How many houses can you think of with quality lighting design? If you are like most people, probably not many. But if you’re asked to think of the number of houses you have visited with poor lighting, you are likely to think of several. When lighting is good you tend not to notice, but when lighting is bad everyone notices. Contemporary interior design includes good lighting design, which will not only improve the aesthetic quality of a space, but it will also improve function and comfort. Lighting is one of the most critical elements in an interior environment; it can completely transform a space and affect people’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. 
There are three types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting is the general illumination of a space. Task lighting provides ample light for a task such as reading or cooking, while accent lighting highlights a particular item. The best lit interior incorporates all three categories of lighting and gives the homeowner flexibility in control.
A kitchen, for example, is one of the most important rooms to create a well thought out and executed lighting design. With a little time in planning and a few dollars added to the budget you can make your kitchen look like an amazing, high-end, custom space by incorporating ambient light in the ceiling, task lighting in the form of under cabinet lighting, and accent lighting inside, above or below cabinets. These contemporary design ideas will completely alter the look and feel of your space.
Light sources come in many forms. Effective lighting may be a wall sconce that makes a decorative contribution to the room, a recessed fixture in the ceiling that you barely notice, or even bare bulbs concealed in a soffit.
LED lighting has been gaining popularity in the residential market. These bulbs are now readily available in many sizes and shapes to fit in most incandescent fixtures. An LED bulb also has the added benefit of being more energy efficient and lasting much longer than an incandescent bulb.
Important interior design tips to remember about lighting include creating a plan, incorporating all 3 categories of lighting, and creating flexibility in light levels by using independent and dimmable controls. You won’t always want all lights in a space at full capacity. There will be many times you will want control over which fixtures are on and how bright they are. Whatever your requirements, a qualified interior designer can help you develop a lighting plan that will improve the comfort and efficiency of your home.
For more ways to learn about interior design, visit our Interior Design Community:
https://thecontemporarycurtain.com/interior-design-community
Design Team
The Contemporary Curtain
A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC
