As any interior designer will tell you, lighting has the power to make or break your home design.
Follow these three lighting tips to instantly enhance your interiors, improving your quality of life and increasing the value of your property.
3 Lighting Tips That Will Instantly Enhance Your Home
Experiment with LED lights
There are many advantages to having LED lights rather than traditional incandescent bulbs.
These modern bulbs are more energy efficient which means they last forever, and they don’t get too warm which helps to avoid overheating and damage to the light socket. Their uniform glow also helps to unite your interiors when LED lights are installed throughout the home.
The major benefit in terms of interior design is that they allow for much more creativity with lighting. As well as normal bulbs, they come in all shapes and sizes and can be easily incorporated into fittings or decorative displays.
Trending LED lighting includes illuminated mirrors for the bathroom which add glamour and reduce glare, and bedroom wall art such as neon signs and geometric panel touch lights.
Consider light temperature
Light temperature is an important factor in establishing atmosphere in the home. This refers to how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) the colour of the light is. It also includes the brightness of the lighting.
When you look at LED lightbulbs, you will see that you are able to choose between warm and cool. Make the decision depending on the purpose of the room and the environment you want to achieve.
For example, warm lighting will be inviting in relaxation spaces such as the living area, but functional spaces like an office or utility room could benefit from the clarity created by cool light.
In your warm light rooms, layering is especially important. Utilising lamps and lights with dimmer switches will create a soft glow that enhances the sense of serenity.
Relying on overhead lights is limiting and can disrupt the atmosphere of the room.
Incorporate accent lighting
For a touch of luxury, incorporate accent lighting in key areas of the home. This lighting works to draw attention to particular spaces or things in the home, expanding and elevating your design.
Chandeliers are a great way to fill an awkward space such as a high ceiling or long stairwell, and are sure to command attention. You can go for a traditional option such as a crystal chandelier or a striking contemporary design.
A favoured way of incorporating accent lighting is to add lights above pictures in order to display your artwork to its best advantage. It also helps to minimise any shine or shadow on the frames.
More recently, accent lights are being added to fittings such as on the back of bookcases and shelves to create a similar effect.
The hallway is another common area where this lighting is used. This is because it has the power to make this dark and often neglected area more welcoming.
It can also be used to lengthen and expand narrow hallways in smaller properties. Try adding lighting along the floor, or a rhythmic pattern of sconces along the walls.
