Lighting Technology and Home Design

Lighting As We Age or At Any Age!

Let’s face it. Lighting technology keeps getting better and better.

As a designer, for the past years 50 years, I have discovered that lighting is a key element in design. Let me share some tricks I have learned, over those years, that helps clients see what their rooms look like during the day and at night.

The type and amount of lighting will make a difference.

We see color differently depending upon our age. Older people tend to see the colors in their environment very “yellowed.” In the past, the yellowish tinge may have been partly the bulb, but it doesn’t have to be today. In addition, most people, no matter what their age, do not use enough light to make their home comfortable.

Let’s start with a picture

Young or old, the best thing you could do is take a picture of your room. Check out the photo below. I was shocked when I looked at my living room. The picture showed a golden glow in the corner. Not the clean and clear light I thought I was seeing.

What would be the advantages in changing to the new LED (Light emitting diode) bulbs?

As I started to research these type of bulbs — I found more and more information to like about using them. I love LED and here are the reasons why:

The bulb

• No flickering
• Last tens of thousands of hours
• Non-breakable bulbs
• Can be waterproof

The lighting

• LED lighting is pure color (monochromatic light) which requires no filtering
• Won’t fade merchandise and artwork
• Won’t prematurely age building finishes
• Helps offer superior color point consistency

Sustainability, health, and your environment

• LED bulbs don’t emit heat — the internal electronics can, but it is far less than halogen or incandescent bulbs
• Energy efficient, sustainable design (75% more efficient than incandescent)
• Bulbs look like the old ones
• They produce zero UV and no mercury
• LED has been called the “Harmless Light” because it has no UV or IR ray

Adaptable to any interior design

They are dimmable and are offered in both warm and cool white.

What do you mean, warm and cool white, and how do I choose?

Light bulbs are measured by Kelvins or K. Warm and cool are two ends of a scale and they will give you a different appearance in your home.

• Traditional incandescent bulbs give off a yellowish light and have a temperature of 2,700 to 3,000K — similar to most halogen lighting.
• LED bulbs start from 3,300K (Warm) to 5,000K (Cool) and tend to be white or bluer in appearance.

What colored bulb to use with what colors?

Bulbs emitting light close to red, orange, and yellow are warm. Bulbs that give off light closest to blue, green, and violet are considered cool. Warm colored bulbs enhance warm colored objects. Cool colored lights make cool colored objects appear cooler.

A few guidelines to follow:

• Warm color lights over cool colored objects or vice versa, the objects will appear darker than their natural color.
• Warm lights stimulate and cool lights are soothing.

As stated above, notice the difference when I changed the bulb and took another picture. No yellow glow!

Let your camera do the work for you. As you age you already see the light with a yellow cast. The camera will tell the story.

Every room needs 3 levels of lighting

1. Task- For reading or working.
2. Overhead- For safety getting into the room.
3. Mood- For atmosphere.

You don’t have to turn them all on at once

But when you need an overhead light and don’t have one, it could be serious. Your lamps don’t all have to match. Mix up the styles and remember the carrier is not as important as the bulb.

Tips for working with your decor

The darker the walls the more lights you need.

The higher the sheen level of your paint, the less lighting you need.

Remember — Light changes 4 times a day Early AM — Warm light. Noon is Cool. Early Evening is warm and then you go to artificial. Play with it and keep yourself safe with enough lighting in each room. In my living room I have 12 sources of lighting. They’re never on all at once but they’re there if I need them.

Photo courtesy of Deborah Young Studio

As Managing Editor for LKNConnectcommunity.com, I am always looking for writers, new businesses and opportunities to bring awareness to the ways Lake Norman is growing. Do you have a Design Dilemma? A new business, product or ideas that you would like the area to know about? This is the place to share your new and exciting ventures. Together we are making Lake Norman the most sought after place to live. One article at a time.

Dr. Margi at [email protected] and ask your question. Include pictures and details, and Dr. Margi will respond to your Design Dilemma with a perfect solution!

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