Good Custom Lighting

Good custom lighting will highlight objects or areas by offering contrast and putting illumination where the sources of light can't readily be seen. There are three places that need great task illumination. The food prep area, areas where most of the reading takes place and grooming areas.

The concept of custom design has to do with expressing our ideas and needs, but more importantly about selecting materials that will compliment the decor.

Cabinets and shelves create dark cavities that can take away from the clean feel of the room. Undercounter fixtures illuminate these areas creating a visual interest and a sense of spaciousness. It can also highlight objects of interest. Indirect illumination over cabinets or in architectural coves not only increases the sense of spaciousness, it will add drama and warmth to the area. It will dramatize ceiling height by opening up the over head spaces in the room. Be sure to place the fixture above the cabinets close to the front edge of cabinet, this will eliminate the shadowing effects of displayed items.

A dark countertop and backsplash will absorb light from undercabinet fixtures and diminish the appearance of the counter being illuminated. For high gloss countertops and backsplashes, the fixture should be placed at the front edge of the cabinet to minimze glare reflecting back into the eyes of anyone working at the counter. Keep in mind that shiny dark surfaces act like a mirror and will reflect any source of light that is placed above them.

Using wall sconce and pendant accents adds ambience while keeping the room lit when overhead fixtures are turned off. Over island or bar areas will give a more focused illumination, but can also give an ambient feeling to your room. Wall sconces can be an attractive accent on a smaller wall area giving added illumination when needed. Adding style in places normally thought of as minimal, making personal spaces more unique and well lit. Illuminating walls with smaller beams helps to create an overall atmosphere of quiet relaxation and will visually expand the area.

By illuminating an architectural cove that has a dark wood paneled ceiling is much less impressive and dramatic than illuminating a white ceiling. By allowing for increased levels of illumination can partially offset light absorption of dark surfaces.

Whenever possible adding wall sconces or other indirect illumination will help eliminate unnatural shadows. It is not a good idea to put recess fixtures over sitting areas. Add wall sconces or a wall hanging with a picture lamp. This will offer contrast and illuminate the area effectively by accenting the areas of value.

Accent Lighting can provide a more interesting visual appearance. Emphasizing focal points to add visual interest. It can enhance the richness of natural wood and highlight centerpieces or an object of interest. Accenting should be at least three times as bright as surrounding areas. A more dramatic accent requires contrast of five to one or greater. By brightly illuminating objects at the end of a hallway or great room creates a dramatic focal point.

Using control products and dimmers not only cutomize for architectural designs but tailors to site specific needs. They can work virtually every type of illumination. It helps give you a laying effects, by accenting specific areas. There should be three levels of illumination, general, task and ambience. Dimmers will help achieve all three of these needs.

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