Lighting is one of the key features of interior design that can make or break a space. Lighting contributes largely to the curated mood/atmosphere in a room. Kelvin color can completely change the pallet and energy of a room. Properly utilizing the right type of lighting can add exponential amounts of needed functionality and even comfort to a space.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting provides overall illumination for a room. This includes your ceiling lights, chandeliers, and wall-mounted lighting fixtures. The ambient lighting really sets the tone of the room, think of it as the base layer of the lighting plan.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is intentionally focused lighting that assists in completing specific tasks, such as reading, cooking, or working. Task lighting deals with your desk lamps, motion-censored under-cabinet kitchen lights, beautiful pendants over your dining room table, and direct light in your laundry room. While all these spaces can have the same ambient lighting, the task lighting will differentiate the feeling of various spaces.
Accent Lighting
The primary role of accent lighting is to highlight key features or areas within a space. This includes the sconces that hang over carefully curated artwork, wall-mounted fixtures highlighting custom architectural details, and lighting aimed at decorative objects. By adding accent lighting into your space a layer of depth and dimension is created by adding contrasting elements and focusing attention.
Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting serves primarily as a design element, contributing to the aesthetic of the room. This is where the personality of the homeowner really gets to shine through. This visual focal point can be achieved through pendant lights, elaborate chandeliers, and cozy lamps.
Natural Lighting
The most well-known type of lighting is natural light. Natural lighting plans utilize sunlight to illuminate and brighten up spaces. Whether this is done via windows, skylights, or glass doors, natural lighting creates a sense of openness, reduces the need for artificial light, and can influence mood and well-being.
The five types of lighting can be combined through a principle called layering. Through layered lighting, various home rooms can experience a differentiated feeling, making each one special and unique.
My clients will hear me use the term ‘layered light’ often! It is a vitally important part of making a house feel like a home. Lighting is the jewelry or the home, it’s the functionality, it’s the star, and the unsung hero all at once. My hope as a designer is to help you master your lighting plan and take your home to the next level.