Color and Light in Design

 Color and Light can completely transform a design depending on how it's done. The relationship between the two is imperative to a successful design. Light lets us perceive light, because without light everything would black. Colors in design can often give off a mood of a room and is considered one of the easiest ways to transform a space. Color and Light impacts design by giving it life and expressing its purpose. As a designer it is our job to determine the correct use of different colors and lighting to successfully achieve the intended purpose.

Light in Design

    Good lighting changes and transforms a space. Depending on placement and type, light can give different moods. The three main types of light for interior designs are ambient lighting , task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient light allows for a uniform and general use of lighting with no emphasis on a particular object within the room. Task lighting allows light to be used to specifically for a certain task. Accent lighting is used to emphasize a certain object by focusing directly on it. Natural light is also a key element in design as it allows for a healthier effect on the mental and physical, and allows for change in lighting throughout the day.

   

Ambient Lighting (LEDVANCE)

Task Lighting (The Lightbulb Company)

Accent Lighting (Burbach Companies)

Color in Design

    Using color in design is imperative in a good design as color is what gives it live. Color will draw people's attention, affect their emotions, and increase usability. Using the color theory to ensure a visually and balanced space for the desired effect is important. The basic concept of color theory is color harmony. The common color harmonies are analogous, complementary, split-complementary, triadic, and monochromic. Each of these color harmonies give a different effect and can transition a room from one atmosphere to another. Using the color wheel is another effective way to demonstrate color in a design. 

Color Harmony Example - Triadic
(Lushome)

Light and Color Together

    The interaction between light and color is inevitable as they work off each other. Light has different color temperatures which are used for different scenarios. Warmer color lights are often seen in homes or restaurants while cooler colors are often seen in office buildings or hospitals. Light temperatures often dictate the purpose of a room both emotionally and physically. With natural light, it is important to consider where the light is coming from and how it will change throughout the day. The mix of artificial and natural light can make a design further stand out and represent its intended purpose. 

    

References 

• Lindsey, S. (2023, May 8). How color and light is used to enhance interior design - austin interior design firm: Etch Design Group. Austin Interior Design Firm | Etch Design Group. https://etchinteriordesign.com/how-color-and-light-is-used-to-enhance-interior-design/ 

• Admin. (2023, October 16). Importance of lighting in interior design. John Cullen Lighting. https://www.johncullenlighting.com/the-importance-of-lighting-in-interior-design 

• gravitate, A. the A. (2021, January 21). Accent lighting brightens up your home. Burbach Exteriors - Exterior Remodeling. https://burbachexteriors.com/blog/accent-lighting-brightens-up-your-home/ 

• Walker, N. (2022, June 16). 3 basic types of lighting & when to use them. The Lightbulb Co. UK. https://www.thelightbulb.co.uk/resources/3-basic-types-lighting-use/ 

• Office lighting. Corporate website. (n.d.). https://www.ledvance.com/professional/lighting-solutions/office-lighting 

• Özkiper, A. (2020, August 20). Relationship between color and light. Lighting Portal. https://www.aydinlatma.org/en/relationship-between-color-and-light.html

• Russ, E. (2013, November 18). Bright room colors and modern ideas for decorating small apartments and homes. Lushome. https://www.lushome.com/bright-room-colors-modoern-ideas-decorating-small-apartments-homes/127209

• World Leaders in Research-Based User Experience. (n.d.). Using color to enhance your design. Nielsen Norman Group. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/color-enhance-design/