5 Tips for Contemporary Lighting Design
Lighting is a pivotal part of the design. It is first and foremost a functional part of interior design. It needs to allow for occupants of a space to be able to see clearly. But, contemporary lighting design is also an art form. Lighting can create or enhance ambience in a room, which can further improve the overall design of the space. In this guide, we’ve highlighted the key points to consider when designing the lighting of a space, to suit an overall contemporary design style.
Types of Light
Contemporary lighting design takes careful consideration and planning. Deciding on the use of natural and artificial light considers the amount of light provided by windows or skylights, which depends on the time of day, and seasons.
Artificial light can be controlled and manipulated to suit a space, for functionality and aesthetics. The following are points to consider when designing the lighting of a space:
General lighting: Lighting that illuminates the entire space, either from a ceiling lamp or a single pendant would be considered general lighting
Task lighting: A reading lamp, placed on a desk, or table would be an example of a task light, as it would be used for a specific purpose.
Ambient lighting: As the name suggests, ambient lighting enhances the atmosphere of the room. Characterised by soft or indirect light, this type of lighting can add drama and intrigue to a space, or create a space to feel relaxed.
Mood lighting: Playing with light and shadow, mood lighting can often be achieved with table and wall lamps.
Accent lighting: If you have an artwork or perhaps a section of a room that you’d like to highlight accent lighting can be used to draw attention to that specific point in the room.
Planning Lighting Design
Lighting is everything in the realm of interior design. How light falls on objects can create texture, and warmth, or bring a cool temperature to a space. There are different styles and approaches to lighting, that align with interior design styles, like minimalism. Below, we’ve looked at what makes contemporary lighting design just that – contemporary.
Room-by-Room Lighting
Lighting for each room in the house should be designed according to that room’s various functions, as well as ambience and mood.
Layering lighting can create contrast, colour, and texture and enhance and highlight elements of the space. Typically, layering consists of ambient, accent and task lighting.
Ambient lighting will be the base layer of light in the space, providing general and overall light. Next, accent lighting adds contrast and style to a space, highlighting elements, casting shadows and adding depth to objects. Finally, task lighting is used for a specific activity in a space, for example, reading, writing or eating. Under cabinet lighting in a kitchen, table lamps or track lights are examples of task lighting.
Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
The colour and temperature of light can impact how a space feels. Cool light suits functional spaces. Cool, blue lights promote concentration levels, so it suits workspaces very well. Adversely, warm light promotes relaxation, creates warmth in space and suits recreational spaces well.
Incorporating Contemporary Lighting Design into Different Spaces
Regardless of whether the space you’re designing for is modern or traditional, incorporating contemporary lighting design can and should always complement the aesthetic. You can choose to go for a statement piece, like a dramatic chandelier, or you can incorporate several fixtures, through accent and general lights. Contemporary lighting can embody timeless elegance, bring bold and quirky energy to a space, or be inspired by the ancient practice of alchemy, like the new Lee Broom collection, so don’t be afraid to bring in something that reflects your style. If you like colour, a bold table lamp could be added to your space, or if you’re partial to drama, an eye-catching suspension lamp could be the piece your space needs.