10 fun and practical aspects of lighting
Photographs: Sebastian Zachariah
There is something universal about the language of light; one 'feels' their way through it. Intriguingly, the duality of this language is such that it has a syntax or grammar, which gives you 'correct' lighting, and there is style that allows you to customize that feel. Stick to the tried and tested rules of task lighting to work efficiently, and steer clear of the well-trodden path to create that desired mood. Architects Anu Chauhan and Prashant Chauhan, of ZERO9 design and architecture studio, give you tips on the fun and functional aspects of lighting.
1. Play with the source of the light. How about some light emanating furniture? Embed colour changing lights within your centre table to drastically change the mood. The blues, reds and purples will surely add an element of fun to the product and the surrounding space.
2. Plan out your fantasy. When incorporating lighting in furniture, carefully plan during the design stage to conceal the wiring. Keep in mind that moving the furniture about becomes a tedious process. If it is an afterthought, then wooden panels finished with natural polish can be a beautiful way of concealing the wiring and will also be a nice visual addition to the space.
3. Aim for balance. Are you an art connoisseur with tons of wall art and sculptures to display? Highlight these creations with spots mounted on walls, ceilings and also the floor. Tone down the focused lighting with indirect cove lighting for a soft glow.
4. Warm white or yellow? When troubled with the dilemma of choosing between white and yellow lights, decide on the ambience for each room and choose the colour accordingly. You may also choose blue light as your main light, if that is what you desire.
5. Stay abreast of technology. Definitely switch to LEDs for their power-saving and eco-friendly properties. Make the lighting interactive by introducing programmable LEDs. These high-tech lights have colour variations as high as 256 that can be operated with a knob.
6. Functional worktops such as kitchen platforms and study tables should be lit with no-nonsense task lights. Make sure you don't have ceiling lights that will cast your own shadow on the work surface; it's extremely distracting and must be avoided. For the kitchen, have a central light for the overall ambience and task lights just above the platform, underneath your wall storage. This completely washes the surface with light.
7. Avoid this commonly made mistake. In the living room, don't place spotlights directly above the seating. This creates a shadow on the face of people sitting below it. Instead, fix the lights on the wall or provide for a central light on the ceiling.
8. For a calming bedroom, use a single source of warm light that relaxes you. Too many bright spots are a complete no-no here. 8. Keep things intimate by providing diffusers above the bed and bring in the element of fun with readily available wireless side lamps. They have a variety of colours and can also be connected with your music system.
Make the lighting interactive by introducing programmable LEDs. These high-tech lights have colour variations as high as 256 that can be operated with a knob.9. The most neglected lighting experience is in the bathroom. It cannot be so harsh that it snaps you out of your sleep in shock. Simultaneously there should be enough brightness to help you get the make-up right. Direct spots next to the mirror, like vanity mirrors, are functional and quirky.
10. Lighting gives you enough scope for a fun, DIY project with your kids. Light in wine bottles add a touch of colour, texture and form. Or simply throw-in a mirchi light into a champagne bottle and place it on the side table for a 'cool meets classy' theme.
Looking for property portal?
Anu & Prashant Chauhan
ArchitectsRelated Articles
-
4 tips to add wild touch with zebra print
Leila Erfan
Interior Designer
Jun 10, 2017 -
5 tips to style your home with different kinds of beds
Shraddha Jhaveri
Home Stylist and Decor Consultant
Mar 11, 2017 -
8 artefacts to add glamour and decor to your home
Aman Gandhi
Architect
Jan 04, 2017 -
9 tips to decorate with wooden finishes
Onal Kothari
Architect
Aug 09, 2017
