Let There Be Lighting

The spaces that people use for social purposes are defined in part by light. Too often, however, conventional lighting design misses the fact that how we light our space says a lot about who we are and what we value.

Light and Atmosphere

If you look at the lighting in a mall or an open office environment, you will get a glimpse into the thinking of many conventional lighting plans. Through the use of uniform illumination, they attempt to light everything and highlight nothing. The fact is, however, that light patterns are inherently uneven. Most daylit places have light that varies from minute to minute, place to place. When light is totally even, it is cold and unreal. Think instead of the intimacy and warmth of a restaurant with lights over the tables, the cozy arm chair in your den with its lamp to read by, or the desk light used for a teen’s homework.

Every room in a house is like a layered composition, and each layer represents a different element in the room. All materials reflect light and contribute to the appearance and feel of a room. So, you need to consider not only the source of the light, but all of the materials in the room as they come together to give the room its identity. Some rooms feel warm and cozy; others are cooler and more lively. Only you can be the judge of what is right for your taste and style. Remember that the color of the light in a room depends on more than the color of the surfaces. There is a complex interaction between the color of the light sources and the way that light plays on and off the many surfaces in the room.