London's Top Interior Design Consultancies

DeLIGHTed by Design: How Interior Design Consultancies Use Lighting - The Planning Process


Interior design consultancies understand the richness of light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the fourth article in my series which I call "DeLIGHTed by Design," I continue to draw on my experience working with some of London's Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.


One London-based interior design consultancy that I admire has a saying that "a little forward planning goes a long way." It's absolutely true; professional interior design consultancies often try to think three-dimensionally and then focus on just a few foundational points in lighting design. First, the designer will assess the space to be lit, taking into account how the client will ultimately use it, its shape and size, and the emotional connection that is desired. The interior design consultancy will also evaluate the availability of natural light, which can sometimes be compromised in smaller London flats or offices. Next, the interior design consultancy will note the client's preferred colour scheme and furniture designs, whether modern, imaginative or traditional. Subsequently, the interior design consultancy will try to identify the most attractive feature, whether an architectural element, such as extravagant coving, or decorative, such as an historic objet d'art. In London, homes and offices sometimes feature awkward spaces or ill-designed structures; these may be best left unlit. Finally, interior design consultancies will assess any practical dilemmas, such as limited access to a ceiling fixture on account of electrical work from the floor above.


Different London interior design consultancies will design lighting schemes in different ways. There are no hard and fast rules, but it is often beneficial to divide the lighting design into several components. Each lighting type gives its own character to a space and should be adjustable from day to night. London can be very seasonable, and so tunable lighting systems are key to accommodate both sunny summer days and rainy winter evenings. Interior design consultancies will have experience with a variety of different needs; certain rooms may need just a couple of lighting types, while complex spaces may require upwards of four. Professional interior design consultancies will work collaboratively with the client to build up the lighting scheme slowly in order to create a melodious balance.


In this series "DeLIGHTed by Design," I will explain the three basic types of lighting.