Part 10 Light

Light is an incredibly complex aspect of home design. To create something special you must consider both function and effect, and it is typically necessary to use more than one light source in a room. As defined in design, light is considered radiant or visible wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum of energy. If you are a fan of science, this definition will tickle your fancy! For the rest of you, light is simply that which illuminates something our eyes are trying to see. This might be a specific object, or an entire room. 

Not understanding light beyond its utilitarian purposes is the number one obstacle to using it effectively in decorating. Let’s break it down. Types of lighting include: task, ambient, natural, and accent. Task lighting is a source of light well suited to a specific, focused activity, such as a lamp on your desk. Natural light is self explanatory – think windows. Ambient light is what you might call mood lighting. It adds a soft, aura-like glow and it is more relaxing than combustion lighting. An example of combustion lighting is a stark overhead light source in a room. Typically it’s not comfortable for more than a short period of time.    

The photo above shows the use of ambient lighting in the form of recessed lighting. Recessed means it’s flush with the surface – in this case, the ceiling. Notice it surrounds the bed rather than being positioned directly over top of it. The room also features ample natural light by way of the large windows. It can be diffused using sheers on the windows.

There’s is also creative use of accent lighting. The blue neon lights don’t necessarily provide a lot of illumination by which to see, but they are a pleasing aesthetic element that coordinates nicely with the lavender walls. All of these light sources are effective but not glaring. This is especially important in a bedroom where harsh, direct light is not conducive to relaxation. Last, note how light is used in the room to make it seem larger. It is actually quite small, but the various light sources and their simplistic form make it appear more spacious and airy.

Next read Part 11 – Balance

Don’t forget to go back and start by reading Part 1