No home is perfect, no matter how big, small or new it is. You might find issues with the layout, storage, or the architectural design itself. Luckily, many of the problems have easy fixes, and one such thing that can be easily rectified without spending a chunk of money is the lighting design. If you have purchased a new house or are planning to design and decorate your existing home and the lighting design needs some refreshment, consider incorporating different types of lighting fixtures or changing the home decor theme. Additionally, you can experiment with different light schemes and colors to create a specific mood or ambience in each room. If you are unsure as to how to play with the lighting of your home’s interior design perfectly, here is a detailed guide on how it is done.
Absence Of Natural Light
Lighting in any home is a matter of personal preference; however, some homes lack lighting. If the house has an absence of natural light, it can lead to a gloomy and depressing atmosphere. Dining and living rooms are probably the easiest to light up, as they often have spacious layouts and are designed to be more subtle and homey. To brighten up a space with natural light, it’s important to choose the right type of artificial lighting, such as LED bulbs or daylight bulbs. Additionally, adding mirrors and light-coloured furniture can also help reflect and amplify the available light.
Lighting In The Kitchen
We’ve all been there and it is a fact that cooking requires more concentrated lighting. Usually, in a modular kitchen, overhead cabinets often overshadow the space and result in dark patches around the countertops, limiting the reach of light. In such areas, it is recommended to install under-cabinet lighting and recessed lighting. Under-cabinet lighting not only brightens up the countertop but also adds a warm ambience to the kitchen. Recessed lighting, on the other hand, can be used to highlight certain areas of the kitchen, especially the cooking area, and create a layered lighting effect.
Gloomy Bathrooms
Small spaces, such as bathrooms, need small bulbs with reduced wattage. Additionally, incorporating light-coloured tiles or paint and adding a mirror can help to reflect light and create the illusion of a brighter, less gloomy space. Invest in directional floor-level lighting to make your way to the bathroom at midnight easier. It also adds a subtle warmth to the bedrooms and creates the right atmosphere in your home. For modernizing bathrooms, install sensor lights or multifaceted pendant lights.
Inefficient Lighting Fixtures
Lighting your house is often situational. Only when the sun is out do you need to turn on the lights. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to update your lighting fixtures. Of course, the family room and other large living areas will require extra lighting. These lighting fixtures enable light to reflect off the walls and ceiling to produce the cozy atmosphere you want to brighten up the room. Additionally, turning off these lights for predetermined periods of time helps save energy and money on your monthly electricity bill.
Moreover, change the bulbs in the lighting fixtures in your home, such as those in the entryway and living rooms. LED and other energy-saving bulbs have a significant impact on your energy conservation too. Replacing your old chandeliers with fresh models can refresh your home’s looks. Do keep in mind that light doesn’t overpower a room. Our favorite lighting ideas include hanging pendant lights by the bedside or using mini focus lights to highlight bookshelves and other artwork. Dressing rooms require a combination of downlights and sidelights.
The Overall Design
The overall design of the home plays a vital role in lighting. The interior should be designed in such a way that it is functional and aesthetically pleasing, taking the client’s lifestyle and personal preferences into consideration. This includes the placement of windows, the use of reflective surfaces, and the selection of light fixtures that complement the design. Additionally, incorporating some smart lighting systems would provide convenience and energy efficiency. It should also incorporate elements of color, texture, and lighting to create a cohesive and inviting space. Our professional interior designers in Chennai would always advise against going overboard with the lighting.
A good light can really create the perfect atmosphere. Avoid using a large chandelier for small spaces and use compact lights for large halls or rooms. Choosing the right wall paint colors can enliven your home, but make sure that the color you choose complements your furnishings and is also practical for your use. Also, to illuminate the space evenly, pick the right lights and lamps or hire an interior designer; it will be worth your time. DLIFE, a leading interior design company in South India, has helped 1000s of homeowners install skylights and more windows to instill more light into the space.