'Pioneering architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright were increasingly intrigued with the way that light interacts with buildings. 'More and more' Wright asserted 'light is the beautifier of the building'. The architect Le Corbusier pronounced that he 'composes with light because light is the key to well-being'. (paraphrased and culled from The Architecture Of Natural Light)
I couldn't agree more. While larger and more complex builds benefit immensely from structuring building openings to maximise the amount of light that enters the building - controlling its intensity and the way it casts shadows in the space during the day; they also had to consider the use of space after the magnificence of sunlight has waned into the beauty of moonlight. This is the part where buildings that don't benefit from the careful and intuitive thought process of architects and designers, can use some of the innovative ideas that was born out of lighting-after-dark.
We spend approximately 70% of our time at home. In this current season, we find people spending more time at home than they normally did.
Beyond using lighting as a tool for performing tasks, lighting design also offers benefits of mental and emotional well-being.
Here are a few things to consider when you are thinking about updating your home lighting.
It all starts with a plan
No, this is not only for new builds or complete overhauls. Before you go out and buy that new lamp because you think your space needs a bit more illumination, it is great practice to try to see your space in plan before you commit to a purchase. It doesn't necessarily have to be a perfectly drawn plan like the one in the image. What this planning stage does for you is to help you map out the spaces where you know you or your families' activities are clustered around. Think of it as a fun brainstorming session that you can do with the entire family.
Where do you normally curl up to read a book or the newspaper? What areas of your home do you normally use for game night? How about those romantic dinners? Do your corridors have sufficient lighting? If they don't what is the best way to light the space in the way you envision it? And the list goes on and on. With this map in hand, you are able to buy the types of lighting that not only provides the function you need but also creates the right effect as well. More than just bang for your buck, right?
Layer it up - make it a mood
Think of it as painting your walls in light and shadow. What layering your lighting does for your interior is, it creates depth. Where you would normally have a flat look with even lighting, adding light fixtures on different levels and a different intensities brings your space to life with elegant beauty. Clever lighting levels highlight and accentuate features in your home; and creates a cosy ambience in your space. For instance in the image above - do you see how the spotlights highlight the beautiful wood grain on the cupboard; and the wall art? How about the way the dining area looks like it's calling you to come have a nice meal? That is the power of layering your lighting.
Interior designers are experts at creating the right mood in your space with lighting, among other things. However with the right information under your belt, you too can create visual interest in your space with a little creativity.
Consider the ceiling height and scale of the room
I like a little drama in my spaces. Do you? Sometimes one dramatic piece of lighting is enough to transform your space with its wow factor. Too often I see people charging into the fray and buying a beautiful, gigantic piece of lighting. They then go on to install it only to discover that the height is unadjustable and it doesn't quite sit right in the space. So begins the trauma of consistently bumping into your beautiful but headache inducing light fitting.
There are two things to think about when going big with light fittings:
The height of your space
The size of your space
Large fixtures - and this goes for any kind of furniture item – look best in large spaces. Another way to create dramatic effect with scale without the light fitting looking out of place, is by grouping two or three medium-sized pendant lighting together, like in the image above. You still get that dramatic look without the overwhelm of one single, super-sized piece. But of course if you have the space for it, by all means the bigger the better :-)
Make an installation out of it
For the artsy ones among us- if you are looking for a little pizzaz for your space, add a little flair with decorative lighting. You will find lots of inspiration for dramatic lighting here.
How about that delightful Ingo Maurer installation?
Do you have any ideas on how you think you can improve the lighting in your space? It can be decorative or functional – or both. Always more fun when you mix function and form :-)
Let me know in the comments below. Oh, and if you're not already subscribed, I would love to keep you in the loop. Go ahead and pop in your email address to be one of the first ones to receive notifications when new blog posts go live.
Stay curious. Stay awesome.
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