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Randall Whitehead

Randall Whitehead, our resident Lighting Doctor, is a lighting designer, author and contributor to Furniture, Lighting & Decor. He writes monthly blogs for the publication's website, and he also produces a video series on lighting design.

Got a question? Ask Randall here.

Randall Whitehead, public restroom lighting
Public restrooms don't have to have bad lighting. Here are some examples of good lighting.

Lighting a Public Restroom

I have had this thing about the lighting quality of public restrooms in the United States ever since visiting Amsterdam. There, the facilities are all-gender. The stalls have doors that go all the…
The Lighting Doctor, Museum Lighting
These walls are made of solid stone, between 2’ and 5’ thick. Notice how the walls become part of the display. Photo by Randall whitehead

Modernized Lighting Enhances Ancient Architecture

This is the Castle del Buonconsiglio in Trento, Italy. It is massive. I noticed that even the smallest towns throughout Italy have castles. Something incredibly huge and fortified, pushing up against…
Randall Whitehead, LED Lighting, New York City
In this art installation, the lighting, while subtle, adds dimension. All images from Randall Whitehead.

How LED Changes the Possibilities in Commercial Lighting

While wandering around the streets of New York City, I took note of the lighting. I know, it’s a big shock.  At night, when the businesses are closed, is a great time to take pictures. Here is a…
The Lighting Doctor, Little Island, Night Lights
Little Island at night is even more magical with landscape lighting.

NYC Little Island Is Even More Magical at Night

There is something new along the water’s edge of the Hudson River.  It is a place called Little Island. No, is not really an island and is not particularly little…but it is something wonderful and…
Sonoma, California living room
Sonoma, California living room by Randall Whitehead

Sculpting With Light: How Stylish Fixtures Elevate a Space

From pendants to floor lamps and everything in between, lighting gives us endless opportunities to illuminate spaces with style. More than just the icing on the cake, an intentionally crafted…
The Lighting Doctor, Randall Whitehead, Artistic Lighting
The Citizen M hotel in New York is a good example of how lighting creates the ambience of a space.

Lighting's Role in the Perception of a Space

After more than two years I finally got to return to New York City.  Everyone was smiling and acknowledging each other on the street. That may be due to the fact that people were finally able to…
LED Lighting, Randall Whitehead, The Lighting Doctor
LED lighting as decorative elements provide the right light and energy-efficiency.

The Decorative Appeal of Energy-Efficient Lighting

Energy-efficient lighting has a bad rap. The general public thinks that all LEDs are alike. There are huge differences in the quality of the high efficacy lamps on the market. People just need to be…
Randall Whitehead, the lighting doctor
The addition of landscape lighting subtly blends interior and exterior spaces.

Using Layered Lighting to Transform Spaces

As you are well aware of by now, the techniques of lighting have greatly evolved beyond simple table lamps and chandeliers. Still many homeowners have not updated their thinking much beyond this…
Lighting Doctor, Randall Whitehead, Lighting Traditional Spaces
Progressive lighting can warm up a space that is otherwise more traditional.

Does Progressive Lighting Work in More Traditional Spaces?

The ultra-trendy design magazines offer up very modern architecture and stark, eye-catching interiors. But futuristic design is not for everyone, especially for people considering a remodel of their…
Randall Whitehead, ambient lighting, the lighting doctor
Ambient lighting sets the tone in this San Francisco space. Photo: Randall Whitehead; Interior Design: John G. Martin, Turner Martin Design

Ambient Lighting Softens a Space and Fills Up the Senses

In the November of 2019, I wrote about a condominium project in San Francisco. It was called ‘Accent the Positive’. I talked about using accent lighting, one of the four functions of light, as a way…
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