From Chandelier to smart light: The shift in lighting trends
Lighting is about creating an atmosphere and ambience that is not just visually pleasing, but also harmonises with the intended mood and purpose of the space
In recent times there has been a shift in how residences and offices are illuminated, not just in terms of the fixtures being used, but also in terms of the philosophy behind it.
Interior designers are embracing the fact that lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the space. Thus, where the once-popular grand chandeliers and spotlights used to dominate interior design, now, the focus has shifted towards a more nuanced and deliberate approach to lighting.
Lighting is about creating an atmosphere and ambience that is not just visually pleasing, but also harmonises with the intended mood and purpose of the space. Lighting has evolved from being a mere accessory to a fundamental element that breathes life and character into the design narrative.
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Establishing the perfect lighting atmosphere in your home is essential for a successful design scheme. Choosing the right lighting ideas, from fixture placements, materials, colours and styles, is important both functionally and decoratively. Lighting can make our homes feel warmer, more comforting, and of course, more purposeful.
Today, architects and designers have a preference for lighting arrangements that offer comfort and aesthetics, shunning the harshness of conventional spotlights.
With advancements in technology, the incorporation of light in architecture and interior design has evolved, presenting innovative and vibrant possibilities. These breakthroughs not only enable greater inventive expression in the field but also integrate lighting design into energy-efficient strategies, bringing in a fusion of creativity and sustainability.
Diversity in lighting designs
The available lighting collection now embodies a remarkable blend of quality and diversity that reflects contemporary design trends. Each light is intricately designed with a fusion of artistry and functionality.
The diversity is seen not only in the range of designs but also in their applications—whether it's for enhancing the ambience of a dramatic dining room, adding retro vibes to a vintage bedroom, or bringing a modern industrial touch to a living space.
These designs align with current trends that embrace mid-century inspirations and minimalist approaches, making them ideal choices for both classic and contemporary interiors.
Sculptural or decorative lighting
Over the past few years, intricate and detailed designs have emerged as trends. The influence of natural forms and maximalist movements is evident in the organic and sculptural shapes seen in interiors, lighting and furniture. People still opt for vintage lighting and ornamental décor at times.
Lighting designers have fully embraced this elaborate design approach, reimagining lighting fixtures to be more than just sources of light and using them as impactful tools to make bold statements that redefine spaces, as exemplified by the grandeur of the lobby at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel.
The sculptural ceiling lights, as bold as they are, radiate a luxurious aura, showcasing the power of decorative lighting to elevate the ambience and create a truly lavish atmosphere.
Customised light
As we glimpse into the future of interior lighting, the outlook is filled with anticipation for groundbreaking material innovations. Organic materials may take the spotlight; designing lights and lamps in ways we have not seen before. Moreover, a return to elemental and natural forms in lighting design is on the horizon.
An illustrative example of this innovative path is the popular restaurant - Pagla Baburchi in Banani 11. Here, they have ingeniously customised their lighting fixtures, which hang from the ceiling.
These fixtures consist of inverted utensils adorned with punctured holes, which creates a captivating lamp-like effect. This innovative lighting concept beautifully complements the restaurant's theme.
The interplay of light and shadows with these simple yet unique fixtures not only accentuates the dining experience of customers but also sets the mood and character of the space.
Faux light
Natural light is widely acknowledged as the most beneficial and healthy source. However, in projects that don't have the spatial or environmental means, designers have devised clever and creative alternatives.
They use artificial means like LED strips and semi-translucent panels to replicate the effects of natural light within the area.
For instance, in the case of YUGEN Spa and Salon in Dhanmondi, a project by Inked Studios, a creative design feature involves the installation of artificial window-like lighting in the pedicure area.
This installation imparts a subtle and calming radiance to the room, effectively creating a sense of depth and openness despite the absence of actual windows.
Neon light
Neon lighting has become a magnet for the younger crowd and emerged as a major interior trend in 2021. Social media, especially during the pandemic, played a big role in making neon lights popular.
Neon's allure lies in its adaptability, offering a nod to retro aesthetics while serving various roles like statement pieces, lighting sources, and even artistic expressions.
This trend is vividly showcased in popular eateries like Waffle Up in Banani and Taqueria Lola in Gulshan, where vibrant colours emanate from every corner in cool typography.
As these venues primarily come alive after dark, the lively atmosphere is accentuated by bright lights and vibrant LED light strips in shades of hot pink and blue, creating a captivating and dynamic visual experience.
Smart light
As technology and lighting design continue to evolve, a growing number of us are embracing smart lighting solutions. Whether it's an expansive open-plan living area or a versatile kitchen-dining space, the trend leans towards multifunctional lighting that seamlessly adjusts to the functions of the space.
This level of automation empowers clients to manage their environment with unparalleled convenience and efficiency. Through a mobile app or simple voice commands, they gain complete control over lights and fans, augmenting the traditional touch operation.
Incorporating voice-activated and motion-sensing lights alongside multifunctional fixtures, these inventive lighting designs not only save energy but also add a distinctive touch to your space.
Lighting destinations in Dhaka
For luxurious lights with an extravaganza, there is Renaissance Décor Ltd. Banani, Heaven's Light in Paltan, and Shanta Lifestyle in Tejgaon. The design of the sculptural piece at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel was done by Omni Lights.
The motion sensor and other automated lighting solutions are available online at Daraz.com or Ezzy Automatics Ltd at Mohakhali DOHS.
If you are looking for contemporary lighting with minimal design and illuminating appeal, drop by Concetto at Gulshan-2. For those catchy neon lights, you can visit Neon BD at Mirpur or Red Rose Ad at Farmgate.
Purana Paltan has established itself as the ultimate destination for lighting solutions in Dhaka, offering a diverse and comprehensive collection.
According to Md. Motiur Rahman, the Chief Coordinator of the shop Lighting Index, "We have a unique assortment that sets us apart from other stores. We receive the design requirements of architects, import them accordingly, and provide them. We cater to custom design requests, particularly for duplex residences and grand mosques, where we collaborate with architects to meet specific design requirements."
Remarkably, they have designed chandeliers as tall as 10 feet for triplex residences, adding an extra touch of grandeur.
"The primary source for the lighting products at Purana Paltan is China. Previously, the lights were imported from Dubai and Singapore, but the shift to importing from China has led to more cost-effective options for customers," he further adds.
Prices can vary significantly depending on the design complexity, materials used, manufacturing costs, installation charges and power requirements, rather than just size. This diversity in offerings and flexibility in design and cost options make Purana Paltan a go-to destination for lighting needs in Dhaka.
