Lighting forms a key part of our interior design. It sets the mood for a space, so we need to get it right. Film directors, shops and hotels use light to create an ambiance; you can have the same.
Lighting design
To plan lighting for a decorative scheme, we first produce the floor plan, then superimpose an electrical and lighting overlay. This positions each light relative to the other features of the room. We then specify each lighting type, along with the switches and circuits. We’ve written further on this in our guidance on home electrical design.
Spotlights
Spotlights are recessed or surface-mounted. Recessed lights are used either to provide general lighting (with a broad cone of light), or to highlight features (with a narrow beam). Surface-mounted spotlights do similar, but have a wider range of movement for lighting up ceilings and other details.
Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting relates to table and floor-standing lamps, wall lights and stylish shades.
Table lamps
We introduce our clients to stunning table lamps. We have accounts with some elite lighting suppliers in the UK, and regularly review what’s new on the market. Look at this fantastic architectural table lamp – it’s not cheap but is a feature in itself.
Lampshades
Lighting effects are important whether you are considering a standard light fitting or a decorative light. Opaque materials will funnel cones of light above and below the shade with spectacular patterns thrown on the wall. Translucent shades will do similar but permit some light to permeate through the shade itself.
You can also introduce accent colours through fabrics like this hot pink shade with a black stand.
Floorstanding lamps
Elegant and practical, floorstanding lamps provide light over your shoulder when reading in an armchair.
Pendant lights
Common in UK households, a single, central pendant sends out a flat, depressing light. They are fine for practical purposes, but do not give a pleasing light. We plan pendants in clusters or in combination with other lights, each on a separate dimmer switch for flexibility.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers don’t need to be ostentatious or expensive; they feature in many of our designs.
Globe chandeliers are particularly useful in a hallway. They don’t hang down too far, so you won’t hit your head on them, and they surround the lamp (bulb) so you avoid being blinded when coming down the stairs.
Lighting colour (temperature) is also important – LED lamps come in a range of colours so you can achieve a warm white feel similar to the incandescent lamps of the past; or cool white to complement a cooler decorative scheme.
Wall lights
Wall lights provide interest. Many are decorative, but we also suggest paintable ceramic shades to blend in with the wall. In this case, it is the lighting effect that is important – not the light fitting itself.
Here is a pair of painted ceramic shades on the far wall of this bathroom.
Some areas are difficult to light such as beneath a glass ceiling. One solution is to fit cantilevered lights fixed to the nearest wall. They come with different reaches depending on the space.
Feature Lighting
We design accent lights to pick out interesting room features. Here we’ve illuminated this painting over the freestanding bath, and the bath itself with a pair of uplighters recessed into the floor.
Here, a plinth light makes this kitchen island appear to float.
Low level lighting provides a soothing ambience; this shower niche offers sympathetic light for night time visits to the bathroom.
… and here are some low level step lights to a cellar.
Alcove lighting
A great way to introduce feature lighting is from your alcoves. You can read more in our page on alcove lighting.
Below we designed and supplied this wall unit with built-in TV, again with integrated LED strip-lights
Wireless lighting
A wireless light switch is actually a radio transmitter with receiver to switch power to the fitting. Ideal for lights in awkward locations, they avoid the need to chase a cable all the way to a conventional switch.
Outdoor lighting
If you are the sort of person who enjoys summer evenings on the terrace, or a good barbeque, take the opportunity to install lights outdoors. You’ll want to see what you’re doing, but also create attractive pools of light around the garden and patio, picking out trees and other features.
Lighting
This page has shown a selection of our lighting designs for different situations. If we can be of help, you can read more of our interior design services.
