The need for light is universal and impacts the entire galaxy. Interior design companies often employ staff who understand this deeply. We are drawn to light like moths to a flame (or to cashmere). In London, we are revitalized by sunny days (too few, too few!) and we feel downcast when we see London's grey skies of autumn (too many!). Interior design companies often employ lighting design specialists. Some of these individuals will have studied the history of light - and they will know that light even connects us to ancient civilizations. From the Aztecs to the pharaohs, the sun ruled supreme as a light- and life-giving force .... and now interior design companies in London are taking this majesty and using it to enhance the homes of both Londoners and property owners across the world. Top interior design companies recognise that artists - from impressionists like Monet to more contemporary painters like Hockney - have been inspired by the quality of natural light and its effect on colour. In this two-part series on "How Interior Design Companies Work with Lighting" I will reflect on my experiences with lighting, working in London alongside the capital's top professionals at some of England's most prestigious interior design companies.
We can learn a great deal by observing light in the natural world and understanding its role in creating pattern, texture, colour and atmosphere. I often remind students who come to intern with me at my interior design company that, during the course of a London day, light will naturally assume myriad different forms. I remind them of the soft light of early morning, the strong contrast of shafts of bright light and sharp shadows at midday. I link this to the work of our interior design company as I speak of the dappled patterns of late afternoon and the rosy glow of a London summer evening. Light is constantly changing, from moment to moment and from latitude to latitude. The very best interior design companies recognise that natural light, in all its forms, can enrich our interior spaces, making them warm and welcoming or cool and contemplative. Indeed, at my interior design company, light serves as our ultimate inspiration when it comes to planning artificial lighting schemes that rely on modern light sources and fittings. Today, interior design companies try to emulate the infinite variety and contrast of natural light in our homes, filtering, directing and modulating lighting effects to create interiors that can be enjoyed by our clients every single day.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Showing posts with label Interior Design Companies London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interior Design Companies London. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2011
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood - Daypart Scene Designs
In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I draw on my experience working with many interior design companies in London to describe current best practices in this exciting area of design.
In my previous article (Lighting for Mood Part IV), I described the basics of pre-set lighting design. In this article I talk about a new movement, in use today by certain prestigious interior design companies in London: "daypart scene" lighting design.
As mentioned in my previous article, the interior design company will often present the client with a simple switch plate with just four buttons. In daypart scene lighting designs, an interior design company will designate each scene for use during a specific part of the day. Scene one is usually bright, to be used on a dull day to compensate for London's often-overcast skies. The interior design company will have adjusted most of the lights to full brightness and some of the very discreet effects of feature lighting, which only work when light levels are low, may even be programmed to ‘off'. Early evening often starts at 4pm in London during the winter- and this daypart is ideal for scene two, which features a slightly lower level of light. Interior design companies will select low voltage halogen beams for this scene, to give a crisp and fresh look to a room. Scene two's task lighting is left slightly higher, so that cooking can still take place in the kitchen, for example - perfect for London, as homeowners and staff often prepare for soiree guests to arrive at this time.
For entertaining, scene three is suitably atmospheric. The interior design company will have pre-programmed a dimmer general light setting and will have raised the level of feature lighting to increase the contrast. This can also be effective when the client's brief requires the interior design company to create dual-purpose rooms. For example, sometimes the kitchen needs to be transformed into a dining area (often the case in some smaller London flats), and lighting scene three can allow pots and pans to disappear into the background. For special occasions or after dinner, scene four can be more moody still, introducing a sense of cinema. Interior design companies will sometimes double-label scene four as an economy setting, providing night lights in a hallway for example.
This completes my series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood." I hope these articles have helped you understand how interior design companies in London can tailor lighting effects to suit and enhance our favourite moods.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
In my previous article (Lighting for Mood Part IV), I described the basics of pre-set lighting design. In this article I talk about a new movement, in use today by certain prestigious interior design companies in London: "daypart scene" lighting design.
As mentioned in my previous article, the interior design company will often present the client with a simple switch plate with just four buttons. In daypart scene lighting designs, an interior design company will designate each scene for use during a specific part of the day. Scene one is usually bright, to be used on a dull day to compensate for London's often-overcast skies. The interior design company will have adjusted most of the lights to full brightness and some of the very discreet effects of feature lighting, which only work when light levels are low, may even be programmed to ‘off'. Early evening often starts at 4pm in London during the winter- and this daypart is ideal for scene two, which features a slightly lower level of light. Interior design companies will select low voltage halogen beams for this scene, to give a crisp and fresh look to a room. Scene two's task lighting is left slightly higher, so that cooking can still take place in the kitchen, for example - perfect for London, as homeowners and staff often prepare for soiree guests to arrive at this time.
