Friday, October 28, 2011
Make Your House Your Home - How London Interior Design Companies Work with Lighting Part I: The Universal Language of Light
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.
Understanding How Interior Design Companies Work: Lighting for Mood - Daypart Scene Designs
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
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
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
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
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.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
An Interior Design Company in London Reveals the Secrets of Outdoor Design - Schemes to Illuminate King-Sized Gardens
An Interior Design Company in London Reveals the Secrets of Outdoor Design
Schemes to Illuminate King-Sized Gardens
Similar to the situation with more cramped inner city London gardens, today's most prestigious London interior design companies will devise breathtaking exterior lighting concepts by initially writing out a ranking of the best attributes of your more spacious garden - whether city-style or rustic. By "attributes", we simply mean those segments or characteristics of your garden that are delightfully distinctive or attractive, and that can be transformed into a focal appoint with custom lighting design schemes. "Soft attributes" include growing wildlife - like vegetable patches, flowerbeds, and hedgerows. "Structural attributes"; are things like water features, cascades, amphoras or ornamental bridges.
An Interior Design Company in London Reveals the Secrets of Outdoor Design - Schemes to Illuminate King-Sized Gardens
With any large garden, the most critical caveat is knowing when enough is enough. Should your interior design company use lighting for the entire garden? Or would that make it look too much like a football pitch? If your residence is in central London, might the Neighbourhood Watch be concerned about safety and security implications if there is not enough light in your garden? Your London based professional interior design company with garden design expertise will keep all these issues in mind.
An Interior Design Company in London Reveals the Secrets of Outdoor Design - Schemes to Illuminate King-Sized Gardens
If your king-sized garden is in London or another UK urban centre, it can be astonishingly effective to throw some light along a thin metallic line in the ground, to allow guests and residents to easily find their way towards the carport and adjacent London streetscape. Alternatively, if your king-sized garden is in a rural area, your interior design company may use more nuclear and more modest lighting systems that allow the pastures and meadowland beyond to fade into black. The result is an atmosphere of understated mystique and obscurity. Many of London's best interior designers call this "strategic lighting".
An Interior Design Company in London Reveals the Secrets of Outdoor Design - Schemes to Illuminate King-Sized Gardens
King-size gardens often feature heaps of variety and interest. Your own expansive garden may well have elements like an orangery, an ornamental pond, or a miniature cascade water feature system. Your professional interior design company will probably suggest comfy weatherised solutions for residents and visitors alike to sit down, relax and enjoy your garden in every way. Some London based interior design companies have been known to recommend features such as hooded walkways that will keep residents dry as you walk from the mansion to a treasured garden centrepiece or a secondary building on your estate.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
London Interior Design Company
London Interior Design Company
Outdoor spaces are supposed to reflect personal characteristics and sentiments just as much as interiors. Interior design companies rely on garden lighting to reinterpret and reflect an indoor concept. A garden filled with meadowgrass and wild flowers will be more random and not as focused as a minimal design. This requires a more random stylistic effort on the part of the Interior Design Company, with modular illuminators that can be repositioned as blossoms fall and seasons shift. A London roof garden in the Japanese style may work well with focused illumination, perhaps to accentuate a water column. Formal lighting is best in these cases. In more urban London gardens, shrubs and bushes are often combined with architectural plants for stylistic purposes. In these cases, interior design companies will incorporate hidden up-lighters to great effect.London Interior Design Companies
London Interior Design Companies
In the same way that Interior Design Companies have experienced monumental transformations in recent decades, garden design has similarly evolved in myriad ways. Today’s modern London garden is often fairly urban - with minimal plant and flower arranging and more of a focus on landscapes and features. Your interior design company can specify computer controls for water systems like ponds, fountains and waterfalls to drown out the noise of busy London streets. The ability of water to reflect light will complement designs that bathe the side of a building in a soft warm glow, perhaps with well-lit steps and lighting from within bushes or rockeries. Some modern interior design companies will even offer the ability for the resident to modulate the light levels to build atmosphere, or to showcase different elements from summer to winter.London Interior Design Company
London Interior Design Company
Interior design companies that also specialise in lighting design can transform a simple garden into an outdoor room that will feel welcoming all year round. The aim is to focus on interesting elements - like a vine carrying blossoming flowers or a set of ornamental shrubbery boxes. Even London’s smallest gardens or roof terraces can enjoy a touch of magic when an Interior Design Company gets to work on a new scheme.All too often, Londoners will forget all about their garden at night. But a garden lighting concept envisioned by a professional interior design company will showcase a residence, generating engagement and animation inside, drawing the eye towards the windows and creating a sensation of openness. A garden should be enjoyed whatever the hour.
London Interior Design Companies
London Interior Design Companies
It was in the 1750s and onwards that interior design companies in England first began to think about how to incorporate Greco-Roman styles into their work. This movement was prompted in part by new ruins in Rome and exciting excavations in Pompeii. Interior design companies - especially some of London’s top names in design - had been busy working in the Rococo style. The new Greco-Roman interpretations counterbalanced the Rococo ornamentations, reflecting a more authentic vision of natural forms. This new style influence came to be known as the Neo-Classical. It is characterised by Palladian capitals, pediments and stonework. Marble features heavily. London Interior Design Companies today will often choose Neo-Classical furniture pieces for their firm, clean geometries and forms.London Interior Design Companies
London Interior Design Companies
Your interior design company can help you illuminate your garden fountain. Light can help bring focus to the fabulous properties of water, magnifying the twinkle of a modest garden nozzle or a grand and gushing waterfall. Qualified interior design companies will even show you how to create artificial moonshine that will cascade down through foliage. In London mansions, lighting is often used to celebrate outdoor entertainment, where it can transform a basic alfresco dinner into a summertime event to remember.Compelling garden illumination requires a tranquil harmony between what is lit and what is unlit. Some of the best London Interior Design Companies specialise in creating a wide range of atmospheres for your garden, from calm retreat to operatic excitement.