As we age, the lens of the eye becomes less elastic, and our lighting requirements change. The ability to focus on close objects decreases, which explains why lots of people need reading glasses as they get older. The lens of the eye also becomes denser and yellower, decreasing the transmission of light, so that more light is frequently required to see. This changes how we perceive colors; they become muted and muddy. Just try looking through a yellow filter to find out what I mean — you will benefit from lighter colors surrounding you. The eyes become more susceptible to warmth as well, making the need for comparison greater.
There are a number of other issues that impact aging eye lenses too, so older eyes require different lighting alternatives. These solutions won’t benefit just them; they will also help create more delightful home environment. Considering the proper amount of light, place of the light source and colour temperature will improve your family’s feeling of well-being.
Let’s look at a few lighting solutions, beginning with the kitchen.
Feinmann, Inc..
“Up, down and all over.” I use this little saying to make sure I’ve addressed all the required elements when I’m planning a lighting layout. Sounds easy, but it does work.
Up Lighting
The most frequent use of upward lighting is in a recessed cove across the top perimeter of a space. To optimize light output, use a T5 fluorescent or LED light source which will wash the ceiling with light. This helps to make a more glowing ceiling which pops and reflects light throughout the space without glare. Combine this with lots of natural daylight to grow the general light levels in a space.
Forum Phi Architecture | Interiors | Planning
If your cabinets don’t go to the ceiling, then consider adding lighting above the cabinets. Using a more powerful light source, such as a T5 fluorescent, increases the reflectivity of the ceiling, thus increasing the light in the room.
Buckenmeyer Architecture
While raising light levels is important, it’s equally important to reduce glare. Use matte finishes to reduce light flares and warmth.
Rugo Stone, LLC
Honed Calacatta Marble Countertop
Countertops are the culprits in causing warmth. If you would rather stone countertops, consider the ones that are honed to decrease reflection and glare.
Concrete Shop
Concrete Kitchen Countertop
Consider soapstone or concrete too. Concrete countertops in particular are getting more and more popular for all sorts of areas in the house, and there is no glow to them whatsoever.
Watch more about concrete countertops
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
Downlighting
Downlighting is merely that: lighting which shines down to illuminate a space. Down lighting can at times be known as general illumination. Once it was simply the only light source in a space — that fixture in the middle of the ceiling. If that is your only option, placement and quantity of fixtures are the keys to attaining a balanced lighting degree while decreasing dark corners. Pot lights are also considered downlighting.
Tanner Vine – 2Go Custom Kitchens Inc
Task lighting, including undercabinet lghting, is among the single most important lighting specifications for any project, in my opinion. It puts the light where you need it most. At a kitchen it would be below the cupboard, where the light is facing you, illuminating the outside and its objects, rather than behind you, creating shadows. Pendants may also be considered task lighting.
EnvironmentalLights.com
LED Under Cabinet Lighting – $18
Elect for Xenon or LED lights to get color rendering that is bright and warm yet accurate. Always make sure there is a diffuser or lens onto the fixture to help evenly distribute the light and lower any hot spots around the counter. As we age, we’ll require two to five times more light to carry out the very same jobs we did at a younger age.
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Most of us know by now that dividers are by a lot more functional and accessible than cabinets with doors. How about shedding some light within your drawers? Another great use for task lighting! You won’t have to search too long to get a spoon when that midnight snack craving strikes.
Tracy Stone AIA
All-Around Lighting
All-around lighting incorporates overall lighting and natural light. You want to ensure that in any time of day, there is sufficient light for everyone to effectively use the space without incident, and that any dark areas are lessened.
This kitchen showcases most of the sorts of lighting talked about. There is up lighting in the cove above the soffit and downlighting from the pendants over the peninsula and pot lights in the soffit. It also has toe-kick lighting, a wonderful comparison of material colors with low sheen and a great deal of natural light.
Kichler
Visual Cuing
Another important aspect of lighting an area for people with decreasing eyesight is visual cuing. Visual cuing provides an additional reference point for judging distance or thickness when entering a space or approaching objects. The lighting at the base of the cabinets, or toe-kick lighting, contrasts well with the dark floor and midtone cabinetry, creating a readily visible contrast. However, people will just think it’s cool.
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