46
HOW TO APPROACH A LIGHTING DESIGN BRIEF AND TOP TIPS
Marketa Rypacek Managing Director , Industville Ltd
1 . How do you first approach a lighting design brief ? What are the key considerations when working on a lighting design brief ?
All too often with interior design , the lighting is an afterthought , but it is important to do your research and invest in quality lighting . The material the lights are made from makes a big difference , so avoid plastic finishes as these will devalue the whole look of the interior . Choose handcrafted , high-quality fixtures that will bring an extra touch of luxury and add some texture to the space too .
To accomplish a warm , welcoming room , you need to embrace the whole range of lighting sources available , pendant lights , recessed lights , chandeliers , track lighting , tall floor lamps , small table lamps , wall sconces , under cabinet lighting , and other spot lighting . I always advise customers to vary the lighting in a room to create little pockets and pools of light . Consider task lighting such as a table lamp with a moveable head or an adjustable floor lamp to help with activities such as reading or working . Accent lighting can then be used to highlight a piece of artwork , plants or architectural features in the room .
Think about the function of the room and how you could enhance or compliment it . Would you like warm lighting to create a cosy environment in your bedroom , or a cooler gallery style lighting for kitchens and work rooms ? Would you like the lighting to wash the wall in a decorative fashion or do you need focused task lighting over a countertop or desk space ? In a kitchen for example , you will need to consider where you will be preparing food and cooking whereas in a bathroom , extra lighting for daily tasks such as applying makeup or shaving , will require additional thought . Different functions will demand different