Lighting design is the planning of a lighting system to achieve an optimal lighting effect in a given space. The process may include landscape lighting, exterior architectural lighting, improving the lighting in a specific room or area, or designing the lighting for an entire home remodel or new home build.
A competent lighting designer will be able to determine your lighting needs based on your tastes, décor, personal habits, use of space and budget. And he or she will be able to provide you with a custom, personalized lighting plan to meet those needs. Even if you only want to add a couple of lights as do-it-yourself project, you can still benefit from the specialized knowledge and advice of an expert.
A competent lighting designer will be able to determine your lighting needs based on your tastes, décor, personal habits, use of space and budget. And he or she will be able to provide you with a custom, personalized lighting plan to meet those needs. Even if you only want to add a couple of lights as do-it-yourself project, you can still benefit from the specialized knowledge and advice of an expert.
If you're undertaking a major home remodel or a new home build, then it is wise to search out a lighting designer that you're comfortable with during the early planning stages. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a home, inside and out, and a good lighting specialist will be able to offer you valuable, and innovative, ideas that may be incorporated into the structural design of your home. The other reason you want to incorporate a lighting designer into your plans early on is that every aspect of design, from electrical wiring to installing fixtures, is easier to do in the early stages of construction. Waiting to do your lighting until after the major building is finished will mean a lot more extensive work later on, and from a budgetary perspective, it will have a much bigger impact on your wallet too.
When it comes to designing lighting, there are several things that you, as a homeowner, should keep in mind before you hire out any major projects. Those include:
Natural light should be utilized whenever possible for a number of reasons. It's more economical and generally more pleasant. And, if you're in the middle of a major remodel or designing a new home, there are some stunning uses of natural light that can easily be incorporated into your overall architectural design.
Consider task lighting, accent lighting and ambient light. Task lighting focuses on specific work areas, such as countertops and tables. Accent lighting lights up areas of your home that you want to draw special attention to, such as architectural areas, artwork, and stairways. Ambient light refers to general lighting, such as lighting you'd find in general living areas and kitchens.
Recessed lighting is all the rage, and it works for just about any application you can think of. It can also be used as task, accent or ambient lighting, depending on the specific needs of the area. Track lighting is also popular these days, and it's especially effective when used to accent and bring focus to certain areas, architectural designs or artwork.
Look around and start paying attention to lighting solutions that you like and appreciate. Also, take note of lighting that you're not so keen on. When you sit down with your designer, you will be able to discuss what you like and what you don't. Finally, above all else, make sure your lighting plan is functional. Good lighting design isn't worth the money spent if it's more of a hassle to operate than it is to enjoy. A sound lighting plan is an investment that will pay off in satisfaction and convenience for years to come.
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