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Interior Designer tips: A guide to Lighting Design

Writer: Rebecca Bailey-PriceRebecca Bailey-Price
a bathroom with lots of natural materials including wood, stone etc all lit well with layered lighting.
Beautifully Lit Bathroom

As an enthusiast of interior design, you understand the utmost importance of lighting in transforming a space. Lighting isn't just about functionality; it's about creating ambience, highlighting features, and evoking emotions. Mastering lighting design is an art form that can elevate your home to new heights. So, let's dive into the world of lighting design and discover how you can illuminate your space like a pro.


Understanding the Basics of Lighting Design

To master lighting design, you must first grasp the fundamental principles that govern how light interacts with a space. There are three primary types of lighting to consider:

·       Ambient Lighting: This is the general lighting that illuminates the entire room, providing a base level of brightness.

·       Task Lighting: Task lighting is focused on specific areas where activities like reading, cooking, or working take place.

·       Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is used to highlight key features of a room, such as artwork, architectural details, or plants.

By strategically combining these three types of lighting, you can create a layered and dynamic lighting scheme that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.


A living room with a neutral colour scheme with layered lighting
Layered lighting in a Living Room

The Power of Light Temperature and Colour

Lighting design isn't just about brightness; it's also about the quality of light. The temperature and colour of light play a significant role in shaping the atmosphere of a room. Here are some essential tips to consider:

·       Warm vs. Cool Light: Warm light (yellow tones) creates a cosy and inviting feel, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. On the other hand, cool light (blue tones) is energising and well-suited for workspaces and kitchens.


hidden joinery lighting and accent lighting help to create a warm and cosy atmosphere in this living room
Lighting can enhance your joinery and create a welcoming atmosphere

Creating a Luminous Experience with Light Fixtures

Now that you understand the principles of lighting design, it's time to explore the world of light fixtures. From chandeliers and pendants to wall sconces and floor lamps, the options are endless. Here are some popular light fixtures that can elevate your space:

·       Chandeliers: Make a bold statement in your living room or dining area with an elegant chandelier.

·       Pendant Lights: Perfect for adding task lighting above kitchen islands or dining tables.

·       Floor Lamps: Create ambient lighting and add a touch of style to any room with a well-placed floor lamp.


Large windows and task lighting create a well lit and practical kitchen
Natural light and artificial light combine in this light and bright kitchen

Harnessing Natural Light and Artificial Light

Natural light is a designer's best friend, so make the most of it by allowing ample natural light to flood into your space. However, when natural light isn't sufficient, artificial light steps in to save the day. Here's how you can strike a balance between natural and artificial light:

·       Window Treatments: Opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow natural light to filter through while providing privacy.

·       Dimmer Switches: Install dimmer switches to control the intensity of artificial light and create different moods throughout the day.


pockets of light are created to enhance furniture and art in this Drawing room
A dramatic Drawing Room enhanced with accent lighting

Embracing Light Control Technology

In the modern age of smart homes, light control technology offers a new level of convenience and customisation. With smart lighting systems, you can adjust the colour, intensity, and even scheduling of your lights with a simple voice command or tap on your smartphone. Embrace the future of lighting design and transform your space with the touch of a button. Create settings for certain moods and times e.g. you could have a ‘Movie night’ setting or ‘Reading’ setting – with smart technology you are also able to include audio into the setting.


a graduated trio of amber bulbs hangs in a bathroom
Simple lighting feature adds drama to a scheme

Conclusion

Mastering lighting design is a journey that requires both creativity and technical know-how. By understanding the basics of lighting design, experimenting with light temperature and fixtures, and embracing new technologies, you can illuminate your space like a pro. So, let your creativity shine and transform your home into a luminous haven that captivates you and your guests.


I include lighting and electrical layouts, design and specification as part of my Full design package but can also offer it as a standalone service – the lighting of a space is the most important factor when creating a room and shouldn’t be the last consideration.

Get in touch so I can help you create your dream home.

 
 
 

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