Presenting

12 | Fannie Hillman + Associates lip a switch: for most of us, it's one of the first things we do each morning, and the last task each night— so common that one barely takes notice. Lighting, however, is as important to home design as color. The lighting in a room can change its mood entirely as well as its perceived size. Placement and type of lighting are crucial aspects of interior design, and they work in conjunction with color selections, room size, availability of natural light and furniture selection. It is important to recognize that lighting can make or break the ambiance of a room—high-beam LED lights will not work in a lounge area and soft, natural lighting just won't work in the study. Furthermore, without proper lighting, architectural elements cannot be appreciated to the fullest. The elements that come together when optimal lighting is achieved transform a room into a seamless sequence of functionality and style. FUNCTIONALITY Although lighting plays an important role in décor, our first consideration is still functionality. Lighting must serve a purpose; otherwise, it is simply a waste of electricity. Look into task-specific lighting when it comes to desks and other work areas where functionality outweighs the overall room illumination. COLOR MANAGEMENT Use of lighting can add or subtract from the overall colors of a room. Darker colors tend to make a room feel smaller and cramped, whereas illuminated walls do the opposite. The illusion of space is defined by light reflected off the surfaces of the walls. Consider the style of lighting to ensure the best directional F or luminescent type for each setting. For example, wall lights add length and size, visually, to an entryway hall, but more importantly, they light the way. DIRECTIONAL LIGHTING The lighting in a room can either provide illumination for the entire space, or it can highlight specific elements. Track lighting is a great example of positional lighting. Hung from the ceiling, the adjustable necks and lamps can be pointed at particular accents, such as a wall painting, an antique vase of fresh flowers on an entryway table, or the kitchen island. In some instances, special picture and mirror frames come with built-in lighting to highlight specific areas on a wall. Recessed lighting can be used in ceilings or floors to create vertical beams of light as opposed to an overall glow from central light fixtures that hang.

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