DESIGNING WITH DARKNESS
When most people picture lighting design, they imagine bright, beautiful spaces—every detail perfectly illuminated, every corner aglow. But in my world, the real magic often happens in the places we don’t light. Shadows are more than just an absence of brightness; they’re an essential design tool, quietly shaping how we experience a space and, most importantly, how we feel within it.
Shadows introduce a sense of depth and intrigue; a curiousity we’re tempted by. They guide our eyes, drawing attention to what’s illuminated and gently obscuring what’s left in the dark. This interplay between light and shadow is where atmosphere is born. It’s the difference between a restaurant that feels flat and overexposed, and one that feels intimate, mysterious, and deeply inviting. In hospitality, especially, shadows can make a space feel exclusive—almost as if you’ve stumbled upon a secret worth savoring.
Negative space, or the “gaps” in illumination, is often overlooked. Yet, it’s in these pockets of darkness that a room can truly breathe. Think of your favourite piece of art or a striking stage set: the areas left untouched by light are just as deliberate as the highlights. They add drama and let the imagination roam. In my own projects, I love using shadow to carve out intimate moments or highlight architectural features, letting the mind fill in the blanks and the emotions rise to the surface.
Designing with shadow isn’t about making a space gloomy or unwelcoming. It’s about balance and intention. I’ll often use layered lighting to create subtle gradations of light and dark, introducing a sense of rhythm and movement. Also having an understanding of the materials put forward by the architect and interior designer, know where the light will be absorbed or reflected and know how that light will be perceived…. The result? Spaces that feel alive, honest, and full of personality.
Lighting only what truly needs to be seen is an art form that goes far beyond simply illuminating a space—it’s about crafting an experience. My interest has always been in psychology of space – understanding human behaviour. By focusing light with intention, we create pockets of brightness that naturally draw the eye, while allowing the surrounding shadows to add a sense of drama and gentle suspense. It’s a bit like storytelling with light: we reveal just enough to spark curiosity, but never so much that the mystery is lost. The key is balance—too much darkness can feel unsettling, but just the right amount invites people to relax, explore, be curious and feel at ease. When done thoughtfully, this approach transforms a room into an environment that feels layered and alive, where comfort and intrigue exist in perfect harmony.
The beauty of a thoughtfully lit space doesn’t end at the front door—it extends all the way up to the night sky. The global dark sky movement is all about protecting our view of the stars by reducing unnecessary light pollution. By being intentional with outdoor lighting we help preserve the natural rhythms of wildlife, support human wellbeing, and keep our connection to the magic of the cosmos alive. It’s a reminder that great lighting design isn’t just about what we see, but also about what we allow ourselves, and future generations, to experience in the darkness above. For me, embracing dark sky principles is the ultimate act of balance: celebrating the power of light while honoring the wonder of the night.
