Lighting:
The essential element in Interior Design
The
most beautiful furniture and finishes in the world are wasted
without the proper type of lighting. When we talk about lighting,
it is almost always about man-made lighting, since it is important
to light our surroundings for nighttime. Lighting
is both quite complex and deceivingly simple. Let's ignore
the complex and leave that to the experts - who give us state-of-the-art
interiors, exteriors and landscapes to gaze upon.
In interior spaces, simple relates to understanding
the properties of light. Where does the light source come
from and what is it illuminating? There are only three generic
types of lighting as related to lighting design. Ambient light,
also known as general illumination, lights rooms so we can
see what is in them and so we can walk through them. Task
light is as it sounds — lighting the function or activity,
such as reading, cooking, sewing, shaving, etc. Accent light
rounds out the group by highlighting certain objects such
as art, sculpture, plants or a stone-textured fireplace façade.
Having all three types of light in a space gives depth and
dimension.
Well
planned lighting will fully illuminate activity areas and
also establish those "oh so romantic moods." Lighting
defines spaces and if used properly can attract attention
to a room's best features. In the same way, lighting can be
used to disguise less than perfect rooms.
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