By Micheal Lambie

Micheal Lambie Interiors

There are many discussions around what the most “important” features or elements are when it comes to interior design. Space, lines, form, colour, texture, and pattern all feature strongly, but light is arguably one of the most compelling (illuminating!) components of any design project. 

In my opinion, a room or a space is not complete until you have designed and accented with lighting. The challenge, however, is that there are so many different ways to work with lighting to manage mood, ambiance, to define a space, or just to make it feel more welcoming.

My main lighting rule of thumb is…

To have at least three sources of light for each space. That can go all the way up to five if the space is large enough, and/or has a variety of purposes.

A main/centre light fixture per room

Support lighting: Pot lights around the exteriors

Accent lighting – like pendants or sconces – where needed

What about natural light?

One thing to consider early on is, of course, what natural lighting is available, and how you can, and should, manage and capitalize on it. That means window coverings!

If your condo or apartment has a lot of windows and is lucky to experience an abundance of natural light, that means that sometimes you may have too much lighting. Sunlight can be damaging to floors and can fade furniture, so proper window coverings are a must.

Make sure you select the opacity that lets in the amount of light that works for your space (three, five or eight percent opacity are the typical options). A little, or a lot… it all depends, right? The right window covering will ensure you can take advantage either way.

Wireless Lights

It’s one thing if you own your space and have the means and willingness to install additional outlets if more light is needed, or light in certain areas of your space is hard to come by. But what if you rent that space or rewiring isn’t an (easy) option? 

Wireless lighting has come a long way and comes in many great LED options. They can work off batteries and, in many cases, can be controlled via your phone on WIFI, so they are easily managed and maintained.

Wireless options are great for under-counter lighting, in closets, or other dark areas that aren’t close to an outlet.

Bedroom lighting

My go-to lighting option in the bedroom is bedside pendant lighting or wall sconces. Dimmers are a must!

Focus lighting

Sometimes certain areas of your space, or specific items (like art, furniture, or plants) deserve a little extra attention and, therefore, light. 

Choosing pot lights that can be adjusted or directed to shine at/in the right angle can be helpful with this in mind. The same goes for wall sconces, pendant lamps, or floor lamps.

Floor lamps are great at lighting up dark corners, drawing the eye across the room, helping to make it look larger. 

Task lighting is also key. With remote work being the new normal, desk or overall office lighting is more important than ever. It needs to illuminate the space but fit in with your overall design theme at the same time, so marrying form with function is something to pay attention to.

Bulb colour!

This will often depend on personal choice, as well as the room in question and what the light needs to do, but overall, when you are shopping for bulbs there are three main things to consider:

Lumens: Output or brightness

Watts: Energy consumption

Kelvin: Colour temperature 

Kelvins are typically the hardest to decode but usually end up being the most important, as colour temperature is the mood setter!

Warm-yellow: An inviting colour. This falls in the 2700K to 3000K range.

Crisp-blue: Task lighting, reading. These are in the 5500K to 6500K range.

Bright-white: Great for high/ceiling lighting in kitchens and bathrooms. These are typically in between warm-yellow and crisp-blue – the 3500K to 4100K range.