Creating Ambience
When
most people start the process of designing their new loft conversion, either
mentally or in reality with the help of an architect, they envisage a perfect,
practical space. But what most people don’t realise is that unless you get your
lighting spot on, there will be no magical transformation!
It’s
important to think about how your lighting scheme will work for ambience when
substituting daylight, or as task lighting when there’s a need for practicality
or if the room is to double as a workroom. You also need to think about how you
can create atmosphere through accent lighting.
Think
carefully about how you want different areas of the room to look and feel. For
example, you may wish to create a relaxing atmosphere in a bedroom space and
adjoining en suite bathroom, but if the room is to double as a study area
during the day, you will also need good lighting under which to work.
Types of Lighting
Different
types of lighting to consider include:
· Low-Energy
Lights: If you want to reduce both your energy bill and your
carbon footprint, low energy lights are a good option in any room. Remember
that some patience is required with this type of lighting, as they burn
brighter the longer they are on and therefore may not be best for work areas
where strong light is often required instantly.
· Halogen
Spotlights: These lights are known for their brightness
and are most commonly used to mimic daylight. If your room lacks natural light,
these are a good choice as ceiling lights.
· Directional
Spotlights: If you want to create a design statement and
are lucky enough to have exposed beams within your new loft conversion, why not
use directional spotlights to point the light exactly where you need it?
· Wall
Sconces: Where you have a large expanse of wall space, such as a
gable end, wall sconces are a great way of adding accent light to create
atmosphere as they generally give off a softer light than ceiling lights.
· Free
Standing Lamps: Free standing lamps are another excellent
way of adding atmospheric accent light as they can be placed as and where you
like to match your interior design scheme. Once you have been using your new
room for a few months, you may wish to add free standing lamps in areas where you
feel they are required.
Dimmer is not Dumber!
And
finally, putting all lights on a dimmer switch is one of the best interior
design moves you can make in your new room, as you can control how much light
is given out at any point during the day or night.
George
Clarke of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces
says: “Get the artificial lighting right
in lofts. They can only become beautiful and romantic spaces if the lighting is
right at night. Make sure you put all lights on dimmer switches to give you
maximum flexibility.”[1]
And we
couldn't agree more! So get planning those lighting schemes, and if you need
help with any aspect of your new loft conversion, feel free to ask for a quote
from Bespoke Lofts.
[1] GeorgeClarke.com: http://georgeclarke.com/top-tips/lofts-not-finished/. Last viewed 4th January 2015.