The Magic of Lighting

The beauty of natural light is a gift most of us tend to take for granted. This self-generated form of light is not only eye pleasing, but can be very beneficial when used properly in your home. By utilizing natural sunlight from its source, natural lighting techniques reflect this light into your home filling it with bright, pure light. Sunlight has also been proven to increase productivity levels, brighten your mood and lighten your attitude. It also illuminates without using electricity, saving you big! Designers often use visions from nature as inspiration in order to create lighting artistry. The diversity of natural light and the magical effects it creates can be reproduced indoors and make your home one of a kind. Sophisticated lighting tools are readily available, yet lighting often goes overlooked when building or remodeling.

When guests walk through a professionally designed home, they are often fascinated by unique wall colors, window treatments, furnishings, and floor coverings. Rarely will visitors notice the lighting that accents each of these elements. The correct lighting techniques can make a great impact when used properly. For instance, lighting can make a small room appear large and spacious, while giving a large room a cozy and inviting feel. It can create high energy vibes for entertaining, or portray a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy after a stressful day.

Three Basic Types of Lighting

General lighting (ambient light) provides overall brightness essential for everyday use and is extremely versatile. Placing a dimmer switch on this type of lighting provides flexibility and saves energy. The best designed lighting plans create richness and depth emphasizing textures and enhancing dimension. Knowledge of lighting types and tools creates a platform for creative ideas.

Task lighting is used for specific purposes such as applying make-up, reading a book or sewing. Slowly layering these three types of lighting will create balance and harmony, transforming a two-dimensional (ordinary) space into a sensational one. Lighting several surfaces simultaneously brings interiors instantly to life.

Accent or feature lighting is layers of light that accentuates architectural elements, a particular piece of furniture or even a centerpiece on a table. Layering of these tools is an art and as with artists, designers have their favorite medium and style.

Dramatic Emphasis: Six Main Tools For Gentle Illumination

Downlighting - Specific and direct - usually ceiling or wall mounted.

Uplighting - Washes the ceiling and reflects back into the room giving a diffused effect. This type of light can be a free standing or wall mounted fixture.

Wallwashers - Cast light evenly across and down a wall - can be ceiling or wall mounted.

Decorative Lighting - Typically used in traditional spaces, but can be combined with modern designs as part of an overall scheme when done skillfully. Light from a fireplace or candle are other forms of decorative lighting, both of which are unsurpassed tools for creating atmosphere.

Color - Different colors set moods and can be dramatic for areas such as foyers and other featured portions of your home.

Control - The last tool in a skillful lighting scheme. Lighting systems that are on separate circuits, preset controls and dimmer switches are instrumental for instantly transforming bright and airy rooms into dramatic or intimate spaces.

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