Choosing the right lighting
Without the right lighting your interior designed room will fail. These are strong words but true.
Consider the reasons why you prefer some restaurants? I expect, if you think for a moment, it is because the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing – or fun and busy – whichever you prefer it is a lot to do with the lighting in those places. Remember your sunny summer holiday or the trip to the English coast when it was grey and overcast. Which did you prefer and why? This is all to do with light and how it affects you.
With your own designed room you have the power! You don’t have to rely on the climate or another’s choice of atmospheric lighting, it is all up to you and how you choose. Different types of lighting products create different atmospheres. For inspiration, please visit BTCbyDESIGN’s: ‘Designer Roomsets’ section.
In a hall the lighting should be welcoming and can be dramatic. You need to keep the entrance clear so a standing lamp would not be practical. An overhead light needs to be important and to shed enough light. An easy solution is to place two lamps on a console table (see the room set ‘Town and Country Hall’ in BTCbyDESIGN’s 'Designer Roomsets'). They will immediately create symmetry and importance to the area. If the hall is large then add a lantern suspended from the ceiling for extra lighting.
In the kitchen it is essential to have strong lighting over the working areas. Either lights fixed under the wall cupboards or overhanging from the top of the wall cupboards are both practical. If the kitchen has an area for eating, hang a decorative light from the ceiling and, if there is enough space, place a table lamp on a side table or sideboard. The ceiling light should be on a dimmer switch, separate from the strong working lights. When the cooking is finished, turn off the working lights and set the ceiling light over your table to a soft glow to create a relaxed atmosphere.
In the sitting room you can create various moods and different areas by the lighting you choose. Table lamps on either side of a sofa are both practical, create a balance and, of course, are very decorative. Standing lamps beside a chair are good for reading. Uplighters can focus attention on particular areas or special pieces. It is recommended that you have the different lighting controlled separately. Some areas can be on dimmer switches so that mood lighting can be introduced when you are relaxing or watching the TV.
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