Interior LIGHTING…GET LIT
Your homes lighting is so important as it provides you essential functionality but can also become unique features within its space. As you update spaces in your home, don’t forget about lighting or allow it to fall off your list due to budget.
Task lighting: adds brightness where you conduct daily activities like cooking, studying or applying make-up. These main living areas are kitchens, study’s, or bathrooms. This core lighting is intended to provide visual clarity free of glares and shadows. Recessed, track, and pendant lighting are best used to achieve this intense light. I believe LED recessed cans are best and they usually have dimmers which can add layers of ambiance. I take any opportunity to replace an existing ceiling fan light with recessed cans. If you want to add a fan with light, and you have recessed cans, ensure there is distance from the fan’s diameter to the recessed can location. Unless you are having a dance party you will create a strobe effect!
Tip! Overhead combined with surrounding light creates the ideal lighting in bathrooms, specifically for applying make-up. Overhead recessed cans or pendants combined with sconces surrounding the mirrors will create that optimal light.
Accent lighting: Serves as a decorative element, enhancing special details such as decorative trim, tray ceilings, custom hoods, or paintings. Accent lighting is best achieved with chandeliers, dimmers, under cabinet lighting and wall sconces. Chandeliers are statement pieces and are best displayed in entry ways, over dining room tables or in bathrooms over tubs. Decorative lighting can also enhance smaller spaces such as bathrooms. Don’t be afraid to make a statement!
Once you’ve picked your fixture, which type of bulb should you select? Just ensure you have consistency throughout a space. You don’t want to mix cool with warm lighting in one area.
Cool vs warm lighting: Soft white or cool lighting may feel too white almost like a hospital or commercial spaces. Warm lighting has a yellow tint and could give you that vintage element. I like warm lighting as it provides warmth to the home. Filament bulbs give you this yellow tint, but if you prefer LED that’s an option too. YES, they make LED yellow tinted lights!