Creating Dramatic Effects in Your Interiors with Lighting

by jessica sa Digital Marketing Expert

From the warm afternoon sun to the magical moonlight to the flickering candlelight, we humans have grown to assign meanings to light levels around us. Connecting them to emotions to render scale and mood for spaces, we create functional places to live in.

effects.

With the below techniques, one can play with light to invoke emotions, set the ambience and enhance the functionality of spaces in luxury homes.

Hidden light source

It is not essential that the light source has to be seen to illuminate a space. Hiding the light source at an unseen vantage point gives emphasize to the architectural form of the structure along with adding a touch of mystery and depth to a space, especially smaller ones. When not knowing where the light comes from, we tend to come up with assumptions that extend the perception of space to integrate the light source outside of it. Go for a skylight, solar tube or a magnificent clerestory window to achieve the effect.

Irregular spacing

Following regular spacing or lighting on a grid is a common approach for even light levels or for working around framing. Try out irregular spacing to create a whimsical appeal and to invoke images of twinkling stars or the magical charm of lightning bugs. Small pools of lights in random pattern yet sparingly, brings about an informal appeal.

Dramatic Contrast

Bringing in a theatrical treatment to light creates unique emotions to space and establishes its importance, one which cannot be achieved with an even distribution of light. Employ high levels of contrast in a lighting scheme to infuse drama. Lights filtering from above adds a feeling of reverence and contemplation to space.

Daylight

Natural light should be the first and foremost choice for illuminating a space. The full-spectrum light containing equal parts of all wavelengths is what our senses are tuned to as we can intuitively differentiate changes in natural light and attribute them to time of day, weather and season. This abundant and free resource should be used to brighten and warm the spaces in our homes. Let more natural light into a space by adding openings high in a wall or roof. Do remember that the direction of the windows will influence the type of colouration of light and allows to prevent glare, heat build-up and harsh UV rays.

Rule of three

Employ a combination of lighting types in different proportions for a custom lighting concept which enhances the functionality and appeal of a space.

• Ambient lighting

The general illumination which sets the predominant light level in a space is ambient lighting. A major light source with complimenting light fixtures decide the mood and differentiate one space from another.

• Task lighting

It refers to a secondary light source which contributes to the ambient light. Pendant task lights hung above a particular area helps divide the space and makes it stand apart from the whole.

• Accent lighting

Contributing little to the entire space, it serves to accent a particular zone. A table lamp is an example of accent lighting. Layering it with the above two types helps create both light and dark places in a room.