BRIGHT IDEAS

BRIGHT IDEAS
Design techniques
Highlighting: Highlighting draws focus to a desired object, such as a painting or prized family heirloom, by illuminating that object with more than five times the brightness of the background or surrounding area.
Wall washing: This technique draws visual attention to one particular part of a room by providing a wash of brightness on the wall. Wall washing hides imperfections on the wall's surface by flattening its texture. Incandescent lights that are mounted overhead at a slanted angle work well.
Backlighting: Backlighting is achieved by diffusing light through translucent materials such as acrylic panels, stained glass or silkscreen. As a result, the backlighted objects seem to glow. Backlighting creates a soft, dreamy mood and can be achieved with incandescent or fluorescent lamps.
Silhouetting: A bright background light is placed behind a foreground object, such as a statue, to create a dramatic silhouette. As a result, the object becomes the focal point of the room.
Down lighting: Projecting light downward on a work surface or floor.
Up lighting: Projecting light upward toward the ceiling for gentle, diffused lighting.
Grazing: Lighting a plane (flat surface) with beams close and parallel to the plane. This technique emphasizes surface texture.
Sparkle: This technique creates a festive mood by creating random small, bright spots of light.
GETTING CREATIVE
Here are a few tips for marvelously unexpected lighting looks:
*Light fixtures made of crackled or hand-blown glass create shimmery, translucent effects.
*For a soft, exotic flair, try a Japanese parchment shade.
*Install sconces for a soft, romantic effect. Sconce light washes up onto walls and ceilings, providing a gentle illumination. Since sconces don't need placement on counters or tables, they work especially well in dark, narrow places such as dim hallways and stairwells.
*If you don't like the look of fluorescent lighting, use gel sleeves to alter the color of the fluorescent tube. Speaking of fluorescents: If efficiency is a top priority, opt for fluorescent lighting. Fluorescents are three to five times more efficient than incandescent lamps and last up to 20 times longer.
Sources: ewweb.com, www.findarticles.com