How Lighting Aids In Interior Design?
Lighting is one of the more crucial aspects to consider when designing the interiors of a space. Being an integral part of the interiors, interior designers focus on planning lighting in the very early stages of the project. Good and well-planned lighting can make an average interior look good and a good interior look absolutely great. No matter the amount of money that you spend on your interiors, lighting must always be given a very high priority.
Lighting also influences the way you feel about space on a conscious as well as a subconscious level. Many aspects of lighting such as color or brightness come into play to influence the way you feel. For example in the case of an office, a bright and evenly lit space makes people feel more energetic and positive. The same space if lit dimly or inadequately, can make occupants feel gloomy, depressed and generally unproductive.
Mood and Productivity
Well-planned and good quality lighting has a positive impact on both moods as well as productivity. This is as true in the case of a home as it is in the case of office space and the best interior designers in India always leverage good lighting to achieve a remarkable outcome. The aim of lighting in a home is to provide an atmosphere that is warm, inviting, productive, flexible and happy.
Broad Categories of Lighting
UIDC #1. Ambient Lighting – Ambient lighting can also be described as general lighting. The purpose of general lighting is to evenly illuminate the interior of a space. General lighting is planned by interior designers so as to ensure even spread of light across all surfaces of the room. This kind of lighting allows easy movement through space and allows for most general activities such as cleaning or working on a computer. Contrary to common perception, good ambient lighting is an ideal natural and artificial light mix. Ambient light can be provided by recessed ceiling lights, track lights, wall lights or cove lights or a combination of some of the above.
UIDC #2. Task Lighting – Task lighting can aid one in carrying out focused activities like reading and cooking in a residential setting or working on a laptop and writing a report in an office setting with comfort and ease. Many types of luminaries such as – sconces and track lights etc. can fulfill the requirement for task lighting. Task lighting can also be used to segregate spaces within a room.
UIDC #3. Accent Lighting – Accent lighting is used to highlight the architecture, design, or decor features of a home. A well-placed pendant over a dining room table, a spotlight on a tasteful piece of art, or a floor lamp that brings attention to a piece of furniture are all examples of accent lighting. When utilized properly, accent lighting can absolutely revolutionize your interior. Accent lighting helps the true colors and textures within a space to pop out, thereby enlivening it. Wall-mounted spotlights, downlights, track lights, etc., can bring about an interesting play of light and shadow in your interior spaces.
Lighting can affect your mood and even improve the perceived value and size of a space, which is why it is an essential element to any design scheme.