Light Up Your Life

Published : 04/05/2009 | Author: Annelien Nolte | HOMEMAKERSonline

Lighting in your home is about more than choosing the best fancy chandelier for your foyer – it could have a huge impact on the look, feel, comfort, safety and functionality of your home. The correct application of light can make a small room seem bigger, make a cold room seem cosy and can add beauty and dramatic effect to any space during night time.

Lighting solutions for the kitchen

The kitchen can be described as both a ‘workshop’ and a cosy gathering place for friends and family, so applying the correct lighting concepts in this room is absolutely essential. A large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes will supply lots of well-diffused general lighting, but it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink or countertop. It might be a good idea to place a small fluorescent tube underneath your top kitchen cabinets if you have a counter top at the bottom to ensure maximum lighting when you are chopping and cutting on the counter. Having low-voltage mini-lights installed in your kitchen cupboards does not only look fantastic when the cupboard doors are see through, it also allows you to find the correct dish or glass in an instant. Having efficient lighting at the sink is very important – have an extra down-light, equipped with a fluorescent tube, installed or make use of a decorative pendant against the wall.

Lighting solutions for the bathroom

The bathroom can be used as a functional space, where makeup can be applied and shaving takes place, but it can also be a space used to unwind after a long day. In small bathrooms, mirror lights will illuminate the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture is needed for general lighting. It is very important that the ceiling light is equipped with a dimmer, so light can be adjusted according to your needs.
Also ensure that there is enough light above mirrors for make-up application and shaving. Installing additional sidelights can help to get rid of shadows. Also remember that only certain types of light bulbs and fittings are permitted in the bathroom, due to the damp atmosphere – always ask an expert to assist you when choosing a fitting or bulb for your bathroom.

Lighting solutions for the bedroom

An overall atmosphere of quiet relaxation is needed for the bedroom, but one must also keep in mind that you have to cater for reading and other activities as well. Ceiling fixtures are often used to provide general lighting and dimming controls give you the flexibility to vary the light to suit different moods and activities. Wall mounted light fixtures can be used to create additional light for reading or applying makeup, although freestanding bedside lamps or a fluorescent tube above your dressing table will also be suited for this task. Use track lights, which can be rotated, and aimed in any direction in your child’s room. Having low-voltage fluorescent tubes installed into walk-in-closets can also make your life easier in the long run.

Lighting solutions for the living room

This is one of the most difficult rooms to design a lighting plan for, because you will need to take the wide variety of activities that occur there into consideration. General lighting will be needed for entertaining purposes and watching television, but task lighting will be needed for reading and to enhance artwork, interesting architectural features. Dimming controls are ideal for the living room because they allow you to design the lighting to suit each mood and activity. Always keep in mind that the light fitting or chandelier should compliment the style and feel of your living room as it is an essential part of the décor in your home. A standing lamp can also be used to enhance light for activities such as reading – or it can be used on its own to create a cosy or romantic atmosphere.

Lighting solutions for outside areas

Because safety is a major concern in South Africa at the moment it is necessary to ensure that the area outside your home is well lit, so there are no dark corners for burglars to hide in. You can also use LED lighting which works well on garden spikes and illuminates the garden decoratively. There are a lot of environmentally friendly options when it comes to outdoor lighting concepts like sensor lights, which only comes on when it senses movement and timer lights, which only come on during the time you set it to. You also get solar lights for your garden and pathways. This lighting option needs no electricity or wiring and can supply you with light for up to eight hours. Each light is charged with solar energy from the sun and will automatically switch on and off.
Efficient outdoor lighting can enhance the beauty of your property, make your home safe and secure, and increases the number of pleasurable hours you spend outdoors.

Latest trends

According to Valerie Poyurs, Radiant’s general marketing manager, current international trends are geared towards enhancing and beautifying a space via decorative and mood lighting. “Crystal chandeliers are enjoying a great resurgence in popularity both locally and overseas,” says Poyurs. “The latest designs feature unusual combinations of crystals, transparent mirror-like fittings and chrome. Black, red and purple chandeliers are on-trend hot favourites.” She also notes that LED’s (or light-emitting diodes) are the future as far as lighting is concerned. LED’s are long-lasting sources of light that consume minimal energy. Dominating international lighting shows and stores, these lights were traditionally used for illumination purposes only and seldom, if ever, to create an ambience. But this is no longer the case. New technology has enabled functionality that allows LEDs to light up areas and simultaneously create special lighting effects.