Is it time for a lighting update in your home? Updating your light fixtures is one of the simplest things you can do to make your home feel more vibrant. From funky wall fixtures to subtle light dimmers, you can really change the mood of a room just by changing the lighting.
If you know your home could use some brightening up, but you’re not sure what to do, here are four options for lighting updates that will make all the difference:
1. Zone Lighting
Zone lighting is a perfect way to make an open floor plan feel more vibrant. This type of lighting refers to using various light fixtures to create different spaces, or zones, in a room. This is especially popular in kitchens and dining rooms. Any area in your house that has multiple uses will benefit from a variety of lighting. You need bright lights for cutting up small ingredients while cooking, but you’ll want dimmer lights in the kitchen for when you’re relaxing at the counter at the end of a long day.
One popular zone lighting option is adding pendant lights over a dining room table or kitchen island. Pendant lights are a group of low-hanging lights that add both brightness and style to an area. They act as a centerpiece and can set the mood all on their own.
It can be fun to pick out pendant lighting because there are so many options. Many people opt for an industrial look, while others go for a more modern look. This type of lighting is so popular, you can basically find any type of pendant lighting you can think of.
Another popular option for zone lighting is to add under-cabinet lights in the kitchen. This not only adds brightness to your kitchen without being too harsh, but it also can create more brightly lit workspaces beneath the cabinets. If your cabinetry is right above the counter where you do most of your cooking, this is a perfect option for you. It will enhance your ability to see while you cook, and at the same time give your kitchen a more cozy atmosphere.
In addition to adding permanent light fixtures, placing floor lamps in areas that need brightening up can also help divide the room into zones and meet the different lighting needs of different areas in the room.
2. Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is a game changer when it comes to making your house more vibrant. You’ll never have to come home from a long day or from a vacation to a dark home. You can set a timer or use an app to make sure the lights are turned on when you arrive. Smart lighting is also used to create the perfect ambiance. With certain lighting fixtures, you can use an app to dim the lights when you’re looking for a cozier atmosphere.
There are a few different ways to install smart lighting, such as plugs, bulbs, fixtures, and in-wall switches. Smart bulbs and smart plugs can typically be installed on your own. Smart fixtures and in-wall switches are more permanent options, and will need some minor wiring work. You may want to work with an electrician to install these options.
3. Bold Chandeliers
A dull light fixture in a room can go completely unnoticed, but a bold lighting choice can completely transform the feeling of the room. If you want to quickly add vibrance anywhere in your home, choose a fun chandelier. You can go for an elegant design to add some class or you could go for a funky look and add a colorful or wild chandelier. Let your lighting choices reflect your personality!
Bold chandeliers are perfect decorative pieces because they give guests a topic for discussion. Unlike other lighting options that add brightness while remaining subtle, a chandelier is supposed to be noticed.
Some popular styles this year include mid-century modern inspired chandeliers or industrial style chandeliers. Depending on the decor of your home and your personal taste, either of these styles could be a great option for you.
4. Outdoor Lighting
The outdoor spaces in your home are still a part of your home. You should feel cozy while sitting on the porch swing or eating dinner on the patio. Lighting makes all the difference in these areas. If you don’t have enough light in your outdoor areas, it’s time to change that.
Your front yard and porch are important areas to focus on proper lighting because they’re the first thing visitors see when they arrive. It’s essential to have a brightly lit porch. If you don’t have a functioning porch light, that’s the first thing you’ll want to fix.
Once you’ve made sure you have adequate porch lighting, you can get more creative with how to light up your front yard. Adding walkway lights is a beautiful touch, and it ensures no one will trip while walking to your door. It can also add a cozy and nostalgic touch if you install a vintage lamp post in your front yard. If you live in a neighborhood without good public lighting, this can make a huge difference in brightening up the street.
Your front yard isn’t the only outdoor area that should be well-lit. You can use lighting to make your backyard or patio areas feel more vibrant. Whether you add string lights, outdoor wall fixtures, or garden lights, the brighter you make it, the more it will feel like home.
An outdoor fire pit or fireplace is another option for adding light to an area. Both of these options are sure to impress guests when you’re entertaining. They instantly make your backyard or patio feel cozier, and have the additional benefit of warming up the space if it’s a cold evening. Whatever your lighting needs are, an expert in lighting installation, retrofitting, and updating can help you determine what will work the best for your home. An expert at Modern PHE can help you achieve the vibrant atmosphere you’re looking for in any of your indoor or outdoor spaces.
