
Yes you
can. When designing with light you must consider all light sources,
including natural light. You must also take into account day and evening
options.
If you over light a room, the effect will be harsh and
uncomfortable especially at nighttime. If you have layered your lighting
correctly you need not rely on your decorative pieces for light – lamps
with dark or black shades, or
chandeliers with dimmer switches are
among the lighting options that can be added for fashion without over
lighting your room.
In location of lighting, are there other do’s and don’ts?
One
of the most important considerations in the placement of
light fixtures
is the glare they produce. Direct glare – as from a bare light bulb –
is the worst kind. Always use the correct bulbs to avoid glare and also
beware of reflected glare, light that bounces off of other objects into
the eyes.
My room seems too big/small…. how can lighting help?
The
direction in which you point the light can be very helpful. Ceilings
can pose problems, or they can become special features. If the ceilings
seem too low, bounce light from up-light fixtures (like torchieres) as
this can visually “raise” the ceilings. Cathedral or beamed ceilings can
also he highlighted and take on new importance in the overall design of
a room with up lighting. Two common problems in older homes are rough
or patchy surfaces., and high, cavernous ceilings. To alleviate lighting
issues, keep the lighting off the ceiling by using only down lighting
(like chandeliers or semi-flush mounts). Imperfections in a surface will
be less noticeable without direct light shining on them.

Room
dimensions can “appear” to be altered with the proper lighting. Smaller
rooms can look more expansive and large rooms can be warmed with the
correct lighting fixtures. Washing the four walls of a room with soft
light, combined with a light toned paint can create the effect of a
larger room. Conversely, a large room illuminated with a few soft pools
of light concentrated on certain objects or areas can make a room feel
smaller and more intimate.
What about a narrow room or hallway?

Narrow
rooms can benefit by placing lighting on the short walls of the room
rather than drawing attention to the long narrow walls. This results in a
wider looking space. In narrow hallways choose sconces that project
light both up and down the walls and that light both sides of a hallway.
I have a lot of beautiful features in my home, like stonework and silk window dressings. How can I show them off with lighting?
Skimming
them with light will highlight textured surfaces, whether it be a soft
surface like fabric or a hard masonry surface. Acute angle placement
near these surfaces will help achieve this effect.
How can I use lighting to show off the beautiful decorative objects in my home?
Backlighting
decorative objects can help accent them. Bouncing light indirectly onto
an object can also achieve a pleasant effect.
Lighting something from
below works particularly well on transparent or translucent items such
as glass.
Any tips for my Entryway?
Entries
should not be overly lit. The transition from outdoors to indoor can be
disorienting. Remember to avoid glare in this area. This is best done
with multiple light sources. Make the entry warm and inviting. Lighting
is very important here, as it is the point where the first impression is
made.