Chiaroscuro - contrasts between light and dark

For more information, contact
Tom Kretzschmar at Illuminations Lighting Design,
607 Durham Dr., Houston, TX 77007,
800-863-1184 or 713-863-1133,
www.illuminationslighting.com

Chiaroscuro (English pronunciation: /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/, Italian: [kjarosˈkuːro] "light-dark") in art is characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition. -- Wikipedia.

State-of-the-art home lighting — indoors and out — has undergone tremendous advances in the past decade, so much so that the latest technologies are now essential elements in both estimating a home’s value and providing the ultimate in visual comfort, mood setting and security.

Even beyond this, says Tom Kretzschmar of Illuminations Lighting Design, one of Texas’ leading lighting specialization teams, clients are now far more savvy about the esoteric aspects of lighting, such as the use of chiaroscuro and other more subtle effects.

Just as a new homeowner inspects the foundation of a home before purchasing it, so also should he be aware of, and demand, the latest in programmable lighting systems as well as lighting technology, says Kretzschmar whose company has been recognized as one of the state’s top firms for over 30 years.

Superior lighting systems must overlay safe, solid advanced electrical systems to create functional, practical arrays that also provide decorative and aesthetic appeal. New, user-friendly control systems make programming lighting inside and out merely a matter of “pushing a button” — provided you have the most updated equipment.

An Illuminations signature lighting design uses every chandelier, lantern, sconce — every up light and every down light inside and out — to both set a mood and ensure that every space is utilized to its maximum potential.

The benefits of lighting are numerous — whether in a new home or for remodeling. Kretzchmar says expertly installed lighting can and should:

• Substantially increase the sale value of a home and landscape.
• Be a vital component of safety and security measures.
• Enhance valuable assets such as fine art, intricate indoor and    
• outdoor architectural features — if done with the eye of an artist
• and the proper equipment to assure the safety and protection of
• such treasures.
• Sculpt spaces and help create an infinite palate of different
• moods, often turning flat, harsh or uninviting areas into attractive
• vignettes.
• Mold and blend colors, textures, forms and shadows creatively to
• produce a desired effect.
• Provide the most effective route to uniting a home’s exterior with
• both formal and natural landscapes.
• Expand usage of areas, particularly outdoors.
• Help conserve energy.

Lighting design has become a discipline of its own, Kretzschmar warns. It is difficult, if not impossible, for architects, interior designers, contractors or even engineers to keep up with all the latest available technological advances in such a specific area.

New technologies, for example, adjust lighting levels differently in many separate sites, based on multiple factors, with a simple automatic program.

“Gone are the days of providing a few extra circuits, looping the telephone wire from room to room or installing simple dimmer controls,” Kretzschmar says. Even though basic troubleshooting is still an essential need, keypads and touch screens have replaced traditional switches. Standby generators are the norm, not the exception.

It is important for homeowners and potential homebuyers to remember that when one of these contracting professionals recommends using a lighting consultant, they are not showing weakness or lack of knowledge. On the contrary, they are recognizing the client’s discriminating taste and want the project to achieve its full potential.

Illuminations Lighting Design uses residential lighting’s underlying electrical grid in much the same way as a builder uses concrete — a foundation on which all subsequent creative work must be anchored.

Ideally, Kretzschmar said, the lighting expert should be brought in at the beginning of a project or before the home is built/purchased. That way, a sound foundation can be established on which to create not only an immediate lighting system, but one on which future advances can more easily be incorporated.

However, experienced experts such as those at Illuminations Lighting Design can incorporate more modern equipment into existing systems, or even into situations where no lighting design was ever installed. Improving the lighting is an effective technique often used by homeowners wishing to update a home for a faster, more lucrative sale. Today’s electrical contractors must be able to understand and manage a plethora of subsystems that include everything from emergency generators to lighting control systems.

Whatever the situation, Kretzschmar says, it is essential that lighting systems be custom-designed. They must fit with the lifestyles of those who will be utilizing them. A follow-up maintenance arrangement is also crucial to maintain the high level of enjoyment and technical efficiency.

Lighting assumes an added role in this era of expanded outdoor living, when so often landscapes are truly enjoyed mainly in the evening. Fantasies of light in previously darkened grounds will draw one outdoors, extending those enjoyable hours. Perhaps the most beautifully sculptured dramas are created at night, when wonderful shapes and shadows add to the natural beauty of pools, fountains and pathways under the nighttime sky.

“No tree is too high,” Kretzschmar adds with a smile.

At the same time, he warns, just as when creating expert and effective lighting of valuable art indoors, special care must be taken never to endanger trees and other valuable plant life. With the latest technologies, it is possible to conceal lights, wires and junction boxes while allowing for tree growth and expansion.

Illuminations Lighting Design’s expert, experienced staff — including more than 30 licensed electricians — works with both residential and commercial clients.

For more information, contact Tom Kretzschmar at Illuminations Lighting Design, 607 Durham Dr., Houston, TX 77007, 800-863-1184 or 713-863-1133, www.illuminationslighting.com