Exterior and interior lighting
Lighting can make a great impact by changing the look and mood of a building’s interior and exterior. Knowing what lighting to use, where and how is very important in the design process. This post will outline some different effects you can create with lighting.
Working with LEDs
LEDS have become more popular over the years. They are a great lighting option, LED is now used for outdoor and indoor lighting because of its light quality and efficiency. They are more reliable than most lighting options. For comparison, some last for 50,000 hours compared with halogen’s 2,000 to 3,000 hours.
For the home, a warmer source of around 2,700K is usually best and possibly a bit warmer with chandeliers and decorative lamps, at 2,200-2,500K.
Controlling your scheme
With multiple circuits and layers of light it is possible to create a dramatic feel and also make a space to work differently from morning to night.
Some ways to improve and give character to your space using lighting:
- Texture – Using lighting to highlight for example, a timber or stone wall’s texture.
- Focus Lighting – Above artwork can create a museum feel in your home showing off your art pieces.
- Colour Temperature – Using the right warmth or coolness of lighting to suit your space.
- Manipulating volume – Deciding on how much light is needed in the space, what would you like to highlight, what mood you want to create.
- Defining spaces – In an open concept using different types of lighting in the space to separate and define it.
All covered here and more has been explained in depth by Sally Storey in the book ‘Inspired by Light: A Design Guide to Transforming the Home’. (Link to the book)
