Make Lighting a Statement
Make Lighting a Statement
Understanding the Lighting Design Process
It goes without saying that lighting can make or break the design of a space. Without proper lighting in a space, a perfectly lovely room can become one that few people desire to spend time in. Tuning into the full process of lighting design early on in a project can result, instead, in a functional and enjoyable space to be.
Understand Lighting Layers
Various layers of light allow for a wider range of possibilities for the mood and vibe in a room. A dining area can be brightly lit for a morning brunch, while also functioning with moody lighting for an evening dinner party.
Begin layering with ambient lighting. Ambient lights are typically overhead, and include your main lighting layer. Most homes today are built with this layer already in place. Options to consider in a new build or redesign include recessed lighting, chandeliers, flush mounts, and pendants.
Second, select accent lighting to highlight specific areas in your home. There are so many beautiful options in all design styles for wall sconces, picture lights, or smaller pendants to highlight artwork or wall features in specific areas around the home.
Last, task lighting brings life to a designated area of a room. Floor and desk lamps, lights over the kitchen sink, or island lighting all solidify the lighting layers and diversify the function options within a room.
Consider Lighting Styles
Lighting selections are a great way to emphasize the style of your home design. Whether you prefer a rustic touch, a clean modern finish, or an organic style, the light fixtures you select can bring these looks to life.
Consider the shape, form, and color of the light fixture and how it relates to the rest of the space. Mixing metals and finishes can work in certain settings, as long as the form is in the same family. When you fall in love with a specific light, use it as a guide for choosing the rest of the lighting in the space.
Ensure Lighting is Blanaced
Lighting is what brings the eyes up in the design of a room. Thoughtfully selecting light fixtures based on the size and the height and drop from the ceiling is imperative. When hung too low, people could bump their heads against it. If it is hung too high, it can appear awkward or misplaced. Knowing the flow of the room and where furniture will sit is important to consider. Lighting should be a part of the diagonal design rules, similar to any furniture or accent piece.
Consider Light Temperature & Brightness
As designers, we are careful to be intentional with the appropriate brightness and temperature for the space at hand. Work lights in the kitchen and bathroom tend to be brighter, while statement lighting in the dining and living rooms have a warmer hue. Going back to the original layers considered gives you a lot of possibilities in this area as well!
Interiors today are focusing more and more on lighting as the statement pieces in room designs, as predicted in our recent blog post. We believe that bold lighting statement pieces are key to a well-designed space.
We’d love to be a part of your project design, and have options on so many levels to support you in your journey. Contact us if you are looking for full hands-on support of your new construction or redesign, both locally or remotely. Our newest offer, Think About It Thursdays, is a great way to utilize our designers and resources, and walk away with a custom shopping board, complete with links to shop items we recommend for your space. Finally, shop our lighting trend favorites here!