Hello,
how did you approach lighting design and when exactly did you plan/implement it?
I still have the option to install Halox P housings with transformer tunnel (€60) for LED recessed spots. I’m not really convinced by spots (focused light + high costs), but what alternatives are there?
how did you approach lighting design and when exactly did you plan/implement it?
I still have the option to install Halox P housings with transformer tunnel (€60) for LED recessed spots. I’m not really convinced by spots (focused light + high costs), but what alternatives are there?
R
R.Hotzenplotz19 Feb 2018 10:12It seems that, if necessary, everything can still be switched around. The lightweight ceiling has not been ordered yet.
We now need to decide whether to give the other company we visited a chance to create a lighting plan and provide a quote. It will cost a bit more, but investing in a coherent lighting concept is probably worthwhile in the end. After all, it’s not something you can easily change later. What is your opinion on this?
We now need to decide whether to give the other company we visited a chance to create a lighting plan and provide a quote. It will cost a bit more, but investing in a coherent lighting concept is probably worthwhile in the end. After all, it’s not something you can easily change later. What is your opinion on this?
R
R.Hotzenplotz19 Feb 2018 11:54Just a quick look won’t be enough. I will need to commission a second plan. But that shouldn’t be a problem.
I have time until early next week regarding the precast concrete slab. I hope that works out despite the alternative lighting planner being very busy. Still waiting for a callback.
I have time until early next week regarding the precast concrete slab. I hope that works out despite the alternative lighting planner being very busy. Still waiting for a callback.
R
R.Hotzenplotz23 Feb 2018 20:51I have commissioned a second lighting plan, which has turned out significantly better. I will now spend the night formulating my change requests, and tomorrow at 3 p.m. we will meet to discuss them. On Sunday, the lighting designer will finalize everything so that it will be ready for the architect by Monday. I am very satisfied.
The following points I still want to revise or have questions about:
Outdoor area:
They have now planned two ground-level spotlights at the front (garage) and otherwise wall lights. I don’t think I like wall lights that cast light cones in this location. Perhaps like in the previous design next to the kitchen window, but not under the canopy. If spotlights are used there again, the question is whether to have some shining from above and some from below or to keep all spotlights positioned from above consistently.
Guest WC:
Two spotlights seem insufficient here. The lighting designer says this was intentional so the rooms are not completely and evenly lit (as a design element), but we prefer the bathrooms to be very bright. I will probably request another spotlight here and also plan for a connection for a mirror light.
Hallway:
While the previous lighting plan with 16 light sources seemed excessive, the current plan with only 9 lights feels too sparse. The front area near the entrance door is probably not well illuminated. Whether the hallway needs emotional/atmospheric lighting or bright/functional lighting, especially with children, I think the latter applies. Perhaps a compromise is best. Four more spotlights should do it. Any other opinions?
The four spotlights in front of the stairs are adjustable and designed to shine into the basement stairwell (with a stainless steel railing installed). For this, no stair lights are planned in the basement. I’m not quite sure how I feel about this yet.
Closet:
Seems good; I wouldn’t change anything here.
Kitchen:
Also looks good, even though in this case more was planned than by the first lighting designer, who tended to add more lighting (the three spotlights in front of the cooktop are extra here).
I actually think it’s okay. No more pendant lights over the dining areas at the peninsula. Instead, two light strips with integrated spotlights are planned (these can be recessed into the ceiling if desired). The lighting designer believes that any additional spotlights here would make it look too sterile and that light strips or something similar are essential. Not sure. I would have liked hanging lights resembling a film set here; unfortunately, my wife didn’t like that.
A wall light on the left wall might also be good for the kitchen. However, this would eventually strain the budget. Should we plan for a connection for such a light or skip it? Your opinions are welcome.
Living room:
A huge improvement compared to the last plan! I am very happy with the result! I still don’t understand the three groups of three spotlights in the middle of the room in the last plan. This version feels much tidier. The question is whether a bit more lighting is needed here or there for proper illumination. But the lighting designer also says he deliberately avoided even lighting. From my point of view, that’s not necessary, but I am a bit concerned about the center of the room. What do you think? Otherwise, I’m really happy with it.
Office:
I spend a lot of time in the office. The previous plan was too sparse for me. Now the office is simply great. I just need to choose a suitable ceiling light; I don’t like the one proposed. According to the lighting designer, it should be a fixture that directs light toward the ceiling rather than shining directly into the room. That is something to keep in mind when looking for alternatives.
Stair lighting upper floor:
We still need to consider whether to use something like the options shown in the attachment instead of classic recessed wall lights.
Hallway upper floor:
Previously, the spotlights were arranged symmetrically. Now, there are three pairs arranged asymmetrically. You can see that asymmetry runs through this lighting designer’s approach. There is definitely no even lighting in the hallway now. But the question is whether this isn’t more appropriate for a hallway. I like the idea because it leans toward emotional lighting. But do I need this emotion in every area of the house? I would say no, but I am also somewhat unsure and would appreciate your feedback.
