Whether you just want a fresh new look or are planning to sell, it’s worth remembering that the most simple and effective way to transform your home’s appearance isn’t through paint, fabric or furniture, it’s through the control of light.
That’s the view of dozens of experts gathered together in ‘The Book of Light’, from pioneering light control company Lutron.
Lutron invited experts from the fields of design, architecture and entertainment, to submit their insights as to how to use the simple, yet under-exploited, medium of lighting and light control.
The resulting book – soon to be made available as a limited edition hardback, (or to view free now online)– features contributions from luminaries such as renowned Architect Alex Michaelis and Lee Prince, Lighting Designer of the Year in 2009.
There are some great tips from both them and Lutron. Here’s the top ten:
- 1. By getting into the mindset of designing with light – as you do with paint and fabric, as well as colour and texture, you can dramatically change the atmosphere in a room or home. It just takes imagination and the use of appropriate technology – whether it’s a lighting system, individual dimmers or, simply, the type of light/lamp you choose.
- 2. Remember, lighting should draw attention to what you are lighting, not to the lighting itself – this is probably one of people’s most common mistakes.
- 3. Don’t be fooled into thinking that ‘dark = moody’ – get it wrong and it can simply look depressing.
- 4. There’s no need to just rely on one central light fitting in the home – instead highlight and spotlight favourite features in a room by using a mix of lighting fixtures.
- 5. Don’t intrude too much on traditional lighting in period properties or more formal rooms – a few occasional lamps can work very well.
- 6. Dimmers make all the difference to the ambience in a room. Instead of basic ‘on/off’ lighting, using a dimmer means the level of lighting can easily be matched to mood and activity.
- 7. With Lutron, you can dim all the lights in your home with the touch of a button – and by using its remote control dimmers, you can instantly alter the levels of light without moving from your sofa.
- 8. Table lamps can add subtle accents to a room’s lighting, as well as providing a comfortable and convenient level of light next to a favourite chair or bedside.
- 9. Dimming extends a light bulb’s life, making some bulbs last up to 10x longer than when used at full power.
- 10. Lighting can account for up to 20% of a household’s yearly electricity bill, so the effective control of it through dimmers and lighting systems can not only lighten the mood, but save cash.
For more general lighting advice and to see Lutron products, please visit the website. To view the
Lutron Book of Light online click here.
Tel: (020) 7702 0657.