Beyond layout, colors, and textures, home lighting is a pivotal factor that can make or break a high-end interior design. The brightness or dimness of a space holds great power in altering its appearance and atmosphere, accentuating details and setting the ambiance of a room.
Indeed, luxury lighting provides more than illumination. It’s as much a reflection of the taste and aspirations of the homeowner. And, in case the home is being put on the market, lighting can serve to enhance the key features of a home and thus enhance its perceived value.
Wondering how to stylishly light up your luxury home, whether for staging or simply sprucing up the place? Here are three vital tips to follow.
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KNOW YOUR LIGHTING TYPES
Devising a luxury lighting design plan for your home begins with learning how natural and artificial light work. Natural light usually refers to sunlight, along with combustion lights like candles and firelight. Artificial lighting, on the other hand, emanates primarily from electrical sources like bulbs and lamps of all types (incandescent, LED, fluorescent, etc.) used for indoor or outdoor lighting.
Understand, too, the specific function of lighting.
- Ambient lighting provides overall illumination
- Task lighting is focused on specific activities (reading lamps, pendant lighting over a kitchen island, etc.)
- Accent lighting is designed to draw attention to particular features (artwork, architectural detail, decorative items)
- Decorative lighting is both functional and aesthetic (wall sconces, string lights, etc.)
Even if you’re working with a high-end interior lighting design expert, it pays to know the kind of lighting that goes to what area of the room.
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HAVE MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES
Diverse light sources bring a sense of wholeness to luxury homes. Layered and combined, they can add dimension to a space, amplifying its glamor and allure.
To style a room with varying light sources, lighting design professionals mix natural light with LED strip lights, recessed lights, spotlights, pendant lights, chandeliers, and other lighting types. Designers also utilize floor, table, and desk lamps to create a room that exudes a specific vibe or puts the homeowner in a particular mood.
If you’ve hired a lighting designer, they will know exactly what to achieve in order to:
- Avoid the harshness of too much lighting
- Create an intimate space instead of something murky and under illuminated
BLEND STYLE WITH ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Light fixtures are more than just devices that illuminate your home. They’re also an opportunity to do your bit for the environment. Here’s how:
- Opt for ENERGY STAR-certified lighting products like LED lights and compact fluorescent lights. They use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and are more efficient at distributing light.
- Use dimmers, timers, and smart home devices to optimize energy usage.
- Use natural light as much as possible – get rid of heavy window treatments, opt for light-reflecting surfaces such as glass tables, polished tiles, and high gloss paint (in judicious amounts)
Especially when you’re staging your home for sale, consult with professionals to bring out the most crowd-pleasing elements of your home. Lighting can be key to achieving that ideal.
Seydyss Barreto is an outstanding Realtor who knows what buyers want in a home. Call 978.590.8918 or contact her here if you’re selling your luxury home in the Merrimack Valley in northeastern Massachusetts or in Boston.