Interior design: light tips

Light is a great artist and an indispensable assistant to a designer. Proper lighting can hide interior flaws, alter the proportions of a space (making it appear larger, adding more volume, visually raising the ceilings). Improper lighting can ruin an interior. Here, we will list some tips for choosing lighting.

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LIGHT

The first level is the primary lighting, which should be strong enough for the room design (not too bright!). It looks great framed by a crystal chandelier, as the light reflects and refracts multiple times when it hits the glass, creating intricate shadow plays and sunbeams on the walls. The second level of light is provided by wall sconces. This is a clever choice, especially when the primary light becomes excessive and needs to be dimmed. It’s an optimal solution for corridors, passageways, and light zoning. The third level is represented by floor lamps or table lamps. These provide functional light as needed. Whether you decide to read a book, sit by the fireplace in a comfortable armchair, or work at a desk, this light will undoubtedly become your reliable assistant. In addition to its illuminating function, the lighting fixture itself can serve as an original accent and help create the desired atmosphere. Using multiple levels of light in a space allows you to emphasize its depth and volume, as well as zone it.

LIGHT DEPENDS ON GEOGRAPHY

It’s no secret that light can vary. The temperature and brightness of the light flux differs depending on the location. The light in Tel Aviv, Minsk, Los Angeles, and Tokyo is different. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the design ideas for an apartment based on the geography of a specific space. Good designers always keep this in mind, while talented ones take advantage of it. In our region, we often experience a lack of natural light, and bright saturated colors are absent in nature. When designing minimalist interiors in a restrained color palette, it is important to remember that such an interior in our geographical region may feel cold and austere. On the other hand, in regions with vibrant and intense light (such as California or Mallorca), minimalism can be highly justified. With an abundance of light, shadows, and reflections, adding extra visual elements can be unnecessary.

LIGHTING IN THE BATHROOM AND WALK-IN CLOSET

One should not forget about the lighting in these important areas of an interior. In our reality, walk-in closets are often designed without natural light. Therefore, they should be well illuminated with artificial light. Soft, uniform lighting is preferred, avoiding glare. Choosing an outfit and accessories in the morning should not become a struggle. The bathroom should also be well lit. We always employ different levels of light in the bathroom. A main light source, such as a beautiful light fixture or chandelier, serves both functional and decorative purposes. Decorative LED lighting helps add a unique touch to the bathroom interior. Depending on the design and style, it can be placed in recesses near the bathtub, behind glass shelves, or hidden within the ceiling or walls. And of course, we always emphasize the mirror area, ideally with soft, diffused light fixtures that eliminate harsh shadows.

LIGHTING SCENARIO

It goes without saying that the lighting scenario and placement of light fixtures should be considered at the initial stage of design. A professional designer meticulously plans the interior (and lighting is no exception), considering not only the quantity and placement of light sources but also the scenario of their usage. We recommend organizing the lighting circuits (levels) with separate switches, allowing you to control individual groups of fixtures as needed. For example, in the evening, you can turn off the general light (chandelier), leaving on the decorative lighting (hidden multi-level ceiling lighting) and functional lighting (floor lamp), creating a subdued ambiance.

So, light is a great illusionist capable of both expanding and concealing space, accentuating textures and diminishing them. Light sets the mood and creates an atmosphere. It forms the foundation for designing any interior.