For entertaining, scene three is suitably atmospheric. The interior design company will have pre-programmed a dimmer general light setting and will have raised the level of feature lighting to increase the contrast. This can also be effective when the client's brief requires the interior design company to create dual-purpose rooms. For example, sometimes the kitchen needs to be transformed into a dining area (often the case in some smaller London flats), and lighting scene three can allow pots and pans to disappear into the background. For special occasions or after dinner, scene four can be more moody still, introducing a sense of cinema. Interior design companies will sometimes double-label scene four as an economy setting, providing night lights in a hallway for example.
This completes my series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood." I hope these articles have helped you understand how interior design companies in London can tailor lighting effects to suit and enhance our favourite moods.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood – Introducing Pre-Set Scenes
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood – Introducing Pre-Set Scenes
In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I draw on my experience working with some of London's top interior design companies to describe current best practices in this exciting area of design.
The power of light lies in its ability to transform a space, literally at the touch of a button. Most London interior design companies have expertise in exactly this area - and this is one of the many elements that distinguishes interior design from interior decoration. By focusing on what is to be seen, interior design companies can use light to screen out what is unseen, by leaving these areas in darkness. In recent years, the problem that Londoners have come up against is that to control individual effects with dimmers can result in numerous buttons and large unsightly control plates. A decade ago, interior design companies would dread having to create complex lighting designs. Each button had to be operated separately to achieve the desired mood, and proved tedious for clients all over London who simply wanted to re-create favourite combinations without fuss or hassle.
Today, London's top interior design companies are drawing on lessons learned from hotels and restaurants, where it is essential to create an exact mood each night. The solution is to pre-set the lighting, using dimmers that are located remotely. Interior design companies will adjust each type of lighting effect only once before programming it into the system for each setting. The interior design company will present the client with a simple switch plate, with just four buttons to represent four difference moods or scenes. An on/off button is also provided, and in some instances a 'raise and lower' button, which allows the scene to be fine-tuned further. Sometimes London interior design companies will even program in special effects on some of these buttons. For example, one button may add in a down-lighter that is focused on a decorative object or a trendy curtain treatment, perhaps evoking a London nightclub atmosphere. The interior design company will make it easy for the homeowner to orchestrate the desired mood, with a setting for every occasion.
n the next article in this series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will discuss daypart scenes - a new trend in London 's interior design community.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I draw on my experience working with some of London's top interior design companies to describe current best practices in this exciting area of design.
The power of light lies in its ability to transform a space, literally at the touch of a button. Most London interior design companies have expertise in exactly this area - and this is one of the many elements that distinguishes interior design from interior decoration. By focusing on what is to be seen, interior design companies can use light to screen out what is unseen, by leaving these areas in darkness. In recent years, the problem that Londoners have come up against is that to control individual effects with dimmers can result in numerous buttons and large unsightly control plates. A decade ago, interior design companies would dread having to create complex lighting designs. Each button had to be operated separately to achieve the desired mood, and proved tedious for clients all over London who simply wanted to re-create favourite combinations without fuss or hassle.
Today, London's top interior design companies are drawing on lessons learned from hotels and restaurants, where it is essential to create an exact mood each night. The solution is to pre-set the lighting, using dimmers that are located remotely. Interior design companies will adjust each type of lighting effect only once before programming it into the system for each setting. The interior design company will present the client with a simple switch plate, with just four buttons to represent four difference moods or scenes. An on/off button is also provided, and in some instances a 'raise and lower' button, which allows the scene to be fine-tuned further. Sometimes London interior design companies will even program in special effects on some of these buttons. For example, one button may add in a down-lighter that is focused on a decorative object or a trendy curtain treatment, perhaps evoking a London nightclub atmosphere. The interior design company will make it easy for the homeowner to orchestrate the desired mood, with a setting for every occasion.
n the next article in this series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will discuss daypart scenes - a new trend in London 's interior design community.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood – Dimmable Designs
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood – Dimmable Designs
Interior design companies understand the term "mood" to mean a barely-definable, abstract quality that makes us feel "in tune" with our surroundings. In London, lighting is often a critical part of an interior design company's toolbox in creating the perfect mood. In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I will draw on my experience working with many interior design companies in London to describe current best practices in this exciting area of design.
The principle way in which interior design companies will control lighting is by dimming the various levels in relation to each other. General lighting, whether in the form of table lamps, up-lights or down-lights, should be controlled separately from feature lighting - especially in older London residences where there is a danger of overloading electrical circuits. By day, relative contrasts are less marked, especially given London's rainy weather patterns. When general lighting is at its maximum strength, interior design companies try to make sure it achieves a fairly even light throughout a room. By night, interior design companies will try to create atmosphere and mood by including a feature to dim general lighting to a low level and raise feature lighting. For maximum effect, interior design companies will make sure the contrast between different light sources is high. Alternatively, some London clients request a soft, inviting light, similar to that produced by candlelight; under these circumstances, the interior design company must ensure that the contrast between feature and general lighting is less marked.
