When it comes to enhancing the style and functionality of a home, lighting is one of the most transformative elements at our disposal. A thoughtfully designed lighting plan can bring out the best in a room’s architecture, highlight your favourite features, and adapt effortlessly to your day-to-day activities.
Stylistically, selecting the right lighting is similar to choosing the perfect jewellery to complement an outfit: it can make a bold statement or play a subtle supporting role. In either case, it sets the tone for how you use and feel in your spaces.
Yet, selecting and installing the right fixtures, bulbs, and lighting systems is not so simple. From overhead lights to decorative pendants, from task lighting to accent pieces, there is a wide world of lighting to explore. This month, I’m sharing how we approach lighting for our clients and the key considerations to always keep in mind.
1. Understanding Lighting Types
Lighting can typically be categorized into five broad groups: overhead, accent, task, decorative, and natural. Each serves a distinct function, and understanding how they work together allows us to create a balanced, functional home.
Overhead lighting, such as ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, and pot lights, provides the primary illumination in a room. When you walk in and flip a switch, this is usually what lights up first.
Accent lighting, like art lights, LED strips, and wall sconces, draws attention to specific features or architectural details. It could be a cherished painting, a captivating built-in, unique textures or niches. Accent lighting adds depth without overpowering the space.
Task lighting is essential for focused activities, such as reading, cooking, and working on projects. Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, a desk lamp in your home office, or a reading lamp by your sofa are prime examples.
Decorative lighting includes sculptural fixtures chosen to elevate the room’s aesthetic. These might be statement chandeliers, eye-catching pendants, or distinctive sconces that bring a sense of artistry to a space.
And of course, there is the natural light that filters in from the outdoors. Whenever possible, I love maximizing natural daylight, as it not only saves energy but also supports our health and well-being. Windows, skylights, and glass doors are often the best ways to invite in the sunshine.
2. Layering for Ambience and Function
Relying on a single overhead fixture rarely provides the warmth and flexibility a room needs. The magic happens when we combine multiple layers of light, such as overhead illumination for general brightness, task fixtures for practical work, accent pieces to highlight special details, and decorative statements that add personality.
Consider a living room as an example. You might have a central ceiling fixture or pot lights to fill the space with ambient light. Then, a reading lamp by the sofa provides task lighting, while an art light installed above an art piece or an LED strip tucked under a shelf offers subtle accent lighting. The result is a room that feels inviting, balanced, and ready for anything from a quiet evening at home to lively entertaining.
3. Paying Attention to Light Temperature
We always consider colour temperature when helping clients select lightbulbs. Light that is too cold can make a space feel sterile or harsh, which is why we generally recommend sticking to the 2700K-3000K range. Bulbs closer to 2700K create a warm, soft glow that feels cozy and relaxed, while 3000K bulbs are slightly brighter and more neutral, more suited to contemporary homes.
Consistency is also important. If you have existing fixtures in different colour temperatures, it can create jarring contrasts. We prefer a consistent colour temperature across all bulbs in a home for a unified look and feel.
4. Leveraging Dimmers and Automation
A lighting scheme that is functional from morning to night should adapt to changing conditions and activities. Dimmers are indispensable for this reason. They let you adjust brightness based on the mood or time of day, whether you want a bright, energetic space for cooking or a softer glow for winding down in the evening. We always recommend dimmers for any overhead lighting.
We are also seeing more demand for home automation, which allows you to create custom lighting “scenes”. For instance, a “morning scene” might gradually brighten certain rooms, while an “evening scene” gently dims the lights. These systems ensure your home is always lit exactly the way you want, without you having to think about it.
Cordless lamps are another exciting innovation. Wireless bulbs or rechargeable fixtures mean you can place a lamp wherever it looks best, rather than where an outlet is available. This opens up a world of design possibilities.
5. Enlisting a Professional for a Flawless Finish
As you can imagine, there are a lot of technical details involved in lighting: planning wiring paths, matching fixtures, properly installing pot lights, ensuring that patterns of recessed lights don’t leave gaps or shadows, and beyond. (Remember, too, that this is just one aspect of your interior’s design!)
This is why hiring a professional lighting expert or electrician can make the difference between a refined result and a setup that leaves you frustrated in the long run.
At Simply Home Decorating, we integrate lighting plans into every renovation or furnishings project. We confirm the wiring and select fixtures that align with your lifestyle, your home’s architecture, and your aesthetic. Then, we work with our favourite professional installers to see it through.
Instead of feeling the pressure of making all these important decisions yourself, you will be able to walk into your finished home and simply enjoy it.
When you are ready to create a home that feels brighter and more inviting, I invite you to book a complimentary call with me here. You can learn more about our services, discuss your project, and see if we are the perfect match.
Yours,
Lori
