Light it up!

by: Jennifer “Jen” Boyd

Lighting plays an integral roll in creating just the right ambiance and comfort in a home. It is a design element that can, at times, be confusing as to what will work in a room or where to even begin in making a lighting plan.  Visualize the space as you use it day to day. When you enter your home with an arm load of grocery bags, where would be the most convenient location for a switch, would a motion sensor switch be more convenient in the long dark hall coming in from the garage? Can an intimate atmosphere be created in the dining room for your next dinner party? A good starting point in developing a lighting plan is to take a stroll through each space of your home and answer questions to the following check-list.

Lighting Check-List

• What colors and finished are used in the room? Keep in mind the dark finishes absorb light where lighter finishes reflect the light.
• What pieces of furniture will be in the room and what will their placement be?
• What is the room size and ceiling height?
• What is the room used for? What tasks will take place there? What would be the best placement for task lighting? Keep in mind that the lighting source should not shine directly into your eyes or create a reflective glare. 
• Is there a wall or textured wall surface that can be washed with ambient light?
• Are decorative fixtures needed to compliment the design of the room such as an eye catching lamp or chandelier, or is the lighting needed merely utilitarian?  When selecting  decorative fixtures how will they compliment the room? Where will they be placed? 
• Is there an item or structural element that you would like to accentuate?
• how can ambient lighting be achieved in the room? 
• How can the lighting in the room be controlled? Does each layer have it’s own switch or control?
• Are the light switches in a location that is easily accessible?

Making A Plan

Thinking through how each room will be utilized is key to developing your lighting design plan. Family rooms are often rooms where we watch television, read, check up on social media on our phones and tablets, and gather with friends. Layered task, accent, and ambient lighting should be considered. Kitchens are primarily used to prepare food and clean up, which requires  brightly lit task lighting. The kitchen may also be the heart of your home where friends and family seem to gather. To create a more intimate setting when gathering for a coffee, tea, or a glass of wine, a layer of ambient lighting would be needed as well.  Developing the best lighting plan for each space can take quite a bit of time and thought and may requre a professional to help in organizing initial ideas to design a final plan. The time taken in a lighting plan that works best for you and your family is an importaint part of making a house your home.