With daylight saving now just a memory and cold, dull, winter days lying ahead, this is a good time to look at the lighting in your home and ask yourself whether you’re getting maximum effect, in terms of illumination and ambience.
In lighting as in so many other parts of life today, technology is bringing huge changes. While he didn’t actually invent electric light, Thomas Edison certainly did come up with the first viable, relatively long-lasting lightbulbs and today’s innovators continue to improve upon his discoveries.
Jake Henderson is an Auckland lighting designer at Firefly Light and Design in Devonport. He says that while some clients want all the smart features, such as the ability to turn lights on and close blinds via a smartphone app on the way home from work, others require a more simple strategy.
“There are so many options now — you just say what you need and we can make it happen.”
Start your property search
In terms of new advances, Henderson says that LED lighting is among the most exciting. “What can be achieved is honestly only limited by your imagination,” he says. “There’s even LED illuminated wallpaper, which I think is pretty amazing.”
LED (light-emitting diode) has been developed as an efficient, energy-saving alternative to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. LED bulbs last for over 50,000 hours, using around 85 per cent less electricity, which is quite a staggering difference.
LED lighting is now playing a big part in homes, integrated with other modern technology, including heating and security as well as state-of-the-art sound systems.
What’s more, operating these systems is no longer a case of flicking a switch.
These days, wireless lighting keypads are a style statement in themselves, coming in a range of colours and finishes, including matte and gloss.
The kitchen generally has the most comprehensive needs in terms of lighting and it goes without saying that task lighting is an integral element of your plan. You’ll probably find yourself using a combination of light sources, perhaps with a spectacular pendant as the main focal point, track lighting over the bench and island then soft, under-cabinet lighting to create atmosphere.
If you have cabinets with clear glass doors, or even open shelving for displaying attractive items such as glassware or crockery, consider installing lights above to illuminate your treasures. LED strip lighting is ideal for this purpose.
In the bathroom, there are lots of new options to consider and the days of a bare bulb hanging on a wire, from the ceiling, are well and truly over. Again, allowing for task lighting is your key to design success.
Shaving, cleaning your teeth and applying makeup and even putting contact lenses in, then taking them out, are all activities that require good lighting. Sconces either side of the mirror are one option, or lighting fixed to the wall above it can work well. You don’t want directly overhead lighting in this situation because it will probably be too harsh. LED strip lighting can be very effective in bathrooms too and an emerging trend is to set up-lights into the floor around the bath to illuminate it.
Always make sure that the lights in your bathroom can be dimmed according to the occasion.
Bedrooms also need multiple light sources — especially mood lighting, and a mix of central light bedside lamps and even floor lamps can be used in varied ways for different times of the day or even the year. A popular alternative to stand-alone bedside lamps at present, is to have a pendant light hanging above each bedside table.
Because we expect such versatility from our living areas these days there are many possible combinations when it comes to lighting and it very much depends on the style of home you live in, the amount of space you have to light up and even the age and stage of your family. In new homes, simple downlights can be sufficient for basic lighting while standing lights, wall sconces and even lights to highlight artwork, all combine to bring about a pleasant atmosphere.
In terms of materials trends in the lighting market, Jake Henderson says that while an industrial vibe is still popular with home owners, the edges have softened somewhat.
“We’re seeing a lot of organic materials such as leather, cane and even crocheted shades, which are all textures of nature. Raw metals like brass and copper are also coming through.”
Henderson says that the range of lighting that’s available these days is so extensive people can feel a bit overwhelmed. “That’s why lighting designers help them make the right choices and work closely with clients, finding out exactly what they need for their own home in terms of task lighting and overall effect.”
Top lighting tips
1. Lighting should be an early consideration when building or renovating, to allow space and access for the fittings you choose.
2. Gather ideas from other homes, shops and cafes, which often have innovative lighting schemes.
3. LED strip lighting on the floor between the bedroom and ensuite can make toilet trips safer at night.
4. Don’t forget garden lighting in winter because even bare trees have their own special beauty when they’re illuminated.
6. There are strict rules around bathroom lighting, in regard to safety, so always employ an electrician familiar with them.
7. Use ambient light rather than harsh overhead light in TV rooms and home offices to offset glare.
8. Use colourful lampshades to add pizazz to a dull corner.
9. Nothing looks better than a strong, statement light source above your dining table.
- New Zealand Herald
