When it comes to updating your home, it’s easy to get distracted by the pretty, more obvious details: a new backsplash, colorful pillows, or custom millwork. But surprise! When asked, designers said that the best investment of all is actually lighting. Take it from Latisea Calton, principal designer at MLEE Home Decor in Jacksonville, Florida, who describes it as one of the few design decisions that influences every moment spent at home. “It affects how we gather, how we recharge, and how we experience the spaces that matter most,” she explains. Keep reading to find out how.
Highlight the Details
According to Alena Capra, an interior designer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, clients love using lighting to accentuate certain architectural elements. (Considering how much care goes into the design process, of course you want to show it all off!) “The subtle glow provides a soft illumination for toe-kicks, under wall-mounted cabinetry, shower niches, closet hanging rods, and much more,” she says.
Improve Your Mood
“Lighting is one of the first things people feel in a home, even if they don’t name it right away,” insists Stacey R. Carey, co-founder and president of design at Magnifica in Central Florida. “Some people, like myself, are highly sensitive to harsh light, glare, or the wrong temperature, and it can change the way their body receives a room.” No matter how beautifully furnished a space may be, if the light is too cold or direct, it can feel tense instead of welcoming.
Adds Character
If you’re trying to add personality to a room, Julia Hudson, the creator of ATX House Shopping, says that layered lighting is the first step. Without good lighting, she says, nothing else in the home will feel as impactful. Carey co-signs this, explaining that that “lamps, sconces, dimmers, and quiet pools of light” keep a room from feeling flat or cold.
“If there’s one thing I can’t stand as much as painted brick, it’s an over-reliance on recessed lights,” Hudson adds. “If you’re building, make sure to add some wiring for a few extra sconces and pendants, and if you’re in an established place, some battery-operated counter lights and floor lamps will be well worth it.” For those fighting the battle of recessed lighting already, she recommends making sure the bulbs are warm—no fluorescent LEDs, please!
Adds Perceived Value
“Buyers often notice quality lighting, even if they can’t articulate why a home feels more luxurious,” insists Liz Tew, an interior designer in Greenville, South Carolina. Calton agrees…