REGULAR HIS & HERS READERS WILL KNOW THAT ONE OF OUR BIGGEST INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS IS TO GIVE SOME SERIOUS THOUGHT TO GETTING YOUR LIGHTING RIGHT. IT REALLY WILL TRANSFORM THE LOOK AND FEEL OF YOUR HOME.
Using lighting to bring multi-functional rooms to life:
Rooms within our homes often have multiple functions. For example, a children’s playroom may transform into a glittering dining room in the evening and a home-based office in the bedroom needs to evolve into a peaceful, restful environment conducive with sleep! Unless you have a mini army of removal people to hand, you need to adopt creative ways of making the transformation seamless. The easiest way of creating different atmospheres is with the humble lightbulb! We know you’ve heard this before from the His & Hers team, but don’t underestimate the power of clever lighting – it is mood enhancing and easy to use.
Not only is lighting mood enhancing and atmospheric it also needs to be functional. Stairways need to be lit effectively and work spaces also need to be well lit. In your kitchen, you will want to create a bright streamlined look by enhancing the worktops with under cupboard lighting which is subtle, but functional. If your kitchen doubles up as a dining room, lights that can be dimmed will add an atmospheric glow.
Lighting the Lounge:
Most of our leisure time is spent in our living room area. Consider what uses your living room has and plan your lighting around them. Natural light is always favourable, so position chairs for reading close to natural light. Lamps will be useful in the evening. A pendant light in the centre of the room will be beneficial for when the room requires more artificial light. Alternatively, up-lighters and lamps will create a relaxing atmosphere during the evening. Ensure the lights are not situated in a position which causes glare to the TV. Dimmer switches (ahem, which we may have mentioned before) are another useful addition and a firm His & Hers favourite.
Lighting the Bedroom:
Like the lounge, the bedroom really requires mixed lighting options. You will want a bright light such as a pendant ceiling light for dressing etc and more subtle lighting for relaxing in bed. A reading light which is relatively bright would also be useful.
Lighting the Bathroom:
Lighting options for the bathroom will need to encompass bright lighting for personal grooming, showering and applying cosmetics as well as relaxing lighting for taking a leisurely bath. Spotlights would create a bright invigorating atmosphere – useful for those dark, cold winter mornings! A dimmer switch could be installed to create a relaxing, almost “spa-like” experience. Candles could be used for the ultimate in atmospheric lighting (and you know how we like to embrace any excuse to ‘invest’ in candles).
Lighting the Kitchen:
People tend to like kitchens that are bright and cheerful. The kitchen is, of course, an environment where food preparation is carried out and so needs to be illuminated brightly. This is also helpful for safety reasons, especially when sharp knives and hot liquids are being used. Spot lights and under counter lighting will enhance workspaces effectively. As previously mentioned, dimmer switches can be installed in order to create a more relaxing atmosphere when wanted.
Lighting the Garden:
The trend for outdoor living means that the boundaries between indoors and outdoors are blurring. To continue the atmosphere created in your home to your garden, there are many lighting options to consider. You could opt for illuminated walls and fences and add feature lighting to enhance planted areas or sculptures. There are many solar powered options available to purchase or you could get an electrician to connect your outdoor lighting to your electricity supply.
However you’re using lighting to enhance your home this summer, we hope you’re enjoying the ambience a great lighting scheme can create!
We’re proud to bring this feature to you in association with: Simple Lighting and Outdoor Living UK.
For more tips for your home and garden, please pay a visit to our interiors page.
