How to achieve indirect lighting in interior design.

For our planet the sun is a major lighting source. The light which we receive on earth varies in intensity and quantity depending upon the geographical location on earth.

For normal human activities inside the building what we require is indirect light. There is a major difference between direct and indirect light. Direct light from the sun produces light in high quantities but also generates a lot of heat, which may not be required or at sometimes can be uncomfortable.

Indirect lighting produces a good quality diffused light by eliminating the heat that's being produced from sunlight. Interior designers always look for various ways that will increase the chances of achieving good quality sunlight into a room.

the basic principle behind indirect lighting is easy. Obstruct the direct sunlight on a surface that will absorb the heat and throw our or disperse the light alone uniformly inside the room.

This requires a good study of various light entry points of a given room and selecting surfaces that will receive direct sunlight. Then applying finishes to these materials that will absorb the heat but at the same time reflect a lot of light to the interiors.

There is a major challenge in doing this.

Let's say that I select a bedroom to be treated for indirect lighting. I select a plane wall opposite or adjacent to the window opening that will receive direct sunlight. If I paint the wall with a bright color, it will definitely reflect the light in the entire room, but at the same time create a "glare" that can be quite uncomfortable for the users.

So just creating reflecting surfaces is not the solution. The surfaces that will reflect the direct light and at the same time won't produce a glare are recommended here.

This can be easily achieved using artificial lighting. The greatest advantage of artificial lighting is that you can select the number of light sources in the first place. Then light sources can be very creatively be hidden using shaders and other design elements, so that the light spots can be directed towards reflective surfaces.

A very common use of this technique is, project the light spots on a bright reflective ceiling and the ceiling will uniformly disperse the light in the rest of the room. Projecting the light on ceiling will eliminate the problem of causing glare, since the ceiling is always above the normal eye level.

Using a centralized light source on the ceiling and throwing the light on adjacent walls is also a good solution. This will also save a lot of wiring lengths, cutting your cost in the fixing up of the total electrical system.

A careful choice of reflective surfaces inside a room can greatly enhance the light qualities in a room. In interiors there are hundreds of objects that receive light. Objects such as walls, furniture ceiling, floor will have a tendency to reflect light away from them. Objects like windowpanes, glass panels in the furniture will absorb or will allow the light to pass away the light thought them b reducing the heat and intensity of light.

That's why careful selection of materials during design stage can cause a good lighting solution. Also the lighting solution will differ from room to room depending upon which direction the room faces outwards. For this the sun path must be taken into consideration. By careful study of the sun path it will be easy to decide the color schemes and finishes for satisfactory result in indirect lighting.

I hope this article was helpful to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some excellent tips on home renovation at his website .You will also find some great concept level thinking on bedrooms and decorating ideas.

Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

 by: Karen Trubner-Kent

So youve decided to hire an Interior Designergood move! Now what? Before you start planning your reveal party, youll need a basic understanding about the process to ensure that you get the most design for your dollar and that you have a fun and fabulous experience, no matter what type of project is ahead of you.

Youll need to learn the basics of choosing the right design professionals, establishing a budget, outlining the details of the contract, considering your lifestyle and communicating your challenges.

Choosing the Right Designer: Beyond the Portfolio

Professionally trained Interior Designers have undergone extensive training in the various elements of modern and historical design, art and architecture. They have a basic foundation of knowledge that allows them to develop concepts in a variety of styles that range from traditional, contemporary, art deco, eclecticor a combination of several styles.

That being said, not every designers talent is right for every project. For yours, youll want to choose someone whose portfolio speaks to you in a positive way. As with every profession, designers tend to develop personal styles that carry over into their projects. It could be the sense of clarity and order you see in the furniture arrangements, or maybe its a color palette thats used in a unique way. It could be the modern touches worked seamlessly into a roomful of antiques, or the interesting textures of the fabrics.

Referrals are the best way to find a designer, so if the home of a friend or colleague appeals to you, by all means ask them for the designers number! You can also visit Web sites to get a better feel for the designers talent and personal style. Expect to spend a bit of time on the phone discussing your project with the designer and/or completing a questionnaire that will give them a better feel for your tastes and your project prior to the kickoff meeting.

Youre looking for someone you instantly trust and respect, who communicates excitement about your project, no matter how big or small, and who trusts and respects you as well. After all, this person is transforming your most sacred and cherished space!

Establishing a Realistic Budget

Everyone has a budget, so dont feel bad about setting yours in stoneor tile, or brick. No matter what the amount, your designer should help you get the best value and the highest quality possible. Be wary of anyone that summarily dismisses your grand ideas based on budget alone: A first-rate designer will work hard to achieve your key design goals, perhaps by spreading the job out over time or suggesting alternative solutions for your project.

A great benefit of using a professional designer is that she has access to materials unavailable to the general public, so no matter what your budget, your home will feel unique and very you.

Your designer will also manage the entire process, whether it involves space planning, lighting design, purchasing, ordering, selecting finishes or monitoring the construction and installation of the project elements.

Outlining Terms of the Contract

Make sure you read and sign an official contract before any money exchanges hands or work begins. In addition to the legal aspects, a contract summarizes the plans youve been discussing such as your budget, design fees, accountability regarding subcontractors (painters, carpet layers, etc.).

Youve selected the designers and signed the contract now comes the fun part!

Considering Your Lifestyle

Your home environment should complement and support the way you and your family really live or really want to live. For example, if youre starting a home-based business, you might turn your cluttered garage into a functional office. If your spouse loves to cook, you might knock down a wall so the under-used formal dining room becomes part of the kitchen. Many families make the mistake of letting the layout of the home dictate their activities vs. reorganizing the space to embrace their lifestyles.

To ensure that your designer understands how you live now and how you want to live, share as many details with her as you can. Also share your personal tastes so she can incorporate them into the designs. If you hate plaid, tell her now, before she gets too deep into the first draft.

To help you better prepare yourself, answer these questions before you have your first meeting with the designer:

• Are you a creative person? In what ways does your home limit your creativity or your hobbies?

• Do you like the present color palette? Does it need updating?

• Are they any rooms that feel cramped or stuffy? Any rooms that feel empty, cold or unwelcoming?

• Is adequate, well-organized storage a problem? Can you find things when you need them?

• Are your bathrooms functional, pleasing spaces? Do you or family members have special needs (e.g. grab bars, easy-entrance shower stalls, etc.)?

• As you walk through your rooms, jot down your favorite qualities about each. Do you like the proportions? Is there adequate ventilation and lighting throughout your house?

• Are there any rooms that you dont use regularly? Could any of these rooms be used for more than one function? Could any of these rooms be used for a completely different function?

• Does your home balance open space and private areas?

• Does the entryway do its job of setting the stage for the rest of your home by welcoming guests and making a statement about the people who live there? If you normally come into your home through the garage, does that area welcome you?

Focus on Your Challenges

A designer works best when you share your wish list, express your ideas, and then keep an open mind. That means communicating how you want to live in the space and then entrusting the designer to make it happen. After all, you hired this person for her experience, talent and vision!

For example, one homeowner hired a designer to help her reorganize her tiny office so she could be more productive. Instead, the designer suggested that she move her entire operation downstairs, into the den she used once every two months to watch movies. She did, tripling her space and doubling her productivity in just three months.

Contrary to TV, where designers admonish clients for questioning their plans, real-life designers understand that youre the person who ultimately needs to love the space. They want you to be happy and want you to give your input so youre absolutely thrilled with the results (and so youll recommend them to your friends)! Thats why they do so much probing upfront about your tastes and how you live, then incrementally present their ideas throughout the process.

Hiring a designer is like giving a gift to yourself! You made the smart decision to hire an Interior Designer, youve been smart about the planning process, and now you can rest assured that the time, money and energy you spend returns truly smart, stunning results!

Karen Trubner-Kent LLK Interior Design The principals of LLK Interior Design (www.LLKInteriorDesign.com) have been creating beautiful, practical spaces for corporate and residential clients around the Puget Sound for a combined total of 16 years. Services include space planning, custom design, model home design, kitchen and bath design and residential lighting. Later this year they will appear in an episode of HGTVs wildly popular show Designers Challenge. In addition, LLK Interior Design participated in Meet the Designer at the Seattle Interiors Show in October 2003. The principals of the firm are members of the American Society of Interior Designers, the Master Builders Association and Built Green. LLK Interior Designs studio is located in downtown Bellevue, Washington, where they hold client appointments and monthly interactive Design 101 classes. info@llkinteriordesign.com