Step Into The Light

Step Into The Light

Tips for Illuminating your Home

It’s that time of year when we need to adapt to shorter days, which means less amount of time enjoying what we’re instinctively drawn to — natural light. This wonderful, organic source that illuminates our outside world and indoor environments is greatly motivating. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning, and keeps us going throughout the day.

So during the fall and winter seasons, how can we best enhance this natural source into our homes and duplicate its capabilities? We spoke with interior designer Joan Waddell of J. Waddell Interiors for guidance on enhancing home spaces with natural and artificial light.

The first step Joan takes when working with a client is asking how that room is going to be used. She then creates a space that is functional, comfortable, and promotes a sense of well-being. “Humans are drawn to light and we need to create environments that will make us happy and healthy, and lighting plays a huge role in this,” says Joan.

Natural Light In The Foyer

Joan helped redesign this foyer, which has a dual function purpose in this home. It is used as an entry and a transitional space between several other areas on the first floor of the house. The natural and artificial light in this space help when transitioning from room to room, which creates a safe space, and a sense of well-being.

Home Office

In addition to having a home office, Joan’s client wanted to create an intimate sitting area where she could comfortably visit with a friend. The cushioned chairs were deliberately positioned close to the large windows in order to take advantage of the natural light and to offer a view of nature outside. A tall lamp is situated between the two chairs for additional light when visiting with friends and/or reading.

Take into consideration the color of the walls and ceiling in this room. Light bounces everywhere, even off the ceiling. Light-colored walls and ceilings help spread natural and supplemental light throughout the room.

Window treatments, such as drapes, blinds, and shutters, not only add aesthetic value to a room, but also help control natural light.

DESIGNER TIP: As illustrated by the height of the lamp on the table between the two chairs, Joan notes that light fixtures, especially for reading, need to be positioned close to eye level for ample reading light.

Entryway

An entryway into a home should provide a welcoming atmosphere and create a sense of feeling good upon entering. Natural light glows into this area through leaded glass, French doors, as well as the artificial light from the chandelier and table lamp.

A ROOM IS NOT A ROOM WITHOUT NATURAL LIGHT.

— LOUIS KAHN, ARCHITECT

Mirrors are wonderful additions to a room. They are functional and aesthetically pleasing, but they also reflect and disperse light back into a space. This mirror is positioned along the wall directly across from this small, single sitting area.

This window from the far side of the space adds more natural light into the room, and is the perfect space for an additional sitting area.

TIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SOURCES:

Verilux Happylight Lamps & Boxes — These lamps and light boxes are helpful for those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Joan says Verilux has task lights, which are very helpful and functional for reading and other activities.

General Lighting For Lamps — Joan recommends switching to LED lighting. They are cool to the touch, more efficient, and long-lasting. She suggests a light color temperature around 2,700-3,000 K (a warmer/yellow tone on the Kelvin scale) for general lamp light. Bump this lamp light up to 4,000-5,000 K (a cooler/bluer tone on the Kelvin scale) for reading, for example a lamp on a bedside table or desk. A Kelvin scale of 5,000 K mimics daylight, and when coupled with an LED bulb of 2,600-2,800 lumens (equivalent to a 150 watt incandescent bulb), this creates the ideal light for reading.

Keep the Kelvin scale light temperature in a room consistent for a more comfortable and inviting space. A mix of different color temperatures in one room can throw a space off-balance. A dedicated reading light with a different color temperature is an exception.

Story and Photos by Melissa Donald

Today's Transitions / Fall 2023