Light fixtures can make or break a design. But if you choose
the right light, it will do wonders for the look and feel of your home.
Our experts in interior design at John Elliott Interiors
know how to create beautiful spaces, and we are excited to share tips on how you
can enhance your home with just the right lighting.
Define Design Spaces
Use the same kind of lighting in neighboring rooms to create
a cohesive look between the spaces. If you want your dining room and kitchen to
look like one space, choose light fixtures that have similar styles, or are made
with the same materials. Look for lights from the same collection but in
different sizes. Smaller fixtures lined up over the kitchen island is a great
style choice and creates a lot of additional light. This can be paired with a
large, chandelier version of the smaller lights over the dining room table to
bring the rooms together.
If you have an open floor plan and want to separate the
spaces, use the opposite technique. Hanging brass lights in a kitchen with
brass fixtures ties the overall design together as an individual space. Choose a
matte texture or natural element for the living room lights to add an extra degree
of separation.
Show Off Your Style
Unique light fixtures are a great way to show guests your
personal style. Choose a fun fixture that matches your outgoing personality or
find a lamp with a creative base that shows off one of your hobbies.
Light fixtures are also a simple and relatively affordable
way to personalize the look of rental space. Instead of keeping the bland,
uniform lights installed across the entire apartment complex, switch yours out
for something that makes the space feel more reflective of your individuality.
If you’re not sure where to start on a room’s design, the
lighting can be a great element with which to begin. Walk through the section
of light fixtures at John Elliott Interiors and see if anything speaks to you. If
you find something you love, that can serve as great inspiration for the rest
of the room.
Make the Most of Your Space
Vaulted ceilings make an incredible statement, but that
space can be wasted if it’s not used properly. An interesting light fixture draws
the eye up and accentuates this feature. Don’t be afraid to go with a bigger statement
here – the extra space can handle it, and a small light may get swallowed up
without being able to make an impact.
If you have low ceilings, a chandelier may not be the best
choice. Hanging light fixtures can draw attention to the lack of height in a
room. A great alternative is recessed lighting because these lights won’t take
up headspace. Instead, they will make the ceiling appear brighter and give the
illusion that they’re taller than they are.
Set the Atmosphere
When considering what kind of lighting to put in each room,
consider the primary use of the space. Some spaces require bright lights, while
others are better served by having options for varying levels of light. In your
home office, it may be important to have bright, clean lighting to help you stay
alert and focus. In the living room, bright lights will work well while you are
entertaining guests for game night. But during the evening, you may want a softer
lighting option while you unwind for the day and read a book until you’re ready
to go to bed. Choose bright overhead lights to illuminate the whole space, then
add lamps with soft lightbulbs for the times you want a softer option. Lights
that have a dimmer function are also a great choice, as they save space by providing
these options without requiring multiple light fixtures.
The lights you choose can also balance your décor. If your
home has a lot of brick or metal in the design, a softer warm light can even
out the look and make the space feel more inviting. If the room has a lot of
softer textures and warm colors, use a brighter white light to create a fresh look
in the space.
The Right Lights Make an Impact
The light fixtures you choose can make a big difference in
how your overall design turns out. An airy, modern home would look confusing
with a massive deer antler shed chandelier. But a piece like that would be
perfect in a rustic log home.
When you choose the right lights, you can enhance the look
of your home:
- Define design spaces
- Show off your style
- Make the most of your space
- Set the atmosphere
