Mood and lighting

Lighting serves different functions in different spaces.  As mentioned in the previous blog on color, we talked about how color impacts people’s moods and feelings.  Well, lighting does that too!

For example, you may frequently go downtown to the French restaurant you love so much because of the delicious fare and romantic atmosphere.   The feeling of romance is being created by a combination of elements including fancy white table clothes, lighting and music.  The different layers of lighting are also helping to create the mood with the intimate candlelight at your table as well as sparkle from the crystal chandelier above and the warm glow radiating from the delicate sconces on the wall.   

image credit: flickr

Now to change things up a bit, move ten yards to the back of the restaurant and you will find an atmosphere that is all together different.  Hustle and bustle create a kitchen where recessed and track lighting are a must to serve the functional needs of the kitchen staff.  The noise you find of dishes hitting the steel countertops and chefs screaming, “order up” pair with a space that needs its lighting to work just as hard.  

image credit: petrus london kitchen

It is important to understand one type of lighting fixture cannot satisfy all lighting requirements.  There are 5 different types of lighting  actually working at their best when paired together.  These include:

1-Ambient/general illumination- is soft illumination providing a comfortable amount of lighting without glare. Examples of ambient- recessed, wall mounted, chandeliers

2-Task lighting- i.e. for specific tasks including cooking, reading, doing homework. Examples of task- track lighting, recessed lighting, portable desk lamps

3-Accent lighting - brings drama into a room by creating visual interest- i.e. used to highlight art and other objects. Examples of accent- track, recessed, wall-mounted

4-Decorative lighting - used to create sparkle and a focal point . Examples of decorative- chandeliers, sconces, table lamps

5-Natural day lighting-  using floor to ceiling windows and skylights provide beautiful natural lighting during the day while you need to combine the above four for an effective lighting design in the evening

Contact NKB Design and Management to assist you with choosing the right lighting design for your next project.  We look forward to brightening your spaces!