Layering Light

Recessed fixtures with MR16 halogen lightbulbs provide both ambient and accent lighting in this contemporary living room. Near the fireplace wall, recessed fixtures are positioned to accent the artwork and mantel; the remaining recessed fixtures provide ambient light. In the bookcases, accent lighting for niches is provided by low-voltage halogen lights. All lighting is on dimmers. Lighting design by Markus Earley, Providence, R.I. Photo by Markus Earley

For a sitting room filled with framed original artwork, three layers of lighting are included. Ambient lighting comes from recessed fixtures in the center of the ceiling, which have MR16 halogen lightbulbs. Accent lighting for a wall with a grouping of artwork is provided by track lighting that has been recessed in a slot between ceiling joists; the adjustable heads have MR16 halogen lightbulbs. Two round recessed fixtures in the ceiling near the windowed wall provide accent lighting for framed artwork, and a table lamp near the wing chair provides task lighting for reading. Lighting design by Markus Earley, Providence, R.I. Photo by Markus Earley

Track lighting suspended from the ceiling provides accent lighting for a framed print (center two track heads) as well as the mantel (outer two track heads). PAR30 halogen lightbulbs are used in the track heads. Lighting design by Markus Earley, Providence, R.I. Photo by Markus Earley

A living room with a vaulted ceiling receives ambient and accent lighting via a combination of track and recessed fixtures. The track lighting, with PAR30 halogen lightbulbs, is primarily used to accent the artwork and fireplace, while the two recessed fixtures in the ceiling, with MR16 halogen lightbulbs, provide ambient lighting. Lighting design by Markus Earley, Providence, R.I. Photo by Markus Earley