Transforming a space: The Power of Layered Lighting
In interior design, layered lighting is essential for transforming a space from ordinary to extraordinary. It has the power to evoke a range of emotions and create a dynamic, multi-dimensional atmosphere. From the gentle glow of ambient lighting to the dramatic accent of focused beams, layered lighting techniques can craft an experience that engages and delights.
To explore the nuances of layering light in a space, we spoke to our experts Sara Namdarian and Lahiru Jayakody, interior designers at LIV Design studio. In this piece, they share their insights on how to effectively use various lighting layers to enhance your interiors, creating a balanced and visually captivating environment. Join us as we delve into the art of layered lighting and discover how it can transform your home’s ambiance and functionality.
Beyond Lighting: Layered Lighting as a Design Philosophy
Lighting is a powerful tool that can completely transform the mood of a room. There are three main pillars to layered lighting, ambient, task and accent lights. We spoke to Sara Namdarian, interior designer at LIV Design studio to outline some of the ways designers will utilize layered lighting to achieve desired looks. Here's what she had to say:
I prioritize ambient lighting to establish overall illumination. Usually achieved by the celling mounted fixtures, recessed light to chandelier, depending on the ceiling height. Task lighting comes next and is used where the specific function takes place like study or cooking. Lastly, accent lighting can play a huge part on the aesthetic and mood creation making use of fixtures such as pendant lights or under cabinet toe kick.
–Sara Namdarian, Interior Designer at LIV Design Studio
Every type of lighting serves a specific function in crafting a space. It’s the interior designer’s job to ensure that a space not only fulfills its intended purpose but, through the power of layered lighting, can transform into an entirely new environment. By maximizing both space and ambiance, designers can create settings that are not only functional but emotionally engaging and visually dynamic, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who enters.
From Function to Form: Elevating Interiors with Thoughtful Lighting
Harnessing the Day: Integrating Natural Light into Layered Lighting Designs
Natural light is the cornerstone of a thoughtfully layered lighting approach in interior design. By harnessing the changing tones of daylight, designers can craft spaces that feel vibrant, balanced, and deeply connected to the environment. This foundational layer enhances a room's aesthetic, creating a natural flow that makes the space feel alive. It also provides the perfect backdrop for integrating ambient, task, and accent lighting, which together elevate the overall design. We spoke to Lahiru Jayakody, an interior designer at LIV Design Studio to learn how she masterfully blends natural and artificial lighting to create harmonious and inviting spaces.
Natural light shifts in tone and warmth throughout the day, adding dynamism to a space. This can be enhanced in three ways: ambient lighting to transition smoothly from day to night, task lighting for focused illumination, and accent lighting as a design feature. A well-designed space blends all three with natural light for balance and depth.
–Lahiru Jayakody, Interior Designer at LIV Design Studio
Crafting Atmosphere: The Role of Fixtures and Bulbs in Layered Lighting Design
Lighting fixtures and their finishes are essential in shaping the mood of a room, as they go beyond mere function to become key design elements. The materials, colors, and textures of fixtures can dramatically influence the ambiance, adding layers of sophistication, warmth, or modernity to a space. The right finishes allow designers to tailor lighting to enhance the overall atmosphere, ensuring that each fixture contributes not only to the lighting but to the emotional experience of the room. We spoke with Lahiru Jayakody, an interior designer at LIV Design studio, to explore the thoughtful considerations that go into selecting the perfect fixtures for a space.
A key consideration is how visible the light source will be. Concealed lighting, like hidden LED strips or backlit mirrors, creates soft, atmospheric lighting ideal for relaxed environments. In contrast, direct light sources like spotlights offer a sharper, more intense effect suited for focused, high-energy spaces. Bulb specifications, particularly color temperature, also shape the atmosphere. Warm white provides a cozy feel, while cool white offers a more functional tone.
–Lahiru Jayakody, Interior Designer at LIV Design Studio
Lighting is a powerful tool in interior design, capable of profoundly influencing the emotional atmosphere of a space. By thoughtfully employing various lighting techniques, from the warmth of soft, ambient lights to the cool clarity of focused beams, designers can craft an environment that resonates on a deeper emotional level. Incorporating natural light and dynamic lighting effects further enhances this ability, creating a versatile and engaging experience that evolves with the space. We spoke to Sara Namdarian, interior designer at LIV Design studio to get a better understanding of how she ensures the lighting choice correctly reflects the mood of a space.
Warm lighting creates comfort and intimacy, making it ideal for spaces like dining rooms, bedrooms, spas, or luxury restaurants. It evokes relaxation with a cozy atmosphere. Cool lighting, ranging from 3500K to 5000K, boosts focus and energy, often used in workspaces or areas meant for short stays, like fast-food spots. Natural lighting promotes wellness, uplifting mood and positivity through skylights or large windows. Dynamic lighting, with changing effects, encourages energy and excitement, making it perfect for clubs, dance floors, and party spaces.
–Sara Namdarian, Interior Designer at LIV Design Studio
Intelligent Illumination: Enhancing Layered Lighting with Smart Technology
The integration of smart lighting technologies has been revolutionary to the experience of both commercial and residential spaces. Offering seamless control over core elements like brightness, color, and timing, these innovations bring a new level of sophistication and adaptability to interior environments. Beyond functionality, smart lighting enables the effortless transformation of mood and ambiance, allowing spaces to evolve with the moment. To explore how this technology is redefining the art of design, we turn to Lahiru Jayakody, interior designer at LIV Design studio, who shares her vision for the future of illuminated spaces.
Smart lighting enhances versatility by mimicking natural sunlight in spaces with limited natural light and automating routines with sensors to maintain optimal lighting levels. This approach ensures that different lighting elements work in harmony, contributing to effective layered lighting.
–Lahiru Jayakody, Interior Designer at LIV Design Studio
Designing with Purpose: The Benefits of Layered Lighting
Functionality is fundamental to every lighting decision, whether for residential or commercial spaces. The primary question is whether the lighting effectively serves its intended purpose at all times of day. This requires a thorough evaluation of the different types of spaces and how they impact lighting choices. To explore this approach in detail, we spoke with Sara Namdarian, an interior designer at LIV Design studio. She provides valuable insights into how designers carefully consider the functional requirements of a space, ensuring that lighting not only enhances the environment but also supports its practical use.
In living areas, the goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere with ambient lighting, such as ceiling fixtures or floor lamps, ideally dimmable for energy efficiency and control based on time and tasks. For commercial projects, the focus shifts to functionality, ensuring lighting helps people perform tasks efficiently—like chefs in a restaurant kitchen or employees in an office or conference room.
–Sara Namdarian, Interior Designer at LIV Design Studio
