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8 Ways to Design With Light
Illuminating Ways Light Can Remake a Room
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building process. For me, it's all about learning about my clients and creating a personalized space that fits the way they live.
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building... More »
Lack of proper lighting is one of the most common complaints I hear from homeowners. Whether it's task lighting in the kitchen, adequate lighting in bathrooms or just having any lighting in a bedroom, there seems to be a shortage of the proper kind and type of lighting in most home building. Here are 8 ways you can enhance your space through some fairly simple lighting upgrades.
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| 1. Replace a hanging fixture in smaller spaces with a few well-placed spotlights. Sometimes the size of a room can limit the type of fixtures used to light the space. In this dining area, a hanging fixture might make the area feel more closed in. Instead, a few pin spots are used to highlight the buffet and ornate mirror. |
2. Replace a ceiling fixture with monorail lighting in a hallway to create an instant art gallery. The design flexibility of today's lighting systems allows so many possibilities. In this hallway, a simple and modern track light is used to light an art collection. This solution would be a great way to highlight a family photo gallery or create a showcase for kids' artwork.
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| 3. Wash the walls with light. This room is a study in how to distribute light throughout a space. Small recessed lights in the perimeter soffit throw soft light on the walls to highlight the art. Accent lights in the tray ceiling add a warm glow through additional indirect lighting. |
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| 4. Use scale to create impact. This large-scale black shade above a white dining room is all about drama, and lots of it. The fixture not only provides adequate light over the table, but also plays a role in defining that area as the dining area.
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by Urban Landscape
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| 5. Use uplighting to highlight landscaping to transform your home's exterior. There's almost nothing more welcoming than a well-lit exterior in the evening. You just want to walk up to the front door and meet these people. Light is used around this Mediterranean-home to highlight the architecture of the home and show off the beautiful landscape design. |
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| 6. Install multiple lighting systems to create a flexible lighting environment. The kitchen is a good example of a space in which multiple, separate lighting systems is necessary. This kitchen has overall lighting (recessed lights), island lighting (monorail system) and task lighting (under-cabinet lights). Different combinations can be used to create different moods. |
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7. Decorative lighting can be used to highlight architectural features. Without the additional lighting around this fireplace, it's just a large stone surround. The downlights around the firebox strengthen the contrast between the smooth and rough surfaces, while the uplights on top feature the graceful curve of the entire structure.
by Birdseye Design
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8. Create something unexpected. An illuminated onyx table becomes a focal point in this intimate seating area. The soft glow created by lighting this stone table from the inside adds a light source we just don't expect and creates an interesting conversation piece.
More:
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More:
How to Use Wall Sconces
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Comments
Danielle Lighting is SO important and I'm learning that getting it right makes the difference between a great room and an incredible space! Thanks for sharing this ideabook, it rocks...:)
2 years ago · Like
Karen Ho Fatt Lighting is the one element that builders often skimp on, we still see it in the showhomes today. It is really the element to making your home a jewel that sparkles. I incorporated all the elements you described above in my kitchen reno in picture 6 and it turned out spectacular.
2 years ago · Like
patscats2 I studied lighting when I was building my home and glad I did. The right lighting can take a drab house to fab very easily. Although I don't have the house fully decorated yet, no one notices because the lighting makes everything look so pretty. LOL Every chance I get I try to educate people about the many benefits of good lighting or I should say adequate lighting.
2 years ago · Like
lindav Can't agree more about the importance of lighting especially where you're working. When renovating our kitchen we had down lights installed over the island bench which are on a dimmer switch. They're great for lighting the work surface and at the end of the day we turn the lights down which signals to our three teenage boys that the "Kitchen is Closed"! We were also lucky to have enough space in the wall cavity behind the stove to incorporate a display shelf which is lit by the built in range hood. So now the kitchen has good task lighting and also mood lighting to boot! 
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on April 6, 2011.
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