Ambiance and mood, energy efficiency, task lighting, aesthetics and décor, colour temperature, lumens and watts, lighting control systems, art and display lighting, outdoor lighting, lighting for health and wellbeing, cost-effective lighting solutions – and the all-important how to choose the correct lightbulb – are some of the key issues that need to be taken into account in any lighting project.
Cat Lighting specialises in offering advice on all the above, and at the exhibition I’ll be showcasing various different lighting designs, techniques and products, with plenty of illustrations of projects that have achieved wonderful results for clients. Here are some of the most popular topics I expect to be discussing!
Kitchen Lighting
Down, under and up are key to successful kitchen lighting. Good overhead lights are essential for task lighting, and should be carefully positioned so they shine directly down on to the worktop and not behind your head where they will create shadow. Led strip under wall cabinets and shelves is important, again to cast light where you are working and also to provide a soft-light option if you don’t want the brightness of downlights. Running led strip above wall cupboards and shelves is a really nice effect in the way it casts light up to create indirect ambient light, and can brighten a whole room without needing downlights.
Bathroom Lighting
Adequate and well placed lighting in a bathroom is often overlooked but can make all the difference to a bathroom. Probably worst is a grid of cold, blue-white downlights, so look at where you need light from both a practical point of view and also mood. Wall lights either side of a mirror will create a full light around your face and remove shadow. Wall lights next to the bath are lovely to relax by; led strip under a basin unit provides a stylish glow and adds to overall ambient light. Downlights have their place but make sure they don’t glare and dazzle, and put them on a separate circuit for when you want brighter light.
Lighting High Ceilings
While the immediate thought is usually to hang pendants from high ceilings, uplighting is a marvellous tool for illuminating ceilings and architectural details. Discreetly placed spotlights on beams or in corners of the room will cast light that will catch and create interesting shapes and provide a cover of ambient light that is striking and effective.
Shelf Lighting
There are a number of different ways to light shelves, including led strip, shallow recessed puck lights, or tiny spotlights attached to a slim track up the sides. Led strip is the most versatile option as it can be placed at the top, bottom, back or front of a shelf according to what you want to light, and is easy to conceal behind a slim fascia of wood so you see the effect of the light and not the light itself.
Lighting Advice
Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st February 2024 Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa
As well as actual lighting, I’ll talk about my design philosophy, the importance of a collaborative approach to working with clients, designers and architects, and the critical priority of being able to be seen as part of the ‘team’ with the contractors and electricians.