Light; the power of life and illusion
Light. It’s a natural life source that we simply can’t live without. Even a house made of glass cannot guarantee sunny weather, which is why this weeks journal explores the importance of carefully considered lighting and its power of illusion...
Lighting paradoxically, defines reality and creates illusion.
When carefully considered, lighting can be used to illuminate our treasured belongings or create spaces which encourage conversation, all whilst improving our mood and nurturing our emotional well-being.
Our eyes, the gateways to our souls - are just that; an external sense tool for understanding and observing, with the ability to teach and develop our internal consciousness. They say ‘seeing is believing’, which as a sentiment is true; sight, of all our senses, contributes the most to our overall awareness. It's the easiest of our senses to understand as we block visual stimuli without conscious thought and so we react much more easily to it than the other senses such as scent or tactility.
Question time
Even a house made of glass cannot guarantee sunny weather which is why our in-house interior design experts, Rachel and Claire, sat down to explain in more detail the importance of carefully considered lighting and the power of illusion...
1.
Lighting within the home is often an afterthought. There’s tendency to think more about colour, furniture and accessories rather than the crucial element of lighting. Why does lighting deserve more attention?
Lighting plays a significant role in how the mood of a room is created. Soft, low-level-lighting creates depth and tranquility within a space whereas high-level, bright, task-lighting would create the opposite effect. Lighting as a stand-alone element can be a form of art whilst defining a space, it can be playful but also sophisticated. The light emitted is undeniably important but so too is the design of the fixture itself. There’s nothing more impressive than walking into a room where stunning lighting designs have been carefully incorporated to enhance the other elements of the scheme, that we perhaps interact with more via our other sensory levels. - Rachel Usher.
2.
Lighting is defined within three different types; AMBIENT, task, and accent. Could you explain the difference between these?
Think of Ambient lighting as a foundation, it creates the overall distribution of illumination within a space. Ambient lighting comes in various guises from contemporary pendant lights to simple downlights but consideration of the spaces size and the influence of natural light within it should always inform how this type of lighting is used. It’s essential that the lighting levels are balanced to create a comfortable environment.
Task lightings purpose is practicality however if harnessed correctly, it can transforms a space into something that’s both beautiful and practical - think lighting under kitchen cabinets or carefully considered pathway lighting.
Accent lighting is the final layer, used to highlight key elements within a space. Up or downlights can be used to showcase a sculpture, a piece of art or a feature wall - the possibilities are endless. - Claire West
3.
What’s more important, utilising light to define reality within a space or creating illusion within it?
It’s dependant on how a client intends to utilise their space but, more often than not, the two should exist in conjunction. A bathroom for example may require crisp, clean lighting for practicality, used as a tool to benefit the function of that room. In most cases the same space is also required for relaxing and to create the required atmosphere different light systems would need to co-exist. Combining both types of lighting allows for flexibility within the space depending on how and why the client is using the room. - Rachel Usher
4.
When an illusion of light is needed how is this achieved?
Light and space are two of the most important things that we look for in a space. As designers we’re often asked to create an ‘illusion' of light and space where the environment naturally lacks this benefit. We consider the various elements that make up a space and carefully introduce different components to enhance it. For example, the scale of a timber floor plank, a light paint colour palette that flows from the walls and ceilings into the woodwork, mirrors and strategically placed furniture and lighting - all of these components lead the eye calmly around a space, creating an illusion. - Claire West
5.
What should be considered when the aim is to create a comforting home environment?
Lighting should exist on different levels. Mostly importantly consideration of how natural light works and feels within a space should be made and used as a starting point. Natural light will, naturally, change depending upon the time of day but also the aspect of the windows and the seasons.
Like the rest of a design scheme, lighting should be considered in layers, it’s more interesting if light derives from different sources whilst also allowing us to customise the light used depending on how the space needs to function at different times.
A light sources colour is really important too as our eyes see colour as a refraction of light. On a personal level, I find warmer lights much more comfortable and natural, it’s the type of light you would find in a south-facing room and makes colours appear more yellow in hue. Creating a comforting environment does however really depend on the individual. - Rachel Usher.
6.
Why is considered lighting within commercial spaces so important?
Regardless of how beautiful an interior scheme is, if lighting has not been carefully considered the space will fail. Just like residential properties there are two fundamentals which need to be considered; form and function. Ambient and task lighting should be used to give an overall, practical illumination, designed to meet the needs of the space from a functional point of view, whether that be a workspace or a restaurant. Accent lighting should also be applied to reinforce the brands identity and to create the desired atmosphere. The style of light, its scale, positioning and the quantity used should all be mindfully considered. - Claire West
7.
Should lighting be harnessed uniquely depending the type of commercial space, for example restaurants and workspaces or should the emotional needs of the space be the main priority?