Children’s rooms:
I questioned whether a single ceiling light is enough for the large children’s rooms. The lighting designer believes that with the recommended fixture—shown in the attachment with two lights each featuring three levels—it will be sufficient. If that’s the case, okay, but I have my doubts. On the other hand, using switchable sockets for additional lamps could compensate.
Master bedroom, closet, WC:
Also significant improvements over the preliminary design, like in the living room and office! Really impressive! Three clusters of spotlights in the bedroom—perfect! Instead of classic bedside lamps, pendant lights with wire frames like those shown in the attachment will be used.
In the closet, I would probably skip the marked spotlights and revert to the old lighting designer’s idea of flush-mounted ceiling lights, as also shown in the attachment (also there in a closet). The question is whether these fixtures might be suitable for other rooms too. I’m thinking of the office, even if then the lighting designer’s requirement that the fixture directs light to the ceiling wouldn’t be met.
He has planned very small nightlights in the wall (closet and bathroom) that can be controlled by a switch at the bedside. Personally, I don’t see this as practical. Either control the closet lights via motion sensors and KNX so they only turn on dimly at night when going to the bathroom, or control them with switches. But dedicated nightlights? Seems unnecessary to me. Maybe it’s an idea for the bathroom, but I don’t think it’s essential because dimming can achieve almost anything you want.
The master bathroom is now more evenly lit. But, similar to the guest bathroom, I fear the lighting might still not be sufficient. We want to have the option for very bright lighting in the bathroom. The question is whether three wall lights and seven spotlights are enough. My electrician said the bathtub area would now be quite dark. I would really appreciate your input on the bathroom. I will also ask why no mirror light is planned here.
Children’s bathroom:
The same applies as for the master bath. I find it amusing that the last plan had three 6-watt spotlights next to the toilet and now there is only one. The question is whether that is enough or if the optimal solution is somewhere in between.
Utility room:
Instead of a standard ceiling fixture, a light strip was apparently planned here. I need to ask again tomorrow. It just needs a simple fixture—no more than basic store quality—just like in the garage. Thinking back to the old lighting designer wanting to install €199 fixtures in the garage makes me fall off my chair.
Lastly, we need to decide on DALI or not:
My electrician, who is installing KNX, says we will regret not choosing DALI now. It offers the necessary options for scene programming and is worth the higher investment.
The lighting designer thinks DALI is overkill for a single-family home and that it is sufficient to switch individual groups and not every single spotlight.
I’m not sure what to order. They will talk to each other, but it’s ultimately my decision.
That’s it.
I hope I can still get some input from you despite the time pressure. I will now delve into the manufacturers’ catalogs to study the products in more detail.
The following points I still want to revise or have questions about:
Outdoor area:
They have now planned two ground-level spotlights at the front (garage) and otherwise wall lights. I don’t think I like wall lights that cast light cones in this location. Perhaps like in the previous design next to the kitchen window, but not under the canopy. If spotlights are used there again, the question is whether to have some shining from above and some from below or to keep all spotlights positioned from above consistently.
Guest WC:
Two spotlights seem insufficient here. The lighting designer says this was intentional so the rooms are not completely and evenly lit (as a design element), but we prefer the bathrooms to be very bright. I will probably request another spotlight here and also plan for a connection for a mirror light.
Hallway:
While the previous lighting plan with 16 light sources seemed excessive, the current plan with only 9 lights feels too sparse. The front area near the entrance door is probably not well illuminated. Whether the hallway needs emotional/atmospheric lighting or bright/functional lighting, especially with children, I think the latter applies. Perhaps a compromise is best. Four more spotlights should do it. Any other opinions?
The four spotlights in front of the stairs are adjustable and designed to shine into the basement stairwell (with a stainless steel railing installed). For this, no stair lights are planned in the basement. I’m not quite sure how I feel about this yet.
Closet:
Seems good; I wouldn’t change anything here.
Kitchen:
Also looks good, even though in this case more was planned than by the first lighting designer, who tended to add more lighting (the three spotlights in front of the cooktop are extra here).
I actually think it’s okay. No more pendant lights over the dining areas at the peninsula. Instead, two light strips with integrated spotlights are planned (these can be recessed into the ceiling if desired). The lighting designer believes that any additional spotlights here would make it look too sterile and that light strips or something similar are essential. Not sure. I would have liked hanging lights resembling a film set here; unfortunately, my wife didn’t like that.
A wall light on the left wall might also be good for the kitchen. However, this would eventually strain the budget. Should we plan for a connection for such a light or skip it? Your opinions are welcome.
