Layered Lighting: Elevating Interiors with Depth, Mood, and Function
Lighting is considered a crucial element in interior design because it not only illuminates a space but also serves as a bold focal point that defines the character and mood of layered lighting transforms interior space
Lights in any kinds has a major impact on the place mood and user’s experience. Natural lights are the most important among all and the lack of natural lights can psychologically affect users.
I would say lighting design is both art and science. An interior designer must have an in-depth understanding of incorporation of natural light as well as the electric lights, as the types of light selection can bring comfort or cause glare and discomfort while performing a task. In addition, sustainability is an integral part of our industry as it directly impacts the environment. Designers more than ever, are responsible to make environmentally conscious decisions to minimize the energy consumption, protect the environment as well as health of the occupants.
The process in deciding which statement lighting fixtures to incorporate into design for a space
The types of lighting installation relies on the occupancy type and characteristics of space such as area size, ceiling height, material finishes. In addition, designers must be technically aware of different light sources and their application. When it comes to commercial space, industrial space and residential we completely different lighting must be considered, for an instance HID lamps (High-Intensity-Discharge) or CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) are only used in commercial spaces with high ceiling like warehouse, factories and play courts due to their High color rendition and light control and durability. LEDs ( Light Emitting Diodes ) are mainly used in residential spaces and retails, and we mainly use Florescent are used in business spaces and offices.
Therefore, a designer’s role plays an important part here knowing the technicality of different types of lights and how they function and where to apply them.
Balance functionality with aesthetics
That is the most exciting part of every projects. As mentioned before, lighting system and installation are both about technicality and aesthetics. Apart from the occupancy and interior place characteristics, the size of light source, lighting color, price, form, and material finishes are important in choosing the right lighting fixtures. Also, how the source of lights, known as fixtures luminaires, are mounted is very important on light selection. A well- lit room is a combination of layered lightings to create a diversified yet harmonious and welcoming accent into the space like direct light, indirect, semidirect, direct-indirect, semi-indirect lumen. There should be a mixture of various fixtures. Combination of general, and ambient lighting, task lighting, decorative, and finally how they are mounted, like on wall and ceiling surface, or partially recessed, completely hidden, or suspended. Therefore, designers must clarify the above-mentioned factors, before selecting any lights
Some of the up-and-coming / ongoing statement lighting trends that I am excited about
In fact, there are many interesting types of light design in the industry that really excites me as a designer. Nowadays, our industry witnesses a close collaboration of electrical manufacturers and artist, result in extraordinary lighting fixture. I would like to name some of them here.
Focal light fixture, they are over-scaled and right at the center of attention in the space when the space is either too small or too large.
Sculptural lighting: usually is the marriage of bold form and texture that incorporates with light perfect for accent lighting.
Modernist minimal Chandelier hanging pendant that introduce a timeless moment.
Asymmetrical mixture of smooth globe pendant light that makes the room playful and fun, less formal.
Sharp color that stands out in the space like Klein blue, Candy red, burnt orange or any other loud pendant light that makes the place fun and energetic.
Rattan and rope pendant that give the room a natural organic look.
And many other outdoor lights that can affect the entire look of the building.
