homes
plan areas we’re seeing at the moment however, all five layers are sometimes interconnected, not only through a sound dimming system but also often through surfaces. An expanse of cupboard doors lends itself to wall washing for example, which can provide general light in a kitchen by using the wall as a reflector. It can be equally effective in a bedroom with fitted wardrobe doors. When arranged on a separate switch, wall washing can also act as atmospheric feature lighting. Up lighters provide a soft, general light that is flattering to dinner guests, while also helping to add height to a space. Up lighting at its best would be flattering an object d'art as its main purpose, while its spill light is taken by the ceiling. Used wisely, a single set of lighting can have a double function. For example, as daylight fades casting a blue hue, supplementary kitchen lighting is provided by localised under cabinet task lights, essential in order to avoid working in one’s own shadow. At night they also help to provide mood lighting. Task lighting a counter can be as appropriate for a vanity unit in a bathroom as it is for a kitchen work surface. Used above a basin, task lighting gives glamour and sparkle to a marble surface and chrome fittings but is useless for facial lighting, as shadows are accentuated. By introducing side lighting either from decorative fixtures or reflected light, unflattering downward light is counteracted.
In bathrooms, an option for mirror lighting is to use indirect light behind the mirror itself. This creates the effect of a “frame of light” which, when reflecting off a white surface background, produces a flattering facial light. In a living room, an alternative to lamps is under shelf lighting, concealed for example by a cantilevered shelf to create a floating effect. Lighting underneath furniture gives added depth and an illusion of increased surface area. The thought of lighting underneath the bathroom basin may sound strange but works very well. Last but not least are the finishing touches. After the lighting layers have been built up and the installation is finely working, the lighting designer turns focus on decorative light fixtures, which play an important part of the whole decorative attire. They can provide light at any height from overhead to low level. Lanterns should always be used with dimmers and never at full strength, as the light needs to be softened. The use of clear lamps rather than frosted ones will add sparkle. Shaded sources, such as table lamps and standard lamps, look better with frosted lamps as they are used with soft, flattering, general light. In addition, if you use a clear lamp ‘bulb’ with a shaded lamp you will see the shadow of the shade carrier on the ceiling, so again a frosted lamp is preferable. Always keep in mind that each interior requires a different look, so select the appropriate fixture in each!
Olivia Ann Calleja is a lighting and interior designer who has worked on numerous projects locally, handling lighting and interior design services for residential and commercial units. She studied Lighting Design at University College in London and at the Institute of Lighting Engineers in Birmingham, and Interior Design at KLC School of Design in Chelsea.
March 2013 Issue 39 vida.com.mt
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