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The Best Lighting Design Trends For 2010

If you only change one thing this year to improve the atmosphere in your home install dimmer switches! There are three different lighting effects in your home, all of which should be operated separately so the balance of light can be changed at the flick of a switch to create different mood. Firstly there is ambient lighting which provides the overall lighting (or background) this is provided mostly by the use of downlights, centre lights, table lamps and wall lights. Secondly there is task lighting which is for a specific purpose for example over kitchen worktops, reading, lighting stairs etc. Some of the possible options for this type of lighting is again downlights, lamps specifically for reading, leds maybe for highlighting stairs. Thirdly there is your accent lighting or feature lighting which adds interest and glamour to a space. This is lighting that you use to light a feature such as a painting or a sculpture or maybe even a stone wall.

Uplights and downlights

Uplights and downlights are your main tools and consequently the key to getting your lighting plan correct. Downlights are lights that are recessed partially or fully into the ceiling. Where the bulb is set back by approx 30mm this will provide maximum focus with minimum glare. Downlights serve well for all types of lighting effects. Uplights direct light at the ceiling, which reflects it back. Uplights can be set into the floor, they can be free standing lamps or they can be set into the wall.

Sources of light

The best source of light is low voltage, it is the closest thing to natural daylight you can find. It is totally suitable for a kitchen area where you need good light. The traditional tung-sten light bulb is still suitable for table lamps which give a nice warm glow. LEDs also serve a purpose and are becoming very popular set into decking or as a colour- changing striplight.

What to avoid

It is important not to think of an area as just one space. Think about what the space is used for and light it accordingly. Especially if the area is open plan it is a good idea to create walls of light and not to just uniformly have a row of lights because they fit symmetrically into the room. This can look very office like.

How to get it right

Plan out what your room is used for and what levels of light are needed. Again this is very important in an open plan environment such as a kitchen, living and dining area it is in effect three rooms you are lighting! Create layers of light always using dimmers where possible. It is possible to create different scenes in the same room suitable for different times of the day and for different uses such as watching the television or reading.

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