Why Have Lighting In Your Home?
Guest Post by Nathanael Washam, Lighting Designer with Luminous NW I have to warn you that the title is a trick question: the most common answer is technically true, but the real answer is much deeper and more mysterious. The easy answer is that we have lighting in our homes to allow us to see. We use it to be aware of and recognize objects so we can successfully pour a cup of coffee, take a guest's coat, or walk down stairs. WHICH IS GREAT. Without electric lighting in our home, we would essentially be blind from dusk to dawn. Being able to see is a wonderful gift that lighting enables us to use. But being able to see is only 20% of what lighting does in our homes. The other 80% is sending us subliminal messages on how to feel. Every second, your brain is gathering visual information from your surroundings to regulate body temperature, blood pressure, muscle tension, alertness, and a host of other physiological aspects of "wellbeing". Your brain is also connecting the quality of the light around you to memories of similar lighting experiences and how you felt back then. The angle of light, its intensity, its specific color of "white", and what it is falling on and reflecting off of all combine to create the mood and atmosphere of a room. And don't pass this off as "is it pretty or not". Though you may never attribute it to lighting, there are levels of discomfort, irritability, insecurity, and distraction that are caused solely by where and what type of lighting fixtures you have in a space. Through the study of light and it's affect on humans, you can consistently achieve the more-desireable opposites of the above by designing your lighting. I tell my clients that working with me will help them laugh more in the family room, enjoy food better in the dining room, and sleep more soundly in their bedrooms. More and more research is proving me right, but don't just take science's word for it: go into a nice restaurant and imagine trying to get work done in that lighting. Or, go into an office cubicle-land and imagine eating a family dinner that way. Lighting is such a powerful force in our homes, either to our benefit or to our detriment. Which side are YOUR lights on? Nathanael Washam is a lighting designer with Luminous NW. To learn more about his work, you can visit his website at luminousnw.com.
Making a great first impression
The entryway sets the tone for your house’s design, mood, and guest experience. This space should reflect your style and personality while creating a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you have a grand foyer or a small apartment nook, these key design elements will help make the most of your entryway. The Front Door The front door can often be overlooked, but it is the first point of contact for your guests. If you are a home-owner choose a bold paint color to create an eye-catching focal point in the exterior and interior. Current color trends: Lime Green, Charcoal Gray, Classic Red. Not a fan of bold colors? Unique door hardware is a great way to make a tangible first impression as guests enter your home. If you rent and aren’t allowed to alter your door, an entry mat with a bold pattern or texture will set your unit apart from all the rest. Clean & Clutter Free! Proper storage in your entry will help you make an organized first impression. A large entry is perfect for built-in storage: closets, cubbies, or even a separate mud-room to keep the dirt out of your home. Small spaces can achieve the same effect using a hall tree, wall-hooks, or a small console to drop your keys/mail as you come and go. Current trends: DIY pallet with hooks, refurbished and bold colored consoles. Décor Choose a focus piece in your entryway and keep the other elements simple and complimentary. Large spaces lend way to choosing a chandelier or pendant as the focal point for a classic design approach. Other options are a grand staircase, furniture, or area rug. Some creative ideas for smaller spaces are shelves with personal framed photos, a ladder to hang coats/purses/scarves on, or even a unique wall mirror (which will help your space seem larger). Current trends include: inspirational quotes (on canvas or wall decals), floor mirrors, and bold wall colors and patterns. Whether you’re designing on a budget or doing a complete overhaul, have fun with your entryway design and choose elements that will help reflect your personality and keep you organized! By: Lisa Kramer, H2D Architecture + Design