INTO THE light

Cutting-edge designer lighting is finally coming into its own

- CARROL BAKER

lighting is all about practicality and functionality. It needs to illuminate what you need to see. But new-look lighting is captivating the attention of the design world, and these days it’s delivering so much more.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHTING

There are four diff erent types of illumination that can work to layer lighting in a space. When combined together, this can address form, function and aesthetics.

Gino Premici from The Montauk Lighting Co says ambient, task, accent and decorative lighting play an integral part in creating a rich, layered and flexible lighting solution. “Lighting can add significant benefits to creating multi-purpose zones in a single room while giving you the flexibility to dial the light sources up or down when required,” he explains.

Ambient lighting is the overarching form of lighting. Gino says it throws light downwards from the ceiling with down-lights or pendants for example, or it can wash a wall with light using sconces. “Task lighting focuses on direct, intense lighting to assist you with detailed work such as preparing food or putting on your makeup in the bathroom,” he explains.

Gino adds that accent lighting creates a specific point of interest, an aesthetic purpose that lends mood to a space. “Strip LED lighting underneath your overhead cabinets allow you to create mood and add drama,” he says. “It can also be controlled using a dimming device to provide task lighting if required.”