Creating with light

Introduction to Lighting

Creating with light

The role of a lighting designer is to enhance and amplify the architecture and design of a room, which allows for a wonderfully creative and varied approach.

As an architect or interior designer, you can often become known for one particular style. However, as a lighting designer, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of styles.

The challenge is finding solutions for a wide range of interiors, but this paves the way for a huge amount of creativity.

On the one hand, you could be designing the lighting for an ultra-modern kitchen and favouring sleek, in-built light sources.

On another project, you may be working in a traditional setting where you can play around with more decorative elements.

Planning your lighting scheme

Step 1

Analyse the interior to work out its style. This will give you an initial steer on the type of lighting to include.

Step 2

Take photos, and use a highlighter pen to mark where the obvious highlights are.

Step 3

Next, you can mark where the main focuses are, and the secondary focuses.

Step 4

Then you can think about how you're going to create the general ambient light.

Step 5

With your initial lighting areas in place, you should then consider the shadows these will create.

Step 6

Spend time adjusting the delicate balance between light and shadow to create the magic of lighting.

The emotions of lighting

I truly believe that lighting is emotive, and directly impacts how you feel.

If done badly, it can make a space feel uncomfortable, dull and lifeless. Done well, it has the power to lift your mood and make a room feel welcoming.