No matter how beautiful a space can be, whether residential or commercial, what truly matters in the end for homeowners and business owners is functionality. As a reader, have you ever been in a relationship (or even had a crush) on someone who was super attractive, but you just couldn’t make it work? Well, Interior Design is very much like that. No matter how aesthetically pleasing a project is, and no matter the brands, materials or extra bling included, if a space isn’t functional; it’s just a matter of time before the space becomes frustrating and the aesthetics become superficial – much like your crush, that no longer seems so attractive.

Take a good look at ‘Redgum Ridge’ Formal Dining and count how many lights you can see… check the Bar too! Interior Design: Birdblack Design Building Design: JIH Building Design  Builder: Kordovan Homes Joinery Manufacture: Mandziys Just Joinery Photography: The Evoke Company Shoot Stylist: Jessi Eve

Lighting is very much in the functionality category. Without sufficient lighting, or having misplaced lighting, it means you often have dark corners and insufficient illumination; you may find you’re always squinting; you’re getting headaches from poor lighting; the lighting may not be centred; the light switches are poorly placed and illogical – ugh! The list goes on but this is just a glimpse into the actuality of lighting nightmares!

This Grand Entrance at ‘Sea Spray Residence’ is perfectly illuminated. Interior Design: Birdblack Design Building Design: South Coast Building Design Build: Souter Constructions Joinery Manufacture: Steve’s Joinery Shoot Stylist: Jessi Eve Photography: Better Together Photography Co

With every project, there are three types of lighting that must be considered: General Lighting, Task Lighting and Feature Lighting. All three types are in our Lighting Design Package. Let’s take a look at some lighting inspiration!

GENERAL LIGHTING

General Lighting though the most understated, is by far the most important. General Lighting sets the tone for the entire space. For example, both a light and bright home (think Hamptons) and a dark and moody home (think Modern Industrial) require the same amount of critical design work. Simply because the aesthetic is ‘dark and moody’ does not equate the space being ‘poorly lit’. As a designer, it is imperative to ensure that even without any Task Lighting or Feature Lighting, every space, room and nook of the project remains sufficiently lit up.

The LED surface mount downlights perfectly spaced, ensuring light is distributed throughout ‘Albion Residence’. Interior Design: Birdblack Design Building: Savvy Group Constructions Photography: Samantha Mackie

‍TASK LIGHTING

Task Lighting is exactly what it sounds like: lighting for a particular task. This can include bedside lamps, vanity or dresser lighting, LED strip lighting on staircases, book shelves or display cabinets. It is also very common to find alcoves, niches and bench spaces lit up with task lighting.

Fabulous Task Lighting here in the ‘Sandy Foot Residence’ Master Bedroom niche. Interior Design: Birdblack Design
‍Building Design & Build: GN Williams Custom Homes Photography: Better Together Photography Co
The ‘Cato Residence’ Library alight and glowing with subtle yet effective Task Lighting. Interior Design: Birdblack Design Builder: Graeme Carberry Builder Joinery: Marlix Bespoke Furniture & Joinery Photography: The Evoke Company
 An in-built LED strip light set within the mirror makes makeup application a dream here at ‘Benjamin Residence’. Interior Design & Furniture Curation: Birdblack Design Building Design: South Coast Building Design Build: Saltbox Building Co Photography: The Palm Co
These mermaid scale tiles are simply mesmorising under the vanity lighting at ‘Karimbla Residence’. Interior Design: Birdblack Design Build: Souter Constructions Photography: The Palm Co

‍FEATURE LIGHTING

Feature Lighting is certainly our favourite, however as mentioned above, Feature Lighting is only well done from a design perspective if the General Lighting surrounding is perfectly fitted. Feature Lighting is, of course, any lighting that captures your attention. Often bringing sculptural and artistic elements to the space, Feature Lighting is certainly a very fun component of the design process.

Feature Lighting brings the WOW Factor. Birdblack Design projects certainly have showstopping elements. Enjoy!

FIFTY-SEVEN individual grey glass pendant lights staggered at different heights: an absolute statement at ‘Benjamin Residence’. Interior Design & Furniture Curation: Birdblack Design Building Design: South Coast Building Design Build: Saltbox Building Co Photography: The Palm Co
Plenty of charm in this Hamptons home! ‘Sea Spray Residence’. Interior Design: Birdblack Design Building Design: South Coast Building Design Build: Souter Constructions Joinery Manufacture: Steve’s Joinery Shoot Stylist: Jessi Eve Photography: Better Together Photography Co
This Modern Industrial inspired sculptural pendant lighting at ‘Chester Residence, USA‘, is more than eye-catching! Interior Design: Birdblack Design
‍Photography: Matt Mateo Photography
Always a crowd fave are these individually hand-blown teal pendant lights at ‘Girvan Residence’. Breathtakingly spectacular! Interior Design: Birdblack Design Builder: Graeme Carberry Builder Joinery Manufacture: Paiano Custom Kitchens Photography: The Evoke Company Shoot Stylist: Jessi Eve

Throughout the entire design process, Birdblack Design tailor design every single detail to meet the individual needs of our clients, both residential and commercial.
We appreciate beauty, but for a home or business to stand the test of time; the layout, functionality and practicality must be equally exquisite as the aesthetic.

If your lighting needs adjusting practically, or a specific zone needs some attention, or you simply want to zhoosh up your space; get in contact now to get ahead of the Christmas rush!

Talk soon,
BD x

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