7 LIGHTING TRICKS USED BY INTERIOR DESIGNERS TO CREATE A COZY ATMOSPHERE
In terms of maximum use of space, atmosphere and character of the premises in the house - lighting can be one of the key elements. Brighter lights awaken and energize, prevent snooze, and where the lighting is softer, dimmer, create an oasis of rest, tranquility and relaxation. So, here are some tips on how to effectively design your lighting to make your home look more spacious and cozy.
1. Plan your lighting
If you start from scratch or remodel a room, create a brief lighting plan that discusses the basics. Think about what activities will be carried out in each room (eating, relaxing or working), the main features of the room you want to emphasize, and what architectural boundaries of lighting you may need to consider. Consider style, scale, and even color temperature - "warmer" or "cooler". Early planning reduces headaches and the likelihood of making last-minute decisions.
2. Combine different types of luminaires - "layer the lighting"
A multi-layered approach to lighting with different types and styles of light sources helps to make the most of every inch of the room. Combine light sources from different points (ceilings, walls, floors, stairs, shelves) to make the most of the room and visually control size and shape. When lighting a larger ceiling area with smaller spotlights, the room looks taller. Suspended luminaires of different sizes next to each other form clusters of high lighting, making large rooms look more cozy.
3. Make sure the lighting is useful
Consider what tasks you can perform in each room where lighting is most important and how it will help you do certain tasks. Food production requires more concentrated lighting, so bright, accent lighting that is directed exactly where cooking takes place is beneficial. This is how lighting is designed in cabinets and above stoves, and spotlights are attached to walls. For reading, flexible and directional lighting is focused on the area where reading is taking place. In makeup rooms, it is recommended to combine daylight lamps near and above the mirrors. And light intensity dimmers have long enjoyed the sympathy of many, because with their help it is possible to quickly change the lighting of the room, thus creating the desired atmosphere.
4. Carefully select the LED luminaire
The LED luminaires you choose should be more than just luminaires, just designed to shine. You should consider the following two things:
Color temperature. It is specified in kelvins (K) and this value determines what the light emitted by the luminaire will be: warm or cold. What atmosphere are you trying to create (e.g., a low light temperature is more like candlelight, while a higher one is more like a blue sky). There are usually 3 types of white light: "warm" white (2700 - 3000 K), daylight (3500 - 4500 K) and "cold" white (5000 - 6500 K). The former is usually recommended for home lighting, the latter for offices and supermarkets, and the latter for hospitals and outdoor lighting.
Energy efficiency. It is defined by lumens (lm), which describe the luminous flux and wattage of a luminaire (W). Previously, the most popular 100-watt incandescent bulbs emitted 1,750 lumens of light, a modern 100W LED luminaire of the same wattage now emits up to 11,000 lumens. It is easy to see that there is no better technology than LED in terms of light flux to power ratio. For example, to achieve the same luminous flux as a 100 W incandescent bulb, all you need to do is use an 18 W LED luminaire. It is worth choosing luminaires that emit the required luminous flux (lm) and at the same time have the lowest wattage (W).
5. Use accent or otherwise spot lights
Highlight and accentuate key areas or objects in the room. Hang mirrors on the walls and accent lights next to it, this will significantly expand the space and give the room sophistication and elegance. More about accent LED luminaires and their application possibilities in the previous article.
6. Show your guests that they are welcome
Large chandeliers above the dining table quickly bring everyone together and create a cozy atmosphere.
7. Less is more
Stick to one theme, colors, and materials that work for any home, especially when it comes to lighting. Too many different styles are confusing to the eyes and disturbing. Neutral, lighter shades expand the space, while darker shades create a sense of luxury. Stick to simplicity and consistency.