We believe that lighting is the 4thdimension of architecture, yet it is often over-looked, value engineered or left until the last minute of the building or design process. As lighting engineers we strongly believe that a space designed by an architect or decorated by an interior designer requires light to complement, accentuate and enhance the ambience and bring the architecture to life. Good lighting is the difference between a project that impresses and a project that underwhelms.
There are several key factors to consider when designing any lighting scheme effectively:
1. Small is beautiful
Popular downlight dimensions are often around 75mm – 125mm in diameter but recently, with advances in LED technology, we have seen the arrival of many much smaller luminaires. While these are very aesthetically pleasing, they are often compromised with regards to their light output.
Phos offers a wide range of elegantly miniature fittings (from only 46mm diameter) that do not suffer such compromise; just because they’re small, doesn’t mean you need more!
Not only is the Phos range discreet and extremely powerful, but also offer an almost unlimited flexibility through a highly modular approach. Each luminaire design can be customised into a multitude of configurations to suit the job required; from colour temperature, power output, beam angles and then, finished to your choice of RAL colour, plating or anodising to create a fully bespoke product with that extra touch of luxury not available elsewhere.
Our concept gifts designers the freedom to choose whether they want their fitting to blend almost invisibly with the ceiling, stand out as a design feature or in work synergy with other finishes in the room.
Instead of a series of bright spots overhead, fewer discreet fittings in this area ensures the eye is drawn to the space below rather than to the ceiling - which is where it should be.
Phos’s concept gives you all the light with none of the aesthetic compromise.
2. Layer lighting
By using multiple sources of light you can create a highly versatile and flexible space that can be adapted to any scenario. By not relying on a single light source and layering the lighting you spread the focus across the full area of the room, allowing you to set the mood and creating the correct atmosphere, whilst highlighting the key features of the space.
There are several lighting elements that should be considered to effectively light a room:
- Accent lighting
Accent lighting highlights or focuses light on a particular object or area. It’s a very effective way to create drama, as it draws attention or highlights interesting areas such as art work or interesting design features of the space.
A good suggestion to create this particular layer is either a narrow, focused spot light, such as our Irys or our Decoline linear products.
- Task lighting
Task lighting denotes fixed and dedicated lighting for a specific function. For example, in a kitchen, you may install under cabinet lighting to illuminate the work space below for better visibility when preparing food.
Using linear lines of light here can be very effective to get the uniformity required, whilst focused spots.
- General lighting (ambient lighting)
General lighting should provide the overall lighting for the room to deliver a comfortable level of brightness that allows you to perform everyday tasks and move about safely.
A variety of fixtures can be usual for this layer of lighting, such as chandeliers, downlights or track fixtures. We feel it’s important to use several types of fitting rather than the very typical ‘peppering’ of downlights across a ceiling.
- Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting is created from beautiful or designer fixtures that not only look great, but provide an adequate level of lighting in the space. This layer of lighting can also serve other purposes and as such, can be used for accent or task lighting.
Very often these layers are created using pendants or design led wall lights
- Statement lighting
Statement lighting is a layer that aims to highlight a particular feature in the design, so that it clearly stands out. Light is a powerful weapon to enhance or intensify an element of the design and if used correctly, can be wonderfully effective!
The use of linear lights is a great way to emphasise this!
- Mood lighting
This type of lighting is designed to create a mood or ambience, by using different tones and colours of light, as well as different levels of brightness.This includes the use of dimming circuits in bedrooms and living spaces, as well as dining areas, letting you easily choose which lights you want to use and at what level to perform a desired task.
The choice of dimmer system is critical here as not only can you dim each layer, but you are able to marry them together to create specific scenes.
3. Designing the lighting around the functionality of the room
The lighting at Infinity House (pictured above) is a selection of statement, accent, task AND general.
Phos’ linear Decoline range has been incorporated to a stunning effect which makes features of the staircase and glazing structures.
Uplights with narrow beams are employed to add texture to the exposed brick walls.
4. Lighting from the edges
Many lighting schemes use downlights positioned in neat rows towards the middle of a room. This will provide light but little atmosphere. Consider moving your downlights out towards the walls, this will ‘lift’ a room in several ways.,,
Firstly, by lighting the walls, you light anything on the walls by default. This means you are not restricted to a piece of art of a certain size only lit with asingle feature.
Secondly, a room feels bigger as well as brighter when the walls are lit so this approach is particularly effective in rooms that suffer a lack of natural light.
Thirdly, by lighting the walls, you can use the reflective properties of the paintwork to bounce the light back into the room and therefore, much of the time can dispose of the extra row of lights across the middle. Complement this with some strategically placed table lamps for task.
5. The finishing touch
Of course, like many other aspects of the home, it’s all about those finishing touches that really create something extra special…We believethe best productsdeservethe finest finishes.
Phos has a heritage in metal forming, and finishing is among our core strengths. It allows us to offer finishing optionsthatno-one else can; from simple powder coating to more complex methods such as plating and anodising, we can do it all.
Using the highest quality metals available, we can ‘frame’ the light in the finish of your choice to add a touch of luxury to your lighting designs. Going further, we can also offer speciality choices that either keep the feel of metal, wood, rust or even carbon!
These highly desirable finishes allow the designer to bespoke specify our product to match other elements of their design conceptsso that the lighting can finally be considered in their mood boards too!
With this dedication to research and individuality, Phos is the perfect choice for the designer seeking both performance and design flair.
