Vaulted Circulatory Space Lighting Ideas

3 years ago

I'm looking for ideas to light a focal/central circulatory space in my home that connects the entrance, kitchen, playroom, and backyard. Some of the space is "dead" without a specific purpose other than to give the main living space an extra open feel. Eventually I may expand the kitchen into a portion of the area.

There's a few goals that I have in lighting this space:

Light it (duh).
Provide a direct light source for the painting. It's very special to us but the lighting on it in the evening is terrible.
Preserve the open feel of the space.

I'm hoping to replace the fan lighting with light source(s) (not a fan) that are lower profile and provide more even light. I hardly ever use the fan because I have a whole house fan, the light quality is harsh, and it only lights a portion of the space.

The beams are easily accessible from the attic. The vaulted ceiling and drop ceiling combination is a unique design opportunity but also complicates things a bit. I'm considering options like a couple sconces on the attic wall as uplighting for the ceiling in combination with wall wash light(s) for the painting wall that are mounted inside a beam. I have an electrician that is skillful, so I'm willing to consider any options.

I would love feedback on these ideas, specific fixtures to consider, or any other ideas. Thank you!

Featured Answer

RL Relocation LLC

3 years ago

To properly light the art you would have to go with track lighting on the beam, Id probably go satin or white non descript as its not really in a place for decorative its also not in the center of the area. The other option would be to see if you can get a pancake box mounted to the center of the room, or swag a light to center (more decorative). Then, use a proper art light over your painting rather than side sconces. If the painting is important I would not do side sconces and art lighting as those will compete with each other. Ideally you want to only light the painting not the walls.

As a side note, that console is beautiful but it really competes with the artwork, IMO it doesnt pair well with it. Id consider adding a potted plant, some deco to the console as well. And possibly lowering the picture a bit.

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/renaissance-16-inch-wide-polished-nickel-led-picture-light__5w381.html

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
3 years ago
I would add recessed lighting to that area. And, if you want, you could put a couple of lights in the ceiling close to the wall that are directional to highlight the artwork.
tracefloyd
3 years ago
I think a perspective from the entry is needed here. Make it appear as a formal foyer and living room/den beyond as you enter. You have no foyer so create one in this space as a focal point, and then draw the eye beyond it to something more interesting looking than a playroom. The idea is that the kitchen/playroom is diguised as seen from the front door.

Move the child's table and rust colored set out of sight and move the blue sofa to where it is the focal point as seen from the front door. Hang a wall of sheer drapes to the ceiling behind it to soften the windows and add a sophisticated look.

Place a round entry table centered in your 'circulatory' space. Possibly move the sideboard to another room if the space is tight. Paint the art wall a rich blue to draw the eye to the left and away from the kitchen. Flank the painting with sconces on each side. Hang a modern chandelier over the entry table.

This is a nice entry table with coordinated decor in blue.

Bellaire Easygoing Elegance · More Info
Related Professionals
Valdosta Interior Designers & Decorators · Cornwall Interior Designers & Decorators · Philadelphia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Yuba City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Vineland Interior Designers & Decorators · Green Bay Interior Designers & Decorators · Santa Rosa Interior Designers & Decorators · Columbia Furniture & Accessories · Enid Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hagerstown Interior Designers & Decorators · Manhattan Interior Designers & Decorators · Edmonton Interior Designers & Decorators · Concord Architects & Building Designers · Huron Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Bend Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
wdccruise
3 years ago
I'd consider painting the fan blades white so the large fan didn't draw so much attention to itself.

-- amateur
Kenny
Original Author
3 years ago
@tracefloyd here's a view from inside the entryway. Our dog wants to be in all of these photos.

I like your idea of defining some sort of foyer space as you've suggested, as well as painting the wall with the painting on it.

@Sabrina Alfin Interiors I agree that the table is competing with the painting now that you point it out. Thank you for putting together those renderings to illustrate your ideas! These are great.

@wdccruise We're planning to demo the fan so we're on the same page with drawing attention away from it ha.

I'm still processing each of your ideas to figure out which direction to go, but I'm realizing we have some more foundational decisions to make before layering in lighting.
happyleg
3 years ago
With all those other updates I want change making the kitchen bigger because you have venting in that one wall in a closet or a water heater next to it it looks like to me you must be on a slab type a house and your house looks interesting in the entry can pie place a bench I see you have a dog bed there but on the other wall beside it you could put a bench cuz I don't know what you have there maybe nothing else?
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
Why would you take the photos from being on the floor? No one sees your fixtures or furnishings from that perspective.

There are various picture lights that can be used to illuminate your canvas on the wall.

I would replace the ceiling fan with an edgy light fixture.
tracefloyd
3 years ago
Cute little doggie! My point is to look beyond the new foyer. Don't you think that beautiful blue sofa would be perfect moved to the right and aligned with sightline opening into the playroom? With the blue wall and blue accessories...stunning.

I agree a gallery frame picture light would work with the painting rather that sconces.

That sideboard/console works with the painting and the scale of the room just fine. I think the narrow round table with the blue vases just might fit pretty good in front of it...about where the doggie is but centered on the sideboard.

I like the idea of an entry bench where the doggie bed is.

It think it would be a pleasant surprise for guests to venture futher into the house and then realize the space is actually a kitchen/playroom...how clever is that.
PRO
Breathe Design Studio
3 years ago
It seems you have some options. You could look for a lamp to place on the console, replace the fan, add a light above the artwork, or even add sconces to the space. Here are some of the ideas in designs of ours:
Atomic Ranch MCM Main House · More Info

Atomic Ranch MCM Main House · More Info

Atomic Ranch MCM Main House · More Info