Indoor LightingInterior lighting should be about more than just simple illumination. Any old light source can keep you from tripping over things in the dark, but only a carefully planned and expertly installed lighting design will make the most of your living spaces and help you create specific effects and moods. To learn a few basics of good interior lighting, we talked to an expert in the business.
Detroit native Greg Kay completed his training as a master electrician in the 1970s, and soon became a specialist in lighting roller discos. In 1983, Kay opened Tech Lighting, Chicago's first all-contemporary lighting showroom, and then sold the company in 2001 to open Lightology, which he considers the finest contemporary lighting showroom in the world. Here he offers some simple tips for indoor lighting design:
- Corner lights open up a space.
Think about the mood or effect you want to create with a lighting design. If you have a small entry area, for example, you'll want to use lights to make it feel more welcoming. Kay had a very small entry in his home, but was able to open up the space by putting lights in each corner, giving the illusion of a larger area.
- Show off your walls.
Walls can be lit many different ways, including using recessed lighting in the floor, or decorative sconces that point light upwards. If you have a wall of beautiful exposed brick, for example, you'll want to light that to show off the texture.
- Use downlight for pictures.
Artwork should generally be lit from above, using downward facing lights. Many specialty lights are available to install directly over photos and paintings.
- Consider room function.
Think about the use of the room. Is it a formal dining room where you'll be having meals? Is a sitting room where you will need light to read? Is it a media room where you need to keep TV screen glare to a minimum? The room's function will help you choose an appropriate lighting design.
- Discover all available tools.
Modern lighting goes far beyond the standard incandescent bulb. You can choose fiber optic lights, and even LED illumination. You can install dimmers, colored filters, or diffusing lenses. There are nearly limitless options to change the quality and mood of a room's lighting.
- Get what you want, and stay on budget.
When you find a lighting scheme that really works in a room, you'll be a lot happier with your home. Choose the lighting design that meets your budget, is practical for the room's use, and creates a mood that pleases you.
For more about lighting, check out the following:
Lightology
www.lightology.com | 
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