Lighting planning should come first – this is one of the most important stages of renovation. A well-lit interior is like a cut diamond: it plays, sparkles, attracts attention … It doesn’t matter if you are renovating a new house or updating an already boring interior.
Today we will tell you everything about a lighting plan: what it is, how to draw it up, and when to contact the engineers..
Engineering plan
An engineering plan is a graphical diagram of the location of switches, sockets, and light bulbs. Believe me, if your knowledge in this area is not so deep, ask for help from professional electricians who will coordinate their actions with the decorator and select the best option..
If you are determined to do it on your own, then you cannot do without special devices and tools. In addition to drawing the diagram, it will be necessary to assess the state of the wiring and only then decide whether changes are needed. Once again, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced master who will equip the room with additional switches and sockets in a few hours.
Who it «lighting designer»?
This is a specialist who develops unique custom-made systems. In addition, on special occasions, he can create stunning art installations with illumination..
The profession of an engineer has been trained for more than one year, so you have every right to inquire about the qualification level of the invited expert.
Should I contact a specialist?
Of course it’s worth it! He will competently design a lighting plan for non-standard rooms: you must admit that it is difficult to independently equip a home theater and an indoor pool, solve the problem of glare and think over ways to save energy?
If a well-coordinated team is already working on the idea, the lighting designer will optimize the installation process by taking over some of the architect’s functions, so your costs will increase slightly.
How much does the work cost?
Like many other workers, an electrician may charge an hourly wage for his work. The size of the tariff varies depending on the region and the qualifications of the master, but you should be ready to pay from 3 to 7 thousand rubles per hour. Large and medium projects are paid at a flat rate.
Each room requires a special approach. There are several criteria.
Instrument installation level
Below all, there should be lamps in the bedroom, living room and dining room. The rooms in which we relax and enjoy our food need diffused light. Consider adjustable lighting in the living room and dining room.
Bathroom and kitchen require brightness. To make cooking more comfortable, take care of being able to see the surrounding objects in great detail.
If you’ve ever had to work in a semi-dark kitchen, you know how inconvenient and even dangerous it is..
Consider the location of the outlets
They can be installed in walls, in the floor, in the inner door of cabinets and on work surfaces.
Adequate power points eliminate the need for all-round tees and extension cords and reduce the risk of fire.
What are dimmers?
We are accustomed to the fact that bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms are equipped with power regulators, but the bathroom and kitchen need them no less.
Adjustable lighting creates «always the right atmosphere»: you can shred products at maximum light, and mix cocktails at a friendly party in a mysterious twilight.
And how pleasant it is to relax in a warm bath, when the dim light does not tire your eyes and allows you to completely surrender to the rest …
Installing switches
Most often, we enter a room and automatically fumble with our hand on the wall by the door in search of the coveted lever. In the bedroom, a backup switch near the bed is very useful, especially if you have given up table lamps and wall lamps in favor of pendant lamps.
Multi-stage lighting
A lonely plafond involuntarily makes you recall a typical scene from bad action movies: a gloomy interrogation chamber in a police station, where a light bulb dangles mournfully from the ceiling … These are the associations that can cause «point» lighting. Movies and jokes away!
The fewer light sources, the more shadows and the narrower the space appears. This is hardly what you dream about …
To create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, you need to organize three types of light flux: diffused, directional and local – these are the components of an ideal system that allow you to structure the space and focus on unusual details..
Scattered
Scattered is the most popular. The source is located overhead, most often it is a chandelier, but built-in spotlights are also not uncommon lately..
Directed
Indispensable for work or reading. A table lamp and recessed lights along the line of cupboards in the kitchen are prime examples. Sconces, low pendant lamps and track diodes above the work surface do their job perfectly.
Local
Even if you are happy with the combination of diffuse and directional lighting, think carefully about installing local or spotlights that highlight an interesting element of the interior. For example, a collection of figurines or a bookcase that you are so proud of.
