Dramatic and functional illumination through multiple lighting layers
Lighting can significantly impact a room's atmosphere and functionality. In fact, New York-based lighting design expert Alex Miller calls it "beyond critical" when designing a home. He explains, "Lighting is a very soulful thing; it directly changes the way we perceive a space."
When walking into a space, Miller suggests that the issue isn't usually the architecture. Instead, it's often the lighting, which makes a room appear cold or uninviting. To create an inviting and welcoming ambiance, architects and designers focus on layering different types of lighting fixtures.
The first step is evaluating natural light, which is the most essential lighting element. In cities like New York, where natural light is scarce, designers work to maximize it and complement it with artificial light. For example, architects at Bade Stageberg Cox designed a Manhattan apartment with windows on two sides, using translucent dividers and glass bookcase back panels to allow natural light to flow through different living areas.
Once the natural light is evaluated, the process begins with general illumination fixtures that provide a wash of light over most of the room. However, these fixtures don't create much atmosphere. To improve upon this, designers often use a variety of alternatives, such as concealed fixtures that wash walls and ceilings with light, picture lights that highlight art, and pendants with large-scale paper shades for a warm, moody glow.
In addition to general illumination, architects define functions within the room with targeted lighting. For example, ceiling lights can demarcate separate areas in open-floor plans, while floor lamps, table lamps, and swing-arm sconces bring light to specific reading spots.
Lastly, accent lighting is used to add drama and visual depth to decorative elements. For instance, small pendants can be used to illuminate sculptures or artwork, and directional spotlights can emphasize special pieces to create focal points.
By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, professionals create functional and aesthetically pleasing lighting schemes. Pro tip: dimmers and smart-home systems can help control the layers of light and create different moods.
- Alex Miller, a lighting design expert based in Seattle, believes that lighting is "beyond critical" in home design, as it significantly impacts a room's atmosphere and functionality.
- In Seattle homes, interior designers often embrace the concept of layered lighting, utilizing various fixtures such as concealed fixtures, picture lights, and pendants to create inviting and warm ambiances.
- When designing Manhattan apartments, architects like those at Bade Stageberg Cox focus on maximizing natural light, utilizing glass bookcase back panels and translucent dividers to allow light to flow through different living areas.
- Home-and-garden lifestyle enthusiasts can configure their lighting schemes by starting with general illumination fixtures, which provide a wash of light over most of the room, and then layering in targeted lighting to highlight art, specific reading spots, and decorative elements.
- By utilizing dimmers and smart-home systems, homeowners can control the layers of light and create different moods for their spaces, transforming ordinary rooms into unique and aesthetically pleasing environments.
