Lighting is the crucial element of your home: it sets mood and atmosphere, but also adds the final touch to the overall design. Lighting makes the difference in both style and functionality, and depending on what type of activity you want to have in a room you need to choose accordingly. Brighter lights are used for a more focused and awake state, while dimmer lights bring out calm and peace for relaxation. Choices are plentiful, and it can be difficult to know what type of light to apply to achieve a certain ambiance. I wanted to better understand how lighting affects my home so I asked LF Illumination for a few tips, and here’s what I learned:
Understand What You Need
Before you start choosing between different styles you need to consider a few things. As I already mentioned in the intro, you need to be aware of the type of activity that’s going to occur in a room you want to redecorate, and how lighting can improve that experience. Every room can have a focal point or objects of interest you would like to highlight. Now think about limitations and obstacles and how to overcome them to be able to realize your plan. Last but not least, think about the style, color, and temperature. When you answer all these questions you have a general plan and you can proceed.
Lighting Needs to Be Functional
Style is important but falls short if the lighting you chose fails to satisfy your basic needs. This is why you need to put functionality above all else and later focus on a style. Recess and task lighting are best for the kitchen where you need brightness to successfully perform cooking maneuvers. You can put one source of task lighting above every section of the kitchen where you usually cook, also you can add accent lighting inside cabinets for a more passive lighting option. Offices or rooms for hobbies where you usually read require stronger, focused light you can easily move around. Living rooms are more flexible and are best equipped with a more atmospheric light with dimmers so that you can change the atmosphere.
Type of Bulb
There are different types of bulbs, and there are a few aspects to consider before you go shopping. Think about the level of brightness and the color temperature. Energy efficiency is also valid if you want to save on your monthly bill. You can also aim for specific shapes and sizes if you are looking for a more unique style.
Add Accent
Lighting is perfect for highlighting objects or focal points. You can spotlight a fireplace, a painting, or a sofa and create a gathering point for your guests. Lighting adds focus to the room and complements the style, it can also serve as a guide through your home by subtly showing the way to the bathroom through a hallway or a staircase.
Don’t Mix Styles
You need to be consistent with the style you choose for every room. In the same way you are considerate with the furniture and decoration placement you need to be careful about the lighting. You can easily overdo it and create discomfort and confusion. Finding the balance between style and comfort is key, and it is better to keep it simple knowing that you can always upgrade and add more lighting options if needed.
Lighting needs to reinforce the architectural goals and generate the right atmosphere, without having to compromise much on wants and possibilities.
