Lighting is an important part of any space, particularly in interior design. It has the power to completely transform a room. Not only does it impact on the visual aspect of a room, but it can also inform the atmosphere and even the perceived mood of the people within a space. Ambient Lighting is regarded as the foundation of lighting design. It is usually the overall light of a room, providing illumination to the whole space without the need for direct lighting points. It can be provided by a single central fixture, or multiple fixtures dotted around the room. Within residential interiors, this type of lighting is often found in the form of a flush or semi-flush mounted ceiling light. Task Lighting is important for close up activities such as reading or sewing. Normally it is focused on a specific area, taking a lot of the ambient light away and creating a work zone. Usually consisting of several wall mounted spotlights or flexible floor lamps, this form of lighting is often used where higher precision light is required. Accent Lighting is used to make a feature of an area, such as a piece of art or a piece of furniture. It is designed to create a particularly focal point, and draw attention to a particular area of the room. It is best when used with a dimmer switch, so that you can control the brightness and create the desired effect. These 3 main forms of lighting all need to be considered carefully during the design process. The overall effect needs to be carefully orchestrated, with the placement and amount of light being determined by the size of the space and the desired outcome. In saying this, careful consideration should also be given to the practical applications of the lighting. Overall lighting design is an art form, and it is essential for creating beautiful and functional interiors. It is the final piece of the puzzle, and it can make all the difference to the feel of a living space.