Illumination expert Kelly Inglis shares advice for stepping up your lighting game. By Loren Kessell
Proper lighting is one of the most important elements in design, yet it’s often an afterthought. A skillful lighting designer can use layers of light to evoke different moods in a space, provide the right illumination for specific tasks, and even enhance wellness in residential or commercial environments. Kelly Inglis, owner, educator and consultant for Lighting, Education, Design, is an expert on the subject, and shared strategies in a KBIS 2022 Voices from the Industry (VFTI) session on “Luxury Lighting to Enhance Aging in Place.”
Inglis answered five questions about lighting, from her inspirations to recommendations.
NKBA: What inspired you to work in the interior design industry?
KI: I started in design when I was very young, because my family owned a construction company. Later on, I started working specifically in lighting.
NKBA: What started your passion specifically for lighting?
KI: It’s a super-technical part of design that’s often neglected. I started working in a lighting store, which is how I realized this and really got into it. Many people came in with the same questions, so I learned and got better at answering. I sought to take away technical jargon so customers could better understand. From there, I started teaching designers and architects, as well as speaking at events.
NKBA: What are some of your favorite lighting applications? How do you like to incorporate lighting for wellness?
KI: I spend a lot of time working on the accent lighting layer. In a lot of open-concept spaces, where we use that environment for so many things, I find the accent layer is missing. What we need is various lighting layers for different activities and functions like resting, relaxing and socializing. Proper layered lighting also helps with circadian rhythms. Since we’re exposed to so much blue light [from phone, computer and TV screens], it’s important to promote a “rest mode” for ourselves.
NKBA: What tips do you have when it comes to sourcing and implementing the best possible lighting for a space?
KI: Always follow the rules of lighting layers, since that’s where the accent lighting is often missed. When you’re creating a design for a client, you include layers of things like fabrics and textures so it feels complete. Lighting is the same, and you need all four layers to be complete. Start with decorative, move onto the “general” down-lighting layer, then task lighting (like under cabinet or lit mirrors), and finally the accent layer — an example is evening light. This is a great opportunity for connected-tech and lighting controls as well.
NKBA: What lighting trends have you been seeing?
KI: Greater implementation of circadian lighting, and lighting controls. If people want to have a well-lit environment and better functionality, they need proper controls and systems!
Kelly’s Recommended Lighting Sources
Illuminating Engineering Society (for the most current lighting best practices)
John Cullen Lighting (for accent lighting)
Lutron (technology-centered and people-driven)
