Lighting choices are a crucial part of planning your home décor. Even the colours you choose to paint your rooms will be impacted by lighting. Dark colours absorb and reduce light, whereas pale colours reflect and maximise light. Follow these tips to find the right balance.
Use the right lighting for each room
Plan your lighting to suit the activities that will take place in each room. Do you need ‘task’ lighting for your home office, or in the kitchen for cooking? Place a reading lamp on the desk and a down light directly above the kitchen bench. Do you want relaxing lighting for the bedroom or the formal living area? Ambient (hidden) lighting that washes the room with a soft glow will help create a warm and cosy atmosphere.
Let the daylight in!
Lighting in homes consumes 8–15% of the average household electricity budget. Ouch! Maximising the daylight that comes into your home and using energy-efficient lighting won’t limit your design options, but it will save you money and help our environment.
Layer up your lighting
Designers recommend using multiple types of lighting in a room to create the right sort of atmosphere. Combinations of floor lamps, table lamps and lighting around the edge of a room will soften the look. Do you want some spa-glam in your bathroom? Consider using a chandelier as a centrepiece, coupled with some down lights above the vanity.
Lighting trends
Minimalism – think simple lines and Scandinavian and Japanese decors. Sculptural – make a statement with a unique piece of art that doubles as a lighting source. Industrial chic – rustic and edgy, industrial lighting can be either reclaimed or recreated vintage pieces. Warm metallic – gold, brass and copper remain a key trend in 2018.
Thinking of selling your home?
It’s a big decision to make so getting professional advice is a good idea. If you’d like to discuss your situation and talk through the various scenarios contact Team Etchells CLICK HERE or via the details below.
Donna Etchells.
E donnaetchells@mcgrath.com.au
M 0414 553 719
D 02 9532 7000
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 