Lighting

Lights and lamps symbolize the sun and are considered essential for healthy, smooth circulation of ch'i. Lighting is a positive, yang, element in a room. It plays an integral part to my designs. Regardless of how much is spend on furniture and accessories, a room will still look dull with poor and unimaginative lighting. As a design tool, lighting can express an idea, inject a mood or exude atmosphere. Modulated lighting can enliven and sculpt a space and also accomplish a definite task. Light has a color factor. Rooms with windows reflect natural light that affects the color scheme.

Above: Simple ideas can speak volumes. To modulate the natural light coming through the windows, I partly opened the mini blinds of the two windows to create a symmetrical fan-like arrangement.

This living room opens to a sky light. Since there are no windows, I made a lighted niche to hang an antique Burmese wooden gable. Instead of table lamps, a pair of red glazed Szechwan ceramic Foo lions, matching the red granite border of the flooring, decorate the corners. The pair of coffee tables are in laminated burl wood from Italy.

In my living room in Manila, I bought several large ferns from the market to use as decorations. By using directional lighting, we can highlight objects and create interesting shadows. The play between light and shadow, or chiaroscuro, gives added depth to a room.

Proper lighting can enhance the quality of the object being illuminated. I discovered this antique Chinese embroidery at a time when no one was collecting them. The dealer did not know how to mount it so I got it for a song. The fabric is actually part of a Ching Dynasty court robe. The antique Japanese basket offsets the richness of the golden trapezoidal artwork.

In this office, the general task lighting is bright but without glare. The green-grey colored plastic laminates that wrap the furniture and the light celadon carpeting creates a cool feeling.

Designing shops and stores requires a certain specialization. I normally do not do shops but on a rare occassion I did to help a friend. In this boutique for high-end fabrics, the island counter has light boxes in the corners to illuminate the merchandise displayed in the polished brass and glass counters.

FROM THE READERS "My heart flows with gratitude for such as you who willing share gifts of the soul. I humbly say, thank you." Pamela Cowley, Meridian, Idaho, USA; March '2002

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