LIGHT – IT’S SHINING POWER
By Mary Cusack, ASID
It is an almost beautiful room. Something is missing – but how can that be? The room is well proportioned! What gorgeous colors! The furnishings and accessories have been carefully selected. Yet something is still missing. Have you considered the lighting?
Lighting gives life. It has the ability to make a space breathe. Light is the one factor that can truly transform and give movement. The correct lighting brings out the richness of wood. Light can show off texture and the design in fabrics. It has the power to enhance the beauty of color – be it on walls or in art work. Fresh flowers, the picture of a child, that favorite painting, color is everywhere. Truly an asset, the right lighting makes color sing.
Well placed windows and the shape of a room create light movement during the day. At night artificial light needs to do the same but differently. It can add richness and a glow. Dark spots usually create black holes – not great. For a truly wonderful space, let light in.
The eye stops at the brightest point – the light. Glare can be blinding. Ideally when lights are attached to a fan, the ceiling is higher than eight feet. This keeps the light considerably above eye level and does not make it the focal point. I hesitate to mention this as it is not always easy to change.
When designing lighting, I think about how the space will be used. Direct lighting is to be directed over task areas. What kind of general lighting is needed? Will the placement of a decorative fixture or chandelier add an important element or just be clutter? Create a balance – if all fixtures are hanging into the room, you may feel like you are swinging from vines in a jungle.
Lamps have a special role. They not only provide task lighting, but can be a piece of art - a wonderful sculpture. After the placement of a floor lamp or table lamp has been decided, think of how to enhance the space. Shape is the key but color and texture are part of the equation. Lamp shades are powerful. They stop the eye. They are large, light colored and at eye level. Discretion is the secret – a little goes a long way.
A light fixture can add interest and be a great accent. If the globe has designs cut in the glass, it creates intriguing light shapes that reflect into the room - beautiful but only in certain areas. Avoid broken light shapes where detailed work is to take place.
Each area has its special light needs. Dressing areas for example need light with a high color rendition. The color of the light should not distort the color of the skin or the coloring of the clothing. Lighting for a bedroom is to be relaxing.
Good lighting done well is truly the one thing that will make an ordinary room into a beautiful well functioning space and can be the one factor that will add the ambience that makes a room special. It can change a poorly lighted area into one of life and movement.