One of the easiest ways to give your home a face lift is through lighting.  As a general rule, each room of living space works best with at least three layers of light.  Each layer is depicted by a design technique described below and is usually controlled by separate switches.  Note that portable fixtures such as bedside lamps, up-lights and floor lamps may be used as plug in options for light layers.

 

LIGHTING DESIGN TECHNIQUES

GENERAL LIGHTING provides general, overall illumination that enables one to move about easily and safely.  General lighting makes for a comfortable visual environment.

AMBIENT LIGHTING creates the mood or ambience of the room.  Ambient lighting nearly always uses indirect light and can easily incorporate efficient source options in defining the space.

ACCENT LIGHTING directs extra light to selected objects and surfaces, drawing the eye and providing dramatic interest.

TASK LIGHTING provides light to work by.  It illuminates areas where work is performed: reading, paper work, food preparation, laundry. 

DECORATIVE LIGHTING serves two purposes and is generally chosen based on the design or appearance of the fixture.  Often times, decorative lighting involves a chandelier or sconce that is used as home décor as well as functionally as a light source.

WALL LIGHTING is a technique used to make a room feel larger and more comfortable.  With the proliferation of recessed cans, wall lighting has become quite popular. This technique may be achieved with cans along the perimeter of the room or wall mounted fixtures that illuminate the walls.

An example of three light layers in the typical kitchen:
Ambient- inside cabinet lights or lights above the cabinets that shine onto the ceiling
Task- under cabinet lights and a can or pendant light above the sink
General- a 4 foot cloud or pendant lights at the island.  Pendant lights can pull double duty as a decorative and general light source.

Lighting quality is more important than lighting quantity! Not all light sources are a good fit for all applications.  Lights should be chosen based on what you want to light and what you want the light to do rather than on the style of the fixture.  Style does come into play but on a secondary level.  Light effects are best matched to light sources or technology and to optical devices.  For instance, many people are excited to try the new LED products on the market as an energy efficient alternative.  LEDs inherently provide point source light and are excellent in replacing halogen lamps, undercabinet lights and recessed cans.  Due to their directional nature, they are not (yet) ideal for general purpose lighting.  An excellent alternative to incandescent general purpose lights are ENERGY STAR efficient CFL bulbs and fixtures. Consider using a lighting designer on your next project to get the right light!