So how should you start planning lighting for your home? ⠀
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If you are renovating a property the lighting and electrical plan need to be completed very early on in the process as they will be installed during “first fix” and once walls are plastered you don’t want to be making changes.⠀
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Step 1. What do you need/want to light? ⠀
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You need to have a floorplan in place to know your layout, where your furniture is placed etc so that you can position the lights effectively.
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Step 2. What is the lighting for?
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Do you require the light to perform a task, such as a reading light or kitchen island pendant or is it ambient to create mood, focussed onto and highlighting an object/artwork or general, just a generic way to light a space? ⠀
Step 3. Is it the right light?
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Ensure you are using the correct light fitting for the location and its purpose. Check IP ratings to be sure they are safe to use. For example, bathrooms need specialist fittings due to proximity to water.
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Step 4. How bright?
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I always advocate a dimmer on everything, if possible, that way you can adjust the light and the mood of the space. I also prefer warm light over cool light. ⠀
Step 5. Type of light? ⠀
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I use a mix of lighting in all of my projects. In my open plan family space there are 4 circuits and each area is zoned. In this space alone I have 23 spotlights, 4 pendants and many metres of LED strip BUT because they are zoned, on separate circuits and each performs a role, it works. ⠀
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Step 6. Control⠀
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Think about what lights work well together and which need to be controlled individually, this will allow you to choose the number of circuits required for each room.
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Lighting is a complex part of designing any space, I hope those tips have helped. If you need advice or to book a consultation on how to transform your space, contact me here.
