Very few of us want to live life in the shadows. So there is every reason to take the time to pay attention to lighting placement when planning a new home. Interior shadows and dark corners are not easy to live with, but they can almost always be eliminated with a little advance planning, forethought and recessed lights. The science of lighting design has come a long way since Edison!
Beyond the Single Bulb
Modern homeowners are no longer satisfied with a single-bulb fixture in the center of the room; and recessed cans are the preferred solution today. But in order to reap full benefit, those “pot lights” must be placed properly in the ceiling. Fortunately, planning is not that difficult; while common recessed cans provide simple downlighting, it’s also possible to highlight art with wall washers or cast light on an architectural feature with an “eyeball.”
Because they add great value at reasonable cost, it’s tempting to use a lot of those little ceiling cans. But, it’s more prudent to use a bit of restraint to assure that recessed lighting serves your needs effectively.
Recessed lighting today is specialized and multi-purpose. Can lights come in different sizes, with a variety of trims and baffles. They can be almost invisible in the ceiling or stand out as design features. They are line or low-voltage, available with a variety of different bulb options, suitable for wet locations when installed with lenses, and are even used occasionally in outdoor applications to light up breezeways, garage doors, and covered patios. Individual cans can be individually controlled, or a single switch with an integral dimmer might control a roomful of lights.
In short, recessed lighting represents a modern solution to banish the darkness from our living spaces. Perhaps not surprisingly, however, owners and even builders sometimes take less than full advantage of its functional and decorative potential. That’s where Aterra excels.
Integrating Lighting Design
There is a whole science surrounding proper lighting. Most people know that every room should have a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting. But knowing how to integrate the three different types requires experience and expertise.
As you’re planning your new home, we hope you’ll think about the lighting choices that you make. By considering your future lighting needs early in the building process, it’s possible to light up your life in a way that adds value to your property and function to individual rooms. We know how to steer you away from costly and common lighting mistakes.
Aterra works in tandem with architects and owners, with builders and electrical contractors to ensure that your new home will not live in shadow. Downlights are not the only way to do that, and recessed lighting is not the only solution. But when used in conjunction with decorative chandeliers, wall sconces, track lighting, lamps and specialty fixtures, you are sure to have a new home that becomes the “light of your life.” Why not allow us to work with you?