Georgia Tannis, 777 Design Avenue Ltd.
What role does lighting play in your designs?
Human beings all need natural light to exist and function properly. That is why all my appointments are made during daylight hours so that I can have a true sense of the space I am being asked to improve. In the end, a light fixture can be as decorative as you want it to be, but if you can’t see it, or the art a client may have on the wall, or where the sofa has been placed in a room, then it’s of no use to anyone.
What type of projects do you normally design?
The design process can take you anywhere and everywhere. At the moment, I am working on a handful of residential projects that allow me to develop strong one to one relationships with the homeowners; working together to understand how they live and what they want and expect their homes to do for them. Creating spaces people are proud to call home is a huge responsibility as it needs to be safe, functional and beautiful; and extension of the homeowner's nature.
What is your favorite type of lighting to incorporate in your designs?
I am having a lot of fun with task lighting — lights that help you do better the things you love to do whether it's cooking, mixing drinks or merely dreaming. In particular, I'm using pendant lights at various levels from the ceiling and in different material finishes and shapes to create the glamour and allure of the Art Deco era. A warm thank you goes out to those clients who allow me to experiment as much as I do.
Lisa Sandham, Lisa Sandham Interior Design
What role does lighting play in your designs?
Great lighting and design are symbiotic. I love to layer lighting and give clients flexibility in how their spaces are perceived. Ambient, task and particularly accent lighting allow a designer to create a combination of options for our clients. Using light to accent a piece of art, or to highlight an interesting wall texture, creates interest and drama within a space. I’ve been known to design homes with over 200 fixtures.
What's your favorite room to design?
I love designing all rooms but I have an affinity towards kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are the heart of every home and they are often the hub of all family activity, whether it be assisting the children with their homework, cooking a meal or entertaining, the kitchen plays a fundamental role in our everyday lives. Bathrooms and ensuites are where most of us leave our day behind. They are no longer just functional, but allow us to achieve our very own spa experience so that we may renew at the end of a long day.
What is your favorite type of lighting to incorporate in your projects?
I love the efficiency of LED recessed downlights and fixtures. LED lights have come a long way since first introduced and the market now offers a myriad of options for designers to choose from. I am drawn to decorative lighting that is function, sculptural and artistic in nature. Hand-forged metals, hand-blown art glass and interesting forms are all elements that I look for when selecting decorative lighting.
Olga Gomes, OG Design Studio
What's your favorite room to design?
Most of our projects are residential and the great majority of those projects are renovations and additions to an existing home. We work on many kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms and basements and they all involve new finishes, new lighting and new fixtures. In most cases, the homes are dated and need to be brought up to today’s standard of living. Our clients usually have a more contemporary style and yet they love older homes and the charm that comes with an older home. We try to help our clients achieve that balance… old world charm with a new modern slant. And we love mixing those styles together.
What role does lighting play in your designs? Is it important?
Lighting is always super important in our projects and we try to incorporate many levels of lighting throughout. From general lighting to task lighting to ambience lighting, we educate our clients on the importance of having an array of lighting to really make the space comfortable as well as aesthetically pleasing. Lighting is always an important aspect of the decoration of the home as well since the look of the light fixtures can really emphasize the overall look of the space.
What is your favorite type of lighting to incorporate into projects?
We love adding wall sconces in unique places. Sometimes we’ll forego a pot light in the ceiling of a short hallway or a winding staircase and add a wall light instead. It’s a great way to add something interesting, decorative and practical all in one piece. We also try to incorporate lots of interesting floor lamps into our spaces, and I love that they become more like lit pieces of art than just a source of light. Lighting is just the best way to add interest to a space.
What's your favorite room to design?
As an interior designer, I thrive on using the full scope of my talents. Therefore, I most enjoy designing luxurious living areas where there is a variety of different design applications in use — interesting floor plans, architectural details, custom furniture, built-in cabinetry and unique styling pieces. I also like to pinpoint the areas where change is most desirable to my client, and will have the greatest positive impact on their lifestyle.
What role does lighting play in your designs? Is it important?
I always stress to my clients that lighting is one of the most important design elements in a space. Different layers of light such as task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting and daylight all play a part in creating the desired atmosphere and make the room comfortable and practical. It’s important to evaluate all of the activities that will take place in the room, and provide for all circumstances. The design of the light fixture itself can instantly define the style and quality of the overall design, and it often stands out as one of the most eye-catching features. Dimmers are a must wherever they can be installed.
What is your favorite type of lighting to incorporate into projects?
Pendant lighting is a favorite of mine, and lends itself to almost every space. It always commands presence in the room, and can really set the stage for the rest of the design. The variety of styles and finishes available is almost endless, which makes a designer’s job much easier. Clients view this as an investment piece, and will often take a chance on bold, impressive lighting to create an upscale look.
Mimi Pineau, Mimi Pineau Design
What's your favorite room to design?
As an interior designer, I thrive on using the full scope of my talents. Therefore, I most enjoy designing luxurious living areas where there is a variety of different design applications in use — interesting floor plans, architectural details, custom furniture, built-in cabinetry and unique styling pieces. I also like to pinpoint the areas where change is most desirable to my client, and will have the greatest positive impact on their lifestyle.
What role does lighting play in your designs? Is it important?
I always stress to my clients that lighting is one of the most important design elements in a space. Different layers of light such as task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting and daylight all play a part in creating the desired atmosphere and make the room comfortable and practical. It’s important to evaluate all of the activities that will take place in the room, and provide for all circumstances. The design of the light fixture itself can instantly define the style and quality of the overall design, and it often stands out as one of the most eye-catching features. Dimmers are a must wherever they can be installed.
What is your favorite type of lighting to incorporate into projects?
Pendant lighting is a favorite of mine, and lends itself to almost every space. It always commands presence in the room, and can really set the stage for the rest of the design. The variety of styles and finishes available is almost endless, which makes a designer’s job much easier. Clients view this as an investment piece, and will often take a chance on bold, impressive lighting to create an upscale look.
