Shine a Little Light on Me

Artificial light transforms the way we live and use our homes.

It gives us the power to choose what we do, and when and where we do it: the hours we work and sleep; the time we wake and eat; the places we cook and entertain.

But too much choice can transform the usually fearless into cowards.

Walk in the front door of a store chock-full of lights and associated paraphernalia and you are likely to want to hotfoot it out the back.

Which fitting best suits your needs: pendant, oyster, track or spot?

What "look" do you want?

Which bulb has the best simulated light: halogen, fluorescent or incandescent?

What about dimmers, timers and sensors?

Have you considered a control system that allows you to illuminate your entire home with the press of a button?

Annie Krasznai, the manager of Sydney's Mondo Luce, gives this advice: "Take one room at a time.

Ask yourself what task you perform in the room in question.

Are you applying make-up or working on a computer?

Each task requires a different kind of light and light source."