Doing More with Lighting

By Rita St. Clair

Home Decor - Doing More with Lighting. Built-in furniture, such as this bar, can effectively divide a large room into distinct areas while allowing light to pass through

Built-in furniture, such as this bar, can effectively divide a large room into distinct areas while allowing light to pass through

Lighting may be the most important element in creating functional as well as pleasant interior spaces.

How we manipulate natural daylight is a topic all of its own. But even more important is how we make use of electric lighting, as the various technologies and techniques available make it easier to create the effects we want -- or not. Much depends on tapping the right professional expertise.

Question:

We recently moved to a new condominium. In our previous home, we were able to achieve some very good lighting with recessed electrical fixtures. Unfortunately, we're not able to use this type of lighting because of the concrete ceiling in the condo. We don't want to use track lighting, as it's not to our taste. We would like to divide the large living room into two spaces with the use of a built-in. One area has windows and a glass sliding door to a terrace, and will be primarily for daytime use. The other area will be more for entertainment, with a bar, television and a more nighttime, relaxed feel.

How do I light the more nighttime area without using too many standing lamps?

Answer:

An important part of your solution will be the design of the cabinetry you have in mind for the divider. The built-in should be accessible from either side both day and night. The light from the windowed space should at least be able to filter into the windowless area. This type of concept is seen in the photo. A bar built of hardwood and stained in a dark finish may be more traditional than what you envision, but I would recommend the basic design concept: wall- and ceiling-hung upper cabinetry, partially opened to both sides, over a base cabinet and counter.

Designed to your needs, such a built-in would not only serve many functions but could also be electrified to illuminate the counter and the interior cabinetry, as well as any shelving.

The existing areas could also be illuminated by the use of reflective lighting placed behind a valance on any wall below the ceiling line. Done right, this could softly light both the wall and ceiling. More directional lighting can be done using well-placed adjustable lamps on cabinets and tables.

A more ambitious project, but one that would allow more flexibility, would be to build a soffit below the ceiling and above a wall to accept adjustable fixtures, creating specific areas of lighting. Lighting technology seems to advance constantly, offering a myriad of solutions. If you are seriously seeking information to a particular problem, you'd do well to consult an interior designer before making costly improvements and purchases.

Home Decor & Interior Design - Doing More with Lighting