How Designers Choose the Best Lighting for Your Home
During a home renovation, it’s easy to get caught up in the bigger items: countertops, cabinets, flooring… you get the idea. But there’s one often-overlooked element that plays a critical role in shaping your home’s design. Yep, you guessed it — lighting.
From statement fixtures to subtle supporting roles, your lighting selections will significantly impact how you experience your space. However, with the seemingly endless array of options, making the right decision can feel overwhelming. The good news? With a designer on your side, it doesn’t have to be.
Since lighting can transform your home, for better or worse, getting it right is a must. That’s why I always create customized lighting plans for our clients. What’s involved? Let’s take a look…
Step 1. Understand Your Lighting Needs
To ensure each space functions the way you need it to, we begin by getting a good grasp on your lighting needs. What kind of vibe are you going for in each room? Maybe you need bright light for cooking or softer light for relaxing.
We’ll consider everything from island pendants to bedside lamps, creating a clear plan to guide your contractor and electrician leaving no room for confusion when it comes to installation.
Step 2. Use Layers of Lighting
When it comes to creating a highly functional and well-balanced aesthetic, incorporating layers of lighting is the secret. We properly utilize the following layers to keep your space cohesive and check every box on your lighting needs:
Ambient lighting: Sets the foundation for every room with soft, indirect illumination
Task lighting: Essential for specific activities like reading and cooking
Decorative lighting: Adds drama and serves as a focal point
Accent lighting: Highlights architectural features or artwork
Natural light: Brings necessary warmth and depth
By expertly balancing layers of lighting, we create cozy, welcoming atmospheres throughout your home. Yes, please!
Step 3. Set the Mood
Using a variety of lighting not only offers flexibility, but it also allows you to set the mood for different occasions. Imagine sipping your morning coffee in a soothing environment. As you transition into preparing school lunches, your space becomes bright, lively, and productive. When evening approaches and it’s your turn to host girls’ night, you set the tone for a warm, inviting ambiance. The space remains the same, but the mood entirely shifts. Our secret weapon? Dimmers!
Adding dimmers to your lighting whenever possible is always a good idea. This way, you have complete control of the light output for creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Another important piece of the puzzle? Selecting the correct bulbs for your space. We prefer to use 300k bulbs for a warm, inviting glow.
Step 4. Align with Your Home's Aesthetic
Ahh, aesthetics – my favorite part of crafting a lighting plan! Once we understand your needs, we’ll tailor your lighting design to your distinctive style and color scheme, ensuring everything complements or matches your existing space. But remember, not every fixture has to match perfectly.
Mixing finishes is a beautiful way to add interest, flow, and personality into your space. We’re always careful to strike the right balance so that it feels intentional, and that includes ensuring proper sizing and scale for each fixture! Trust me, a light that’s too small or too large for your room will be immediately noticeable.
Step 5. Elevate Your Home with Lighting
There’s no question about it – lighting is one of the most impactful updates you can make in your home. Whether you install lighting for aesthetics or functionality, the right choices will instantly elevate your space, creating a welcome and inviting atmosphere that you’ll love coming home to.
If you’re ready to reimagine your space, I’d love to help. Reach out to me here, and let’s chat.
