Lighting Design - Fabulous and Functional

Lighting design offers a wide range of products and control options. From glamorous chandeliers to minimalistic and functional wall fixtures, there are many choices for functional yet pleasing home lighting. With energy use a main concern for the environment as well as personal utility bills, how to light spaces correctly becomes a necessity rather than a splurge. In any room, there are often many functional areas including dining, lounging, home office needs, television watching and entertaining, so a planned lighting solution is smart so you can ensure the best lighting for multi-tasking and still make each area inviting and attractive.

For achieving ambient (general) or task lighting, architectural lights, also known as "cans", "pots", and "recessed" fixtures are a good idea. Taking into account the spread of the light beam, the right size and number of recessed fixtures (LED, Compact fluorescent and dimmable halogen) can illuminate a task area, highlight a feature, bathe walls and room perimeters in light at a low energy cost, and more. Adding timers, dimmers and sensors for occupancy and vacancy makes using them easy. A variety of trims and baffles adds to the diversity of lighting solutions they can provide.

To create a warm atmosphere, light sources for special effects and mood lighting might include wall sconces, pendants, floor or table lamps.  The best lighting is done in layers so that you can control the amount of light and where it is shed, at any time.  Wall sconces are a great idea for feature walls, narrow spaces, and bathing architectural features in light.The correct fixture and right lamping (bulb) can throw light on the wall up or down depending upon the direction they hang. Wall sconces can be unobtrusive and small for accent lighting, or dramatic and bold to make an artistic statement.  

Offered in various shapes, sizes and colors, pendant options seem to be endless. Artistic, industrial, and every style in-between are available at fantastic prices.  One great fixture can set the tone for an entire home.   Furthermore, they can be used over a dining table, a desk, a counter, alone or in groups, and much more.

Chandeliers are a favorable alternative to recessed fixtures in  interior design since they offer multi-light options that are softer in feel. Like pendants, there are unlimited styles, but position is usually based on size. 

Accent lights include recessed fixtures, pendants, track, lamps, strip, rope and more.  They are meant to highlight architectural features, art, stairs, walls, landscape features, and a host of other design elements that are features indoors and out.

Whatever your lighting needs, there is an energy efficient solution that will provide a focused, correct color, and proper amount of light. Using a professional to advise is worthwhile and will enable the best results for the long-term.

Lighting for every room.

One of the most important design elements is lighting. Without  it, the spaces designed cannot have function and focal points and accents are lost.  In any lighting scenario use dimmers, low wattage bulbs (like compact fluorescent) and smart placement for the best results. Consulting a professional lighting designer is wise to maximize your lighting and conserve energy at the same time; not to mention having a beautiful aesthetic.


Here are some ideas for lighting specific rooms. 

1) Kitchen.  To me, this is the most important space to light properly. Rather than banks of large recessed can lights that over-light the room throw shadows on work surfaces,  place, fewer smaller recessed fixtures  so the beam of light is thrown onto the counter and  walkways.  LED fixtures are a fantastic way to get task lighting, with low profiles that are nearly completely concealed.  Tucking pucks into glass-fronted cabinets provides accent lighting. Pendant for islands, peninsulas and tables are always a good solution. The longer the space, the larger scale the fixture should be and you can use more than one.

2) Bathrooms. Whether it's a master bath suite or a shared hallway bathroom, the lighting must be good for all users.  Start with a good ambient light for the overall space.  Add task lighting for make-up and health related tasks. Recessed flush mounted fixtures are practical and provide excellent ambient light. Wall sconces that shine light down are better than 'bath bar' lighting. Accent lighting needs to be creative and you should look at the architectural elements and cabinetry for your cues. Semi-flush mounted fixtures are good in bathrooms since ceiling heights may not allow for a chandelier, but you can have a dropped effect.

3) Living and dining rooms.  For entertaining, lighting should be warm, soft, and dramatic.  For living rooms, ambient light can be provided with table and floor lamps, which serve dual function as reading and task light. A well-scaled pendant over the dining room table can also provide light for the living room.  Wall sconces are nice in either room, flanking a fireplace, a piece of art, a focal point piece or mirror.  Hanging a fun chandelier over and end-table is an option to using a lamp.  Accent lighting can take many forms, from a decorative fixture to lighting in moldings and cabinetry. 

4) Family and play rooms.  From dimming lights for movies and TV to bright lights for playtime and homework, layered lighting is a must.  Place lighting first for the general space, then where tasks are -  reading, eating, homework - and add decorative accent lighting as a final touch. Lamps deliver both ambient and task lighting with the ability to move light as needed. Clip-on lights can be used for bookcases, desk lights, piano lamps and even for artwork. If your room has a focal point, be sure to accent it. Game tables generally require good task lights and pendants and chandeliers are a good choice.














5) Hallways and entries:  For safe and easy access, hallways should be well-lit. Recessed lighting is great so the width and length of a hall have adequate light. Wall sconces work well depending upon their placement. If your entry or hallway has the space, table lamps provide a decorative element when used on a console or hall table.  Dark hallways can benefit from solar tubes - depending upon the structure of your roof-line. Consider lighting for night if the hallway must be traveled for bathroom use.