Every interior design company knows that mood and atmosphere are very subjective and impact how we feel. After a hectic day in a brightly lit London office, coming home to a softly lit environment can have a very calming effect, helping us to relax and reducing stress. Alternatively, interior design companies may be asked to create an energetic and dynamic atmosphere - perhaps for a new London nightclub or classy restaurant. This requires lighting that is more dramatic, creating positive areas of brightness and darkness. While light is the key to changing mood, professional interior design companies know that the right levels of contrast are the means to success, achieved by controlling each lighting effect individually.
In the next article in this series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will discuss pre-set scene lighting.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Interior design companies understand the term "mood" to mean a barely-definable, abstract quality that makes us feel "in tune" with our surroundings. In London, lighting is often a critical part of an interior design company's toolbox in creating the perfect mood. In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I will draw on my experience working with many interior design companies in London to describe current best practices in this exciting area of design.
The principle way in which interior design companies will control lighting is by dimming the various levels in relation to each other. General lighting, whether in the form of table lamps, up-lights or down-lights, should be controlled separately from feature lighting - especially in older London residences where there is a danger of overloading electrical circuits. By day, relative contrasts are less marked, especially given London's rainy weather patterns. When general lighting is at its maximum strength, interior design companies try to make sure it achieves a fairly even light throughout a room. By night, interior design companies will try to create atmosphere and mood by including a feature to dim general lighting to a low level and raise feature lighting. For maximum effect, interior design companies will make sure the contrast between different light sources is high. Alternatively, some London clients request a soft, inviting light, similar to that produced by candlelight; under these circumstances, the interior design company must ensure that the contrast between feature and general lighting is less marked.
Every interior design company knows that mood and atmosphere are very subjective and impact how we feel. After a hectic day in a brightly lit London office, coming home to a softly lit environment can have a very calming effect, helping us to relax and reducing stress. Alternatively, interior design companies may be asked to create an energetic and dynamic atmosphere - perhaps for a new London nightclub or classy restaurant. This requires lighting that is more dramatic, creating positive areas of brightness and darkness. While light is the key to changing mood, professional interior design companies know that the right levels of contrast are the means to success, achieved by controlling each lighting effect individually.
In the next article in this series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will discuss pre-set scene lighting.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood - Fine-Tuning
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood - Fine-Tuning
Interior design companies understand the term "mood" to mean a barely-definable, abstract quality that makes us feel "in tune" with our surroundings. In London, lighting is often a critical part of an interior design company's toolbox in creating the perfect mood. In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I will draw on my experience working with some of London's top interior design companies to describe current best practices in this exciting area of design.
Mood and atmosphere are the 'special effects' of any lighting scheme, but the subtle levels required can only be determined at the fine-tuning stage. Once the various layers of lighting have been selected, interior design companies focus on creating a balance that can produce visual harmony. This is especially important in London, where outdoor gloom can often make indoor spaces appear flat or dull. The approach used by interior design companies is similar to that involved with layering textures and fabrics when decorating. Uplighting may need to be combined with down-lighting, or table light with spotlight, in just the right proportions. Some interior design companies will employ specialist lighting consultants to advise and guide the process.
The requirements will vary from room to room. For a living room, London interior design companies often recommend table lamps for general lighting and to ensure that guests are seen in a soft and flattering light. These can be combined with low-voltage feature lights to illuminate artwork or favourite antiques. In a kitchen, interior design companies realise that lamps are not practical for general lighting. In newer London residences, hygiene and cleanliness are key selling points, and kitchens require non-porous washable surfaces. As a result, interior design companies will generally prefer to select down-lighters, wall-washing the front of the kitchen units, or up-lighters, which provide a soft indirect light. These light sources can be combined with under-cabinet lighting for task light and - particularly popular in London today - perhaps a pin-spot over a kitchen island for added focus.
Interior design companies will often be asked to redesign bathrooms and bedrooms, since these rooms will often confer the most added value in London's competitive property markets. Bathrooms require flexible lighting that is energizing in the morning and calming at night, with task lights for reading or around a mirror. In a bedroom, where there is less need for overall illumination, interior design companies love to make the bed itself the focus. One technique is to make the bed appear to float on a pool of light by installing rope-lights which can be subtly concealed under the bed platform.
In the next article in this series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will reveal the secrets of dimmable lighting.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Interior design companies understand the term "mood" to mean a barely-definable, abstract quality that makes us feel "in tune" with our surroundings. In London, lighting is often a critical part of an interior design company's toolbox in creating the perfect mood. In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I will draw on my experience working with some of London's top interior design companies to describe current best practices in this exciting area of design.
