Light is arguably the most influential force in our lives on how we perceive or connect to the world around us. This multifaceted, intangible and invisible medium is present in so many forms, both natural and artificial, which we live, communicate and celebrate in every day. It is capable of drastically changing our perceptions. The true power of it lies in its ability to influence us on a level that is felt and not seen. It is only when light is hitting an object does it become visible to the human eye. But as obvious as this may seem, light isn’t just a conduit for sight, it shapes our memories, our emotions and how we make sense of the world.
Understanding the power that light has on our emotional connection to any situation is extremely important when turning the focus to lighting an interior space. Light governs our mood and how we interact with a space; it manipulates our feelings and dictates our life patterns. Yet despite its significance, why is it that lighting is so often overlooked or unconsidered in the architectural world, especially if it has such a profound effect?
Using Lighting in Interior
Interior design is described as the art and science that enhances interior space, to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using it. The combination and integration of a variety of different materials make up any interior design. However, light and materials are inseparably connected and must work in harmony. Neither is visible until the two come together. It highlights, accentuates, draws focus and emphasises the contrast between them all.
In an interior, lighting is considered with its vast variation, that some options may work better depending on the purpose of space. Our goal is to create the perfect balance and relationship between light and interior. So, to do this, we must consider the vital aspects when creating the best possible scheme for you.
Layer Lighting: Using multiple sources of light creates a space which is more flexible and adjustable to the scenario. The freedom to function the room with the choice of lighting, as it is layered, is a great scenario when portraying a specific mood or ambience.
Many elements come into play. Task lighting is fixed and dedicated for a specific area which requires focus, depending on the event and activity. This is an excellent solution for the kitchen where you can install lighting into cabinets as it brightens your workspace. In a larger scale, statement lights aim to emphasise and bring awareness to an area or element which you’d like to enhance and raise attention. An efficient way to portray this is to use linear lights as it frames the space you’d like to focus.
For an equal distribution and to essentially light up the room, you may use many fixtures for your general lighting and do not have to stick to one option. Downlights and track fixtures are examples to illuminate the space, allowing a pleasant, comfortable effect in your property. You may also consider using either fixed downlights for the general wash of a room or adjustable downlights, allowing more flexibility and adaptability in lighting specific features or walls within the space.
Colour Temperatures
Once you have the desired lighting structure, we now must consider what colours to highlight and what atmosphere to create. Colour temperature is taken into consideration while choosing light for your desired room. Very warm whites that are 2700k would be ideal to accentuate any reds, oranges or brown tones from textures. It creates an inviting and calm atmosphere best for commercial/residential uses, pendant lights, table and floor lamps. A great representation of this would be in Casa Cruz where the 2400k Decostrip Mini Nova LED was used, demonstrating a soft, warm tone to highlight the restaurants copper colour and glow.
Cool whites would lie on the 5000k, creating a more vibrant and open space like natural whites and sunlight. This lighting design is vital for any rooms dedicated to focus. Office areas, garages basements and display rooms to name a few. If the area is mostly white with its furniture and flooring, it’s also good to consider that a whiter light may be more suited as demonstrated in this kitchen and living space.
The options do not end there. You may also implement lighting with the opportunity to alter colour, a fun solution for your living area or most commonly shown in bars and commercial spaces to convey a certain atmosphere. We love how Pho’s linear LED lights instantly alters this living space in South Kensington, allowing flexibility and freedom in adjusting to a certain ambience.
Importance of lighting
At Phos, we believe that light is the 4th dimension of architecture and the unsung hero of any design. We spend our lives immersed in ever-changing world of light. Yet, we tend only to notice the most pronounced effects of it and ignore the subtleties and value that light can have in its simplest form, which is often an interior space. Even the dullest of spaces can be improved by a well-considered lighting scheme.
As a continual gesture towards greater connectivity and deeper creativity, Phos aims to put the infinite possibilities of light in your hands. We aim to usher in not only a new awareness of the medium, but a new appreciation of how integral light is to any project. We believe the design visionaries of the world should know no boundaries in creating and transforming a space; we’re here to make sure they don’t have any.
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