Early morning light

Early morning light Leslie Whatmough I admit that I am one of those people who are happy when the sun shines and a little blue when it's cloudy and dark. It's not the temperature that I respond to, but the quality of light that evokes a mood. Even today the late afternoon sun of a September day brings back the sounds and smells of after school snack time in my childhood home. Recently I was car shopping and took a test drive in a car with tinted windows. At first I couldn't understand what it was about the car that was bothering me. The car was the right size, price and handled well, but it gave me a bad feeling. Then it dawned on me, it made the world look monochromatic. I couldn't wait to get back out into the bright light. Movie producers, artists and successful restaurateurs are aware of the importance of using light to create a mood. Using some of their lighting techniques can make your home a place that lifts your spirits and comforts you. I have never been a fan of overhead lighting. It always seems to cast a harsh glare especially on the outlines of the human face. To be seen in your best light I recommend lamps or candlelight. I was brought up in a family of readers so our home had an abundance of lamps. Visiting friends often commented on the cozy feeling of our home and I give the lighting much of the credit. To decide how many lights will be needed you must first assess the function of the room. If it is a home office that is used primarily by one person, a good light on the desk and one to enable you to find other resources in the room should be sufficient. Bedrooms and dining rooms are among the easiest rooms to brighten, as they function best with subdued lighting. A good reading lamp beside the bed is mandatory, you may find that it inspires you to grab a good book more often. The dining room is the theatre of the home. Here you can play with lighting depending on the occasion. I love the drama of a multitude of candles for romantic dinners, but prefer surround lighting for family gatherings and meals where a lively discussion is expected. The one room that usually gets the overhead lights is the kitchen. I recommend that you don't follow this trend. There is nothing more jarring than switching on the kitchen light in the still dark of a winter morning to feel as if you are about to enter an interrogation room. To illuminate counter tops I prefer fluorescents placed under the overhang of upper cupboards. Then I include a lamp closest to the sitting area. Even if your kitchen is primarily a workspace, I encourage you to find space for a lamp, perhaps in the telephone area. As the kitchen is generally the hub of the house and a room we spend a lot of time in, it should be as warm and welcoming as possible. In a living room it is important to notice which seating areas are the most popular and make the brightest and most accessible lighting in those areas first. Then decide what other areas you would like to illuminate, either to show off a favorite collection, piece of art or just a corner sitting area with a wonderful view. You will discover that by improving the lighting you will use a room more often and can change an unused corner into a welcoming space. One important feature that should not be overlooked is the placement of the light switch. If you are using lamps you may need to have someone rewire the outlet they are plugged into to allow the light to be switched on from a wall switch placed as close as possible to the entrance to the room to avoid dangerous accidents. As the days grow shorter and the darkness descends enjoy this opportunity to play with the lighting possibilities in your home. Then reach for your favorite author, a warm cup of tea and read your way back to spring.

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