Mood and atmosphere are the 'special effects' of any lighting scheme, but the subtle levels required can only be determined at the fine-tuning stage. Once the various layers of lighting have been selected, interior design companies focus on creating a balance that can produce visual harmony. This is especially important in London, where outdoor gloom can often make indoor spaces appear flat or dull. The approach used by interior design companies is similar to that involved with layering textures and fabrics when decorating. Uplighting may need to be combined with down-lighting, or table light with spotlight, in just the right proportions. Some interior design companies will employ specialist lighting consultants to advise and guide the process.
The requirements will vary from room to room. For a living room, London interior design companies often recommend table lamps for general lighting and to ensure that guests are seen in a soft and flattering light. These can be combined with low-voltage feature lights to illuminate artwork or favourite antiques. In a kitchen, interior design companies realise that lamps are not practical for general lighting. In newer London residences, hygiene and cleanliness are key selling points, and kitchens require non-porous washable surfaces. As a result, interior design companies will generally prefer to select down-lighters, wall-washing the front of the kitchen units, or up-lighters, which provide a soft indirect light. These light sources can be combined with under-cabinet lighting for task light and - particularly popular in London today - perhaps a pin-spot over a kitchen island for added focus.
Interior design companies will often be asked to redesign bathrooms and bedrooms, since these rooms will often confer the most added value in London's competitive property markets. Bathrooms require flexible lighting that is energizing in the morning and calming at night, with task lights for reading or around a mirror. In a bedroom, where there is less need for overall illumination, interior design companies love to make the bed itself the focus. One technique is to make the bed appear to float on a pool of light by installing rope-lights which can be subtly concealed under the bed platform.
In the next article in this series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will reveal the secrets of dimmable lighting.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood - Introduction
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood - Introduction
Interior design companies understand the term "mood" to mean a barely-definable, abstract quality that makes us feel "in tune" with our surroundings. In London, many interior design companies will focus on lighting, more than any other element, because it allows the design team to manipulate the way rooms look and feel. London has so many lighting boutiques and showrooms that it is often no problem to find exactly the right light fixture or effect to meet any interior design need. In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I will draw on my experience working with many interior design companies in London to describe some best practices in this exciting area of design.
Light is all-important. For example, if an interior design company has a brief to create a room in which guests will feel relaxed, light can achieve this. Alternatively, if the client desires a space that is exciting and stimulating, then light will make it happen. Light reflects the way we choose to live, and professional interior design companies can even use it to change a mood from morning to evening.
Most rooms today have several different functions, and this is especially true in some smaller and more modern London residences, which tend to tighter and more compact. Lighting can enable these types of spaces to meet multiple needs more effectively. For example, an interior design company may be asked to turn a working kitchen, with practical task lighting for cooking, into an intimate super venue. Alternatively, a London client may request that a child-friendly play area be turned into a sophisticated living space by night. Light holds the key to these types of stunning transformations, and professional interior design companies have all sorts of tips and tricks on how to achieve the desired effects.
In the next article in my series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will go into detail on different types of rooms and I'll reveal how London's top designers will fine-tune lighting approaches to achieve stunning results.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
Interior design companies understand the term "mood" to mean a barely-definable, abstract quality that makes us feel "in tune" with our surroundings. In London, many interior design companies will focus on lighting, more than any other element, because it allows the design team to manipulate the way rooms look and feel. London has so many lighting boutiques and showrooms that it is often no problem to find exactly the right light fixture or effect to meet any interior design need. In this series which I call "Lighting for Mood," I will draw on my experience working with many interior design companies in London to describe some best practices in this exciting area of design.
Light is all-important. For example, if an interior design company has a brief to create a room in which guests will feel relaxed, light can achieve this. Alternatively, if the client desires a space that is exciting and stimulating, then light will make it happen. Light reflects the way we choose to live, and professional interior design companies can even use it to change a mood from morning to evening.
Most rooms today have several different functions, and this is especially true in some smaller and more modern London residences, which tend to tighter and more compact. Lighting can enable these types of spaces to meet multiple needs more effectively. For example, an interior design company may be asked to turn a working kitchen, with practical task lighting for cooking, into an intimate super venue. Alternatively, a London client may request that a child-friendly play area be turned into a sophisticated living space by night. Light holds the key to these types of stunning transformations, and professional interior design companies have all sorts of tips and tricks on how to achieve the desired effects.
In the next article in my series on "Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood," I will go into detail on different types of rooms and I'll reveal how London's top designers will fine-tune lighting approaches to achieve stunning results.
Interior Design London - Global Interior Design Consultancy Company in London, UK for interior design services.
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