Home is where the heart (and the rest of your body as well) is, and it should always be the most comfortable place to live and entertain others. A large part of the home environment is lighting. Proper lighting can truly change how a room can look and feel, set a particular mood for any given occasion and most importantly provide adequate illumination so you can do what you need to do in all parts of the house.
Here are some lighting tips based on rooms in the home to create the best living experience.
“Kitchen
Focus on overhead lighting (on a dimmer that you can crank up when cooking), and add lower sources to illuminate work surfaces. Use pendants, under-cabinet lights, or a sturdy table lamp (kept away from the sink).
Bathroom
The best choice for applying makeup is sidelights, such as a pair of sconces flanking the mirror. An overhead light helps fill in any shadows on your face and also fully illuminates the room (important when cleaning). In a large space, you might also want a light directly over the shower.
Dining Room
To draw people in, make the table the brightest spot in the room. Use a chandelier or a pendant above the table, limiting the total wattage to 100. Elsewhere in the room, indirect lighting is best—it’s relaxing and flattering. Give the space a subtle glow with a pair of small table lamps on a sideboard or matching sconces on the wall above. Battery-powered votives inside a glass-front china cabinet can be a nice touch.”
Before deciding on any changes to your home’s lighting make sure to consult with a lighting expert. The will be able to help you choose lighting fixtures, lamps and accessories that will best compliment your home’s decor and provide you with the necessary illumination you need.