Creating Lighting Schemes
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Lighting schemes can dramatically change the effects of a particular space. With a little touch of light, you can have the power to create dynamic design to an existing structure. Lighting schemes can be applied to landscape, outbuildings and interior and exterior space within your home. Creating a lighting scheme can be done on your own with the proper knowledge, or you can hire a professional lighting designer. A professional has the skills to incorporate your personal tastes, interior and exterior space, and your budget to create a wonderful lighting plan for your home.

There are many ways to illuminate interior space, giving it a three dimensional appeal. Depending on your personal décor, there are several unique lighting fixtures to select from. Some prefer to use spot light fixtures on stairwells, basements, and other commonly used areas. Others enjoy halogen lighting, especially for kitchens. For those of you that prefer to incorporate eye appeal, chandeliers and beautiful light shade fixtures are available. Each room in your house should be treated uniquely with its use of light. Keep in mind that lighting can be both functional and beautiful.

Like interior space, it takes planning and creativity to achieve a successful design with out door lighting. But also note that is can be exciting to bring life to your pool, your garden, your back patio, your BBQ area, or even your beautifully landscaped walk way. Pillar illuminates, fixed or movable, are very common for out door lighting. With this particular fixture, there are many different designs and materials to choose from. Also, out door stair lights serve as a practical and enhancing lighting element. Browse through all of the available fixtures and seek to enhance your architectural structures.

Selecting the fixture is the fun part. It is often difficult to develop an effective lighting plan for your interior and exterior space. Consider seeking advice from a professional lighting designer for help with your plan. There are specific ways to make use of space by light. We all want our beautiful property to be enhanced with illumination, but it shouldn’t be a free fall of misplaced fixtures. Also, with interior lighting, you need to consider not only the source of the light, but all of the materials in the room as well.

There is no limit when it comes to lighting, only visual depths. If you are a new home owner, constructing a new building or simply remodeling a room, make sure to put as much time aside for lighting as you would for your foundation. Every aspect of home improvement plays a vital role in the final appearance. Lighting is creative and adjustable so use it to your advantage and as a way to establish the tone of your home. Keep in mind; it is often worth paying for a qualified lighting contractor to develop a design for your home to ensure that your space is given the illuminating appeal you desire most.

Types of Light

• Ambient Lighting: General, all-purpose lighting.

• Indirect Lighting: (Up lighting) Lighting that is directed upward, often reflecting off of a ceiling or other surface. It reduces glare in the area being lighted and creates fewer shadows.

• Accent Lighting: Emphasizes objects by focusing light directly on them. Includes all lighting that is primarily aesthetic in purpose.

• Task Lighting: Lighting that is specially designed for intended illumination to a specific surface or area. Provides light for visual tasks.

• Wall Wash Lighting: Lighting that illuminates an entire wall to bring out the beauty of wall coverings, large pieces of art, fireplaces, or books.

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