Lighting is the most important interior design element that gets overlooked. Here are some Do's and Dont's that will elevate your space, to dazzle your family, and make your friends turn red with envy. Read to the end for bonus tips on lighting up an exceptionally stubborn dark room.
1) Incorrect lighting temperatures: indoor lighting is measured by the Kalvin scale, from warm, and cozy to bright working lighting. the different light levels are as follows. Warm white, Soft white, Bright white, and Daylight.
- Warm white is best for bathrooms and dining rooms, where you want a warm, calming environment.
- Soft white is best for bathroom, and kitchens where you need adequate working light.
- Bright white is best for your home office, or garage to make you feel energetic.
- Day light is generally for offices and hospitals, creates a sterile feel, generally not for homes.
2)Mixing color temperatures: having two different light temperatures in the same room is very apparent, and causes a startling, disjointed feel. It also makes furniture and other room decor colors look off. The solution is to match the Kalvin setting throughout the room. Rooms that serve multi purposes, like kitchen/dining room, split the difference, and match your light level between warm white, and soft white. Dimmers are also a wonderful way to let you control the mood in your indoor space.
3)Not layering your lighting: most rooms rely on one overhead light, which causes long, harsh, unflattering shadows. The remedy is, spread lighting sources across your indoor space at different heights. Diffusing your light with lamp shades, or opal glass shades work great to provide a much more flattering light, making you look great in photos.
*Bonus: as promised, here are some bonus tips to turn a dark space into an inviting, dynamic environment.
- Trimming trees that block windows, and clearing objects from your window sills make an oversized difference in light levels.
- Placing mirrors across from windows reflect natural light. Mirrored picture frames, and using reflective fixtures, and cabinet handles also accomplish this.
- White paint can help to make your room shine, and using a soft sheen, or semi gloss paint finish also work wonders.
- White, or bright colored furniture liven up your interior space, furniture that are stream line allow light to flow through works great. Adding a glass, or marble table top are other great choices to reflect existing light.