The Art of Light: How to Use Lighting to Create Calming, Functional Interiors
- hodgkinsondesign
- May 15
- 3 min read
At our studio, we believe lighting should do more than simply illuminate a space - it should shape mood, support function, and add a quiet kind of beauty. We explore how lighting can help us to create spaces that are conducive to your wellbeing. Whether we're designing a serene retreat from the outside world or a grounded space for connection, we consider lighting a central element in crafting interiors that feel like refuge. We know from science that light impacts humans physiologic and behavioural states in regulating our circadian rhythms, and in turn hormone secretion, sleep-wake regulation and thermoregulation (2). Lighting has a direct huge effect on the well-being of people, how it makes us feel, from cool, blue light which can make us more alert or productive, to yellow tones which help us feel calmer (1).
In this post, we explore the different types of lighting - ambient, task, and accent - and share tips on how to layer them for spaces that soothe and inspire.
Understanding the Three Layers of Lighting
Ambient Lighting: The Foundation
Ambient lighting is your room’s general light source, the one that sets the overall tone. In our projects, we often achieve this through hidden LED strips, ceiling-integrated architectural lighting, or wall-mounted fixtures that cast a soft, diffused glow. These choices help create a sense of calm by avoiding harsh overhead brightness.
Tip for Living Rooms: Use dimmable wall sconces or indirect ceiling lighting to wash walls in a soft glow. This helps calm the energy of the room and invites relaxation after a busy day.
Task Lighting: Supporting Everyday Living
Task lighting focuses light where you need it most - over kitchen worktops, office space, beside reading chairs, or near bathroom mirrors. But functional doesn’t have to mean clinical. A well-placed wall light in a bathroom can offer both clarity and comfort, especially when paired with softer ambient sources.
Tip for Bathrooms: Combine ceiling spotlights with warm, low-level wall lights to create a space that transitions from morning routine to evening unwind with ease.
Accent Lighting: Bringing Depth and Drama
Accent lighting draws attention to architectural features, artwork, or simply provides contrast to create intimacy in larger rooms. Think of a beautifully crafted pendant over a dining table, or a floor lamp illuminating a textured wall - each one adds visual interest and subtly defines zones within open spaces.
Tip for Open Plan Spaces: Use accent lighting to break up large rooms. A sculptural pendant over a reading nook or textured wall light can visually anchor a space without adding clutter.
Beyond Function: Lighting as Texture, Focal Point & Feeling
Lighting should speak the same language as your space. We often select lighting that not only works within the material palette - stone, wood, linen - but also contributes to the emotion of the room.
Pendant lights are a perfect example. A black metal pendant, like one we used in our Ealing project (see below), stands out against a neutral backdrop while echoing the tones of surrounding furniture. It becomes a visual anchor - functional, sculptural, and expressive.
Tip for Dining Areas: Warm, low lighting encourages connection. Dimmed pendants or shaded bulbs invite people to linger, slow down, and enjoy the moment.
Practical Lighting Tips for a Calmer Home
Don’t default to symmetry: Place lighting based on how you use a space, not just its architectural centre. A reading chair or a dining table area might need its own dedicated light. Lighting can help to section off the room by highlighting different parts.
Mix materials and finishes: Natural materials like linen, clay, or raw metal in light fittings help maintain a soft, organic feel. Don’t be afraid to introduce contrast if it helps define the space.
Layer intentionally: The ability to choose different lighting for different moods is powerful. Use layered lighting, ambient for calm, task for clarity, accent for intimacy; and give yourself options.
Know how you feel best: Some people feel safe and settled in low light, others need clarity to focus. Design your lighting to match the way you live, work, and recharge.
Final Thoughts
Good lighting isn't about following trends, it's about creating harmony. It’s the difference between a room that looks nice and a space that feels right. Through thoughtful placement, natural materials, and layered design, lighting can shape the soul of a space, turning even the busiest home into a sanctuary of calm.
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