Light up your life with designer lighting
Interior lighting has come a long way since I was a child. Back then we had a single ‘big’ light in the lounge or sitting room along with a smaller table lamp or reading lamp. In the kitchen was a single fluorescent tube and the bathroom was also illuminated by a single bulb. As far as I recall, the concept of garden lighting was non existent as spending time in the garden after dark was reserved for bonfire night and bonfire night only. In recent times however, garden, lounge and kitchen lighting has taken on a much more creative turn since the advent of up-lighters, down-lighters and accent lighting, all of which allow the artificial light inside and outside your home to suit or enhance your mood.
Ambient, or mood lighting as it is also commonly known has become an aspirational element in many homes, both inside and out with even the bathroom getting it’s fair share of mood lights. Whirlpool and spa baths have brought luxury and relaxation back in to the bathroom and bathroom lighting designers have been having a field day. In addition to task lights, being those above a sink,mirror or shower cubicle which allows for enhanced illumination where the ceiling light may not adequately reach, low energy LED lights are perfect for adding a touch of light giving and added area of interest to features such as the bath tub, shower tray or even shelving. Getting creative with your bathroom lighting scheme adds a whole new dimension to this part of the house where relaxation and pampering is something which should be enjoyed to the fullest extent.
Eye level kitchen units have been ubiquitous in our kitchens for many years, however placing kitchen lighting beneath the units to illuminate your worktops is a relatively new addition. Not only do they mean you’ll no longer be preparing food in your own shadow, they also provide a far more relaxing atmosphere should your kitchen also be your dining room. For those who think there is no place for ambient lights in the kitchen, think again as once you’ve dimmed the light and set the mood, you’ll never look back to the days when your kitchen lighting relied solely on the ‘big’ light for illumination.
The biggest leap forward in artificial home illumination in recent years must be in the garden. The ever growing popularity of decking has led to us spending much more time in our gardens and even after the sun has dropped, many of us prefer to stay outside, especially in the summer months. Garden lighting is far more than a single flood light illuminating the rear of your property, as this is far too bright to enjoy. Ideally you want low level lights which allows you to enjoy your garden in the hours of darkness, lights which allows you to see the steps of your decking or the path through your flower beds, lights which enhances your more sculptural plants, lights which doesn’t compete with a the starry expanse overhead.
By getting creative with your interior lights, be it lounge, kitchen or bathroom lighting your home will fell much cosier, far more romantic and a place you’ll look forward to returning to. By doing the same with your garden lighting you’ll spend more time outside, making your home feel larger and more extravagant then ever before.