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It's easy to achieve the desired look for the home, office or outdoors if you follow some basic guidelines.
Start by understanding the area you're lighting. How big is it? What atmosphere does it need? Are there areas to accentuate or feature? This will help determine your globe selection in terms of colour temperature—warm or cold—or whether lighting needs to be direct, indirect, dispersed or reflected.
Atmosphere is important too. Features such as dimmable globes make it possible to change the mood of any room simply by adjusting the level of lighting.
Room layout is another consideration, as is furniture type. Keep in mind that dark furniture absorbs light, whereas brighter items will reflect it. For example, a room with heavy curtains and mahogany furniture will generally need more illumination than a room with beech fittings and pale fabric.
While it's easy to change the colour of the light fittings and accessories, a good overall rule is to keep the ceiling colour neutral or bright white. This means light can be directed onto the ceiling and reflected throughout the room evenly.
Add some design flare and experiment with LED globes in lamp shades made from different materials. With improved technology and because LEDs emit no heat, it's worth having some fun and trying lamp shades with different shapes and textures to create something unique.
Link your lighting for good effect. For example, when the general lighting in a dining room is dimmed, ensure the LED globes above the dining table become brighter so that this area becomes a focus.
Another technique that works well is to light in layers. Ambient light is the functional foundation, welcoming you into the room. It could, for example, be a central chandelier. Add some task lighting to illuminate the activities you do in the room. Be mindful that different tasks require specific lighting. Then use accent lighting, an effective tool to accentuate features such as the kitchen island bench (pictured above).
Check out the full range of Ledvance lighting products available at your local Bunnings.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
