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One large open-plan room can be visually split up by use of three different colored reflectors and/or different switching. The sitting area is warmly lit while guests are there; then by turning down those lights and switching on others in the dining area, people are given the illusion of actually moving to another room. Hans always recommends the use of dimmers with down-lights to create and vary atmosphere. Down-lighting, whether recessed or surface-mounted, works with all types of decor — again, because the fitting is not the feature, just the effect it gives.
For outdoor lighting, on a terrace or in a garden, you can use globes in different colors to highlight specific areas, a yellow lamp to make sandstone walls or wooden outdoor furniture look appealing, a green lamp to throw up and enhance greenery.
Dimmers are important newcomers in the lighting expert’s bag of tricks. HPM Industries manufacture a wide range to fit most domestic needs, but HPM marketing manager, Eric Shapiro, warns they’re not for the home handyman to tinker with. All wall and cord-line dimmers should be installed only by a licensed electrical contractor for safe use. HPM have developed Dimamat, a device based on silicone chip technology. This is just a flat plate surface which responds instantly to the gentle touch of a fingertip.
