Shadows of Design

I've said it before and I'll say it again: lighting is the most overlooked element of design. We consistently forget to create a lighting plan for our rooms, and therefore most of our rooms are left under lit. Hopefully, there is light at the end of the tunnel and our rooms will one day be better lit. Once we get to the point where we have all lighting levels lit (general light, overall light, architectural light, task lighting, lighting for art) we can let loose and start to get very creative using light.

For designers, what we love about light is the way that it highlights and brings architectural features to the forefront of a space, the way that light brings art to life, and the way light creates playful and at times sculptural shadows on our walls.

There are several ways that you can play with shadows on your wall:

? The first, something I have suggested many times over the years, is to use floor cans or stick lights that have been set on the floor beneath a potted tree or in the plant pot itself. Direct these lights so the light shines upward through the leaves, throwing artistic shadows on the wall.

? The next way to play with light and shadow on your walls is to employ a sculptural shade on a floor lamp through which the light escapes while playing interesting shapes on the wall. Shades are available in a wide variety of shapes and materials including felt, plastic and woven metals. Turn the light on in the store to make sure that you love the shapes cast before you buy the shade.

? Alternatively, you can purchase wall lights that are designed to cast star-like shadows or fields of light onto a wall. The lights are relatively inexpensive, especially if you consider them light art for walls. However, do not simply replace your wall sconces with these artful fixtures, this usually will not work. I generally run a series (usually an odd number) of the lights down a hallway or install a single light on a small wall that needs a boast. I hang no traditional art near these fixtures as it will only distract from the light and the shadow art it casts on the wall.

? Want to get truly artsy with light? Use a projector to create interesting and moving light art with filters and computer programs. Bouncing colour and shadows off walls in very innovative ways can add a magical and unexpected feature to any residential project. I've seen this technique used a lot in high-end lounges and nightclubs and definitely will be bringing this idea into my own home...

Who thought that the bunny shadows we created on the walls with our hands as kids would lead us to rethink shadow art as creative adults?