The Importance of Lighting
Lighting is one element of Interior Design that is often overlooked. When you walk into a room, unless it is a large statement light, you often notice the other exciting, eye-catching elements in the space. That is why we occasionally see hesitation in allocating a healthy budget to lighting!
However, lighting makes a huge impact! Lighting can affect your mood, your energy, and even how you perceive the size of the space. It is our job as designers to expertly place lighting to add dimension to your space and help bring your project to life!
Ever notice the cool, bright, fluorescent lighting in a fast food restaurant? The reason why it is so bright is because it makes people feel energized and it creates an unwelcoming environment so that people feel hurried, and they can get people in and out as quickly as possible. In contrast, think back to a lounge that you have been to recently…. the dim lights in the restaurant, the candle on the table emitting a warm flickering glow. In this environment, people feel welcome and relaxed and they will stay a long time and spend more money on drinks and maybe even dessert after dinner!
A well-designed home will use warmer and lower lighting, so that both you and your guests feel welcome and relaxed in your home. But don’t worry, we will often use dimmers on your light fixtures just in case you have a guest who has overstayed their welcome and it’s time to brighten up the space to encourage them to leave! “Hey Google turn up the lights … * wink wink *
When discussing a design, you may hear us use the terms ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting. But you might wonder, what does this even mean? Various lighting is used to add layers and depth to a space. Ambient lighting is your overall, general lighting. It’s primary purpose is to create consistent illumination throughout the space to ensure easy navigation. Task lighting is lighting that is specifically tailored to the task you are trying to complete. A good example of this is kitchen island pendants which are used to illuminate the space where you prep food.
Accent Lighting is used to highlight specific points of interest, perhaps it is an art light above a painting, or maybe the use of strip lighting around your kitchen cabinets. The use of a narrower beam spread and higher lumen output will help direct your gaze to these displays. Decorative Lighting is just as the name implies - lighting that helps to elevate the design. Although it may be used to add visual interest to the design, these decorative fixtures often do not give off enough light, which is why the other layers of lighting mentioned above are crucial in the space.
Using the lighting categories above, designers can help determine the light placement and how it is relevant to you. Perhaps you use your bathroom to get ready and do your makeup. Instead of a typical vanity light above the mirror, we will probably suggest either a backlit mirror to create an even glow on your face, or sconces placed on either side of the mirror so that we avoid shadows being cast. If you work from home or have kids who need to do school work, we will use accent lighting and place lamps on your workspace so that you won’t strain your eyes. Maybe you like to cook - we will make sure your counters are evenly lit, so that you can prepare food effectively and safely. We want to make sure that you have the lighting that you and your family requires to have a safe and functional home.
Lighting can have the power to change your home from cold and uninviting to warm and welcoming. We at SCID are here to ensure that you have the lighting that you need to create an elevated and functional space!
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