Lighting
6. Create an artistic exhibition If you have pieces of art to show off in your hallway, or any other room for that matter, you’ll need to create all a spectacle worthy of the Guggenheim Museum. There can be no more powerful a design tool than lighting to highlight the works of art, sculpture and furniture pieces that occupy a space. The stage-managed lighting in this wide hallway shows how strategic placement of light is key to creating the right theatrical effect. Colour also plays a huge role in creating the right ambiance in a room – the dark walls seen here help absorb a lot of the light to create this rich, dramatic atmosphere.
White and bright One of the best first steps to visually lifting a low ceiling is to paint it bright white, then add as much light as you can. It’s important to remember, though, that can lights alone may not help hoist the ceiling. In fact, if the only light in a room is beaming downward, this may leave the floor and furniture brightly lit but the ceiling in shadow. Adding table or floor lamps that shine upward will keep the lighting more even, so that no dark corners develop.
9. Feature lights A well chosen light can be a feature in its own right, drawing the eye as well as lighting the scene. WHEN TO USE: Feature lights are a great way to add interest to an area. Whether you’re trying to break up a long wall, or waiting for a new garden to mature, installing a feature light can be the answer. Contemporary Landscape by Tim Davies Landscaping Tim Davies Landscaping Save Email WHAT TO CONSIDER: Once you’ve scoped out the practicalities of the site, the first thing to consider is whether form or function is paramount. If you’re looking for a light primarily as a way of introducing visual interest, then taste and budget will be the deciding factor. GET THE LOOK: A statement light can have a big impact, acting as a feature in its own right as well as throwing reflected light onto surrounding plants. Think big when choosing a feature light for a contemporary garden – oversized globes add real impact. In a traditional setting, an iron lamppost makes a pretty feature. Standing lamps and bollard lights are also a great choice when you need to bring light to a long, dark stretch as well as add a pretty feature.
4. Stair lights Stair lights summon you towards the front door and then help make sure you don’t trip up on the way. WHEN TO USE: Well, obviously stair lights require an area with stairs, and are welcome anywhere that was previously a stumble in the dark, but the front door is where they really come into their own. As well as focusing attention on the entrance, the ambient light from step lights can be used to highlight surrounding plants or other features.
2. Cluster lights Lighting a whole cluster of trees, rather than just throwing a spot on the ‘hero’ tree, can be a great way to provide soft light to an adjacent sitting area. WHEN TO USE: When you want to cast a soft, but useable, light on a deck, patio or poolside eating area. Cluster lighting is also an excellent way to add shape and depth to a large garden after dark as it creates pockets of light to draw the eye. On a practical level, it also allows you to use more of the space when entertaining. WHAT TO CONSIDER: Spike lights work well for cluster lighting, and there are both electric and solar versions available. If you opt for wired in lights, consider having several light switch options available so that you’re not constrained to either all or nothing – there will be times you only want or need a couple of lights rather than the whole effect. GET THE LOOK: Cluster lighting tends to work best with cluster planting. A bed of architectural plants, such as palms or large ferns, can become almost a sculpture when the whole group is lit in this way. You can add depth to the scene by lighting each plant from a slightly different angle.
Contemporary Landscape by ORBIS design ORBIS design Save Email WHAT TO CONSIDER: As with any lighting or electrical work, safety considerations should be addressed up front. Choose lights that have been specifically designed to be placed in the ground, and have cables and connectors laid by a professional. If you’re concerned about possible damage due to falling branches, consider consulting an arborist. GET THE LOOK: Plant trees and place lights at the front and back of the garden to create a sense of depth. Uplights along the side wall add depth to the perspective as well as create a safe passage from the gate to the house.
3. Layered lighting It cannot be stressed enough: Lighting should come from more than one source in any room. Those well-spaced recessed lights won’t be enough to eliminate the shadowing that inevitably harshens a room. Try to include task lights or spotlights, hanging lights, and table or floor lamps to get light from different directions. An extra advantage is that you can go full bright (as in this photo), then turn off a few lights for a more dim and moody atmosphere in the evening.
