NATURAL LIGHTING THE SUN
The sun, an element too often overlooked. The natural light that enters the home will create an ambiance all by itself. The rays of the sun passing through the windows will already bring color and atmosphere to the room. It becomes an important element in creating a decor, we will tend to choose paler colors in the rooms to the north of the house, where there is little natural light, and on the south side, de we can allow ourselves darker and colder colors, because the natural light will compensate. Before building, honor the sun!
ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING ELECTRICITY
Before electricity, we lit our homes with candles, this type of lighting allowing us to create settings for all kinds of events: romantic dinners, candlelit baths, etc. When there is a power outage, we can see how candles can transform the atmosphere into a haven of peace and create a calm and serene ambiance. But hey, every day, a switch is so simple! We’re lucky in Que;ec, electricity is still affordable and within reach.
DIFFERENT OPTIONS
There are options to consider when planning lighting.
THE RECESSED
Recessed ceiling lights are very popular; they can be used for general lighting and, with a rheostat, can be adjusted to decrease the light intensity. They are discreet in a decor and, with LEDs between 2700 and 3000K, they are the best choice for a residence. In my opinion, recessed lights are a simple and economical solution. There are also wall-mounted recessed lights, for example, to illuminate the steps of a staircase, a corridor, and they also provide security lighting for the night. Both outdoors and indoors, floor-mounted recessed lights are ideal for highlighting a stone or wooden wall. Recessed lights are discreet during the day, but at night they change the entire ambiance by drawing attention to the materials in the home. It’s the beam of light, not the fixture, that creates the decor. This type of lighting is ideal for minimalist decor and homes with walls and materials that need to be highlighted.
CHANDELIERS AND PENDANTS
This type of lighting fixture becomes a decorative element. The chosen style must match the style of the house and the decor while taking into account its lighting capacity. In a hallway with a high ceiling, the chandelier is quite appropriate; it can become the focal point of a room. The size of the chandelier must be proportionate to the space. The light fixture above the table is also an important element of style and lighting. The size should take into account the size of the table. Recessed lights can also be added above the table on either side of the light fixture to intensify the light. In areas like the bathroom, it’s a good idea to plan for different light sources. Above the sink, a pendant or recessed ceiling light is used, and a wall light above the mirror is a relatively new element: mirrors with integrated lighting add a more contemporary touch. Another less commonly used light source today, but worth considering, is picture wall lights. If you have artwork to showcase, illuminating it is also a source of ambient lighting.
THE LAMPS
Along with the furnishings come table lamps, floor lamps, and accent lamps. Obviously, these choices are numerous and varied. One element to consider is the color of the lampshades. For more intense lighting, white lampshades are worth considering, but you must ensure the right white, especially if all the walls are also white. A pale shade, such as gray or linen, can be warmer. Three-intensity lamps that require a special bulb are perfect for adjusting the light at a work table. Lamps with shades create a more subdued ambient lighting, or a floor lamp that shines downwards, like a reading lamp, which allows you to direct the beam of light to a specific location. The advantage of a floor lamp near a side table is that it frees up the table surface to place our personal belongings on. To harmonize the decor, in the same room, it is not necessary to choose table lamps and floor lamps from the same collection; however, choose the same finishes or colors and materials that harmonize well together.
