One of the most essential aspects of interior design is lighting – an element that can make or break an interior space of any size or material. Yet good lighting can be especially important for smaller or more crowded spaces, making them feel larger and more open even when their literal dimensions haven’t changed. In turn, larger spaces with poor lighting may feel smaller and less welcoming than they have the potential to be. To make interiors feel aptly large and well lit, designers can rely on several tried and true methods that make the most of a space, from using the right shades and types of lights to placing them in the best locations to integrating other elements that best complement existing lighting. These strategies, as well as several examples of their application, are listed below.
What Building Materials Can Be Harmful to Our Health?
In each of our nostrils, two types of nerves play an essential role in our health. The olfactory and trigeminal nerves capture odors and send information to the brain, more specifically to the olfactory bulb, for interpretation. In turn, this communicates with the cortex, responsible for the conscious perception of odors, but also with the limbic system, which controls mood and unconscious emotions. This is the body's defense against bad smells or irritating or strong odors, creating aversion to those that could harm us in some way.
But not all pollutants can be detected through this sophisticated system, and they have an intrinsic ability to positively or negatively influence our health. In fact, research has shown that air quality can be quite poor and even worrying in many indoor environments, where we spend about 90% of our lives. This is usually caused by inadequate ventilation of the space, external pollution, and biological contaminants; but mainly chemical contaminants from internal sources. That is, the building materials used in space. Therefore, there are some products that should be avoided whenever possible.
Fruit Box House / nimtim architects
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Architects: nimtim architects
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: AJ &D Chapelhow, DTile, EasySpray, Forbo
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Professionals: Blue Engineering
Overcast House / Office S&M
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Architects: Office S&M
- Area: 114 m²
- Year: 2020
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Manufacturers: Buster and Punch, DIY Kitchens, Fired Earth, Inopera, Molts Lighting, +3
Hive House / nimtim architects
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Architects: nimtim architects
- Area: 47 m²
- Year: 2019
Battersea House / Proctor & Shaw
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Architects: Proctor & Shaw
- Area: 175 m²
- Year: 2018
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Manufacturers: Diamond Construction Ltd, Flos, Ibstock, Little Greene, MGLW, +7
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Professionals: Engineeria Ltd, Shelley Hugh-Jones Garden Design