Planning for lighting the darker months of the year is often underestimated. Designing good lighting is as important as orientating your home to the sun and in ways you can be even more creative.
It’s like lighting a stage set, considering the mood for different activities and the space can completely change depending on the comfort of the lighting, whether it is to kick back and relax, entertain or clean. Good lighting design takes time and investment, it’s the fine tuning of space, it uplifts the practice of everyday life.
Working with the electrical team for the first fix is important, I do a walk through each room with the electrician marking all the sockets and switches and will take their input if needed . It’s important to get the position of pendants right, especially over dining tables and features. Another consideration is setting the height of plugs and switches and wall lights. There is a long list of other services that need a location from security, wi-fi, data points, thermostats, ventilation boosters, isolators, 2-way switches, electric blinds, external lights/sockets, sensors, drivers for led strips, earth rods etc. This needs design input and not an afterthought that you wish was in another location when installed.
I can advise clients on the best types of fittings and style for their unique home. There is so much choice on the market.
Integrating led lighting is a great option to provide concealed indirect lighting to a home. This approach can highlight architectural elements without blasting the space with the ‘big light’.
Indirect lighting adds to relaxation, especially if people are sensitive to glaring lights. This is my preference and I have used it very successfully in my own home.