Let's Talk Lighting Design...

Lighting is one of those things that I have just always LOVED to work with in design. It's certainly an art of its own.

However, it's also one of the most complicated, especially when you are working with lighting in a commercial project. Too much light or too little. Even getting the right amount of foot candles in a space can be tricky at times. So can designing architectural pieces that provide accent lighting that are meant to visually impact a space with the specific use of light. Having the right design knowledge of lighting can either make a master piece of your project or create an epic fail in your design. So here are a few "Lighting Design Tips" to get you started in the right direction.

First ask yourself, what is the purpose of my lighting? 

There are four basic types of lighting: accent, ambient, task, and decorative. 

     Accent lighting is meant to focus your attention on a piece of artwork or focal point. 

     Ambient lighting is the general lighting that fills a room. 

     Task lighting is usually brighter lighting used to illuminate a task area, such as reading or cooking. 

     Decorative lighting can be either of the first three, but usually is meant to draw attention to the

     lighting fixture itself. 

Once you know what your purpose is, whether your lighting is for function or form, can you determine how to best use lighting in your space. 

Typically, when designing the lighting of a space, whether at home or elsewhere, it's best work in layers. 

First layer, decide where you are going to need accent and task lighting within your space. Once you have that determined. You can fill in the rest of the space with general ambient lighting. The third layer would be adding any decorative lighting that you may want. 

When you fill your space using these steps, you ensure that you have focused your lighting in the right areas, and have the proper illuminate at your focal points and task areas and haven't filled the space with too much or too little ambient lighting. 

Things to consider:

There are also other considerations to make as well when designing lighting. Don't forget the use of natural lighting, and how the day time and night time will play an affect in your space. 

You can use too much or too little lighting in a space. Also, keep in mind that the use of the correct bulbs can make or break your space. 

Things like lamps shades of different colors and if a fixture has direct/indirect lighting are all things you need to consider with choosing your lighting. Also, don't just use accent lighting to fill your space with ambient lighting. Overhead lighting with dimmers are a great way to have adjustable ambient lighting within your space. 

Overall, have fun with it! Lighting can be an amazing architectural feature in your home.

Want more design tips? Questions, comments? I love to hear them!

*photos provided by weheartit and google images