The importance of lighting: A look into the mind of a Lighting Advisor
How often have you thought about your home’s lighting?
By Shannon Osztonits -
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“Lighting is always neglected and comes at a later stage in a renovation, but it’s probably the most important thing a renovation needs to have!” states Darren, a Lighting Advisor.
Sitting down for a chit chat with the homeowner of a Brutalist HDB, we were itching to dive deeper into the world of lighting after learning that this former interior designer had swapped careers, sparked things up, and is now a Lighting Advisor.
Reflecting upon his statement, it’s actually so true. Lighting can make or break a space, room, home, or even a corner. It can significantly alter the overall feeling of a room. Or act as a statement piece, much like furniture.
Especially in Singapore, we search for homes with natural lighting — which can sometimes become obscured by buildings in front of you.
“Indirect lighting is very important. There needs to be light layering and not just everything flat.”
Lighting shouldn’t be an afterthought
The primary en suite is also done in the Brutalist style, but certain earthy elements feel Japanese-esque.
However, it is a factor, especially in a home redesign process, that many leave until the last minute to make decisions about.
In Darren’s home, lighting (whether it’s a pendant light or ceiling fixtures) has been carefully thought-out, designed and customised by this lighting advisor himself. The lighting in his home breaks the “norm,” or rather, what we are used to. On the same token, it goes to show how playful lighting can be, and the complete difference it makes when done right.
Out-of-the-box lighting design
Instead of the typical recessed lighting fixtures (which are generally spread out across a ceiling), Darren chose to select only a few recessed lights for every room’s ceiling. In many rooms, his self-conceptualised downlights are unusually angled and spread out. This is very intentional, resulting in better ambiance.
“I think the main factor was to declutter the ceiling space as well. It’s more comfortable, but it does take a bit of time to get used to it,” says the lighting advisor.
The result? Certain floor areas and spaces within each room are lit up, but not the entire floor. It lends a mood; an ambiance; a feeling! Overall, this lighting advisor’s home is super emotive.
The dining and kitchen areas flow seamlessly into one another.
Dining Area
Above the dining table are three deep, vertical recessed lights, sitting in a row, just a couple of centimeters apart. Further down the line are two different types of recessed lights sitting horizontally. In the space leading from the dining area to the kitchen, there are two more recessed ceiling lights, vertically placed again.
Completing the setting in the room’s back corner is a self-designed wrecking-ball style pendant light. Chained from one section of the roof and hooked onto another part, the Brutalist-inspired chain hangs down, with a singular lightbulb at the end. It’s more like an art piece than anything. Across the entire wall is a warm-toned LED light strip.
Everything is moody and delicious.
Living Space
In the space that flows from the open-plan dining room to the living room, there are two recessed lights positioned next to each other on one edge of the room.
Directly opposite (on the far end) are another two. The corridor leading down from this space features three warm recessed light fixtures, arranged in a tight, compact row.
Two side-by-side recessed ceiling lights provide moody lighting. There is a window in this room, too, allowing natural light in.
WFH Study-meets-Walk-in Closet
In Darren’s WFH study/gaming room-come walk-in closet, two recessed ceiling lights take centre stage. At the far end of the room is one lone downlight. Lining the interior of his glass wardrobes (one on either side of the room) are built-in LED strip lights, along with two small recessed lights. It literally shines the spotlight on the rails of his neatly hung clothing racks.
Shoe Display
In between this lighting advisor’s extended shoe cabinet display and dark, plush cloakroom bench, a long-length wall-mounted mirror is framed by a warm-toned inner light strip around all edges of the glass.
Tonality
Darren’s lighting tones vary, too, from warm to cooler lighting fixtures, depending on the part of the home.
Recessed lighting is enhanced in spaces with pendant lights, glass reflections and LED strips.
Intricate lighting details are seen all over the show in this home, from warm backlights in the walk-in wardrobe, bouncing gorgeously off the dark glass closet exterior, to the accent lighting used across the dry pantry, highlighting certain stations.
On the other side of the glass panels, as seen from the living room, is the Master Bedroom.
Different types of lighting:
Ambient Lighting
- The primary room light
- A mood setter
- Ranges from colours, such as warm and cool globes, to styles, like recessed lighting
Accent Lighting
- Highlights and lights up a specific space or home feature, for example, a backsplash or closet
- Can enhance an architectural zone
Task Lighting
- Created for specific tasks, such as a kitchen counter or reading nook
- These are built-in, or standalone, for example, a standing lamp or a desk light
Decorative Lighting
- Visually appealing, but doesn’t always serve a purpose Enhances the look, character and aesthetic side of room decor
- Examples include chandeliers, wall sconces and floor lamps
Without realising it, the lighting of a room or space can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your home, even altering the colour or shade in which paint appears.
During your next home renovation process, our advice is to put a little more time and effort into your home’s lighting, and not leave it as an afterthought. Here’s to giving lighting the credit that it rightfully deserves.