Click
here for our stunning light gallery.
Living room
Living rooms are spaces in which we take a
breather: this is where we eat, read and relax
while we listen to music, watch television
or entertain friends. Create an inviting
atmosphere by combining general lighting
with atmospheric, decorative and accent
lighting. The lighting should vary in intensity
and point in different directions. Preferably
plan it together with the furnishings – reflect
on the main function of the room and decide
where you want to have a nook for reading or
a corner for intimate get-togethers.
Atmospheric and decorative lighting
Atmospheric lighting should be soft and
shouldn't shine into people's eyes. The pool
of light created by a floor lamp is decorative and atmospheric. The ambience
is enhanced by the pattern of light and shade
created on the ceiling by the lampshade.
If you want to purchase decorative lighting,
choose a material that suits your décor and
lifestyle: stainless steel, for example, is a good
choice in a contemporary living space. In the
photograph the atmospheric and decorative
lighting serves as a focal point as well as a
blending of old and new: the floor lamp is a
replica of the Arco lamp from 1962. If, however,
you are more of a romantic a chandelier is the
perfect decorative lighting choice for you.
Tip: A lamp placed in the corner can make a
room appear larger because it makes one focus
on the side of the room.
Accent lighting
Use accent lighting to illuminate your favourite objects and
artworks directly. Adjustable spotlights or ceiling lights work well. You can also use
them to cast extra light on architectural details, shelves and family
photographs.
General lighting
General lighting works best when it is distributed over several light
sources, such as in the room shown here. Some interior designers
feel a living room does not need general lighting, probably because
this often comes from a single bright light in the centre of the
ceiling. However, general lighting can create a pleasant atmosphere
when well distributed and combined with a dimmer.
Natural light
Good interior designers approach the lighting of a living area
like a work of art: their secret is the contrast and patterns they
create with light and shadow. It is not too difficult to achieve this
designer look yourself. Take it a step further with natural light,
as seen in our photographs, and use Venetian blinds and
a variety of textures to create an interesting play of light
and shadow.
Kitchen
The secret of good kitchen lighting is to
position it in such a way that it never casts
shadows. This is not as complicated as it
may sound: the light source should always
be in front of you when cooking because
you need to see what you are doing. In an
open-plan room in which people cook, eat
and spend time together there are several
options for lighting at the dining table:
the general lighting of the room can be
softened with a dimmer or you can hang a
chandelier or other type of pendant above
the dining table.
Task lighting
It is a great pleasure to cook in a kitchen
with proper task lighting. This lighting is
installed directly above the work surfaces
and under the top kitchen cupboards
so that it can shine directly on them.
Recessed ceiling lights such as those in
our photograph work well but spotlights,
and track and cable lights, can also be
used. Choose an adjustable type for
maximum comfort.
Stylish open plan
Alternate the task lighting in your open-plan
kitchen with pendants above a work island
or a work surface that has no cupboards
above it. Choose a lampshade in the same
style as that of the living area to ensure that
the different sections of the open-plan room
have a uniform look.
Bedroom
The bedroom is the most personal
room in a home. This is where we
recover after a stressful day and
the tranquil atmosphere helps to
restore our energy levels.
Different
light sources
Similarly to a living room, a
bedroom also requires different
sources of light for different
purposes: when you get dressed
early in the morning or in the
evening before you go out, you
have to at least be able to find your
wardrobe. If you want to unwind
with a book before you go to sleep,
you need a good reading light.
Reading light
No shadows should fall on the
book while you are reading.
Most bedside lamps provide
good task lighting. The kind that
are suspended from the ceiling
give you more storage space
on the bedside cabinet but the
disadvantage is that you cannot
move your bedroom furniture
around at random.
Design tip
Look out for architectural details,
such as this ceiling,
that you can illuminate in a clever
manner. This is an easy way to
make a designer impression
without spending a fortune. Ask
your nearest lighting dealer about
slimline fluorescent tubing that can
be installed in a narrow space
such as this.
Bathroom
Bathroom lighting should be functional but also
contribute to a relaxed atmosphere when you want
to unwind in the bath. This is another room in which
you should consider having a dimmer installed.
Good accent and task lighting can take care of
practical requirements.
Task lighting
A bathroom needs good task lighting: you have to be
able to see properly when you apply your make-up or
shave, or else the final result could be frightening.
Accent lighting
Bathrooms are often minimalist in nature but accent
lighting, such as this recessed light in the bathroom
cabinet, helps to make them visually
interesting. Glass shelves work well with this type
of lighting.
Lights for atmosphere
Chandeliers: These create atmosphere and are
almost always a focal point. Chandeliers add
shine to a room and make a dramatic impact.
Hang one low over a dining table.
Lanterns: These are available in a variety of
styles and should be mounted on a wall. Lanterns
work particularly well with a rustic décor style.
The soft light creates atmosphere in a living
room, passage or on a stoep.
Wall lights: This is one of the best light sources
for soft lighting, such as in a living room. Wall
lights can also be used as accent lighting to
illuminate artworks as well as to create symmetry
on either side of a focal point, such as a fireplace.
Click here for our stunning light gallery.
