We all feel better on a sunny day, right? Sunny days boost your energy and brighten your outlook on life, but many of us spend most of our days inside. That's why it should be your goal to strategically implement lighting to improve the quality of your interior’s brilliance. Strive for the sun! Why not?

To help you achieve a well-lit interior, I’m sharing 3 ways to improve your indoor lighting.

Tip 1. Update Your Lighting to More Modern Styles

Changing out your current lighting fixtures will elevate the modern look you are working towards. It might seem like a daunting task since it takes a little more thought than just selecting a pretty fixture. Here are some factors to consider when looking for the right style and finish.

1) Repeating elements

Look around the room and notice the details of the furnishings or cabinets. Do they have geometric details or soft curves? Your new fixtures should complement those elements.

2) Finish

Tie the finish of the lighting into a finish you want to see more of. For instance, if your cabinet hardware is chrome or polished nickel repeat that in the lighting fixture. If you prefer to bring out the satin brass or black you have on a chair or stool repeat that. Not everything has to match.

3) Scale

This is where you might need more help. The scale of the fixture should be proportionate to the element nearest to it. For instance, if you’re replacing pendants over an island consider the size of the island in proportion to the fixture/s. You don’t want them to look dwarfed but you also don’t want them to overpower the island either.

Rely on a lighting specialist or designer to guide you on this one.

There is more to choosing new lighting fixtures than just selecting an updated style. As a professional designer, both locally and virtually, I love educating my clients on what to look for before adding a fixture to their cart.

For example, looking at the amount of wattage output was formerly one of the main considerations when choosing a light fixture. But now, that's one of many factors to consider. You can read my in-depth guide to healthy home lighting here.

Tip 2. Design a Layered Lighting Plan

You will want to light each room at multiple heights to create layers of light. The three lighting layers you need are general, ambient, and task lighting.

General lighting includes ceiling fixtures and recessed lights for full overhead lighting. For ambient lighting, use sconces and lamps to help set the mood in your space. Then, use task lighting as a more direct light source for everyday needs, like a desk lamp or floor lamp by your sofa.

Your goal is to create a lighting plan that brings balance to the space and brings out the best in you and your home, just like the sun does. For more details on lighting and health, read here.

Tip 3. Conserve Energy Creatively

People get so wrapped up in conserving energy that they keep lights off when it's dark and dreary out. However, keeping your lights off makes your home feel neglected and somber.

Just the other day, I was at a new client's home, and it was a dreary day. I was trying to select a shade of white for her shutters, and I asked her to turn on some lights so I could see. Soon after, she was switching them off. Honestly, there are better ways to conserve energy than constantly turning your lights off. My favorite solution?

Dimmer switches! For a small $20 investment, you can install dimmers that let you adjust the level of your lights for whatever mood or function you want.

When my husband and I renovated our home in 2002, we added dimmers to every single fixture. By doing so, we rarely need to change the bulbs. In fact, we didn’t need to change out our general kitchen lighting (recessed halogen bulbs) for 14 years! For this reason, I insist my clients add dimmers when renovating a room.

These 3 tips should give you a great start when selecting the right lighting for your home, but if you’re still struggling, consider my Local or Online Design Services! My “Pick My Brain” package is perfect for design confidence you can implement right away.

Warmly,
Celeste

3 Tips for Using Lighting to Create a Bigger, Brighter Home