What is a beautiful home without gorgeous lighting? For me, lighting is a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry that adds a twinkle to a space. When putting together a lighting plan, we like to layer different forms of light sources keeping in mind the three basic types of lighting; which are general, task and accent lighting.

 

 

• GENERAL OR AMBIENT LIGHTING

General lighting usually provides a space with overall illumination and is a basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight whilst creating a uniform and consistent level of lighting. It is also known as ambient lighting and radiates at a comfortable level of brightness, enabling users to easily navigate a space.

General lighting is crucial to any lighting design. It is the first layer of any lighting plan and sets the overall tone of a space. There are several types of general lighting:

 

 

Ceiling-mounted or Recessed Fixtures such as Recessed Lights, Track Lights and others, that direct light downwards

 

 

Wall Mounted Fixtures such as Wall Sconces, and Floor lamps, which wash the wall or ceiling with light

 

 

• TASK LIGHTING

Task lighting as the name suggests, is a form of lighting that helps you perform specific tasks such as reading, cooking, grooming and the like. It is focused on the particular area where the task is performed and is brighter than ambient lighting. When choosing a task light keep in mind the level of glare and shadows, as you do not want this light causing any strain on your eyesight. Examples of task lighting include:

 

 

Recessed and Track Lighting

 

 

Pendant Lighting – Mini, Regular and Oversized

 

 

Table, Desk and Floor Lamps, which also reinforce the rooms overall desired design style

 

 

Closet Lighting and Under Cabinet Lighting, which is key in closet and kitchen design, as it increases the visibility of clothes, kitchen countertops and food preparation areas

 

• ACCENT LIGHTING

Accent lighting tends to add drama and visual interest to a space, they add a certain level of splendor to any room. They are intended to highlight a specific object or area; accent lights are typically three times as bright as ambient lights. Accent lighting draws attention to a feature, such as artwork, furnishings or architectural details, converting them into focal points. Common accent lights include:

 

 

Wall Mounted Picture Lights

 

 

Track Lighting

 

 

Recessed Spot Lights

 

 

When updating your lighting, it is also important to keep in mind the color temperature of the light bulb as this will drastically change the coloring of the space. Warm, giving it a more yellow tone while a cooler temperature will give it a bluer and more neutral tone. Tailoring your lighting to the use and function of your space will help guide your selection process whilst also conveying the overall design style.