When it comes to design, which is my passion, selecting lighting for a project is my absolute FAVORITE thing to do.
I think of it as choosing beautiful jewelry. Jewelry enhances and compliments any outfit you’re wearing, from diamonds to hoops, evening gowns to jeans and a tee. It’s the icing on the cake, and so it is with lighting.
Lighting serves multiple purposes. It meets the need of the obvious to keep you from being in darkness, and having the ability to see. Lighting also compliments, enhances and sets the atmosphere for a home.
There are many choices for lighting in decor. Chandeliers are most popular and can be the most expensive. They are usually used in hospitality
spaces such as hotels, spas, and design showrooms. Chandeliers are designed to be show stoppers. They supply light as a function yes, but they are here to make a STATEMENT. Whatever your style and preference. This particular lighting source would be selected in grand foyers, ballroom, and larger sized homes. You would seldom see a grandiose type of chandelier in an apartment, it would overwhelm the space. In design, there are always exceptions to the rule. I have designed and placed a smaller pink chandelier in a baby’s room. In theory, it was chosen to grow with the room design. As the baby gets older that light would still work in a teen’s room.
Accent lighting can vary with a plethora of choices. Task lighting is needed in home offices. Table lamps for desks are smaller in scale with different shade colors that will complement the design of the space. Candles used as accessories, serve as accents in a room, and also in an emergency. Therefore you can never have too many candles. Aromatherapy is great for relaxation and filling your home with warmth. Also, candlelight is romantic and everyone looks good in candlelight. Track and pendant lighting is trending right now and can be used in kitchens and bathrooms. Islands and bars in kitchens are being designed with pendants to showcase the countertops, appliances and seating area. In bath design, track lighting is used in smaller spaces because they offer strong lighting options.
If you’re in a rental space, permanent lighting installations may not be feasible. Therefore you have to think outside the box. Floor lamps can be vital in this case. They are taller in scale than a table lamp and offer lighting below and above. Floor lamps can light the ceiling and floor at the same time. They are excellent for lighting a corner, providing lighting to home furnishings as a sofa sectional, a reading chaise lounge; As well as having the capability to dim.
There are always design trends on the horizon in the interior design industry, both styles and function are being created as I write this. I love to seek and find out the latest in decor design and share them with all you DVAs! Let me know if these design ideas are helping you.
