Chances are you're reading this text indoors, illuminated by artificial lighting. In today's modern lifestyle, we spend a significant portion of our day indoors, exposed to a mix of artificial and natural light. However, while artificial lighting has undoubtedly provided numerous benefits, it has also led to some complications in our bodies, which have evolved over thousands of years to respond to the natural rhythms of daylight and darkness. As Interior Designers, it is our goal and responsibility to utilize the lighting elements we have and push the effect of light in the right direction, depending on the goals we hope to achieve in each room.
With the never-ending rise of digital screens and work-from-home environments, we are becoming increasingly disconnected from the outside world, therefore lacking some essential nutrients necessary for our overall well-being. Incorporating natural light into our living spaces can help us feel more productive and positive, whether or not we are making a conscious effort to focus on it. However, not everyone has access to ample natural light. For those unable to open a window or live in a space with limited exposure, it can be challenging to introduce natural light into their homes. But don't worry - there are solutions!
HouseHome has discovered various tips and tricks to help you bring natural light into any space, even in a world of phone screens and computer-driven workspaces. In this article, we'll explore how natural lighting can influence our emotional response to space and share practical ideas on incorporating sunlight into your home design.
Lighting sets the tone for any room. When done right, it can create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere; when done wrong, it can feel chaotic and overwhelming, even depressing. In our professional experience, layering different types of lighting (incorporating several sources of light in a single space, i.e. sconce, floor lamp, table lamp, etc.), can be an effective way to achieve a warm and welcoming ambiance and give your mind the oh-so-cozy feeling of serenity and peace. These days, the desire for mental tranquility is increasingly needed!
Here are some ways lighting design can impact your emotional response to space:
Warm Lighting
Warm sconce lighting in bedroom
Warm lighting in a home or office can significantly impact our subconscious emotional response to a space. In most cases, it creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that can make us feel more relaxed and comfortable, as well as draw us in to accomplish tasks that build us up rather than tear us down. Warm lighting can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is why it's often used in areas where people relax, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Another positive effect of warm lighting is how it can affect our circadian rhythm, which is a natural biological process that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and body temperature over a 24-hour period. Mimicking the natural light our bodies are made to process through the day with warm lighting can be incredibly helpful in preparing our mind and body for rest, making it an excellent option for creating a calming and soothing environment conducive to better sleep. By creating a warm and welcoming ambiance, warm lighting can help promote relaxation and tranquility, ultimately improving our overall health and well-being.
Lastly, warm lighting can enhance a room's colors and textures, enhancing guests' emotional well-being while hosting! The warm tones of the light can bring out the natural beauty of wood grains, fabrics, and other textures in the space, even people. This lighting effect can create a more flattering environment for socializing by softening harsh shadows and highlighting facial features, making people look their best. This makes it an excellent option for spaces where socializing is a priority, such as living rooms or dining areas. A pleasant and welcoming atmosphere created by warm lighting can make guests feel comfortable and at ease, encouraging them to stay longer and enjoy the space.
Cool Lighting
Cool lighting in bathroom with no windows.
Cool lighting also referred to as blue-enriched light, can have a different impact on our emotional responses compared to warm lighting. If you aim to increase mental clarity and performance rather than calmness and relaxation, blue lighting might be a better choice for spaces like an office or study. Blue lighting exposure during the day can help enhance alertness, concentration, and productivity while reducing feelings of fatigue and drowsiness, making it a great option for areas that require mental focus.
While warm lighting is generally considered more soothing, cool lighting can also improve mood in some individuals. Research shows that blue-enriched light can stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and contributes to feelings of psychological durability. Serotonin regulates appetite, sleep, and other functions and is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter due to its impact on happiness and mental health. Exposure to blue-enriched light can stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain, providing a natural boost to your emotional state of mind.
For cool lighting, start by installing LED strips, which can be installed under cabinets, around mirrors, or along the baseboards to add a cool, modern look to a room. This can be visually stimulating and encouraging if you need a change of pace with a lighting design with a button press. Additionally, add task lighting such as a table or floor lamp that is overarching the room. Again, this will help bring focus and attention to whatever you need to pay attention to in the space like your home office computer or homework assignments.
Using this knowledge to your benefit, it is also important to note that exposure to blue-enriched light at night can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. This is because it can suppress melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Because of this effect, it is recommended to use blue-enriched light during the day when you need to be alert and focused and switch to warmer, softer lighting in the evening to promote relaxation and better sleep quality. Finding a balance between cool and warm lighting can create an environment that supports your emotional and physical well-being around the clock.
Natural Lighting
Natural light in bedroom
As you may have guessed, natural lighting is the most beneficial type for our moods, circadian rhythms, mental health, and productivity because it is the only truly natural source of light we receive. If you can incorporate natural lighting into any space, you should always opt for it, not just for your mental health but also for the well-being of guests who may visit your spaces.
Natural lighting can be achieved through windows, skylights, or light wells. These elements can help bring the outside in and connect with the outdoors, providing a sense of calm and well-being. It's important to note that natural lighting can also have drawbacks, such as excessive heat gain and glare, so it's essential to incorporate shading and glare control measures.
How to incorporate warm lighting into your space:
Avoid “daylight” or “sunlight” bulbs
Add dimming capabilities to all switches
Add accent lighting (table lamps, wall sconces, floor lamps, task lighting)
Layer your lighting
Add candles
How to incorporate cool lighting into your space:
Take advantage of strip lighting
Add task lighting
Utilize LED lighting
Spotlight elements that require focused attention (like a computer or reading nook)
How to incorporate natural lighting into your space:
Open any available windows, skylights, etc.
Add additional windows, if possible
How do you incorporate different lighting styles into your home with Interior Design? First, you can figure out what activities and mood you hope to achieve in each room; do you want to be energized and awake for the day, keeping your brain active? Or do you need to step down from that feeling and create a welcoming and calming room? Once that has been determined, start by switching out the bulbs in your lamps, overhead pendants, wall sconces, etc. Then start to observe the effects on your mindset and mood during the day. You may be amazed at the influence lighting design can have on your emotional well-being! Our bodies are meant to have a natural rhythm and balance, and creating the appropriate lighting around you can significantly change your day and quality of life!
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This post was written by Mariah Cope, HouseHome Design Lead and Associate Designer. Mariah’s valuable insight and perspective are part of our Spring Theme of “Designing with Light.”! To work with HouseHome to design your own beautiful lighting concepts, reach out today!