Light has a huge impact on humans

Light is a science. And, if you listen to a light expert like Bram Schelstraete, you begin to realize how smart consumption of light can improve your life. Both Bram and Anne-Sophie are interior architects with Markey & Schelstraete, a firm that bears their name; their team of 8 provides interior and light evaluation studies throughout Flanders.

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Lighting innovations: countless possibilities

Nowadays, there are so many possibilities for using light. Lighting technology has moved on. “LED lighting dominates the market, and not only because it is sustainable and energy-efficient; it is now also dimmable in both brightness and colour. LED lighting will even let you go down to candle intensity,” Bram tells us. “LED lighting allows for much smaller and more targeted work methods. It increases the options for integration and choice of fittings.”

The same can be applied to electricity-free light: natural light. How can you create the right atmosphere with natural light? At night, large windows become cold, black areas. A low sun can be cosy, but also distracting when you’re working. How can you make the daytime and night-time situations compatible? What affect will that have on your utility bills? The answer to that question also affects your mood…

Some form of sun protection is an excellent solution. Screens, roller shutters or venetian blinds will control both the natural light and the atmosphere. “Light is something you really need to plan,” Bram concludes.

People don’t realize the potential of lighting, and they often see it as merely an addition to their interior, as an afterthought to the project. Whereas a well-thought-out study of the lighting should be part of the interior’s design and express the vision of the exterior.

Bram Schelstraete

Managing director & interior designer of Markey & Schelstraete