Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
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EXPERT ADVICE ON LIGHTING YOUR HOME
Let there be light!
Invited Guest Contributor TSG
Whether you are remodeling your home, or seeking an interior refresh, your lighting is not to be overlooked. The world of lighting can be complicated to navigate; from sconces and chandeliers to kelvins versus lumens, and calling on a professional can make a big difference in how you experience your space. Read on for advice and prepare to see your home in a whole new light!
Make a statement. Gone are the days of nondescript accent lighting. All our experts report that this is the year for lighting that makes a statement. Embrace oversized fixtures. “An oversized lamp or chandelier enhances the look of a space, adding a halo of drama and luxury,” “Nothing detracts more from a room than a light fixture that feels too small.”
Spotlight the heart of your home. If the kitchen is a key gathering space, lighting it should be of the utmost importance. Successful kitchen lighting should come from multiple sources. I always recommend under cabinet task lighting, overhead lighting such as pendants, as well as recessed ceiling lights. Good kitchen lighting is essential; whether you are cooking a meal, or entertaining children or helping with homework.
Be adventurous with your living space. The living room is the perfect place to experiment when it comes to lighting. “Lots of chic, indirect fixtures are being used to provide extra illumination in common rooms, like a gallery light over a piece of art (or ceramics). I am also loving a printed and pleated lamp shade to make a lamp feel more custom.
Illumination in the Bath. The bathroom is often thought of as a space of pure utility. And while being able to see well enough to put in your contacts is essential, there is no need to skip on aesthetics. Use hand blown glass chandeliers in bathrooms and powder rooms to provide visual impact and add overall ambiance to the room.
Smaller spaces matter, too. Providing proper lighting in small spaces—think closets, attics, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and mechanical rooms— can be an afterthought. For some of these trickier spaces, I recommend mounting a light fixture on the header over the door and either using a motion sensor or a jamb switch so the light comes on upon opening. Be sure to provide a high level of illumination in areas with home appliances, like the laundry room and any mechanical rooms. This is especially important if someone needs to come in to service the equipment.
Dial up the dining ambiance. When planning the lighting for your dining room, channel your favorite restaurant dining experiences where you will find multiple light levels—a chandelier, sconces, and flickering candles on the table. To replicate the look in your home, dimmers are essential to create ambiance and instant mood for a space. Add them to every light source in the room, from statement chandeliers to buffet lamps. Everyone always looks better in low light because it imparts such a beautiful glow. Added bonus: subdued lighting sets the perfect mood for a lovely and memorable meal.
It is important to incorporate multiple sources of light (adding layers) in each room—not just the dining room—to create visual interest and ambience.
“You should always include accent lighting, task lighting, as well as general illumination.” Additionally, like almost all the experts say, do not forget the usefulness of the dimmer switch. “A dimmer is the key to setting the tone in your space, and allowing you the flexibility to change that tone based on what activity you are currently using that area for.” Also, the change of seasons will come into play, where sunlight changes visibly during the winter (whitish) and in the summer (yellowish).
Lighting is very important to the overall ambiance of any room. Try different lighting ideas and see how it will change your mood! Call me if you need another opinion.
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