Lighting design is an art form in itself, on large residential and commercial schemes we would work closely with a lighting consultant to ensure the lighting is designed to meet the project requirements, both from a practical and emotive perspective. All spaces need emotive consideration, creating an atmosphere which relates to the service is paramount to its success, forming a space that people enjoy spending their time. - Claire West
8.
Can you think you of a residential or commercial project where the lighting design has had a significant impact on the emotive experience of the space?
On a recent project we have specified some architectural lighting, hidden into wall recesses and joinery details. The overall flow through the property has been connected with the hidden features and washes of light, emphasising the beauty of the interior architecture and creating a home that feels restful, contemporary and sophisticated. - Rachel Usher.
9.
How should outdoor lighting be approached?
Outside lighting can be considered from a number of perspectives; directional, architectural and accent, all of which require tones of light from multiple sources.
For properties with long sweeping driveways lighting can be utilised practically as a guide towards a property. Architectural lighting can be used to wash areas of a building in light, highlighting architectural features, defining its shape and form. Accent lighting is most often used to bring landscaped areas to life. Low-level lights which bathe trees and external features in a light glow can make the most out of an external space when it would otherwise be under the cover of darkness.
For commercial projects, well specified external lighting can make all the difference in how inviting or dramatic a venue appears and lighting choices should be a key consideration as part of the overall design; holistically considered. - Rachel Usher
10.
Which three lighting brands or designers are you particularly found of and why?
I still love the clean-lines deriving from Scandinavia so Normann Copenhagen and Vita Copenhagen are firm favourites of mine. I also love Northern Lighting’s Acorn Pendant by Atle Tveit - they’re installed in my kitchen at home and I LOVE them.
I will always support British brands where I can, I really respect how the self-taught Tom Dixon is progressing aesthetically; innovative, sculptural and yet always elegant. Another British company I love to work with is CTO, a company that allow us to customise fittings to our clients bespoke requirements. Sorry, I couldn't name just three… - Claire West
A conscious focus on tactile interiors
Simply looking at something often isn’t enough. Aesthetics are important but our curious nature often directs the most important of all our senses, touch...
Identifying if a space looks good is easy. Understanding why we feel positively connected to it is more complex...
As Humans we have evolved using the sensory stimulations we’re surrounded by and, more often than not, we subconsciously measure a space and define its value to us based on our emotive experience.
When we visually absorb textures our minds automatically lead us to thinking about how surfaces feel to touch. We make assumptions on what a texture may feel like based on memories of tactile surfaces we’ve made contact with before.
Our sensory stimulations can work for, or against us
Harnessing tactility within a space is integral in forming a comfortable environment; whether that be warm and relaxing or cool and light. When consideration for the touchy-feely elements are ignored the opposite occurs; creating a space you inhabit rather than experience.
Surface textures are a fundamental element within interior design as they form the visual temperature of a room. Smooth surfaces for example reflect light and provide a cooler, more open impression whereas raised textures, which absorb light, convey a sense of warmth and relaxation.
Look around and you’ll see tactile elements are applied in more places than you might think; walls, ceilings, flooring, furniture and even the exterior of a building all incompass textural components. Where we apply texture can change our perception of it; how light interacts with a surface and how closely we interact with it heavily influences our emotive response.
When selecting tactile elements it’s important to incorporate complementary textures, that play off of each others distinctions; creating a balanced environment. Rough surfaces for example can seem much more textured next to a smooth surface, which depending on the needs of the space; could work for or against you.
Carpet is another great example as naturally it reflects far less light than a hard-wooden floor so the furniture, wall coverings, lighting and accessories used alongside carpet flooring should incorporate smoother textures to provide much needed light. Naturally, the opposite applies for hard-wooden floors where softer components should be combined to create harmony within the space.
The tactility of natural materials provide countless benefits
The natural origin of wood makes it a warm and comforting material. Countries such as Norway, Canada and Denmark all utilise wood both within interior design and exterior architecture, taking advantage of the endless surface-texture possibilities wood can provide. These countries have also studied the effects of wood within our living environments extensively, some even recording a drop in blood pressure when used in health related spaces.
Natural stone is another material that offers a wide spectrum of choices in terms of textural aesthetics and holds the added benefits of durability, conducting heat and being naturally soundproof.
A successful interior should enhance the way you experience a space and reflect your individuality
It’s important that you’re able to fully visualise a project and as our reaction to texture is so incredible personal; it’s equally important that you’re able touch and interact with the textures we’ve hand selected for you. Carefully curating digital and textural style-boards are all part of the high-level service we provide at Rachel Usher Interior Design, whether we’re working with high-end residential homes or luxury commercial projects such as hospitality spaces and restaurants.
We’re passionate about creating considered interiors which reflect your individuality and enhance your interior experience. Our talented team have over 30 years experience and implement projects with a consistent level of devoted attention and detail; creating spaces which are more than somewhere you simply inhabit...
