A Personal Perspective on Lighting
As you know, we decided to overhaul all of the lighting in our showroom. Now that it’s complete, I can honestly say with 100% certainty that I have zero regrets. Every time I press the fancy Lutron switch that Victor and his team at Smartech installed, I’m amazed at how the lighting washes the space in a beautiful, soft glow.
We installed a combination of technical lighting that works alongside decorative fixtures and lamp lighting. The range we achieved not only creates an inviting ambiance but also serves as a dynamic showcase for our clients. By doing this, we can demonstrate the impact different fixtures and lighting styles can have, both aesthetically and functionally. This process reaffirmed for me just how transformative good lighting can be, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Functional Lighting: Illuminating Your Daily Life
Functional lighting, often referred to as task lighting, is essential for day-to-day activities. From cooking in the kitchen to reading a book in your favorite chair, proper lighting ensures that you can perform these tasks safely and effectively. Most of us know this as recessed lighting, the industry calls this downlighting. Boy, are there so many options and opportunities here! Beam spread, lumens (brightness), aperture (light opening), and color temperature are all things to consider (and we can help you connect you with what to do and use in your space). In the showroom we used a combination of downlighting, wall washers, technical lighting, and track lighting (phew!) to showcase the range that can be used in your homes/businesses.
Here are some key areas where functional lighting makes all the difference:
- Kitchen: Under-cabinet lighting illuminates countertops, making meal preparation safer and easier. Pendant lights above an island add focused light while doubling as an opportunity to bring your personality into kitchen decor.
- Bathrooms: Vanity lighting around mirrors ensures even illumination, essential for grooming and makeup application.
- Home Offices: Desk lamps or adjustable overhead lights reduce eye strain, boosting productivity during work or study sessions.
Decorative Lighting: Adding Personality and Style
For this client, we decided to go with a flush mount version of the same fixture to keep the design clean and functional yet beautiful as well.
Decorative lighting brings style and flair to your home, and it’s a great way to make a statement or tie a room together. Fixtures like Flush and Semi-Flush Mounts and Pendants offer both versatility and design opportunities.
- Flush and Semi-Flush Mounts: Perfect for spaces with lower ceilings or where you want a clean, streamlined look. These fixtures can be subtle or striking, depending on the style you choose. They’re ideal for hallways, bedrooms, and sometimes entryways with a lower ceiling height.
- Pendants: These are the jewelry of the home. They create focused lighting and are incredibly versatile in style and placement. Hang pendants over a kitchen island, dining table, or in a cluster to add visual drama. In the showroom, we used a mix of modern and classic pendants to show how they can complement various design aesthetics.
- Chandeliers: A dramatic chandelier in the dining room or entryway can set the tone for your home. Are you looking to convey elegance and sophistication or playfulness and whimsy? Our Showroom has some stunning examples to inspire you.
Each decorative lighting choice serves to enhance the space’s personality and create cohesion while maintaining functionality.
Through the showroom renovation, I’ve seen firsthand how these elements elevate a space. Mixing different fixture types—like we did with statement chandeliers and simple recessed lights—adds depth and visual interest.
Layering Light: The Secret to Versatile Spaces
This is my own mudroom, where I decided to layer in as much lighting as possible. Recessed lighting was installed for tasks, a chandelier was installed for decorative purpose and visual interest, and sconces were installed to echo the exterior sconces on the outside of the door.
A truly well-lit space isn’t about one type of lighting but rather a combination of layers. The three main types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—work together to create a functional and inviting atmosphere.
In our showroom this layered approach means we can shift the mood from bright and energetic to warm and relaxing with just a few adjustments. Showing clients the flexibility of layered lighting helps them envision what’s possible for their own homes.
The Emotional Impact of Light
Beyond function and style, lighting profoundly affects how we feel in our spaces. Warm, soft lighting can create a sense of relaxation in bedrooms or living rooms, while bright, cool lighting energizes and enhances focus in kitchens or offices. Dimmer switches add flexibility, letting you adjust light levels to suit your mood or the occasion.
Lighting: It is worth the investment
If there’s one takeaway from our lighting renovation, it’s that the investment is always worth it. Proper lighting doesn’t just illuminate a space; it enhances its beauty, elevates its functionality, and transforms how you experience your space. Whether you’re remodeling a home or building new, don’t overlook the power of good, beautiful lighting.
Brighten Your Home Today
Lighting isn’t just about illuminating a room; it’s about shaping your experience of that space. By combining functional lighting with decorative elements and layering different types of light, you can create a home that is as practical as it is stunning.
Ready to shine a light on your space? Contact us today to explore how we can help you design a home that’s perfectly lit, beautifully styled, and uniquely yours.
