Via: Design Build Ideas
Lighting is likely the most important factor in interior design. Often clients will spend absurd amounts of cash into furniture and overlook lighting. The most expensive materials & interiors are never shown to their fullest without a good lighting scheme behind them. Lighting is so important that we have designer specialized in it. Incorporating the lighting as part of the scheme considering how the light works with the materials and finishes and creates different moods within the space is essential to a successful interior. The lighting design should always be considered as early as possible as part of the overall scheme.
Lighting is a toolbox that interior designer have to master. The best lighting schemes look effortless. If a space is well lit, it will be comfortable and inviting.
The fundamentals of good lighting include understanding the different light sources available, how to layer light wisely, how to make use of the least amount of light sources as possible and the amount of light to use.
So the first thing you do is to layout the light sources. Once the key lights are in place, it is time to control the levels, either to create practical amounts of llight for work or to provide low levels of light for mood. Simple manipulation of the fixed light sources will create multifunctional spaces. A lighting scheme should be fit for a variety of different purposes and different times of day.
When deciding what type of lighting to use and where to put it, remember that light travels in a straight line. If you want an even, shadow.free light use wall mounted uplight or a concealed light on top of a high level unit. The purpose here is to reflect light off the ceiling. The floor can also be a good element to reflect light into.
Shadows and shade are also very important, too much light will glare anyone, so there needs to be balance. A room without shadows will look flat and shapeless, shadows and contrast will enhance textures, shapes, and the size of objects in the interior, it will create a more dramatic atmosphere and mood, which can be built by pacing light throughout a space, positioning it where it is needed to draw your vision around the interior.
