Many people choose to come up with their own lighting plan rather than use a lighting designer, but it can seem daunting. We show you how to get your lighting design spot on

by Natasha Brinsmead

MAIN IMAGE: SNOOK PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you’re starting from scratch with your lighting scheme in a new home or extension or are updating an existing design within a renovation project, the impact lighting can have on the way a home feels and works cannot be overemphasised.

Using a lighting designer can be really valuable, however, it is not the right route for everyone. For some, the extra expense can’t be justified, while others like the idea of developing their own plan.

We have put together a selection of essential advice that will help anyone coming up with a lighting scheme on a DIY basis.

GET AHEAD OF THE GAME

Whatever you do, don’t leave planning your lighting scheme until the last minute. A good lighting design needs to be considered from the word go in any self-build, renovation or extension. There are several reasons for this. The first is that it is far easier and less disruptive to install the correct electrics early on in a project than it is to do it retrospectively. Having a plan of where light fittings and sockets will be going early on will avoid later disruption.

Secondly, developing your lighting scheme early on means you will be able to get a better idea of what it will likely cost, tweaking your design to suit your budget where necessary — far better than scrabbling funds together towards the end.

Then there is the matter of trades.Your electrician will need to know what fittings you are planning on having to be able to give you a realistic quote for their services, a timescale and also to be able to properly liaise with the other trades on site.

And, finally, having a firm lighting plan early on means you will be able to take advantage of any special offers or sales you see on lighting products as soon as you see them, even if that means storing the products safely until you are ready for them. It also avoids delays if products you want are out of stock.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR LIGHTING PLAN