Bedroom Set That Lights Up
Above: A room by Thomas O'Brien has a precise lighting layout, despite its layered, comfortable feel.
When thinking about the design of a space, there are the obvious elements—color, layout, furniture selection—and then the ones you might think of second—rugs, accessories, additional textures. One element that's often overlooked? Light. But ask any great designer and they'll tell you that to ignore the role of light in a space is to make a grave design error. Light just may be the most important element of all: It's what determines how all the others will come across. In fact, many designers will say they can change the mood of a space by just adjusting the light. Impressed? Read on to hear how six designers (all with their own lighting collections at Circa Lighting) approach design's most elusive ingredient.
Allie Holloway
Joanna Saltz: Suddenly, and for good reason, everyone is paying increased attention to the mood your home can put you in. What do you think?
Jesse Carrier: With any room, we always begin the conversation with clients on what the mood is in terms of programming, what the function of the space will be.
Mara Miller: But we often use imagery to understand moods without talking about it directly.
Lauren Rottet: My clients don't necessarily talk about emotions, but the truth is that's what they want: They want to be relaxed or for the space to feel open.
Thomas O'Brien: My focus is always on having things make sense. I want rooms to feel peaceful and have a sense of calm in them. That comes from being logical, having order.
Jo: And design is really the only place where you can connect peace and drama.
Alexa Hampton: I have a classical orientation, and I think things become classics, like Thomas said, because there's a reason for them. It all has to be in service to the human in the room. Sometimes you don't even notice the reason, it just is a sense of feeling "right."
Julie Neill: Interior design is always emotional in residences, because it's someone's home.
Sara Essex Bradley
Mara: We are always happy to dim lights or use candles to create atmosphere, and not everyone has that inclination, but using a smart home can be a great way to DIY it and make those moods more accessible.
Jo: Definitely. So calm seems like such an important piece here. What is one easy thing that someone who feels trapped in their space can do to create a more calming atmosphere?
Alexa: Unplug the television!
Lauren: I love environments that feel indoor-outdoor, so for me it's opening a door or a drape to expose the outdoors and let it in. Then music and candles!
Thomas: I think it's editing. Sometimes there's just too much clutter, and that produces anxiety.
Julie: You know, they say when you get dressed, take one piece of jewelry off—and I think it's the same idea. People always ask me, "What do I need to get for this room?" I tell them, "You need to take four things out!"
Alexa: Well, I love stuff—which is not to say I love clutter. I want composition. I want to be able to look at everything in its place. I am very soothed by an ordered bookcase. Plus, a room without books to me is just nothing. Because books are great, they're memories or they're visions, and their lines also make up these great geometries—when it's intentional.
Sam Frost
Jo: And personal.
Thomas: I try very much for people to get connected to it—it's about the heart. I don't do projects that are just, "Here's the job and the budget—let's get it done." It's the begging clients to try different things or to learn about something that makes what I do worthwhile.
Julie: There's a duality because home is your calm space, but it's also the place where you're passionate about your things. You want to feel lovely and serene, but part of what makes me serene is looking at things around me that make me happy.
The Pros' Best Advice—and Favorite Lights
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Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a33550036/designer-lighting-secrets/
