Browse Forums Lighting + Lighting Design Re: Anyone else not interested in downlights? 21Mar 30, 2015 11:29 pm I'm not overly interested in downlights either. I've been trying to find examples of new builds where no downlights have been used but haven't come across any yet - still searching. Anyone stumbled across examples of non-downlight lighting fit-outs in a contemporary house? ...first post - wooh! Vancouver 29-KDR Site start: 14 Feb Slab: 26 Feb Frame start: 2 Mar Frame finish: 27 May Lockup: 28 Jul <--finally! Slab repairs finished: Still going!! House completion due 22/9 http://vancouver29.wordpress.com Re: Anyone else not interested in downlights? 22Mar 31, 2015 9:06 am Only el-cheapo basic stuff like oysters... The general principles behind modernism and contemporary design is clean lines with minimal "useless" decoration. Hence the general decline of stuff fitted to or hanging from the ceiling. That's not to say downlights are the only option. There are contemporary, minimalist wall lights, coffered ceilings with hidden LED strip lighting, recessed wall-washers etc. Pendant could be used sparingly as features. You can also get recessed lighting track and use track mounted spotlights, floodlights and wall washers. My house has a mixture of all of these methods, including downlights where appropriate, which I believe work very well. Building Services Engineer Renovating our 1960's modernist home in Brisbane https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=82091 Re: Anyone else not interested in downlights? 23Mar 31, 2015 10:31 am The display homes at Clarendon Homes in Parklea of course had downlights all over but some of them also had pendant lights in certain areas and some had those hallway lights at feet level and some wall wash lights.. but mostly the downlights, yeah.. Again.. a mixture of down's, pendant's, wall wash lights and so on is what makes the difference.. if it's ALL down's.. then it looks bleak.. but if it's all pendants it can look out of date too or go out of date quickly etc.. Paddington 29 @ Blue Horizon Estate (Lot 105, Wattleridge Crescent, North Kellyville) Our Build Progress Blog: http://light487.wordpress.com/ Re: Anyone else not interested in downlights? 24Mar 31, 2015 12:46 pm Don't forget curtain pelmets either. I have very basic painted timber curtain pelmets throughout my place which I have fitted LED strip lighting to the inside of. This basically lights up the curtains and the ceilings, providing a nice indirect light through the room. Looks especially good if you have interesting or bright curtains. Building Services Engineer Renovating our 1960's modernist home in Brisbane https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=82091 Re: Anyone else not interested in downlights? 25Mar 31, 2015 3:01 pm It's very important that downlights are placed in the correct position, and sometimes electricians don't get it right unfortunately. The other issue is, that all downlights vary, and it's important to select the correct types. We'd recommend a professional help anybody looking to build. Kind Regards, Kristin Lighting Expert Phone -1300 798 220 Email - service@golights.com.au Website - http://www.golights.com.au Re: Anyone else not interested in downlights? 26May 30, 2015 1:45 am Yes a professional's advice would definitely help if you want to install them I don't like them -- that is the light they throw or the stark bare ceilings they twinkle from -- even in show homes I really like. The BBC 'Design Rules' series on interior design had a fantastic episode on lighting. Well worth a watch ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHk7yRu7_K4 Pendants don't look dated to me. I love pendants, tracks, wall lights and lamps. I reckon any light fitting that is in trend in a particular time dates. I'm guessing some of the downlight patterns popular now will look dated in 10 years time too. Ah 'fashion' the price we pay! My mum said fashions are for people who can't throw their own ideas together. She could say that ... she was one 'out there' lady with her tastes She wore her clothes and chose her styles boldly Who cares what anyone else thinks, as long as we like it eh? Re: Anyone else not interested in downlights? 27May 30, 2015 8:41 am Our current house, at about 5 years old now, still hase just bare batten fix bulbs. The living area ceiling is clear and minimal, without all the spots of downlights dotted around them. Then 20 or 40 watts is enough to light up the whole space. Since they're not recessed, they reflect back of the ceiling, so shadows aren't deep, and if you're looking at something, you're not chasing 4 different shadows around. The globes aren't specifically pretty, but after the first week of living in the house, you don't notice them either. A survey must’ve completed by a certified surveyor. This form part of every DA requirement 3 180584 2 4467 The gap can be adjusted so it's tighter. You can definitely set up corner cabinets to have the same gap as standard doors. 2 8598 |