thirdly there is your accent lighting or feature lighting which adds interest and glamour to a space. This is lighting that you use to light a feature such as a painting or a sculpture or maybe even a stone wall.
Most Important Lighting Tools Uplights and Downlights
Most Important Lighting Tools Uplights and Downlights are your main tools and consequently the key to getting your lighting plan correct. Downlights are lights that are recessed partially or fully into the ceiling. Where the bulb is set back by approx 30mm this will provide maximum focus with minimum glare. Downlights serve well for all types of lighting effects. Uplights direct light at the ceiling, which reflects it back. Uplights can be set into the floor, they can be free standing lamps or they can be set into the wall.
Light Sources
The closest thing to natural daylight in a light fitting is low voltage. It is ideal for a kitchen area where you really need a good light source. The traditional tung-sten lamp still serves a purpose in table lamps and gives a nice warm glow which is what your looking for in a table lamp. There are also LEDs which are very popular set into decking areas or lighting stairs.
What to avoid
Do not think of your room as just one space break it up into the different areas it is actually used for. This will help you to plan your lighting design more effectively. Gone are the days when your pendant had to be in the centre of the room.
How to get it right
Plan out what your room is used for and what levels of light are needed. Again this is very important in an open plan environment such as a kitchen, living and dining area it is in effect three rooms you are lighting! Create layers of light always using dimmers where possible. It is possible to create different scenes in the same room suitable for different times of the day and for different uses such as watching the television or reading.
Kitchen Tips
1. Low voltage recessed lights that won't collect grease. 2. Consider under counter lights to light up work surfaces so you are not standing in your shadow. 3. Where there are high ceilings uplights can be used on top of units to reflect light and reduce the number of downlights needed. 4. Recessed or spot lights over an island. 5. Leds set into kitchen unit plinths are great for effect and to high light flooring.
Bathroom Light
1. It is important to make sure that the fittings are bathroom suitable.(appropriate IP rating) 2. The most flattering look from mirrors would be to have your lights either side of the mirror. 3. To create atmosphere in your bathroom consider a light in an alcove or around the bottom of the bath or maybe colour changing behind your bath, again making sure it is all bathroom appropriate. 4. A downlight above the sink or bath is a nice idea as when they are full of water it can create a ripple effect on the ceiling. 5. Operate lights separately so that you don't have them all operating at once and also consider using a dimmer where possible. There is nothing nicer than soaking in a bath with dimmed lighting reflecting ripples across the ceiling.
Lighting Gardens
1. Less is more! You need to light features and not the sky line you don't want people thinking yours is a beacon for the local disco! 2. Consider versatility. Do you want to be able to move your lights? Spiked fittings are an option if you do. 3. Concrete or decking steps can be highlighted with built in step lights. This looks well and is also a safety bonus. 4. Dark green fittings blend well into the foliage.
Hallways and landings
1. Make more of your flooring by using low level lights in the walls it can bring your gloss tiles to life or really bring out the colour of your carpet. 2. If the hall and landing area is small it is a good idea to make the landing area brighter as it draws the eye and makes the space seem larger. 3. If you have art on the walls you can hi-light it with a picture light or directional recessed light. 4. Avoid having a straight line of recessed lights down the centre of your hallway it can make the space seem narrow.
Author Resource:
My name is David Cahill and my experience in lighting goes back more than twenty years. I am passionate about lighting and how it can affect our mood. My aim is to help as many people as possible achieve a lighting design they are truly happy with that enhances their home and their life.If you would like to learn more about lighting and our design service please visit our web site at http://www.spalighting.ie you can also experience a video tour of our purpose built show room.
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