Lighting can change how your home looks, and the way you feel

How Modern Lighting Can Transform Your Home

Rajiv Shah, CEO Westcoast Collaborative LLP, has lived in all kinds of spaces but remembers his grandparents being “obsessed with bright, white, blue lights.” Indians have a shared history of erratic power supply (that cause incandescent bulbs to blow) and cost consciousness. We also come from joint family households where lighting had to be democratic, every room having multiple uses, across multiple generations, through the day. 

For over a decade, Shah has been looking at, “What works, what doesn’t – the incandescent vs the tube as a source of light.” He believes tube lights still have a place in the modern home because, “Tube light housings have evolved. They do lend clarity. So, in the kitchen or the grandparents’ room, anywhere you need to see detail, they are very good to use.”

As families go nuclear and people are exposed to global design trends, local publications mirror the evolution in their tastes. Shah sees this with his contemporaries, “Most of my friends who are married live on their own. It allows them to entertain in their own way, showcase how they handle the responsibilities of being householders. Unlike previous generations, a daughter-in-law is now free to display her own skill. We cater to the emotional, psychological and financial aspect of this change. Younger couples get their ideas from magazines and want to achieve that same look and application with more affordability. Now, with products that range from high end to Chinese knock-offs – it’s possible.” 

Shah explains the science behind it referencing the Kelvin Colour Temperature chart, “From sunrise to sunset, you go through various colour temperatures. 11,000 Kelvin is like moonlight. The noonday sun, when you are most active, peaks at about 7000 Kelvin. Roughly speaking, the yellow incandescent bulb is between 1800 – 3500 Kelvin. Neutral white office lighting is between 3500 and 5600 Kelvin. Hospital white lights have a tinge of blue and stand at 5600 – 7500 Kelvin.” 

Shah explains the science behind it referencing the Kelvin Colour Temperature chart, “From sunrise to sunset, you go through various colour temperatures. 11,000 Kelvin is like moonlight. The noonday sun, when you are most active, peaks at about 7000 Kelvin. Roughly speaking, the yellow incandescent bulb is between 1800 – 3500 Kelvin. Neutral white office lighting is between 3500 and 5600 Kelvin. Hospital white lights have a tinge of blue and stand at 5600 – 7500 Kelvin.” 

Lighting is as important to aesthetic and functional design as structure or air-flow. And it changes not just mood but even perception of value. Shah uses eating areas to illustrate this, “Fine dining atmospheres are dark with an emphasis on the table. There’s a warm, cosy feeling. The portions served are smaller. Think about a candlelight dinner – you couldn’t eat a lot. At a family restaurant, the food doesn’t have an artistic presentation. 

There are three elements to life now with modern lights:

Functional: Functionality is user specific. Depending on whether it is for study or for the elderly, you may need a blast of light. 

Indirect: This is lighting you have with other lighting on and is usually done with a lighting control solution. Set the perfect scene – movie viewing, bedtime, etc. 

Decorative: Aka mood lighting or softer light via floor lamps, chandeliers etc. Shah recommends dimmers. 

To spoil us for choice in the decorative lighting segment, Asian Paints has now launched a luxurious and quality range of lighting for home. This is available at several price points to adhere to every budget. The category includes decorative lighting fixtures that work in every space in a home. Chandeliers, pendants, wall and ceiling lights, floor and table lamps, the collection includes a variety of types, suitable for your needs and décor requirements.

The Lighting segment is available in three ranges, according to the various offerings in price points and audience preferences:

1.    Ador
A collection of modern and contemporary products for the new Indian. This range includes lighting products that are at a very affordable price point and provide easy fixtures.