Lighting is an important part of a room, whether your goal is to have soft mood lighting set into the ceiling or to utilize windows to their full potential and bring in the rays of the sun.  There are many ways to enhance a room just by manipulating the lighting.

The basic lighting options are artificial and natural.  Artificial lights are any electrically-powered fixtures, from ceiling fixtures to table lamps.  There are many choices when it comes to artificial lights; incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights, and the greener alternative, compact fluorescent bulbs which can save you money and energy all at once.  In general, the best way to handle lighting is to utilize a triangular pattern to light a space, such as a living room or family room.

Natural light not only comes from sunlight, but also candles or fireplaces.  Firelight can easily add a cozy touch to any room, and when considering sunlight, remember to also consider window treatments to help control the amount of light flowing into a room.  Certain rooms tend to do well with sunlight, such as kitchens and sitting rooms; the brightness can add to their open and welcome feeling.  If you don’t have enough light in one area, try adding a mirror to help disperse it throughout the room.

Each room in the house may benefit from a little attention to lighting.  Dining rooms often do well with dimmer switches, giving you the chance to lower the lights for a more intimate feel.  Accent lighting can be useful if you have a piece of art or other particular area of a room or object that you want highlighted.  Task lighting can be perfect for offices, set near a reading chair, or within kitchens, set underneath cabinets.

The right lighting can make a difference in any room.  Consider what sort of light you want and where it can be best utilized for a fresh new look.

CONTACT US: Innovative Room Design | Judy Goldwater | phone: 805-626-0296 or 661-714-0556