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LIGHTING AND DESIGN

August 31, 2021

LIGHTING AND DESIGN

[vc_single_image image=”2052″ img_size=”570×360″ alignment=”center”]You don’t have to be an expert to know that lighting for interior design can dramatically transform the look and feel of your home. It may not be as fun as focusing on grand pieces of furniture or beautiful artwork, but lighting design can dramatically affect the mood of your home and even the overall perceived size of a space—which makes it an essential element to any design scheme.

Ready to get started? Keep reading to learn about the different types of lighting and how to effectively use them in each space of your home for maximum benefits.

A Beginner’s Guide to Lighting Types

Let’s be honest, as much as we want our homes to look Instagram-worthy, they also need to be functional. Lighting, of course, plays a huge role in that. Before we discuss how to use different kinds in each room, though, let’s break down the different types.

  • General lighting: Unless you’re blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, you’re going to need some light sources to illuminate the majority of the space in each room, especially at night. Thin the overall glow from central light fixtures hanging from a ceiling.
  • Task lighting: This type of lighting is used for up-close activities such as reading, working on hobbies or crafts, or food preparation. It typically comes in the form of table lamps, under-counter lights, or adjustable floor lamps. You’ll want to incorporate this type of lighting on your desk, next to chairs, and around other work areas where functionality is critical.
  • Accent lighting: Used to change the mood and atmosphere of your space, accent lighting delivers light to a focal point in the room that you want to highlight. Think track lighting, can lights and uplights, recessed lights, and wall sconces.

How to Use Lighting Effectively in Each Room

Now that you know how the different types of lighting work, it’s time to experiment with different combinations to improve the atmosphere of every inch of your space.

  • Foyers and Entryways: As the point of entry, this is the first impression of your home—and it needs to be a great one. If you’ve got a large foyer with high ceilings, a chandelier works perfectly for illumination as well as a dramatic introduction to your domestic space. Otherwise, hanging pendants, chandeliers, and sconces will create a warm, welcoming effect.
  • Living room: The place where you do your Netflix bingeing and hanging out with loved ones should be comfortable and functional, with easily controllable lighting. Living rooms are great for a large overhead fixture, but track or recessed lighting throughout the room works just as well if you want something a little more modern. You might also want to add in a mix of floor and table lamps, especially if you want to illuminate shadowy corners.
  • Kitchen: Lighting here can be tricky since you’ll need different types throughout the room—especially if this is where your family congregates for meals. All the lighting in your kitchen should be task-focused and pointing downward toward your work surfaces, so recessed lighting is a great idea. You may also want to use under-cabinet lighting to define certain spots in the room and add more light to work areas. Finally, you’ll want to highlight focal areas like the kitchen island and dining table with an overhead pendant or chandelier.
  • Bedroom: There’s nothing cozier than blackout curtains in the bedroom to ensure deep, restorative sleep, but a bedroom isn’t meant to be dark all the time. You want to provide enough light for dressing or reading while at the same time, preserving the room’s warm, relaxed atmosphere. Generally speaking, a bedroom requires more general lighting, along with several light sources layered from ceiling to bedside. Try recessed lighting fixtures controlled by a dimmer. This way, you can dial up the light while you’re getting ready for the day, or dial it down to relax for your bedtime routine.

Relaxed Luxury Interior Design for Every Style

Our homes are the places to feel welcome, relaxed, and centered—designing with intention is the best way to make that happen. If you need help rethinking your space’s interior design, we would love to help you create a home that feels stylish and comfortable, while perfectly suited to your aesthetic taste. Contact J.Fisher today, and let’s start discussing your dream home.

Contact

J.Fisher Interiors’ studio is located in east Austin. To schedule your consultation appointment, please fill out the contact form or call us at 512.954.0904. We would love to hear from you!

``Working with Jen was fantastic. She was extremely professional and finished on time and on budget. Very creative, efficient, accountable and I love the outcome. I was very pleased with the experience and highly recommend her to transform your home.``
JEFF HOPKINSPROJECT DATE: SEPTEMBER 2015
"Jennifer Fisher has a true passion for interior design, and it is evident in her work ethic. She is a professional with the artistic ability to produce exceptional results. That is why I can strongly recommend J.Fisher Interiors for any decorating needs or projects you may have."
Dean Crassas
"Very professional, reasonable and creative services. Worked within my budget and was always timely on requests and suggestions while meeting the decor selections for my contractors scheduling deadlines. I would recommend J.Fisher Interiors to all of my friends."
Marc Buffkin
The whole experience working with J.Fisher Interiors was excellent. My home looks amazing and there was a nice balance between brand new pieces and the vintage treasures that Jen was able to find. Unlike past experiences with designers, where my budget was ignored, she took great care in working within the budget and delivering a stunning space that I enjoy living in and get tons of compliments on…"
Kevin Warden
"Jennifer is helping us with a full remodel of our house. She has been instrumental in helping us with fixtures, colors, inside and out, our pool remodel, the entire project. She has been extremely professional, available, communicative and has really listened to our feedback and what we are looking for. She has kept our deadlines and budgets on track and really gives us a variety of options to consider. I am so thankful to have her, I do not know where we would be without her!"
Kristina Weiss
"Jennifer jumped in to do a project for our office, and we couldn't be happier with the level of professionalism and skill with which she operates. She got the job done in a timely manner, her pricing was reasonable, and now, our team has been enjoying the space so much more. I'd highly recommend her expertise to other companies or individuals looking to freshen up their space."
NadaMoo Ice Cream
"As a recent divorcee, I rented a condo in a rush and it was a mess -- dark with an odd mixture of colors and styles. Jennifer worked quickly to completely transform the space using cost-effective options that made sense given that I might only be in the unit for one year. In addition to designing the space, she also served as a project manager for the work. She is very dedicated, works quickly and efficiently, and has a very professional and pleasant demeanor. She has a definite style and sensibility but also adapts well to her clients' tastes. I couldn't be happier with the result."
Jeff Binder
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Interior Design Consultation

J.Fisher Interiors’ studio is located in  Austin. To schedule your consultation appointment, please fill out the contact form or call us at 512.954.0904. We would love to hear from you!

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