A Well Lit Interior

Lighting is one of the most important considerations in your home. It sets the scene for experiences and emotional responses. When done incorrectly it can lead to eye-strain, fatigue, headaches and stress. When done correctly it can facilitate daily tasks, highlight architectural features in your home, expand spaces or create an intimate environment. There are 3 main types of lighting that should be considered in every environment – Ambient, Task and Accent. Lets break down these layers and show you some of our favorite examples of how to accomplish them in your home.

GENERALLY SPEAKING

Ambient Lighting is commonly referred to as general lighting. As the base layer of lighting it provides a blanket of overall illumination in a space, and is essential to any lighting plan. Its main function is to provide adequate lighting for visibility and safety to navigate throughout an area. In some cases it serves as the only light source, such as a laundry room or closet. Examples include recessed and track lighting, wall sconces and chandeliers.living room and breakfast room inteirors

THE TASK AT HAND

Task Lighting is a smaller, more concentrated light used to illuminate specific areas where a more intensive and directed light source is required. Island pendants, undercabinet lighting and a well placed desk lamp are the most common applications of task lighting. LED lighting on stairs

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVES

Accent Lighting is used to highlight a specific object. It evokes feelings of meaning, creates drama and conveys importance of the object it illuminates. Most commonly it washes light over artwork and sculptures, bookcase displays and highlights architectural features in a home.paneled library with accent lighting

Hopefully this will shed some light on one of the most commonly overlooked aspect of interiors. We would love to see how you have incorporated lighting in your own spaces. Feel free to share!