Lighting Tips and Trends

Shine Labs Lighting 

Paint color, check; fabric swatches, check; area rug, check; accessories, check; sectional sofa with matching coffee table, check;  all the appropriate items needed to create a highly sophisticated living room ....well not exactly. The most crucial and impactful item is missing from the check list, Lighting. Without proper and adequate lighting the decorated space will never hold up to its full potential. Lighting makes or breaks an interior design and contributes greatly to the aura of a space.

Light Layering

Add drama and visual interest to your room by utilizing a technic called light layering.  Light layering is incorporated into a space by using three basic layers of light: ambient, accent, and task lighting. Ambient lighting is the primary source of illumination in a space. Accent lighting is used to emphasize architectural and decorative elements; for example, art lights and wall washers. Task lighting is used for a specific purpose such as reading, craft, and cooking. 

 This bathroom sketch from Better Homes and Gardens displays correct execution of light layering. The Chandelier provides ambient lighting, accent lighting comes from the table lamp, and the vanity bar is used for task lighting. 

Another example of light layering provided by Better Homes and Gardens:  The recessed cans provide overhead ambient lighting; task lighting comes from the table lamps, and the art light above the bed creates accent lighting.

Natural Lighting

Elevate one’s mood by taking advantage of the sun’s radiance; knowing the sun’s position in relation to your home helps when deciding where to position furniture and which room to choose for a specific function.  Rooms with windows facing north don’t let much sunlight in however; windows facing south receive plenty of light during the day. East facing windows administer sufficient sunlight during the morning, sufficient sunlight can be found during the afternoon in rooms with windows facing west. Natural light also makes a room appear larger and lessens the demands on electrical use. 

Natural sunlight joyously bounces off both vertical and horizontal surfaces in this elegant bathroom. 

Skylights provide an ample amount of natural light in the space above

LED Lights

In the past few years, LED lights have become most popular in residential lighting; they are the way of the future. Hands down LED lights are the most environmentally friendly. Here is the reason why, they consume approximately one-fifth of the energy and have a life span 30 times that of an incandescent light bulb.

LED light bulb

Orbit LED Pendant Fixture 

Dimmers

Dimmers are highly recommended! They provide an easy way to alter the mood of a space with just a touch a button.  Dimmers allow increased bulb life and conserve energy. 

Lutron Dimmer

Lutron Dimmer Effect (Proper demonstration of light layering) 

Lighting Trends 

Create and Barrel Table Lamp: Metal and Metallic Lighting

are hot contemporary choices for Lighting Trends in 2011

Photo from HGTV: Fancy Chandelier full of character hangs gracefully

above dining room table, matching wall sconces hang on adjacent wall.

Basket lights hang over sleek Contemporary island while creating a dramatic sun burst pattern of illumination on the wood paneled ceiling. 

Consider implementing these tips and trends into your home. Transform your home by the adoption of light layering. Lower the cost of your energy bill and conserve natural resources by switching to LED light bulbs and the use of dimmers.  

By Valene Greene 

www.veluxeinteriors.com