Friday, June 10, 2011

Patterns of Light


It's not really about that orb floating inside the groin vault in this hotel in Marakech, is it?  It's about that exquisite pattern of light that the orb creates.  Magical.

Circa Lighting Blog - the shadows here align with the vaults in the ceiling

Selecting lighting for a space involves so many considerations.  How much wattage needs to come from a fixture? What type of bulbs?  What direction does it need to illuminate? How does it scale in the room?  What material and finish is best for the space? What about style?  These are just a few of the things designers have to consider when selecting lighting for a project. 

Zamzam Riad Boutique Hotel

Sometimes the pattern of light created by the fixture is an afterthought.....a reward after the fixture is installed.  Many times there is no way to see the fixture lit beforehand. There may not be a photograph of it lit and choosing one that is in stock and installed in a local showroom for a client to see live and in person is rare. So, when the fixture is flicked on just after it's installed and we're all looking up with an expectant smile, hoping it will do everything it's supposed to, and then.....


My bathroom fixture - Circa Lighting

I LOVE this moment.  The pattern of light created in that particular environment is always unique.  Color, texture, and objects in the room are all affected in a different way.


Zamzam Riad Boutique Hotel


Sconce by Two Hills Studio, Austin, TX



Sorry for the glare here, my job site photo!  Love the pattern on the ceiling though.


Very blurry shot of one of my master bath remodels in progress.  Moroccan fixture installed. I'll post the final shot soon!



Another Zamzam Riad photo - beautiful!

Patterns of light in a room add another layer to the overall depth and richness of a space.  It's not always about the beautiful fixture, but about the way it brings everything to life!

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9 comments:

  1. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassJune 10, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    This images are gorgeous, Carla. You always post things that most of us don't think about enough. Food for thought here.
    Have a great weekend.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  2. AnonymousJune 10, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Carla, these are fabulous examples of lighting...I guess I hadn't really thought about the actual light emitted from a light fixture..
    I've only ever thought about the actual fixture..
    I just got a little smarter.. :)

    (yea, I know, hard to believe..but you're good at bringing out the aspects of design that us regular people, who are not in the trade, never think about..)

    maureen

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  3. quintessenceJune 11, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I find lighting is one of the most difficult aspects of design. I especially love that first fixture and the two from Circa - including yours!!

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  4. Jamie HerzlingerJune 12, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Great lighting!
    Very nice to read your blog
    Jamie Herzlinger

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  5. Kellie CollisJune 12, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    The room's light makes a really huge impact on the room's decor. Love the first light! Enjoy the gorgeous day, Kellie xx

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  6. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.June 12, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Lighting is one of our favorite parts of the design process. It is sooo important. Some lovely examples here. Hope all is well with you. Mona

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  7. My Notting HillJune 14, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Your post reminds me I should pay more attention to lighting. My daughter had a Tord Boontje fixture in her room (the one w/flowers/vines) and it creates great pattern.

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  8. under spanish mossJune 15, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Great example of the impact that lighting has on the mood of a room.

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  9. sonnemanAugust 12, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    I love how lighting can change the entire appearance of a room! Amazing!!!

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