RE: bathroom lighting ideas?

["mark" <mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jonathan,
I did some work in my ensuite bathroom, and of course wanted to
"automate"
where possible.

I was re-decorating at the time too, so that made things easier.  The main
points I wanted to achieve were: -

- Dramatic and fun
- Colour by light
- Automated low-level night-lights
- Automated shower ventilation
- New "lighted" alcove feature space adjacent to basin
- Non destructive means of installing lighting fittings

I wanted to "see" the light, not the fittings for the automated
night
lighting.  I created a new ceiling approx 100mm beneath the original
ceiling
and left approx. 100mm space all round the edges to the wall.   This left
the existing coving intact and actually used it as a reflector for the
night
lighting.   The ceiling design allowed for sealed rope-lights to be
concealed all the way round the edge.   This creates a perfect, even
lighting effect around the room.

Also, I didn't want to start making holes into the loft space to install
lighting fixtures, so the new ceiling solution worked great as I could make
all the holes I like without damaging the existing ceiling.   If I want to
change the design later on, then no damage done, simply remove the false
ceiling.

The automated lighting is triggered by a sensor mounted in the ceiling
above
the door.  In addition to the edge lighting, the sensor also lights an area
next to the basin and starts the ventilation of steam from the shower
cubical.

Space was tight around the basin for any storage etc, so I built an alcove
within the wall to the side of the basin and lined it with blue mosaic
tile.
It is an interesting design feature, plus allows another opportunity to
boost the night lighting just where you need it.

The "main" room lighting is controlled by a conventional switch
outside the
room.  This consists of low-voltage halogen lamps.   These fittings could
be
concealed within the new ceiling.   Also, I wanted to add some fun lighting
to the shower area rather than "bog-standard" (excuse the pun)
white
halogens.   Therefore I installed sealed blue halogens which create a
fantastic blue pool of light from the shower area into the room.

The new ceiling also allows installation of speakers for the whole house
audio system which is my current project.

Pictures on my website at: -
http://www.markryder.me.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=85

Make sure you post pictures of your project when complete!
Cheers,
Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: JT @ Home [mailto:Jonathan@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 25 January 2005 21:44
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: RE: [ukha_d] bathroom lighting ideas?


hi chaps,

wonder if any of you have any 'unusual' lighting scheme's in your
bathrooms.

By unusual I mean anything other than a few halogen's in the ceiling...
and any photo's to assist me with my bathroom renovation.

I have a white suite, chrome taps, original 1930's sink, travertine
floor tiles (30x30) and 10x10 black marble tiles up the shower wall.

Any help most appreciated.
Jonathan.