Lighting Effects Creating Ambiance

LIGHTS: Light can define space , substance and style. Outdoors , with the shifting sun and atmospheric conditions , light and the shadows change the appearance of things natural and man made. But in the indoors , the play of natural and artificial lighting largely determine both function and decoration.

In homes , a careful selection of lights extends and enhances the aesthetics of interiors. Similarly for hotels , showrooms , museums , gardens , water bodies , individual lighting requirements are worked out. Artificial light falling from various angles and heights on different surfaces guide us to perceive various features and dimensions while creating a specific mood. With technological developments and the stress on precision lighting , a variety of lighting fixtures are readily available with options which offer manifold possibilities in terms of effect.

Every activity that takes place in the interior must have lights of the right kind , intensity and the right direction.

The eye prefers even lighting with the minimum of contrast between the brightness of the room surfaces and the lighting fixtures.

The eye works best when the work surface is more brightly lit then the surroundings.

The eye is stimulated by the contrast of tone and sparkle.

When room lighting change , color changes or disappear , thus objects become more or less important in the room.

Exposed structural ceiling are sometimes used to create a hi-tech image , as a stylistic alternative to the typical office interior.

There are three basic types of lighting which are categorized according to the intensity of the light used.

General lighting- It supplies an overall illumination in the area.

Task lighting – It supplies the required illumination for specific tasks such as reading , painting etc. It directs strong local illumination without high general illumination as required for activities carried in a particular area.

Accent lighting- It offers a decorative element to the area by highlighting the particular objects or features in the area. They are auxiliary to the general lighting and provide an added , and at times , dramatic dimensions to the scheme.

LIVING ROOM lighting : The living room is the core of domestic life. People decorate them according to their interest , but the one element that is common to all is the intangible style , which is not dictated by prevailing trends or large amounts of money. Here are some basics how to illuminate it properly.

	Establish an adequate general illumination level to reduce the accent light , brightness , contrast.
	Illuminate an entire wall with overhead fixtures to provide background for room furnishings.
	Feature window areas with the cosmic lighting. .
	Indirect light like that under a pelment or above a cabinet will supply soft uniform illumination.
	Use dimmers to program lighting moods.
	Play up with the architectural features like aala , niches , mantles etc.
	Highlight artwork and plants with individual lighting arrangements.
	Be sure that the floor , table and hanging fixtures have adequate shades to prevent glare.
	Plan adequate lighting to handle a variety of family activities like rack for display.
	Bar area could use incandescent light to play up sparkling glassware. Lighted shelves or fluorescent fixtures under the front edge of bar are effective.

DINING ROOM lighting : The decor of dining room depends upon the culture of the family. A dining room can change the style of eating. So one should be careful while playing with the lights to make the environment relax and easy.

	One must keep the visual emphasis off the ceiling and walls and on the décor of food and guests.
	Ceiling down lights should fall and focus primarily on dining room table surface.
	Candles and fuel lamps in decorative holders can add special touch to any meal. .
	Buffey or service areas and chinaware/silverware/crockery displays deserve special lighting emphasis.

KITCHEN lighting : Kitchen is a place where a lady spends her maximum time so it should have comfortable and fresh feeling. Today’s kitchens are far removed from the dark dingy spaces one saw earlier.

	General lighting for a kitchen should be well distributed , uniform and as shadow less as possible.
	Fluorescent fixtures reduce the energy demands without sacrificing illumination.
	Even if there is window in the kitchen , install down lighting over a sink for cloudy days or nights.
	Special lighting for key work areas can be installed in the ceiling or in the upper cabinets.
	Provide light for storage areas in pantry or wall cabinets overhead or shelf mounted brackets will do the job.

Interior Lighting Effects Creating Ambiance

Lighting Effects Creating Ambiance