2021 LIGHTING DESIGN BLOG — BASIC PRINCIPLES, IDEAS & TIPS
Lighting design is based in both science and the visual arts. The basic aim of lighting within the built environment is to enable occupants to see clearly and without discomfort. The objective of architectural lighting design is to balance the art and the science of lighting to create mood, visual interest and enhance the experience of a space or place whilst still meeting the technical and safety requirements.
Architectural lighting design is a field of work that is concerned with the design of lighting systems within the built environment, both interior and exterior. It can include manipulation and design of both daylight and electric light or both, to serve human needs.
Nothing exists without light colors, textures, and geometry is born for our eyes when light meets matter at that moment it’s when the miracle of illumination happens. Lighting is everything when it comes to interior design.
It plays a big role in how you perceive and experience a space. Because it radically affects the appearance of geometry, and our mood and emotions as well. A good lighting plan depends on the characteristics of the light source and how we distribute it in this space.
So here we want to share with you the basic principles of lighting in architectural design. We will provide you some tips ideas and concepts on how to light up any space like a pro.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LIGHTING
COLOR TEMPERATURE
Let’s start with the basic principles of lighting modern design with understanding the characteristics of the lighting source. Each bulb or lighting factor has conditions that may or may not be good for our spaces. Let us explain three characteristics of the light sources that you need to dominate before selecting bolts for a lighting factor for your space.
Color temperature is used as the method of describing the warmth or coolness of a light source the spectrum of color temperature is measured in Kelvin degrees. These values are used to describe the color emitted from the lighting sources.
Let’s see a graphic that explained very well the color temperature scale.
As humans, we perceive the color temperature in different ways so each one will be adequate for different applications and activities. the warm light creates a cozy, calm, inviting atmosphere perfect to be used in bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, or for any space that requires an intimate and personal mood.
Neutral and soft white is a friendly and clean light best for kitchen and bathrooms or any kind of workspace like reading area, office workstations, etc. The cool white is adequate for offices, hospitals, or other commercial uses.
BEAM ANGLE
The Beam angle of a light source is the angle at which the light is distributed. if you want to highlight a special object then a spot angle could be the right choice. On the other hand, a wide-angle gives a more general and softer light which is a perfect choice to light up a wide area.
LUMEN OUTPUT
In simple terms lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light to the human eye from a lamp or light source. the higher the lumen rating, the brighter, the lamp will appear. So first to select a bulb, take into account, the dimension and activities that you will develop in the space. it’s true that other concepts exist about lighting design.
LAYERS OF LIGHTING
We can use different lighting types in interior design of lighting sources to design the lighting plan of a space like a pro. First of all, we need to understand that a good lighting design is all about layers. We need to blend different lighting sources into space to create contrast, highlight elements, color, and texture.
Let’s see how the layers work, Ambient lighting is the base layer of light in any room. the main purpose of ambient lighting is the overall illumination of a room, which lets you see and move clearly throughout the entire room. ambient lighting is meant to create a general and uniform lighting level it’s the first layer of lighting and sets the tone of a space.
Typically the ambient lighting is soft and diffused. You can incorporate ambient lighting interior space through ceiling-mounted or recessed fixtures, accent lighting intends to highlight a specific object or area, to draw attention to pictures such as artwork, furnishings, or architectural details converting them into focal points.
The accent lights are responsible for adding style, contrast, and drama to a space. So if you feel that your room may be missing that special element or feel, it may be the accent lighting.
This lighting layer is used to highlight design elements of your space, in order to create more defined shadows that will add depth to each object and to the overall appearance of the space.
Ambient lighting for overall illumination.
Accent lighting to highlight artworks and architectural features.
Task lighting to provide light for a specific purpose or task.
Feature lighting that gives space personality and identity.
Spot ceiling lights, track lights or wall-mounted lights are very effective in living or common areas since they can be angle and directed to create a highlight.
As the name suggests task lighting is light for a particular task for activities such as reading, writing eating, or preparing food. It focuses on the particular area where the task is performed and it’s brighter than ambient lighting. task lighting will be the most functional layer of your lighting plan.
Examples of task lighting include recessed and track lights, linear lights, under cabinet lighting, floor, desk, and table lamps, or bathroom vanity lights. A good lighting plan provides functional lighting but it’s also an excellent element to be used to reinforce the rooms desired design style at the time of selecting your lighting factor don’t forget to select a perfect one that complements the interior design style that you are looking for.
Remember that a good interior design blends function and aesthetic lighting design is my passion lighting has the power to transform any space and to make us feel in different ways. depending on the lighting condition.
5 MASTER TIPS — LIGHTING DESIGN BASIC PRINCIPLES, IDEAS & TIPS
1. DEVELOP A LIGHTING PLAN
Start with a furniture floor plan and measure everything out, down to where the plugs go. If there’s art on the wall, we install ceiling spotlights, set two feet in from the wall if it’s a standard eight-foot ceiling, or farther in if the ceiling is taller. You want the light to hit at eye level, where artwork hangs. If we use a pendant or a semi-flush ceiling fixture, it’s usually centered in the room, often over the bed.
So, we try not to hang it too low — typically eight to 12 inches from the ceiling, use fairly large fixtures — my philosophy is that fewer, larger elements in modern design make a larger impact. Don’t use many small or standardized sizes. To me, they seem to lay flat or look like tchotchkes. Prefer things with presence and size and scale.
2. LIGHTING FOR ALL PURPOSES
Nowadays, most homes are integrated for all purposes — they’re also places to work, read, and spend family time. Lighting help accommodates all these activities. The key is creating flexibility, and the ability to control light levels, so if someone wants to sleep and someone wants to work, you can accommodate that. Instead of one big overhead light, use different lighting in each area.
At a desk, use task lights as well as a couple of overhead pins to illuminate the whole space; that way you have options is one of the most basics to start with lighting ideas.
3. INCORPORATE MODERN LIGHTING INTO A MORE TRADITIONAL HOMES
Modern lighting ideas is all about the mix. You have two options: Either pick one big statement piece — a contemporary fixture in the center of a room that has scale and presence and is clearly an anomaly, the thing that breaks the rule. Or, introduce several modern fixtures, to create a rhythm and train the eye that it’s an intentional move to introduce this new design language, and not a mistake or lonely leftover.
While considering the lighting ideas, the Natural materials work best, those with texture and irregularity such as woods, alabaster, natural stones, metals with patina, and linen.
4. MAKE SURE THE LIGHT FIXTURES YOU CHOSE ARE MATCHING THE STYLE OF THE SPACE
Next, it’s time to get personal and consider the style of your rooms. Home lighting fixtures are available in an almost endless range of sizes, styles, and prices. Do you prefer traditional styles or more modern touches?
Do you like a mix of both? You may decide to install recessed lights, a good choice for ambient lighting in any room; on the other hand, a single flush-mount fixture or chandelier may be more your style.