Brickworks Building Products Save Email 10. Lighting Lighting in the front entry is not just a functional feature but can be a great way to create a statement in the entrance of your home. Perhaps you’ve been eyeing off a gorgeous pendant light for years, such as the one pictured here, and it’s a must-have for your entrance. Like landscaping, lighting should never be an afterthought, so keep its cost as a priority in your fittings and fixtures schedule.
FUTURE-PROOF PLAN: It’s a beautiful and practical idea to have bedside lights wired into the walls or joinery. This minimises bedside clutter and keeps the light directed where it is needed most. If the switch is positioned just beside the bed, they are also easier to turn on than reaching over a bedside table to fumble with a lamp.
Strip lighting Used the right way in modern, sleek kitchens, strip lighting can look fantastic, not just under the cabinets, but around kickboards, above cabinets, beneath open shelving and in bulkhead recesses. “We specify either florescent or LED strip lighting, depending on the application,” Madsen says.
It’s also important to consider whether you prefer white light or warm light for your kitchen. Madsen recommends LED downlights in a warm white because they are efficient, provide excellent illumination, have low heat output and are cost effective over the life of the bulb,” Madsen says. “It’s only been in the past two years that LEDs have been our preferred under cabinet light; before then LEDs were simply too expensive and unreliable.” TIP: Don’t buy cheap LED lights. Although they may advertise the LED will last 30,000 hours, quite often it is the hardware behind the LED that fails first.
Light up for function and fancy Linear strip lighting attached to where ceilings and bulkheads join can create the illusion of space – they can make an otherwise awkward join into a feature, infusing the room with a splash of glamour. Linear strips can also help demarcate a functional zone in an open-plan room, creating a room within a room. BONUS TIP: In a studio apartment, why not raise your bed onto a platform to zone the space and insert a strip light around the base of the platform for function and drama
Take it outdoors Gone are the days for the need for floodlights that blind not only your unwanted visitors. Outdoor lighting is available as a continuous strip of light that acts as general lighting, but also looks sophisticated as accent lighting by highlighting the contrast between the top and base of the feature wall.
Make them float Lights placed close to a wall not only eliminate glare but give the illusion of no joins – perfect for the ethereal look while also enlarging the space visually. On a practical level, for those family members who like to go ‘moonlighting’, these linear lights can be attached to a dimmer as accents or night lights for stair safety; and being along the base of the stairs, other members of the family won’t be kept up at night.
10. Solar lights The further you get from the house, the more sense it makes to turn to solar-powered lighting. WHEN TO USE: Solar lights are always a valid option, but when you’re trying to light an area without easy access to electricity, they quickly become the only alternative. Given that they tend to cast a more diffuse light than installed fittings, they’re also a great option for areas where you need some light but don’t want to create any glare. WHAT TO CONSIDER: Once you’ve decided that solar lights are the solution, then the main consideration is the quality and lifespan of the product. And speaking of lifespan, it’s worth bearing in mind that many of the cheaper models have a fairly limited lifespan and will need replacing quite regularly. It may be worth spending a little more upfront. GET THE LOOK: If you’re lighting an area that is shady for much of the day, or want to conceal the lights in garden beds, you can get lights that connect to a small solar panel, and can then place the panel in a spot nearby that gets enough sun.
8. Backlighting Light can be as much about shade, about the shadow it throws in relief, as it is about the illumination it throws. WHEN TO USE: Backlighting is a powerful visual tool in a garden or courtyard based on sculptural shapes and architectural lines rather than softer planting. Backlighting is all about shape and works most effectively in a contemporary-style garden designed along clean lines. WHAT TO CONSIDER: As it’s use is generally confined to courtyards and other walled areas, backlighting doesn’t usually throw up many practical obstacles. It does, however, tend to throw any faults or disrepair in the area into sharp focus, so it’s worth considering whether the relevant walls and pavers need a little attention before they’re shoved into the spotlight. GET THE LOOK: An astute use of backlighting emphasises the sculptural quality of the scene. Choose sharp, dramatic plants and oversized planters with clean lines for best effect. Choose the background wall with care for best effect. Stone, reclaimed brick and well-maintained rendered walls all work well as a backdrop – the light will bring out texture and pattern as well as colour.
