Make a difference with Great Lighting

Light is the first element of design, without it there is no colour, form or texture.  

-Thomas E Farin  

The right lighting in a building, whether residential or commercial can set the tone and completely affect how we experience a space. Rooms become alive when exceptional interiors or exteriors and intriguing well planned lighting are combined. Layering the various types of lighting in your space correctly lays the framework and provides interest while also being practical. Each type of lighting has unique properties to carry out their specific job and often types are interchanged to provide different desired effects. The good news is you can find the ideal products for your projects big and small at Blueprint Imports. 

Our attention is naturally drawn to illuminated surfaces and identifying these areas such as walls or other features will naturally act as a guide for the space while also creating cozy spots, contrasts and adding dimension and depth. A key factor for a successful lighting scheme is balancing light and shadow as well as determining how you use the space, what its purpose is and where has natural light.

The basic 4 types of lighting are: 

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is general lighting, indirectly providing standard, uniform illumination for the entire space. Ceiling mounts, downlights, wall mounted lights and track lights are typical examples of this type of lighting. It is the most utilized and foundational type of lighting design as it can be built upon layer by layer while providing ample luminance. Tips of the trade include aiming light towards walls and ceilings which makes an area seem larger and a clever consideration in your lighting scheme could be to use decorative lighting as part of your ambient lighting scheme in the form of a statement chandelier or tiered droplet pendants while offsetting it with other focused lighting in the space.

Task Lighting

While performing a task, whether working, cooking, reading or the like, your best-friend-type of lighting is task lighting. Undercabinet kitchen lighting falls into this category as well as does that essential extra light for expertly applying makeup in your bathroom. This higher level of focused illumination enables ease of task and can reduce eye strain among other issues. While they are primarily for practical purposes, new designs combine style with productivity eschewing the uninteresting lights of old.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is usually used to highlight a specific feature or collection, in essence, a focal point. These lights are typically brighter and provide more direct illumination for the chosen area, whether exterior or interior, downlit or uplit. Another more subtle example of accent lighting would be wall or upright sconces and ceiling cove lighting which can add transformative light to a room. Effective accent lighting thrives on the understatement of the light fixture yet focused emphasis of the highlighted object or area.

Decorative Lighting  

Decorative lighting is akin to those special pieces of jewelry in your collection, making a statement, beautifying the space while aiming and hopefully achieving the desired effect. Adorning the kitchen counter or reception desk with sleek and stunning pendant lights highlights both features, light and surface and always remember the power of dimmers! The beauty of decorative lighting is it can be a perfect multitasker, providing ambient, task and accent lighting to any area.

On trend this year seems to be lights that make a bold statement and are a focal point for your scheme. Changing and updating your lighting can immediately transform a previously tired scheme and can be a quick and easy yet stunning upgrade! Head over to Blueprint Imports and see the difference we can help you make.