15 March 2003
LH / Lodging Hospitality
Design Side

Oh the Drama of it All: Hotel Lighting that Performs

By Staff Writer

Hotel lighting has taken a dramatic turn, even in the most traditional properties. "Public areas, especially, are a lot more theatrical, with varied levels of light intended to introduce drama," says Brad Elias, principal of the New York-based Elias Design Group.

Wall of drapes that are washed with light are popular in lobbies, Elias says, as is the use of lighting "pools" meant to draw the eye to a particular area or design element. "Even fixtures are more dramatic and exaggerated," he says. "It's all about making a statement, putting on a show."

Seattle-based interior designer Anita Degen also sees a big trend toward architectural lighting, where illumination is used as an orientation in public spaces. "The lighting is experienced, but you don't necessarily see where it's coming from," she says.

Degen also likes the effect created by curtained walls with light coming from behind them. "It's very soft," she says, "where light is used to give texture."

Energy efficient lighting hasn't really taken off in guestrooms, Degen claims. "It's still very much driven by decorative needs over efficiency. No one is willing to give up the warmth of incandescent lighting."

Elias says that particular in high-end hotel guestrooms, lighting has dramatically improved, both from a decorative standpoint and from a task-oriented perspective. "We've talked for years about task lighting, how it's never right in hotel rooms," he says. "I think we're finally doing something about it." He cites a recent project where, in addition to having traditional bedside lamps, reading lights were installed on either side of the headboard.