Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/130547
11:06:35 AM design » to go Designers Jennifer Scott and Megan Baker of A GOOD CHICK TO KNOW bright ideas Many people overlook the importance of lighting – both in style and placement – when designing a space. Lighting sets the mood, the ambience, the feel. No matter what your architectural or decor style, it is the lighting that starts the story. It is also something you want to get correct during any renovation. Misplaced or poorly chosen lights can be a challenge to correct once a job is complete. Lighting can be broken down into three levels: a functional element that provides the necessary visibility to navigate the space; a decorative element that supports the esthetic you have chosen for your home; and a layering tool that creates spatial divide and gives the room personality. 2. Decorative lighting This includes fixed lights that are ceiling or wall mounted, such as pendant lamps and sconces. These are the lights that tell your style story. Do you like super modern, traditional, industrial? Don't be afraid to "mix-not-match" styles here and look into custom options. Many cool found items or personal treasures can be converted into custom lights. (We always use Clint Moroz of Space Lab to create wickedly unexpected oneoff lights for clients.) Play with scale, especially above the dining area and consider using unique pendant lights in areas where flush-mounted lights are typical (i.e. hallways), as long as the ceiling height permits. Here's a lowdown on the three lighting levels: 3. Layering lighting These are your accent lights – the floor lamps and table lamps that add personality to your room while creating inviting areas to gather and relax. Here is where you can really have fun with your choices. Unlike fixed lighting, lamps are easy to move, swap and replace as you get the urge to change up the look of a room, so treat these lights as part of your decor. Don't be afraid to group table lamps of varying sizes to create a unique vignette that does double-duty as a light source. This is also a great opportunity to try out vintage lighting. Check out your local vintage hot spots or even thrift stores for hidden gems for easy and often affordable lighting options. Opting for a pre-loved piece will bring a sense of story and life to your room. ■ agoodchicktoknow.com 1. Functional lighting Functional lighting encompasses fixed light sources like pot lights designed with the sole purpose of providing essential light. Pot lights are most commonly found in high-traffic areas like kitchens, where visibility is key and in openconcept living spaces. Pot lights are also found throughout great rooms as an overall background light. The most important factor to consider when installing pot lights is placement. You want to ensure that the areas where you need the most light (i.e. above the sink or workspaces) receive it. Be mindful to stick to a grid format for overall pot placement. Having a scattered layout of pots in the ceiling will create a sense of visual clutter in the room even when the lights are off. It's also essential to include dimmers on all pot lights so that they can provide subtle illumination in the evening. p40-41_Design to Go.indd 41 13-05-01 4:09 PM