DDB Design Development & Building Save Email 7. Pool lights Sharp colours, bright light and deep shadows make for an inviting party atmosphere around this pool. WHEN TO USE: This one’s easy: pool lights are best used when you’ve got a pool in your garden. WHAT TO CONSIDER: There’s more to lighting a pool than just, well, lighting the pool. Safety of use, of both the pool and its surrounds, is an obvious consideration. It’s vital that any in-pool lighting is professionally installed, and that the configuration doesn’t create pockets of dark that might lead to someone in trouble going unseen. HOW TO GET THE LOOK: The glow from a lit pool always contributes to the ambience of any poolside entertaining or dining areas. You can emphasise this by installing lights on the non-pool side of the space. Coloured pool lights can be gaudy (which is not always a bad thing) but there are some subtle ones on the market as well. You can also enhance the radiant glow of a lit pool by using a light-reflecting treatment on the pool surface.
5. Spotlights Everything positively gleams in the well-placed lighting of this sleek, modern garden. WHEN TO USE: Spotlights are a great way to highlight architectural features and landscaping, as well as garden planting. But spotlights really come into their own in possible danger areas, such as poolside or around a split-level patio or deck. Beyond their visual impact, a couple of well-placed spotlights can be a good security measure. WHAT TO CONSIDER: Once you’ve decided what you want to spotlight, and have taken the usual safety questions into account, it’s worth considering whether the situation calls for complementary lighting. When you’re throwing a lot of light in one spot, the areas around it can seem darker. One way to combat the effect is to install little downlights in the corners of the space. GET THE LOOK: Long rectangular gardens can be livened up with the clever use of planting and lighting. Break up a long stretch by spotlighting trees, or architectural features at regular intervals. Turn the spot on mature trees at the end of the garden to add a sense of perspective to the scene.
Contemporary Entry by In2 Pty Ltd In2 Pty Ltd Save Email WHAT TO CONSIDER: There are few practical considerations when it comes to stairs attached to the house, as wiring them up should be a simple task for an electrician. Essentially, the main consideration for most stair lights is making the right aesthetic choice for your overall scheme. There are solar models available for use in areas where wiring is simply impractical, but they tend to be bulkier and, let’s face it, less attractive. GET THE LOOK: Step lights should be chosen in conjunction with other outdoor hardware, including porch lights, door fittings and, where appropriate, house numbers or the letterbox. If you’ve gone for an angular, brushed steel aesthetic, then recessed stainless steel slot lights are a good choice, while little copper hooded lights will tie in with a more traditional scheme.
Eco Edge Architecture + Interior Design Save Email 3. Rope lights Create a welcoming front path, delineate edges and define the shape of your garden using rope lights. WHEN TO USE: Rope lights work best in gardens where the architecture matters as much as the planting. Walkways, decks, raised beds and stepped areas all shine a little brighter picked out by rope lights. Contemporary landscapes and courtyards carry this look better than a more natural, cottage-style or wild-edged garden. WHAT TO CONSIDER: Rope lights are usually LED and therefore tend to be cost effective and low-energy. There are also solar-powered options on the market. It’s important to look for a robust product – rope lights designed for the Christmas market or occasional party won’t last, so make sure you purchase a model designed for outdoor landscaping use. You might find rope lights listed as linear lights by some suppliers. GET THE LOOK: This is a simple look to achieve and a great way to add instant appeal to a new build. Fill beds with bark or pebbles and introduce fast-growing plants in large planters and, hey presto, a garden. Well, of course nothing’s that simple, but this is a design choice that wi...
1. Uplights for trees Accentuate trees and define the shape of your garden by placing uplights at the base of the trunk, or in adjacent garden furniture. WHEN TO USE: This look works in most gardens, and across most styles. A single, large spotlit tree in a dark sprawling garden will have great visual impact, while a spotlight row might be used to emphasise the ordered geometry of a modern courtyard.
Melocco and Moore Architects Save Email If your kitchen is part of an open-plan space, dimmable lights are a must. They can give you the perfect lighting for preparing food, but can be turned down to a soft glow when you dine, entertain or are simply not using the kitchen but still need some lighting.
Elizabeth Herrmann architecture + design Save Email Transoms Similar in concept to the ideas seen in the first images in this story, a glass transom extends the dimension of a space and introduces light to a room without compromising its privacy.
