How to Calculate the Amount of Light in a Space

In this article, we explain how lighting is structured in residential and commercial interiors, how light affects a person’s psycho-emotional state, what calculation rules exist, and what professional lighting design in the signature Studia 54 style is based on.

Lighting in an Apartment

In urban apartments, lighting performs several functions at once: it compensates for the lack of natural daylight, zones the space, and creates an atmosphere of comfort. We always design a multi-level system that includes general, local, and decorative lighting.

Each room receives its own scenarios: morning, daytime, evening, and guest modes. In the living room, light emphasizes the interior composition and art objects; in the bedroom, it creates a relaxing environment; and in the kitchen and bathroom areas, it provides precise functional illumination.

In Studia 54 projects, apartment lighting is always adapted to the client’s habits — wake-up time, daily rhythm, guest reception format, and relaxation scenarios.

Lighting in a Country House

In country houses, the lighting system operates on a more complex scale. Ceiling heights, panoramic glazing, and extended spaces require a special approach.

We take into account changes in natural light throughout the day and across seasons, designing artificial lighting to complement daylight organically. In the evening, light becomes the main tool for shaping the atmosphere: it highlights material textures, creates spatial depth, and enhances the feeling of privacy or ceremonial grandeur.

Special attention is paid to transitions between zones, staircases, galleries, and double-height spaces — where it is essential to maintain visual balance and perceptual comfort. For example, in a realized 750 m² residence project in Repino, the staircase lighting system was designed around the clients’ movement scenarios: integrated lighting accompanies every step, creating a striking visual effect.

Lighting in Commercial Interiors

In commercial interiors, lighting directly influences guest behavior and emotions. It shapes first impressions, defines movement routes, and directs attention.

Light is designed in accordance with visitor flow logic, interaction scenarios, and perception psychology. In Studia 54 projects, lighting not only emphasizes the interior concept but also gently guides people, helping them intuitively navigate the space.

Lighting in Restaurants

In one of Studia 54’s restaurant projects in Perm, lighting became part of navigation: it highlighted key zones and set the direction of guest movement while preserving an atmosphere of comfort and privacy.

For us, in a 340 m² restaurant project, it was especially important to create ideal conditions for the dining ritual. Lighting must not dazzle guests, yet should favorably highlight the dishes on the table.

In five-star-level projects, we use a combination of ceiling lighting and local illumination, as well as power регулировка systems depending on the time of day: during the day, the light is soft and diffused; in the evening, it becomes more saturated and intimate.

The Impact of Lighting on Human Psychology

Light directly affects mood, concentration, and overall well-being. Warm light promotes relaxation, cool light increases focus, and contrast scenarios activate attention.

Improperly designed lighting can cause fatigue, tension, and discomfort even in a visually flawless interior. That is why at Studia 54 we always analyze not only the aesthetic but also the psychological aspects of lighting solutions.

We use warm lighting in master bedrooms, family living rooms, and spa zones, while cooler lighting is applied in offices and technical spaces.

How to Calculate Lighting: Rules and Nuances

Professional lighting calculation begins with understanding the function of each space. Illumination standards, usage scenarios, and light sources are defined for every zone.

It is important to consider:

• room area and ceiling height

• color and texture of finishing materials

• reflective properties of surfaces

• availability of natural light

• beam angle of luminaires

Track and accent lights with narrow beam angles create directional lighting, while wide-angle sources provide even illumination of large surfaces. Combining these solutions makes it possible to achieve depth and visual comfort.

Local (Functional) Lighting

Local lighting is designed for targeted illumination of zones where specific activities take place. It provides directional light and is used in almost every space — from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and walk-in closets. This type of lighting increases everyday convenience and reduces visual strain.

Kitchen

A pendant light above the dining table should be positioned at least 750 mm above the countertop level. For even and comfortable lighting, it is important to provide a separate light source for each functional zone — the work surface, cooking area, and dining group. An effective and practical solution is internal cabinet lighting behind solid facades, which adds depth to the space and improves usability.

Living Area

The height of a light fixture above a coffee table or bed should be at least 2,200 mm, and above a bedside table — at least 550 mm from the finished floor level. The use of adjustable (rotatable) luminaires allows flexible control of light direction, effective illumination of the space, and the creation of expressive light-and-shadow patterns.

Decorative (Accent) Lighting

Decorative lighting performs not only a practical but also an artistic function. It shapes the atmosphere, adds volume to the space, and accentuates individual interior elements: niches, architectural structures, curtain textures (with concealed cornice lighting), skirting boards, artworks, and built-in decorative furniture details.

This type of lighting should be soft and delicate, not competing in brightness with the main lighting. Accent lighting may follow the rhythm of the overall composition or support the geometry of key elements, including the chandelier form, in order to preserve visual balance and interior integrity.

Kelvin Color Temperature Scale

Light color temperature is measured in kelvins (K) and determines the shade of white light — from warm to cool. The lower the value, the warmer the light appears, with yellow-red undertones. The higher the value, the cooler the light becomes, shifting toward blue shades.

Main Color Temperature Ranges and Their Application

Warm light (2700–3000 K)

Soft, yellowish light associated with incandescent bulbs and candles. Creates a sense of coziness, relaxation, and privacy. Used in residential interiors — bedrooms, living rooms, relaxation areas, and evening lighting scenarios.

Neutral / natural light (3500–4500 K)

Balanced white light without pronounced warm or cool tones. Suitable for kitchens, work areas, offices, and educational spaces where concentration and accurate color rendering are important.

Cool light (5000–6500 K)

Bluish light close to daylight. Increases concentration and visual clarity. Applied in commercial interiors, medical facilities, shops, and zones with high attention requirements.

Very cool light (above 6500 K)

Light with a strong blue tint, used in specialized scenarios where maximum alertness and visual sharpness are required.

Comfortable lighting is achieved through precise selection and correct placement of light sources. In Studia 54 projects, a single color temperature is always used within one zone. For example, in residential interiors we use 2800–3200 K lighting, while in commercial projects different temperatures are applied depending on the function of each space.

We Build Scenarios:

• warmer — for living and emotional zones

• more neutral — for circulation routes and functional areas

• accented — for objects, dishes, and art

Within each zone, the temperature always remains uniform to preserve visual clarity and the feeling of a thoughtfully designed space.