Master Interior Lighting Design for Homes

Categories: Design, Do It Yourself | Construction, Tips and Tricks

Lighting casts a magical glow over a room. But if the lighting’s poor, it creates a dreary ambience. Good lighting brightens the mood while adding drama and architectural flair.

Lighting is the perfect way to showcase your unique style. You can find everything from stripped-down modern fixtures to elaborate chandeliers.

Industrial light fixtures are still in vogue for modern design. But the newest styles don’t look like they belong in a warehouse. They’ve been softened for the living room. Modern geometric designs now come in warmer finishes like brushed gold.

If you’d rather cozy up to farmhouse style, you’ll go for weathered iron chandeliers or sconces with antique bulbs. Other popular designs include pendant lamps that are strung like café lights across the room.

Energy-Saving Bulbs

Most modern design uses energy-saving LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs in fixtures and to back-light art or an entertainment center.

The incandescent bulb is on its way out. It’s wasteful, gives off a lot of heat, and won’t last like a LED bulb. LEDs use 75% less energy and last a whopping 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

That’s good news if you have recessed lighting in your ceiling and don’t want to haul out a ladder to change a bulb. 

Pendant Lights for a Warm Aura

Hanging lights accent a kitchen island or dining room table. For these spaces, you need fixtures that cast a wide ambient glow. If you’re wondering how to light up a room, pendants do it beautifully by streaming light in all directions.

Clear pendant lights are popular right now and work equally well for reading or lighting a large space like a great room.

Soft Interior Lighting Designs for Homes

Steely tones in lighting fixtures are making way for something softer. Pale gold is one of the top finishes right now. 

Homeowners are painting their walls in neutral tones like white, grey or a color called greige (greyish beige). These neutrals pair well with a metallic accent that isn’t too brassy. The latest gold fixtures do the trick in room lighting design, with their soft gleam and matte finish.

Practical Considerations in Lighting

Beyond style, there are practical issues to consider when choosing lighting:

• A statement piece in the entryway makes a striking first impression. This is the spot for a grand fixture like a chandelier or pendant light.

• Lighting is a safety issue. Stairs and hallways need to be well-lit. One popular option is a peel-and-stick LED lighting strip. They come in a broad palette of colors and add a glowing accent to dark stairs.

• You don’t have to flood every space with light. A reading light near an armchair or a bedside lamp with a linen shade creates a soft, comforting atmosphere.

If you want expert help, Design Custom Homes specializes in exceptional interior lighting design for homes. If you consult a designer, you’ll be rewarded with a harmonious look throughout your home. Our state-of-the-art software estimates costs to ensure the lowest price for the highest-quality design. 

Brooke Justice