How to create atmosphere with lights

As a follow up to my previous post The importance of lights and shadows the way we illuminate the space can create atmosphere or ruin the whole interior decoration, no matter how carefully color, style and furniture are chosen; lighting can bring a room together or make a room uninviting, unappealing and non-functional. There are three categories of lighting: General, Task, and Accent or Ambient, a room should blend all types of lighting for optimal use and style.
Accent lighting, as the one above serve to bring attention to a particular object, highlighting a collection, art and architecture and in this particular case the color for the shade of the lamp was also chosen to relate to a beautiful bunch of violets, below the explosion of mimosa; this type of illumination can soften the mood or brighten dark corners.

Another accent lighting to appreciate the oil painting above and the vignette on the antique chest (more about vignettes in a following post)

This can be called accent or task lighting since it highlights the objects but also it makes possible to comfortably sit on the sofa to read a book.

General lighting: a gorgeous alabaster disk creates a warm and soft light for the entry foyer and a very welcoming atmosphere.

In a kitchen we always need general lighting and task lighting.

Task lighting is achieved here with some under cabinet lights and two Artemide-Tolomeo wall lamps, whose cord was exaggerated to create more interest and covered in a color coordinated with the bright red handles found at a flea market. This lighting allows to prepare food and cook comfortably and safely.

In the same kitchen general lighting is given by a custom made ceiling light and again the red cord was purposely left dancing around.

A fun touch of color of an old Ikea lamp standing on an antique Japanese lacquered table with mother of pearl inlays, quite an interesting contrast.

Tips:

Always remember to balance proportions when selecting your lighting, the location of the lamp determines how to choose it, floor lamps need more space and the larger the lamp, the bigger the space; always consider height when it comes to table lamps, viewing the light bulb by looking up the shade should be avoided so try to use tall base lamps for low tables and short base lamps for tall tables.

I am sure you agree with me: well chosen lighting gives life to a room and creates

 a welcoming atmosphere.