Whether decorating only a room or a whole house, budget and style certainly influence the result, but true design victory is accomplished by addressing all the physical and psychological requirements and wants of the habitants. In short, make each person feel comfortable.
While a logical floor plan and the right furniture picks are essential, a smart, flexible lighting scheme is essential. For the cost of a single table lamp, you can create a more flattering, comfy and cosy environment to live in.
Do’s and Don’ts
- DO prepare a lighting plan in conjunction with the floor plan. A winning design project requires comfortable furniture optimally arranged and the support of a good lighting scheme.
- DO provide adequate general illumination for routine tasks. In the kitchen, that may include undercabinet lighting or a chandelier to light a dining table; in the bedrooms, reading lamps; in office spaces, a desk lamp.
- DO moderate overhead pot lights with incandescent sources at eye level. Sconces, desk lamps and floor lamps supply a warm, flattering glow to the rooms and inhabitants.
- DO consider a diffused, direct bedside light to suit reading. A lamp with a semi-opaque shade linen is perfect. The bottom of this lamp should be at eye level when you’re reading. Swing-arm wall lamps are also a good option, allowing you to control lights independently while freeing up space on bedside tables.
- DON’T dismiss lighting needs inside closets and cupboards; you’ll want to be able to tell apart between navy and black pants. A surface-mounted light fixture, often a long narrow valance due to the closet’s dimensions, is the most frequent choice. Lights that automatically turn on as the closet door swings open save you a few seconds on busy mornings.
- DON’T submit to sadness indoors — outside weather impacts inside lighting. Supplement daytime lighting with warm incandescent light fixtures like table and floor lamps. Place them near windows to create the illusion that light is coming in naturally.
- DON’T obstructs incoming daylight accidentally. Maintain windows clean and landscape trim. And since fabric turns into a filter for incoming light, avoid sheers that are dark or dull in colour. Instead, opt for warm tone sheers with a hint of yellow or coral.
- DON’T disregards a senior’s need for enhanced lighting. Older eyes need bright, crisp lighting but are also more susceptible to glare. Choose bulbs that are sufficiently bright and always top with shades. Keep light switches simple or colour code them — for instance, blue for general lighting, green for task lighting.
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