The English saying “Your home is your castle” is true to a certain extent but a home is also so much more than a place of safety and security. In addition to providing sanctuary, it is also a hub for family and friends, relaxation and sometimes contemplation.
An experienced interior designer can help you address these many needs. Armed with an understanding of how each room will be used, a designer can create individual spaces tailored towards each client’s specific preferences and lifestyle. One of the tricks of the trade, and arguably one of the most effective methods, is to create the perfect atmosphere in a room by the clever use of lighting.
When planning an interior design scheme, it is easy for home owners and amateur designers to overlook the importance of lighting, whereas professional interior designers believe that lighting is one of the most important design elements. When done right, it can really take your interior to the next level. Even if you have the best designer furniture, decoration and exquisite decorative items, if the lighting is not right it will always feel like something is missing.
Types of lighting
Lighting it’s not only functional, it is also a decorative element that can add aesthetic value to any room and be as important as an art piece. There are many different types of light and light fixtures, from ceiling lights, wall lights and floor lamps, to downlights, leds and even twinkly lights. Finding the right lighting solution for each room can be difficult, so here are some hints to help you choose the right form, functionality and of course aesthetically pleasing options.
These are the three main points you should consider when choosing the lighting and light fixture:
- What atmosphere and mood do you want to create? Do you want a cosy and relaxing atmosphere or do you need the space to help you focus and concentrate? For example, warm lighting is soft and relaxing while cool lighting promotes energy.
- What is the desired interior design style in the room? Are you looking for understated contemporary, industrial or perhaps rustic? Whichever style you prefer, there will be the perfect lighting option to enhance your scheme.
- What will the room be used for? Will your room be used for one specific purpose, such as a TV room or an office? Alternatively, a room could also be used for many different activities, in which case the lighting choices would need to reflect this.
Having established how the room will be used and identified the atmosphere required, it is possible to start choosing the right lighting.
Bedroom
Normally, bedrooms should have a main light source illuminating the entire room and functional lighting used for specific activities like reading and getting ready for the day.
Ceiling lights for general lighting and nightstand lamps for functional lighting are commonly used. Another space saving option is to use bedside pendant lights or wall light fixtures instead. You may also need to illuminate your dressing table: suspended lights or light around your mirror could be a good idea!
Bathroom
Ceiling lights are ideal for general lighting while cabinet lights and mirror mounted lamps are perfect to get ready as more direct and bright light is needed for applying makeup and shaving.
But what if you want to relax after a long day? Chandeliers or pendant lights with soft lighting over the tub can help your bathroom feel like a luxury spa!
Living room
The living room is probably the most multifunctional room of the home, used by the entire family for various purposes, and therefore applying multiple types of lighting is key. Pendant or ceiling lights are used as the main source of lighting to illuminate the entire room, table or floor lamps are perfect to create a warm relaxing atmosphere and decorative light fixtures like beautiful lanterns can be the icing on the cake!
Kitchen
The kitchen, the heart of the home, is another room that needs multiple light sources. Ideally, this space requires two types of lighting: a cooler light that provides enough lighting for activities like cooking and cleaning, and also warmer light for a more relaxing and ambient atmosphere for times when you fancy a chat and a cup of coffee! Ceiling spots, under cabinet lighting, stylish pendant lights for island lighting, a small lamp on the counter are the most commonly used light fixtures.
Dining room
The dining table is another sociable area of the home, it’s where the family comes together and where the celebrations take place. It is important to create a focal point in the centre of the room: pendant lights above the dining table are the perfect solution and table lamps on the sideboard can add that extra touch!
Entrance
Giving a first good impression is important, as it sets the tone for the entire property. Using a stunning light fixture for your entrance will definitely give a good impression to your guests. Pendant lights, chandeliers, table or floor lamps are ideal fixtures for this area of the home.
See our last Full Reformation project and discover our amazing lighting solutions!
For advice on choosing the right outdoor lighting read our blog Why lighting is so important in interior design.
If you need interior design help or advice on how to select perfect lighting solutions for the interior of your property, get in touch at originals@originalsinteriors.com.