Let there be light!

 

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Pexels.com

And here it is, probably the single most important feature of any design as without it, we can’t see what we have achieved in the rest of our design! DUH!

Following on from my previous post about atmosphere, we should never underestimate the power of good lighting within a space, whether it be natural or artificial or a combination of both.

Obviously, natural light would be the choice though not always available but nowadays there are so many options to recreate it  using LED and light tunnels, skylights etc. Positioning and dressing of windows is equally important and I will address that in a future post.

We want a room to feel cosy in winter, but light and cool and inviting in bright summer light. In order to achieve this, designers use layering of different types of lighting:

AMBIENT: a basic and general lighting for the space which will create the overall atmosphere in the room, so colour choice is crucial especially as there are so many choices just now and variations on a simple white bulb! it usually takes the form or ceiling or wall lighting. If you can get the ambient light right in your space the other lighting will be easier to manage. It is also useful to have a dimmer switch where possible. You think you won’t need it but it gives you the option. As the nights are drawing in now for autumn, the transition from natural to artificial is obvious.

ACCENT: this is used to highlight points of the space or particular pieces within the space and can is usually bright to accentuate the area or item you want to be noticed. These are usually floor or table lamps but can also be directional ceiling or wall lights.

TASK: this is literally what it claims to be, focused lighting such as angle poise lamps, reading lamps, work lamps etc, used to assist with the completion of tasks. On the other hand, for short sighted folk such as myself, task lighting is an absolute essential. Using anglepoise lamps as bedside lamps can look cool as well as functional. These lovely copper ones in our bedroom were from Dunelm (not an ad!)

You could literally write an entire book about lighting and effects achievable with layering. This is only me sharing my thoughts about the need to know basics.

As usual, any comments or thoughts are always appreciated.

Thanks for reading, Mel x

 

 

It’s all in the atmosphere!

And relax!

Atmosphere in a space is one of the hardest things to achieve, as its not exactly tangible and is also very personal. We can feel an atmosphere in any interior but we are not sure why and we can instantly subconsciously like or dislike a space because of it.

The best way to think about addressing it in an empty space is to use the SENSES as a guide.

SIGHT: This is the obvious one and I will be addressing aesthetics in a future post but colours and presentation all help to create a specific atmosphere. We know instantly on sight whether we feel comfortable in a particular space.

SOUND: is often overlooked and yet noise disturbance can be a real disruption to positive energy within a space. It is necessary therefore to look at ways to reduce, for example, invasion of outdoor noise. The sounds of nature may be acceptable but traffic noise and pollution is not! Do external windows and doors need to be upgraded? Can a boiler be stored in a soundproofed cupboard? Consider insulation within walls, floors and ceilings.

TOUCH:The feeling of warmth or chill determines what makes a space inviting or not, so temperature is obviously a huge consideration. I’m not going to pretend to be an expert in heating systems but they will require much thought and research. There is always a benefit to using natural textures in our interiors, again linking back to our innate love of all things nature (biophilia). When it comes to furnishing the space, consider softening wherever possible. Even in an office or commercial environment, there is always potential for round edges on furniture, comfortable upholstered seating and of course, my favourite things: cushions and throws are always acceptable in a residential interior!

SMELL: Again, often overlooked in the design of a space but can so easily make the difference to the visitor experience to an interior. Obviously, fresh air is the natural choice but isn’t there something hugely comforting about the familiar smell of your own home? That’s why we are told to roast coffee or bake buns if we are trying to sell a house! Nowadays there is no excuse not to be able to create atmosphere with candles and diffusers in practically every scent imaginable. Just another one to bear in mind.

Safe to say that atmosphere should not be overlooked as a benefit to wellbeing within an interior.

Thanks again for your time. Any feedback greatly appreciated. Cheers, Mel x

What’s in a space?

This is my awkward L shaped living room, with 3 focal points: TV, fireplace and Patio windows overlooking the garden and views beyond. Two doorways, one leading from the hallway/main entrance thus creating a through passage to the rest of the house. I have put a desk into the leg of the L to create a little workspace without making it look like an office and then screened it off from the rest of the room using plants! (back to the power of green!)

 

What’s in a space? Whatever needs to be there? Whatever enhances the space? Whatever makes it your happy place, EVEN if it happens to be your work environment!

A happy and calm space promotes positivity and motivation thus increasing productivity! Easier said than done, this happy place! So how do we go about creating such a paradise?

Firstly, look at the SHAPE of the space, draw it out on a blank sheet of paper if necessary. If you have inherited a space, it might be a good idea to paint it all white in the first instance before filling it, just to get a feel for its size and potential.

In this case, SIZE DOES MATTER, you might need your space to look bigger or smaller and cosier.

How is the LAYOUT: where are the doors and windows?

ORIENTATION: What direction does the room face? Does it afford natural light?

Are there any FOCAL POINTS already in existence or will you need to create some?

What is the PURPOSE of your space? What will be its main use? Does it need to have more than one use? Is it personal or public? How many persons need to fit into it? How will traffic flow through it?

This all seems like common sense but it is amazing how these basic considerations can be overlooked when planning an interior.

I’m guilty of it myself in my excitement to get a room finished but going back to the purpose of this blog, there needs to be a starting point with which we can begin to understand and then create a more holistic living/working environment to improve our own health and wellbeing.

The power of green

My mum is currently in hospital. She has been there for almost two months.

Outside her window are trees and a thoughtfully placed bird feeder and I have no doubt that both are acting as an aid to her recovery.

I. think that it is true to suggest that we, as humans, totally undervalue our green environment and its power of introducing calm and therefore providing an aid to recovery from any illness or ailment.

Apart from improving air quality and contributing to a colour palette, they also encourage emotional attachment, reducing stress and creating positive energy/

I have evidence of this in my own family so I promise I’m not talking nonsense.

My daughters Swiss cheese plant is called Bert and he has travelled up and down from uni flats almost as many times as she has! He loves coming home for a bit of TLC, a re-pot, some food and a good rehydrate!

My son has at least one cactus plant which has flown the nest with him and was just as important in his flat move as a bed or coffee table!

The science surrounding this calls it biophilia, humans innate love of the living world. We all love a good view of nature and don’t maybe realise until we stop to see it, that it actually makes us feel good! Colour psychologists refer to green a restful and restorative. Personally, its my favourite colour!

The need to care for a plant is obviously way cheaper than caring for a pet and I’m convinced encourages a caring attitude and reduction of stress in otherwise self absorbed teenagers.

Like most things in life, simple but effective!

We are lucky as she is close by in a little cottage hospital in our town.

Spare a thought for the power of green next time you want an idea for your interior.

Here is a glimpse of my latest green corner of my home:

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