Let there be light - as the biblical saying goes - for it can transform an ordinary home into a comfortable and desirable living space. Light highlights the beauty, design and ambience of a home. Yet, quality lighting is often overlooked.
'Lighting should be about the people who use it, whether they feel comfortable in the space or not,' says Japanese lighting designer Masanobu Takeishi.
'Lighting has to fulfil its functional role as people need it to do things like cooking and reading. Another role lighting plays is creating the right atmosphere.'
Takeishi is founder of the award-winning Tokyo-based lighting design company Illumination of City Environment, which has collaborated with the likes of Park Hyatt Seoul and Italian fashion brand Miss Sixty.
He advises using a few lamps such as the table lamp and the ceiling light, instead of using one lamp, to highlight a room.
'After you have switched on all the lights, set the level of brightness at the most comfortable first. Then you can proceed to create the desirable atmosphere by dimming the lights. Use dimmable lights so that you can control the brightness of the room. Maintenance is important also - use light bulbs which can be easily purchased on the market.'