Life How to Grow Orchids That Thrive These exotic beauties can do well in most homes, so long as you give them a little TLC Marianne Lipanovich Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most... More Email Comment4Like8Bookmark40PrintEmbed Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog. Orchids were once special-occasion flowers, available only from a florist or a grower. Most people thought growing them required a greenhouse and an exceptionally green thumb. Today orchids retain their aristocratic allure, but they’re readily available. They’re also easier to grow than many people realise. Most of the more commonly available ones thrive in the same indoor conditions that people thrive in, with moderate temperatures and humidity and bright sunlight but not direct heat. If you’re comfortable indoors, your orchid probably will be as well. The little extra care they may require is usually no more than misting periodically and making sure they stay out of hot afternoon sun and away from freezing windows in winter. Follow these general guidelines and your orchid should reward you with long-lasting blooms for years to come. Contemporary Kitchen ...
3. Smart lighting Want to make your bathroom more energy efficient and safer, too? Installing sensor lights in your bath space is one way to fulfill both of these bathroom design requirements. These smart lighting solutions prevent unnecessary electricity usage, as they automatically turn on or off when the space is not in use, proving very convenient for people (like me) who sometimes forget to switch lights off when leaving a room. Often go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? An automatic sensor nightlight will prevent you from stumbling into doors and walls, tripping over or stubbing your toes. Rather than using sensor lights that are affixed to the ceiling for this purpose (they generally deliver ambient lighting to the space), install a secondary light that’s softer in intensity and colour, and not positioned in your direct line of sight, as was done in this bathroom. This will ensure the nightlight gently illuminates the room and doesn’t jolt you wide awake.
8. …and swimming pools Without lighting swimming pools become black holes at night. Turn them into dramatic night-time features with a mix of different lighting types as shown here in this contemporary minimalist garden in Melbourne. Water jets and other areas of moving water can also be added to inject more life and sparkle into swimming pools at night.
6. Draw the eye to focal points The blue uplight in this Sydney garden immediately focuses the line of sight on the stunning spherical artwork on the rear boundary. The designer has also used uplights to highlight the bold form of the sculptural aloe behind the sphere. When a plant or artwork is positioned against a plain wall consider using back lighting (placing the light source behind the feature) to shine upwards creating a strong silhouette.
3. Provide task lighting Where a good strong light is needed for cooking, security and other practical functions use directional task lighting as shown in this Perth patio area. However, always make sure you can vary the light intensity. Here, dimmer switches would ensure the very bright light levels can be lowered once the food is cooked and dining is underway.
On Common Ground Landscapes Save Email 2. Enhance outdoor entertaining Low-level lighting beneath floating bench seating, as well as uplights hidden in the plants, gives this Sydney deck area new life after dark. The lighting used here creates a calm environment for alfresco dining, whereas strings of fairy or fibre optic lights wrapped around the tree trunk would make the atmosphere more festive and party-like. It pays to avoid bright or strongly coloured lighting unless it is screened from neighbours and is an essential part of the atmosphere you are trying to create outside.
1. Extend your use of the garden Outdoor lighting significantly increases your enjoyment of the garden so it can be used or viewed at night as well as in day. Today, many people work long hours and only see their gardens after dark during the week. If your outdoor space is largely a night garden, then lighting is an essential ingredient, along with scented plants, outdoor heaters or fireplaces and comfy seating. Like paving and other in-built outdoor elements, lighting is best planned before a garden is built. You can install a comprehensive lighting system in an established garden but you may need a skilled tradesman or lighting designer to help. If you’re not sure where to position lights initially, get mains power cabling laid to a central location in the garden so you can install a 12-volt transformer in the future. Use key paths to locate conduit and wiring.
LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY DEBUNKED Diffuser Is a material that disperses or scatters light. It allows light to pass through while softening the beam from the source of the light. Illuminance Is the light that falls onto a surface. Luminance Is the light that we see, which is the light reflection from the surface. Luminare A complete light fixture. Lux The international standard unit for measuring light levels. Beam spread Measurement of the angle (narrow or wide) of a beam from a lamp with a reflector. Architectural lighting The term used for built-in, hard wired or direct-wired lighting fixtures. Portable fixture Lighting fixture that includes a cord and a plug.
Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd Save Email A NOTE ON THE POWER STRUGGLE The most important thing for you to think about is if daylight can provide most of the lighting requirements during the day. This is the healthiest type of light for us as humans, the best for the environment and it’s free! Luckily for everyone, advances in technology has given us options to reduce the amount of energy we use by using improved lighting sources, which allows us to refine how we use light.
To promote the feeling of warmth and comfort, go for a low-Kelvin. This works well in the lounge and the bedroom. Stick to either a warm or cool light in one single space. Try not to mix the two, as they don’t usually work well together, unless you plan on using the two separate lights at different times. Say you have an open plan setting where your kitchen and lounge are located next to each other; you may want a clean and cool light perfect for cooking in the kitchen in the afternoon – this could be applied through overhead lights. Then you may want a warm light that you can turn on when the kitchen is no longer being used, yet you may be entertaining in the lounge and need a nice ambience. This warm ambient light could be applied in recessed LED strip lighting underneath the cabinets. These two light sources with different temperatures would then be used at different times.
If you are trying to make a room feel brighter and fresher, stay away from yellow light (3000K) and go for something in the middle of the colour temperature spectrum, so a light that sits at about 5000K. This Kelvin works well in bathrooms, the study, the kitchen and the garage.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR A bulb’s colour ‘temperature’ (how warm/yellow or cool/white a light is) is measured in Kelvins. You will see this represented as a ‘K’ on light bulb packaging. The lower the colour temperature the more yellow the light, and the higher the temperature the more blue the light.
Bayview Design Group Australia Save Email LED’s will last 15,000 to 25,000 hours, compared to an incandescent light, which only lasts up to 1000. Again, not only are you saving money, but it is also much better for the environment. The ceiling slots used in this home provide a controlled and directional light, they accentuate the room and direct your eyes down the area, making it feel long and creating a lovely ambience. COMMON LIGHT TYPES: Electroluminescent panels, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic LEDs (OLEDs).
Sam Crawford Architects Save Email 3. Electroluminescent Produces electromagnetic radiation (usually visible light) in response to an electric current. This type of light is the most efficient, both cost wise and for the environment. LEDs are also very flexible, allowing you to choose anything between a cool and warm light (the temperature/colour of light is measured in Kelvins, which we will go into further detail below). You can even purchase LEDs that have the option to change colour and warmth via a remote!
2. Discharge Produces light by creating an electrical discharge through gas. This type of light is usually used at workplaces and shopping malls as they are cheap to buy and run. These lights usually last 13 times longer than incandescent lighting, but under long exposure this type of lighting can cause headaches, eye strain and anxiety/stress. The overhead light in this kitchen acts as task lighting, however the diffuser blends the steam of light down so it is not fully directional, creating more of a soft light.
DESIGNER TIP: The positioning of a decorative light is very important, so think carefully of where you will locate this fixture. Remember that is is going to be a stand out piece.
DESIGNER TIP: The positioning of a decorative light is very important, so think carefully of where you will locate this fixture. Remember that is is going to be a stand out piece.
Altereco Design Save Email 4. Decorative lighting Decorative lighting fixtures are used to draw attention to the fixtures themselves. The decorative lighting in this living room is the gorgeous pendant light that is featured above the dining room table. Notice that this light is not only decorative, but also acts as a task light and as an ambience light source (one light can have more than one function). This pendant light draws attention to the fixture itself, would provide light for the task of eating and also creates a great ambience in the room when the light is switched on
DESIGNER TIP: Accent lighting will only work if it is brighter than the ambient lighting. You must have at least three times more light directed on the focal point than the light around it, so that you are fully accentuating your chosen feature. This type of lighting should have ‘hard’ edged shadows so that it creates contrast and in turn a dramatic and outstanding effect.
Poliform Save Email 3. Accent lighting Accent lighting is used to highlight a particular area or feature within a room. Accent lighting deals with the architectural and design elements within your home. This form of lighting is what creates drama within a space. In this interior, the accent lighting comes in the form of a recessed ceiling light and accentuates the living rooms textured wall paper.
2. Task lighting Task lighting, also known as ‘directional’ lighting, focuses on illuminating a particular area for a specific task that needs to be carried out. You would use task lighting in your study, above the kitchen counter top, in the bathroom, in your wardrobe and anywhere that a task needs to be carried out. This study uses ambient lighting in the recessed halogen and a spot light lamp provides task lighting as it focuses on a particular area. This type of lighting is very crucial, as working under bad lighting is a risk to your wellbeing and physical health.
