LIGHTING
DIMMERS • Flexibility is an essential ingredient for good lighting. Few rooms should be lit to the same intensity at all times. Dimmer controls for lighting are invaluable because they allow the intensity of light to be varied simply at the touch or turn of a switch. Ask your client if they have this feature. DAYL IGHT ING • Making optimal use of daylight can certainly brighten and open up a room or area. But always ask your client if they wish to let light in or not – do they need black out shades or heavy curtains? Sheers or Roman Shades? • Windows do a fine job of providing daylight for rooms that run along the perimeter of the house. They also provide a visual portal to the exterior spaces There is however the problem of sun damage. Window treatments do a good job of diffusing the light and slowing down the damage process to the flooring, furniture and textiles. Shutters and black out shades are better. • Skylights are great sources of natural light ask your client how the light enters from their skylight. • Doors with glass as well, ask your client if they are clear or frosted. • Mirrors are another tool to help make the most of natural light. A room with windows on one side can greatly increase the perceived amount of daylight by installing mirrors on the opposite wall. Mirrors can also greatly increase the apparent depth of an area by giving the illusion that the interior extends much farther than it actually does. Cramped areas can become brighter and more open. • Reflectance — don’t forget that light colors reflect more light than dark colors, a room painted in a white will make better use of the natural light than one painted a hunter green.
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