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The true potential of lighting lies in the way in which it can transform an adequate space into something sensational. With more subtle and sophisticated lighting effects than ever before, we are now able to re create the diversity of natural light and shade in our own living spaces. But while we spend time and creativity on our choice of fabric, pattern and colour, lighting is often forgotten. However it should really be thought of before everything else! No matter how beautiful the decoration of your room, it will appear lack-lustre and two-dimensional without the dynamic of light. What is the point of a beautiful stone floor or a work of art if it’s not lit to best effect? Equally, the most physically stunning light fitting will lose its appeal if it provides insufficient light by which to perform detailed work.

Forward planning is essential. It helps to think three-dimensionally and then focus the attention on a few fundamental points. Firstly, there is the process of assessing the space, its architectural plan layout, how it’s going to be utilised and its relation to natural daylight. From that we need to give thought to its decoration, the clients preferred scheme of colours and choice of furnishings, whether contemporary, eclectic or traditional. Then, the detail. We have to think, consider and analyse the room’s best features, whether architectural, such as an elaborate cornice, or decorative, such as a striking painting or object. Less attractive aspects or spaces of tight intrigue may be best left unlit. One of the beauties of night time lighting (unlike to that of daylight) is that we have the power to control what we want to see and leave in darkness what gives us less pleasure. Practicality plays a huge important aspect, such a limited access to a double height ceiling.

Traditionally, a lighting scheme often comprised a single fitting, such as a pendant light, which would be used for all ways. Sometimes a table lamp would double up, providing general light as well as a light to read by, needles to say the calculations required for the correct area due to its space was never even thought of. But lighting designs now give us much more scope and by lighting several surfaces with a single source, interiors are brought instantly to life. We can now bring light exactly were we want it, dappling the floor or washing the wall. There are seven main lighting tools to consider in a residential: down lighters, up lighters, wall washers, decorative lighting, colour appearance, colour rendering and control. It helps to think of them in terms of the inspiring effects they can produce – from dramatic emphasis to gentle illumination – rather than as fixtures and fittings.

Down lighters are usually recessed into a ceiling, although they can be wall – or ceiling mounted. As the name suggests, they direct light downwards, emphasising whatever lies in their path, whether simply the floor or a table. The light is specific and direct and will create fairly strong shadows, particularly if a narrow beam is used to highlight a feature. With a wide beam, or when arranged as an array of twinkling ceiling lights the effect is that of a more even, general light.

Up lighters wash the ceiling with light, which is then reflected back into the room as diffuse, even lighting. They create a wonderful sense of space and height when the ceiling is white or in light colour, but if the ceiling is dark, the amount of reflected light is minimal. Low level ceiling from 11corses downwards must never be lit in dark shades in general residential s as the effect will be of a rather gloomy environment. Up lighters can be in the form of pin spots recessed in the floor, adding dramatic emphasis to a column. However, and this is very importantly, glare must be avoided at all times, it’s an eye sore and provides only distress!

Wall washers can be recessed or surfaces mounted and are designed to cast light evenly across and down the wall. Whereas down lighters and up lighters place emphasis on the height and depth, wall washers concentrate light on the vertical surfaces. By using the wall as a reflector, a wall washer provides a gentle, diffuse general light if fitted with a matt glass finish lens or a wide beam, but when used with a narrow beam it becomes a dynamic source of feature lighting. Positioning will also effect the overall impression. When set back, the effect is of diffuse light, but if placed close to the wall, decorative scallop shapes of light will play across the surface. And wall washers are in their element when used to emphasize surface texture.

Decorative lighting fulfils its main function in traditional interiors. Specific fixtures are sometimes required to reflect historical references, but these can be skilfully combined with modern designs as part of the overall lighting scheme. For example, a chandelier may be used over an antique dining table to provide the style that compliments the room, yet while the chandelier may provide soft non glare light over the table, concealed Down lighters will provides the necessary light for the objects to be highlighted such as a painting placed above the sight board, which proves to be an object of desire while dining. In this way, a lighting scheme can echo the style of an interior whilst taking the advantage of the effects that modern lighting has to offer.

Last but not least is the warm flickering glow of firelight on a winter’s evening, or the magical, shimmering style of candlelight, both of which are unrivalled as tools for creating style in our living quarters.