Bright IDEAS LIGHTING DOES MORE THAN LIVEN UP YOUR LIVING SPACE - IT ENHANCES THE COLOURS AND HIGHLIGHTS IN A ROOM D on't put off decisions over lighting when doing major renovations - plan what you're going to do as early as you can. That's the advice of guest editor Sarah Beeny: 'If you're redoing the lighting in an existing room, make a scale drawing showing natural light sources and fittings such as fireplaces and doors. 'Then think hard about how you want to use the space. Will you be reading or watching television, socialising or working there? Is the room used mostly during daylight or at night? Where will you sit and where are the entry points and high traffic areas in the room? Are there any specific artworks or pieces of furniture you want to highlight?' She continues: 'After that you can get down to designing the kind of lighting you want. Think about the level of diffuse background light that will make the space comfortable. 'Plan accent lighting to create areas of focus and shade; find lighting without glare for close work areas and reading, and spotlighting for features. 'Mark the lighting with directional arrows on the plan to create an interplay between darker and lighter areas, with the lighting sources placed at different heights to give added interest. Then carefully plan where the switches will be fitted - definitely near the door, but perhaps also where you sit and read.' 122 | MAY 2017