Emilee CollinsEmilee Collins, REALTOR® and Senior Real Estate Specialist® of Real Estate by Design, is spreading the word about Hillsborough’s Active Adult Community of Corbinton.
Lighting is an afterthought for many home-
owners, but it can completely change the look and feel of any room as well as help prevent injuries, an important point for retirees.
The style of fixtures you choose, where you place them and the type of bulbs you use can all affect the mood and functionality of your home. By applying a few simple concepts, you can light up your home in a way that is useful, stylish and efficient, all at once!
Think of lighting in layers:
• Ambient lighting creates a base layer to establish the tone of the whole
room.
• Task lighting illuminates a certain area to address the room’s specific
function to alleviate safety concerns.
• Accent lighting draws attention to the decorative features that you love
most.
Ambient Lighting
For an inconspicuous, minimalist approach to ambient light, consider recessed ceiling lights. The number of lights, their direction and a dimmer switch make it easy to customize the amount and intensity of light.
Pendant lighting, which comes in many different shapes and sizes, is a great way to create ambient light with fixtures that make a statement. You can suspend multiple light fixtures from the ceiling at varying heights, adding dimension and visual interest to the room.
Task Lighting
In a living area, this lighting layer might include a table lamp as a focal point to establish an inviting conversation area. A floor lamp next to a comfy chair is just the thing for curling up with a magazine or book.
One of the hottest lighting trends uses long-lasting, energy-efficient LED light strips to softly illuminate rooms from hidden sources. By placing an LED light strip under each overhead cabinet in your kitchen, you can brighten the countertops where you chop vegetables or make a sandwich. Be sure to provide extra lighting in stairs and hallways where it may be difficult to navigate.
Accent Lighting
Use accent lighting to draw focus to details in a room. Try placing simple, uncomplicated wall sconces around your favorite piece of wall art and watch as it suddenly becomes a brilliant focal point. To highlight wall textures or architectural details you love, consider more atypical sconces in interesting shapes that can both show off the elements of your home and stand alone as eye-catching pieces.
By taking these lighting tips, layering them together and infusing them with your own special style, you can completely transform your space and fully accomplish your unique vision for your home in a safe and comfortable environment.