Enhance Your Home With Lighting

Cabinets, counters, floors, and color selection often get top billing in a remodeling project, but lighting is also a critical element in any interior design. Whether you’re refreshing a large, open kitchen or a tiny guest bathroom, lighting affects mood and ambience; it affects the perceived size of a space and can impact comfort and safety.

A designer can help “shine the light” on how lighting is (or isn’t) working in your space and can bring needed improvements.

There are four main types of lighting:

• Ambient: The overall light level of a room, starting with natural light coming from windows
• Task: Dedicated light for activities like cooking or reading or studying
• Accent: Builds upon ambient light and helps define the shape of a room
• Decorative: Fixtures, such as chandeliers, provide a focal point or fun conversation starter

The color and shape of the light itself also impact design. For example, warm light from a small source is usually better suited for intimate spaces; cooler daylight or bright white light from a large source is usually better for food prep.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Not enough light sources
Kitchens should include task, ambient, and accent lighting. Closets are often overlooked, so consider adding task and accent lighting there.

Not using proper controls
Dimmers are important, especially when it comes to entertaining. Timers are especially useful for outdoor and security. Motion sensors in hallways and bathrooms are great for guests unfamiliar with your home’s layout.

“Dimmers are important when entertaining. Crank up the lights while cooking, but turn them down once guests arrive to create a more intimate atmosphere,” says Neil Kelly Design Director March Miksch.

Choosing the wrong temperature
There are many LED color and warmth options. If your home has a lot of grey and white tones, bright white is a good choice. For earth tones, try softer lighting.

Ignoring size
The size of a light is often overlooked. A light that’s too big can make a room feel smaller. You want to have a great balance. Picking the right size light can be more important than the actual design.

Poor placement
The correct location is essential. You don’t want a light shining in your face while brushing your teeth or a shadow on your book while trying to read.

While lighting technology—from bulbs and hardware to lighting controls in smartphone apps and home security systems—continues to evolve, good lighting design is one of the most enduring ways to add style, comfort, and value to your home.

Ready to bring some bright new ideas into your home? Get in touch with Neil Kelly today.