DESIGNER TIP: A good rule of thumb when using ambient lighting is that it must not create ‘sharp shadows’, and if you’re looking for the best way to create soothing background lighting, try a recessed ceiling light that can be controlled at different times with dimming switches.
Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd Save Email 1. Ambient lighting Ambient lighting, also known as ‘basic’ or ‘background’ lighting, is what provides an overall illumination so that people can comfortably navigate a space. This type of lighting is seen in this home through the recessed halogens and natural light.
The trick to using overhead recessed fixtures at the mirror is the distance from the mirror. The closer you get the fixture to the mirror, the better. If because of ceiling joists, your fixture ends up so far away from the mirror that the light center hits the counter edge, that's when you get those awful shadows. Side wall sconces plus recessed mirror grazing lighting is best in my experience
Sconces on large mirrors at the sink vanities now offer functional task lighting. Recessed cans on dimmers provide ambient light for whatever mood is desired. Dimmers are especially useful in the tub area, where relaxation and romance are priorities. Wall sconces offer additional ambient and decorative light.
Besch Design, Ltd. Save to Ideabook Email Photo Decorative Lighting This adds visual sparkle. Whitehead advises using a single pendant in a square-shaped bathroom for just the right touch.
Use damp-rated fixtures outdoors. Recessed lighting fixtures in eaves or verandas also need damp-location ratings. Any outdoor lighting that will be exposed to rain, water spray or snow requires a wet-location rating to prevent water from damaging the bulb inside the light.
Sullivan Design Studio Save to Ideabook Email Photo Mix up your lighting in the bathroom. Getting the lighting in bathrooms working effectively can be tricky. Usually a mix of several types of lighting will give the best result. Recessed lighting works well when illuminating the vanity area. Try using at least two gimbal downlights, fitted close to the mirror. Space them so that the light output from one overlaps the other's.
Christian Gladu Design Save to Ideabook Email Photo Create a focal point. Illuminating artwork with gimbal lights can create a focal point in a room. Gimbal fixtures rotate, revolve and swivel, so you can focus the light exactly where you want it. Tip: Gimbal lights are also perfect for task lighting. When installing a gimbal light above a reading spot, sit in the chair while the electrician positions the light to make sure your head and shoulders don't block the light.
Causa Design Group Save to Ideabook Email Photo Space your fixtures evenly. You now know your wattage and the number of can lights your room needs, but spacing them evenly is just as important. Measure at least 2 feet off all your walls onto the ceiling to start. Aim to divide your can lights around the room evenly and leave at least 2 feet between each fixture. Of course these are general guidelines, and you may need to do some tweaking depending on the space. Focus on balance and don't worry if you need to remove or add a can light to get it right.
Tip: When installing downlights in your kitchen, use a mix of wide-angle downlights for ambient lighting and narrow-beam downlights for task lighting over your stove, sink and counters. Determine the right number of fixtures. Once you have the total number of watts you'll need, divide it by the wattage of the bulb you'd like to use. This will give you the total number of recessed fixtures you'll need in that space. For example: If your room needs 510 watts of total light, and you want to use 60-watt bulbs (the average wattage of a can lightbulb), eight or nine bulbs should sufficiently light the space. Tip: LED downlights are growing in popularity as an alternative to halogen globes. But the wattage can be confusing on LED bulbs. For example, an LED with a wattage of 5 to 8 is equivalent to a halogen wattage of 40 to 60. Comparison details are typically marked on the packaging.
Find your total wattage. Here's a handy formula to figure out how much light your room needs: Multiply the length of the room by the width to find the total area. Multiply the area by 1.5; this is the total wattage you'll need to light the room.
This kitchen features several layers of light: The recessed cans provide overhead illumination, the pendant lights above the island illuminate the workspace and undercabinet area, and above-cabinet accent lighting gives the space a burst of savvy style.
7. Soften up an entrance The mood and ambience in the entrance to this home is created by diffusing light behind translucent panelled gates. Again, on arrival, a sense of anticipation is created. Ensure that the placement of the light source is well hidden so that you can’t see the light fitting, but only the glow of its light.
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