Living room:
A huge improvement compared to the last plan! I am very happy with the result! I still don’t understand the three groups of three spotlights in the middle of the room in the last plan. This version feels much tidier. The question is whether a bit more lighting is needed here or there for proper illumination. But the lighting designer also says he deliberately avoided even lighting. From my point of view, that’s not necessary, but I am a bit concerned about the center of the room. What do you think? Otherwise, I’m really happy with it.
Office:
I spend a lot of time in the office. The previous plan was too sparse for me. Now the office is simply great. I just need to choose a suitable ceiling light; I don’t like the one proposed. According to the lighting designer, it should be a fixture that directs light toward the ceiling rather than shining directly into the room. That is something to keep in mind when looking for alternatives.
Stair lighting upper floor:
We still need to consider whether to use something like the options shown in the attachment instead of classic recessed wall lights.
Hallway upper floor:
Previously, the spotlights were arranged symmetrically. Now, there are three pairs arranged asymmetrically. You can see that asymmetry runs through this lighting designer’s approach. There is definitely no even lighting in the hallway now. But the question is whether this isn’t more appropriate for a hallway. I like the idea because it leans toward emotional lighting. But do I need this emotion in every area of the house? I would say no, but I am also somewhat unsure and would appreciate your feedback.
Children’s rooms:
I questioned whether a single ceiling light is enough for the large children’s rooms. The lighting designer believes that with the recommended fixture—shown in the attachment with two lights each featuring three levels—it will be sufficient. If that’s the case, okay, but I have my doubts. On the other hand, using switchable sockets for additional lamps could compensate.
Master bedroom, closet, WC:
Also significant improvements over the preliminary design, like in the living room and office! Really impressive! Three clusters of spotlights in the bedroom—perfect! Instead of classic bedside lamps, pendant lights with wire frames like those shown in the attachment will be used.
In the closet, I would probably skip the marked spotlights and revert to the old lighting designer’s idea of flush-mounted ceiling lights, as also shown in the attachment (also there in a closet). The question is whether these fixtures might be suitable for other rooms too. I’m thinking of the office, even if then the lighting designer’s requirement that the fixture directs light to the ceiling wouldn’t be met.
He has planned very small nightlights in the wall (closet and bathroom) that can be controlled by a switch at the bedside. Personally, I don’t see this as practical. Either control the closet lights via motion sensors and KNX so they only turn on dimly at night when going to the bathroom, or control them with switches. But dedicated nightlights? Seems unnecessary to me. Maybe it’s an idea for the bathroom, but I don’t think it’s essential because dimming can achieve almost anything you want.
The master bathroom is now more evenly lit. But, similar to the guest bathroom, I fear the lighting might still not be sufficient. We want to have the option for very bright lighting in the bathroom. The question is whether three wall lights and seven spotlights are enough. My electrician said the bathtub area would now be quite dark. I would really appreciate your input on the bathroom. I will also ask why no mirror light is planned here.
Children’s bathroom:
The same applies as for the master bath. I find it amusing that the last plan had three 6-watt spotlights next to the toilet and now there is only one. The question is whether that is enough or if the optimal solution is somewhere in between.
Utility room:
Instead of a standard ceiling fixture, a light strip was apparently planned here. I need to ask again tomorrow. It just needs a simple fixture—no more than basic store quality—just like in the garage. Thinking back to the old lighting designer wanting to install €199 fixtures in the garage makes me fall off my chair.
Lastly, we need to decide on DALI or not:
My electrician, who is installing KNX, says we will regret not choosing DALI now. It offers the necessary options for scene programming and is worth the higher investment.
The lighting designer thinks DALI is overkill for a single-family home and that it is sufficient to switch individual groups and not every single spotlight.
I’m not sure what to order. They will talk to each other, but it’s ultimately my decision.
That’s it.
I hope I can still get some input from you despite the time pressure. I will now delve into the manufacturers’ catalogs to study the products in more detail.
I have only briefly looked at the attachments and, as a layperson, I find the placement of the light sources completely understandable. If you have the budget, this will definitely turn out well.
This is quite different from the first plan, which really raises big questions about what the person was thinking.
(P.S.: My electrician, a company with four employees, also offers lighting design ... maybe you have to be cautious there. Typical self-assigned title?)
This is quite different from the first plan, which really raises big questions about what the person was thinking.
(P.S.: My electrician, a company with four employees, also offers lighting design ... maybe you have to be cautious there. Typical self-assigned title?)
R
R.Hotzenplotz23 Feb 2018 21:40My wife just came in and said she can live with the "movie lights" in the kitchen if I accept the living room light. This would be the one here.
Maybe I'm too picky, but a little plastic with a cable and then paying 800 € (about $860) for it...
The ceiling light for the office (second link) doesn’t really wow me either, the one that was suggested.
Maybe I'm too picky, but a little plastic with a cable and then paying 800 € (about $860) for it...
The ceiling light for the office (second link) doesn’t really wow me either, the one that was suggested.