Imagine. You can finally 'officially' move in to your new-build home or just converted home. You have been looking forward to it for weeks, months or even years to finally nestle in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate (with whipped cream). Add magazine, cat on your lap and just enjoy. But once you sit down, you are not completely happy. You cannot read your magazine that well, even though you are not yet over 75. So you climb off the couch again and throw the dimmer (which you luckily had installed) of the lamp just a little higher. You install yourself again and you immediately lose heart; It is super uninviting, because much too light ... Sigh.
If you are going to build a new home or renovate your home, then that is the chance to do it right right from the start. You will notice that very early in the process you will be asked by the contractor to pass on the points for the (fixed) lighting. For many a reason to panic, because they have no idea where these points should come. With these 5 tips I will help you on changing the look of your office interior and design.
Tip 1 Make a plan
The importance of good lighting in your house is much greater than most people think. It provides atmosphere, warmth and it provides comfort and functionality. We often know what a beautiful fixture is, but the exact situation with the points is a challenge for many. The most important step is to take the time and sit down for a while to make a lighting plan. You are already a long way off.
Tip 2 Think about the types of lighting
First of all you have to think about the different types of light that you need in your home. There is:
Natural light
Basic lighting
Accent lighting
Functional lighting
Atmospheric lighting
Decorative lighting
Natural light is the light that enters through windows, doors, skylights and other 'holes' in your house. If you have many (large) windows, you will be able to live without artificial light until later in the day. If you have a home with only windows at the front and rear, for example, then you also regularly have to resort to a light during the day.
Basic lighting is the lighting that you switch on to evenly illuminate your home. A uniform light is created that ensures that you can move around easily in your home or that you can put on if you need to vacuum or search for your lens, for example. These are usually hanging lamps and ceiling spotlights. This is your starting point for the rest of your lighting. Make sure that this lighting is dimmable so that you can always adjust the intensity and make it more atmospheric.
Accent lighting is the light that illuminates a certain element in your interior. This can for example be a painting or cupboard. It is usually a bundle of light.
Functional lighting is the lighting that you need in places where you need to be informed during your activity. Consider for example spots above your kitchen counter or a reading lamp. They ensure that you can clearly see what you are doing.
Atmospheric lighting is the lighting that you use to create a beautiful atmosphere in your home. It is usually lighting that does not shine directly into the room, but for example reflects off the wall (with wall lamps) or shines through a lampshade (with a floor lamp with cap).
Decorative lighting is lighting that is only used as a decoration. She actually has little function. For example, think of letters that give light or Christmas lights.
Tip 3 Make a layout for your house
Now that you know what types of light there are, you can start using them in your home. However, to know what you need where, you will first have to make a classification. This should be a detailed format. After all, in order to place spots above your kitchen island, you must know exactly where this kitchen island will be located. And to know where to put the points for your hanging lamps above the dining table, you need to know where the table will be placed and how large it will be. Only when you know all the details for your layout can you really make a well thought-out lighting plan.
Tip 4 Think about the luminaires
The shade plays a major role in choosing luminaires. Is this completely open? Open at the top and bottom? Or only at the bottom? Is the cover transparent and does it allow light through or not at all? This has many consequences for the atmosphere. Lamps without a hood (where the light source is fully visible) ensure that you can look directly into the light. This can be nice to illuminate a room in general, but it is therefore somewhat less intimate. If you opt for lamps that have a hood but that you can look through, this will result in filtered light. This is attractive, but not always practical if you need a lot of light. A semi-tight shade such as a dome lamp only gives light downwards. This can give an intimate feeling, but if you have to turn them on very brightly to get enough light, you can get the feeling that you are in a police interrogation. You can reduce this effect by using an additional light source.
Tip 5 Start on time!
Last but not least. Start on time! Don't be surprised by the imposed deadlines of the contractor or electrician. Make sure that you think about the layout and the lighting as soon as possible after you know that you are going to build or renovate a new house. That way you know for sure that you still have time to think about the atmosphere and functionality.
The lighting plan is a very important part of the overall plan for your interior. Do you want this too? Then get in touch !
See Also: Ideas for the design of office interior