Welcome to the second part of our two-part series on lighting design essentials for designers. In part one of this educational series, we demystified some commonly used lighting terms and provided actionable tips for incorporating this knowledge into design projects. In this segment, we will focus on five steps designers can follow to develop plans that maximize the impact of lighting, especially in the kitchen and bath.
1. Choose Reliable Sources
There is a wide range of low-voltage lighting sources available that make it easier than ever to create impactful lighting designs. Tape lighting is ideal where flexible lighting is needed, while linear fixtures offer a lighting solution in durable aluminum housing. To simplify the selection and installation of different light sources, choose a single manufacturer that offers a range of products and backs them with a warranty. This approach can eliminate interoperability issues that can arise from using different lighting sources and also provides peace of mind for quality and performance.
2. The Power of Tunable-White
The best way to ensure your designs are shown in their best light is to choose tunable-white lighting. Tunable-white lighting can be set to different light temperatures from warm white with a yellowish hue to a cool bright white light. Tunable-white lighting is not the same as dimming. Dimming only impacts the brightness of the light, not the color temperature. Be aware that while tunable-white lighting can be dimmed, dimmable lighting may not be tunable, so select lighting sources with care to have both features and achieve maximum flexibility.
3. Leverage Expertise
Manufacturers focused on providing products for trade professionals typically offer warranties and an array of support resources. Task Lighting & Power goes a step further by offering free design services to create lighting and power plans. When you provide the Task Design Services team with a layout of your project, they will draw up a comprehensive plan, including a parts list of everything that needs to be ordered, usually within two business days. If you have questions or if a problem arises, the USA-based customer support and Design Services teams can provide the guidance you need to address any issue, saving you time and money.
4. Do I need an electrician?
Low-voltage lighting has many benefits for a wide range of applications. LED lighting kits that plug into existing outlets are fast and easy to install. An electrician is only needed if the system has to be hard-wired. Review the manufacturer’s installation instructions and other resources, like quick start guides and videos before buying lighting kits. Taking time up front to review materials to familiarize yourself with the products and installation process can avoid headaches on installation day. If you find the resources lacking or the process complicated, it is a good indication that you should research other products or hire an electrician for the job.
5. Educate Homeowners—Get Referrals!
Designers understand how important lighting is for every project, but it is often not discussed with clients during the design process. This is a missed opportunity since most homeowners welcome the opportunity to learn about how lighting impacts their space. Taking the time to discuss options for lighting control (sensors, light switches, timers, etc.) helps homeowners think about how they plan to live in their space and makes it feel personalized to their family. Clients who feel they learned from their designer are clients that will happily send new clients your way!
To learn more about how to integrate lighting into your designs, check out the recent NKBA|KBIS design webinar Streamline Lighting: A Consistent, Repeatable Path to Illumination hosted by Keith Clark of Task Lighting and Power. The webinar provides information about lighting technology, products, services, and troubleshooting tips. It is a great resource for building confidence and gaining knowledge that you can use on every project.