Lights Fantastic
Who doesn’t love lights?
Lighting is so under rated in home decor today with most people not paying much attention to what type of lighting, size, shape or even the level of wattage that is proper to use for home decor. The opposite is true when a house is TOO DARK and the colors in the fabrics and furniture are completely lost.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked out colors for a client at a studio and everything looks perfect, but then on delivery day it all looks different, and the client is upset and is under the impression we picked the wrong tones and hues, when in reality…. it’s the lighting in the home. It isn’t bright enough or there’s a small number of windows, so there is ZERO natural lighting coming into the room, the colors are way off and it doesn’t look the same as it did in the studio. Big problem!
Sunglasses are not required
Another issue I see a lot is the complete opposite… there is “too much lighting” going on. All of that lighting can wash out any color in a room and be very distracting, especially overhead ceiling fan lights. When a client asks me what is wrong with their room because it feels “off” and I see every light is on and you have to wear sunglasses just to go into the living room, I instantly see the issue. Those are the absolute worst!
They are too bright and overbearing, like being in an office building. A better option instead would be lamps or sconces on the walls or in bookshelves to give off a softer, more appealing look that isn’t so harsh.
Candles were the only means of light at one point and as we progressed into electricity, our options became more expansive. Trends, like anything else, come and go, and over the years we have seen a variety of lighting differences. In the 1970’s track lighting was a thing, then we jumped to the Shabby Chic look and chandeliers became popular in the 80’s and 90’s, followed by industrial bulbs for that overly, modern, minimalist look, and so on and so on.
Now we are back to the Modern Cottage theme, where lighting is soft and romantic, enhancing the colors and textures of the room. Gone are the days of bright lights glaring at you and washing out everything else.
Getting it right
Fluorescent office lighting has been known to cause headaches and a general sense of weariness if exposed to, for long periods of time. The last thing we want, is to have that same effect in our homes. We want peace and serenity at home. Overhead fans with light kits are the worst type of lighting; too bright and over bearing. Stay away from those if you can and opt for lamps or recessed mounts in the ceiling with a dimmer switch, so you can control the level of brightness.
Lighting can virtually be anywhere that you like and in whatever space that you want to attract attention to. Chandeliers are a great look for an entryway or in a bedroom to create romance. Undermount lighting in a kitchen is also very appealing, as are dimmers that you can switch out your regular wall switches with. They make a huge difference in the way you can control the brightness. Especially in bedrooms, where soft lighting is needed to help us sleep at night.
On another note, lighting can make all the difference on how we feel as well. A good rule of thought is to be sure to have adequate lights to brighten up whatever space you are in, but are soft enough to give you comfort and peace. If you have ever been to a romantic restaurant, all you see are soft lights to enhance your experience and make it appealing. Bright lights are good for grocery stores, etc., when you need to see what is available, but we don’t need that for our homes.
Beautiful lamps can enhance any room and they come in every shape and size. Whether whimsical or chic, flirty or masculine, lighting is an amazing accessory to add to any home. Swap out builder grade lighting with pieces that match your personality and have fun with it. You will be amazed at how it changes the whole room and adds some flair that you wouldn’t normally have.