Lighting - Toni Palmer Designs€¦ · technology of lighting has grown and evolved. But frequently, lighting effects are harsh and uncomfortable. The solution to this problem is

by Toni Palmer Toni Palmer Designs

303.394.4416 www. tonipalmerdesigns. com

Lighting

Custom-made multi-palm chandelier by Aqua Creations

Photo courtesy of ©AM Serfaty for Aqua Creations

Exclusive U.S. representation by Boyd & Dreith; Denver Design Center;

303.777.4600

, ight-the silent voice that speaks loudly to us and frequently commands our behavior. Stop! Go! Look at this object! Walk over there! Sit here to read! The only time this voice is consistently successful is with well-planned and well-executed lighting design.

How does one gain command of such a multifaceted voice? We must realize that lighting has five basic languages and several dialects of each.

The first is NATURAL LIGHT, provided by the sun. But one cannot count on natural light to be constant. Natural light needs to be augmented and orchestrated to keep light levels consistent.

The second is AMBIENT LIGHT, which we count on to replace or augment Natural Light. It is the light we see by and which generally lights our interiors. Its dialects include pendant lights, chandeliers, floor lamps, and recessed lighting.

The third is TASK LIGHTING, allowing us to use our computers, read and write, or safely complete an act ivity . The positioning of this lighting is critical, and its use is normally directional. Its dialects can include desk lamps, well directed down lights, under-counter lights, and pendant lights.

Fourth, let's explore the quiet voice of ACCENT LIGHTS. Your decorative pieces and art wil l shine with the help of accent lighting. This lighting is great in niches, and it works to highlight architectural ele­ments. Accent lights should be discrete, low-level, and placed for drama, to direct the eye toward fine objects. Accent lighting speaks in dialects such as low-level lights, concealed down lighting, nice table-lamp shades, backlighting, and uplighting.

This leaves INFORMATION LIGHTING as the last language. This lighting frequently commands our movements by lighting paths, signs, stairs, and landings. Closet and refrigerator lights also fall into this category. Information lighting is critical for safety and may be articulated by lampposts, landscape lighting, and recessed wall lighting.

Interior lighting installation.

Photo courtesy of Gregg Mackell;

186 Lighting Design Group, Inc.;

303.534.5350; www.186group.com

Morning Glory by Aqua Creations © Albi Serfaty for Aqua Creations Exclusive U.S. representation by Boyd & Dreith; Denver Design Center; 303.777.4600

Snake lighting bumble bee fixture. Available through II&S Lighting; 303.7771007 © Gary C. Caskey

0 8 Exceptional Colorado Homes | Spring 2004

Interior lighting installation. Photo courtesy of Gregg Mackell; 186 Lighting Design Group, Inc.; 303.534.5350; www.186group.com

Chili by Aqua Creations Albi Serfaty for Aqua Creations

Aqua Creations products available exclusively by:

Boyd & Dreith Fine Textiles & Furnishings, Inc. Denver Design Center

303.777.4600

mm

Lighting

vL<ver since Edison invented tlie incan­descent light bulb in 1879, the quality, versatility, and technology of lighting has grown and evolved. But frequently, lighting effects are harsh and uncomfortable. The solution to this problem is not to decrease or increase the lighting levels, but to become fluent in the five basic lighting languages: natural light, ambient light, task lighting, accent lighting, and information lighting.

The equation of the five basic lighting languages in any lighting mix, determines the final lighting environment.

Maybe it 's a chorus of d i f f e r e n t incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent fixtures that will provide the appropriate blend for your room. Or perhaps you'll want to add spotlights or floodlights to the mix. Finally, you'll need to consider the wattage of each fixture to determine how loudly they speak.

Lighting sconces available through Boyd & Dreith; Denver Design Center; 303.777.4600 © Gary C. Caskey

The correct, personalized mix of lighting or y o u r i n t e r i o r is a c h i e v a b l e . However, many different variables must be considered, and for this reason, truly effective lighting design is best left to the pros.

We have chosen some fabulous, artistic fixtures, most of which speak the language of ambient lighting or task lighting. Enjoy our selections, and study them carefully. Then imagine a lighting design that would make every aspect of your interior speak fluently to you.

Bassito by Aqua Creations, © Albi Serfaty for Aqua Creations

www.coloradohomes.com 0 9

D€9IGM

Chandeliers

Soleil Demi-Grand Pendant; Designer: Jiun Ho; The Kentfield Collection™.

Available through Boyd & Dreith Fine Textiles &

Furnishings, Inc.; Denver Design Center; 303.777.4600.

© Photo courtesy of Boyd Lighting

Cascade Round Luminaire; Designer: Todd Rugee;

The Kentfield Collection™. Available through

Boyd & Dreith Fine Textiles & Furnishings, Inc.;

Denver Design Center; 303.777.4600. © Photo courtesy of Boyd Lighting

Antler chandelier. Available through The Shanahan Collection; 303.778.7088; www.shanahancollection.com © Gary C. Caskey

Suspended Mandala by Aqua Creations © Albi Serfaty for Aqua Creations Exclusive U.S. representation by Boyd & Dreith; Denver Design Center; 303.777.4600

Stellare Chandelier by Donghia Furniture/Textiles, Ltd. Available through Boyd & Dreith Fine Textiles & Furnishings, Inc.; Denver Design Center; 303.777.4600. © Photo courtesy of Donghia Furniture/Textiles, Ltd.

1 Mardi Gras by Schonbek Lighting. Available through JJ&S Lighting; 303.777.1007; www.jjslighting.com © Photo courtesy of Schonbek Lighting, Inc.

10 Exceptional Colorado Homes | Spring 2004