In the design toolbox, lighting is probably the single most versatile and powerful design element. Inside or out, good lighting has the power to enhance and complement any setting or feature. Conversely, poor lighting can detract from or make even the best design appear dull, uninteresting or hardly noticeable. With changing technology and the advent of more energy efficient fixtures and bulbs, available options present a constant source of compelling, but sometimes perplexing, choices.

The light bulb, or lamp as it’s called in the lighting world, is the source of the light and much of the confusion. All types of bulbs emanate a color tint, called “temperature,” which affects the appearance of objects and materials in a space and creates a warm or cool cast, typically associated with incandescent or fluorescent respectively. Every type of light bulb has a numeric temperature rating called Kelvin which identifies it as warm or cool. A bulb rated at 4000K, for instance, is closest to mimicking natural daylight and renders objects and surfaces so they appear more true to their actual color. Color corrected light bulbs and improved technology have eliminated much of the stereotypical objections to certain types of lighting.

Interior Lighting
Natural sunlight, when present, obviously plays a key role in every interior and lighting design. It lifts a space in a way no artificial lighting can, and should be a major consideration in the layout, quantity, and selection of artificial fixtures. Artificial lighting consists basically of three functional types:

1. Ambient lighting is essentially general lighting such as that provided by ceiling-mounted fixtures or recessed down lights. It also could be defined as the combination of light and reflections from various sources and surfaces to produce general illumination.
2. Task lighting is much as it sounds– fixtures chosen and located to light a specific area for a particular task. For instance, a desk lamp or under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen each provides illumination for detail activities.
3. Accent lighting is used specifically to bring attention to an object, a design feature or an architectural element.

All three types of lighting, used in conjunction, typically produce the best lighting effect and generate a rich, dimensional, layered lighting scheme. Various types of lighting are ideally installed with separate controls. Dimmers not only improve lighting efficiency and lengthen bulb life but also give maximum flexibility for fine tuning the lighting effect. Creating special moods for various times of day and different functions is especially effective in the dining room, kitchen and bathrooms.

Lighting can be simply an effect, with the fixture or source of the light built -in or otherwise concealed. Sometimes the light fixtures themselves become integral to the interior design. The fixture, while not only providing light, can also be an object of intrinsic artistic beauty in itself such as a tasteful sconce, an art glass pendant, a bold chandelier or a handsome table or floor lamp. Lighting selection offers a unique opportunity to coordinate with other elements and finishes in a space and to convey your personal style. Many updated designs blend classic elements with unexpected changes in scale, finishes and interpretations of eclectic motifs. Light fixtures created from recycled and repurposed objects can be conversation pieces and bring unexpected whimsy to interiors.

Exterior Lighting
No longer limited to the typical wall fixtures and light posts, outdoor lighting now has new possibilities with the use of low voltage and landscape lighting. Low voltage systems have added flexible design options for special effects and accents. Because the cabling is relatively safe to handle and does not have to be installed as deep in the ground as line voltage, it is a versatile choice.

Landscape lighting can be used to effectively produce specific design results. It is very valuable for highlighting architectural features such as trim details and up lighting walls or columns. Light fixtures may also be strategically installed to provide safety for walks, level changes and stairs. Lighting creates visual movement in the landscape through techniques such as down lighting a tree trunk, grazing the surface of shrubs, accentuating the texture of a stone or pebble surface or bringing statuary to life. Subtle moon lighting produces tranquil settings for evening retreats. Lights may also be installed in or near water features, extending hours of their enjoyment. Our pond has built-in lighting, and our fish seem to recognize our nighttime presence and put on quite an entertaining show at feeding time.

Especially during long hours of darkness during the winter months, exterior lighting takes on a whole new meaning and is particularly appreciated. Strategically placed fixtures call attention to the beauty of unusual features in the winter garden such as exfoliating bark, bright red berries or the interesting structure of a bare tree.

Living Green
The move toward energy efficiency has driven most of the manufacturing changes in lighting in the recent past, with the most exciting news being the continued development of CFL (compact fluorescent) and the emergence of LED (light emitting diode) for home use. Both offer distinct advantages over conventional choices, including dramatically lower energy consumption, longer bulb life and sometimes greater durability and reliability. LED technology has historically been used in the electronic, automotive and aviation industries but has made its way into commercial and residential lighting. Expect design options, availability and affordability of these new fixtures to continually expand.

In the movement toward living green, changing a light bulb is an easy way to cut energy consumption and make a difference. The simple incandescent bulb or linear fluorescent tube has moved over on the store shelf to make room for a plethora of energy saving choices. Many new fixtures now offer an “Energy Star” rating, signifying improved efficiency. Some landscape fixtures may be re-lamped with LED bulbs, reducing energy use and allowing expansion of the low voltage system. In some cases these choices may have higher initial costs, but the reduced energy use and longer life may actually make them less expensive in the long run. Experiment with different choices for color rendition and effects.

Light Your World
The dramatic effects achieved with lighting speak to one of the most important principles in lighting design: the eye is always drawn to the light. Light will guide the eye where you want it to go, to an area or an object. The placement and type of light fixtures can be used to add a sense of depth and create pattern through repetition, visual movement and spatial rhythm. Use these principles to think creatively and make the most of your lighting opportunities.

Thanks to Shades of Light and Inaray Outdoor Lighting for the latest in lighting and sharing photos.

Vicki O’Neal, owner of FORM & FUNCTION, provides commercial and residential interior and landscape design. She is a professional member of ASID, VA Certified Interior Designer (CID), Master Gardener, and a VA Certified Landscape Designer and Horticulturist. The material contained in articles written by Vicki O’Neal is intended for general information only. 804.897.8558. www.form-and-function.us.

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