Simple Lighting Design

Hello and welcome back to the 15th installment of my series, Beyond the Image, where I share the story behind the house featured in Super Finnish’s marketing. In this series, I take you through the inspiration, the five and a half months of building, and where the house stands today.

In this post, I will share my thoughts on the lighting design of the house and highlight the one lighting element I consider the most essential.

Beyond the Image: Part 15

Lighting design plays a crucial role in creating a functional and inviting environment. It needs to support your daily tasks while also being adaptable for mood lighting. Often, lighting is one of the last things people think about, which means it might not get the attention it truly deserves. Early on, decisions are typically made about overhead lighting. This type of lighting works well for overall brightness when you need to illuminate a space fully, but mood lighting requires more thoughtful planning.

There’s nothing like natural light, but to ensure spaces feel cozy and function well at night, it’s important to carefully consider their lighting.

Overhead Lighting

Some people are not fans of overhead lighting, and I understand why. However, when you are cleaning or need ample light for a project, overhead lighting is the most effective way to brighten the entire space evenly. One of the first decisions to make is to ensure all lights, including overhead ones, are dimmable. This simple choice gives you more control, allowing you to adjust the lighting for different purposes throughout the day.

When it comes to creating a cozy atmosphere, layering your lighting is key. It is important to consider where to place lamps and what types to use. Standard recessed lights are great for general illumination but may not offer the flexibility to direct light precisely. At the cottage, I installed adjustable spotlights, allowing me to direct the light and use the overhead fixtures as subtle mood lights in the evening.

Layering Lights

Bringing light lower into the space adds another layer of warmth. Wall lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, and LED strips all contribute to a balanced lighting design. I chose to blend all these options, creating a dynamic lighting setup that can shift depending on the mood or time of day.

The most impactful lighting element in the cottage is the LED light strip I installed along the floor, highlighting the glass wall facing the view. The strip is dimmable, and I usually keep it at the lowest setting. The idea came to me during my frequent travels. On one flight back to Finland, I noticed the reflective strip along the airplane floor leading to the emergency exit. That subtle guiding detail inspired me to add a similar element to my mökki, directing attention to the landscape beyond the glass wall, much like the strips on a plane lead you to safety.

The LED floor lights were inspired by the reflective strips on airplane floors that guide you to the exits. Similarly, these LEDs draw your attention to the large glass wall showing the view.

Thoughtful Lighting Choices

In the kitchen, I use a rechargeable table lamp on the island. It casts a soft, warm glow without disturbing the overall vibe at night. I also have a hanging ceiling pendant above the island, a design piece I bought for a fraction of its original price. I purchased it years before the house was built, knowing I would eventually find the perfect place for it. This pendant, combined with carefully placed mood lights, creates a layered effect that makes the kitchen feel both functional and intimate.

With a bit of patience and creativity, it is possible to find affordable lighting solutions that offer beautiful, ambient light for relaxing evenings, while still providing bright, practical lighting when needed.

The rechargeable table lamp on the kitchen island helps keep the island clutter-free.

For additional depth, I use wall lamps that can be directed away from your line of sight. These lights subtly highlight corners of the house, adding dimension and making the space feel larger. Thoughtful placement is essential to avoid glare, especially when sitting on the couch or watching TV.

Outdoor Lighting Design

I carried the same principles to the outdoor lighting design. Both buildings have brighter overall lights for safety and visibility when approaching in the dark. Beyond that, I placed spotlights around the structures and walkways. When I want to create a calming outdoor atmosphere, I turn off the main lights and let the spotlights cast subtle, focused beams across the landscape. Outdoor lighting can dramatically enhance the ambiance, whether you are enjoying a quiet night by the fire or hosting friends under the stars.

Spotlights outside stay out of sight while directing light exactly where it's needed.

In the darkness of night, well-planned yet affordable lighting creates a captivating mood.

Final Words About Lighting Design

Lighting, both indoors and outdoors, shapes the way a space feels. By layering different types of light and making thoughtful design choices, you can create an environment that is as beautiful at night as it is during the day. Let me know if you would like me to dive deeper into any aspect of the lighting design or share more about my favorite lighting finds.

Jussi-Pekka Kajaala

Nordic Visionary, Creative Entrepreneur