“lighting design - just what is involved”
All too often lighting is left to the last in project and sometimes just not given the importance it deserves at all. A well designed lighting scheme can completely transform a home, creating focal points and general ambience
We will work with you, or your interior designer, to find out your intended use for the space including any features that would benefit from focussed illumination such as artwork, fireplaces, furniture, textures etc, from here we start to create a lighting scheme that works well for your home.
“layering of light”
Layering of light is important and very much part of a lighting design, it helps us create space and depth, its achieved by using a mixture of lighting fixtures at different height levels. So rather than just using downlights, we add in table or floorstanding lamps, wall lights and perhaps low level wall lights or floor uplights. It just depends on the room and its use. These different layers of light should be on different lighting circuits to really help create a mood for the space
“lighting fixtures”
Naturally at the heart of any lighting design is the type of lighting fixtures used to realise the design. A quick internet search will reveal thousands of potential candidates, but not all may be suitable either aesthetically or electrically. A stunning period wall lamp will have no place in a modern contemporary home, the latest LED downlight may require additional cabling if its is to be dimmed. We will recommend a list of fixtures that will compliment the space, and enhance the lighting design. in some areas the lighting fixture is a feature itself, such as in a hallway or landing, solutions could include a timeless crystal chandelier or ultra modern fibre optic chandelier. Once again these need to be planned for in terms of electrical provision or perhaps even mechanical consideration due to the fixture weight
“types of lighting sources and dimming”
Most, these days, would like to dim their lighting sources, certainly in the main living spaces, either by traditional rotary dimmers or intelligent lighting control systems. Now with the emergence of LED lighting, we realise this is when it can all get confusing and sometimes the end result is far from what was first envisaged. Flickering lights, poor dimming, none of these were ever part of the design ! We continually work hard to source lamps and control gear that are fully compatible and offer a good dimming range and stable performance. We have seen excellent lighting designs that have been poorly implemented with lighting sources that just do not work well with dimming systems. Do call us for guidance if you intend to dim your lighting
“coloured lighting”
Not for everyone, but during the last few years coloured LED lighting has improved greatly. We have vast experience of integrating coloured lighting into your project, including areas such as under or over kitchen cupboards, splash backs, cove lighting, shelves, swimming pools, jacuzzi's and steam rooms. Imagine a white room with the ability to change a soft coloured tone as often as you wish, no painting, no mess, just select a tone from a colour touch wheel. It couldn't be easier ... tastefully done coloured lighting is a room changer ... quite literally !
“lighting and its place in your project”
Even if you never visit us again, we hope we have encouraged you to give time and budget to what can be the most important element of your project, you will be rewarded time after time. We have seen large budgets provided for audio visual, and as impressive as they can be, sound will never change a home like good lighting can.