Bring summer sunlight indoors – Purchase the perfect lighting
One of the best investments you can make when giving your home a refresh, or staging it to sell, is to update your lighting. You may think this detail does not matter all that much, but actually lighting makes a big impact.
Lighting can give the impression that your home is either updated or outdated, light or dark and tasteful or not. So l thought I’d share with you some of the design and staging tips I share with my clients in Fairfield and Westchester county and now my E-Design clients all over the country.
A good first step is to evaluate the natural light in your space at different times of the day. Open all the window treatments and look at the room with the lights off and then with all of the lights on. Be as objective as you can and imagine what your first impression would be. The easiest way to do that is to pretend you are a guest or a Buyer looking at your room for the first time.
A poorly lit room will feel smaller and make doing every day tasks more challenging. In addition, if you spend a lot of time in there, it can get downright depressing.
Is the space light and bright? Is there adequate light in the room to accomplish what you will be doing in there, i.e. cooking, reading or perhaps working from home?
You can access this design board and shopping list by simply asking for it by email .
Adequate outdoor lighting is essential for guests who will come in your front door and for Buyers who will make first impressions based on your curb appeal. Are your pathways and entry properly lit? Do the fixtures look modern and crisp or outdated and weathered? If you could use an upgrade, pick fixtures that compliment the style of your house. Get a fixture that is open on the bottom if you want to add down lighting and consider glass topped fixtures to emphasize pretty architectural elements.
Once inside, your foyer lighting sets the stage for the rest of your home, and if you are selling, contributes to your Buyers all-important first impression. When it comes to your ceiling fixture, it's essential to choose one that is the right size for your space. Size and style can range from a large chandelier for a two-story space to a flush mount for regular height ceilings. Is the space bright enough to adequately see yourself in the hallway mirror that you likely have or will sconces add just the right amount of additional light and style?
When it comes to living spaces, make sure that there is adequate lighting to accomplish whatever task you need to do. Is there enough light to read that book or look at your written notes while working on the computer? Standing & table lamps and strategically placed sconces will serve you well here. Lighting is not only functional but also contributes to the overall mood of the room. Ceiling fixtures with dimmers and sconces add style and ambience.
Kitchens are the hearth of the home and when beautifully appointed will help make that sale. Make sure you have enough light to read your recipes, operate your coffee maker and help kids with homework. Recessed lights are highly functional and with many ideas in this arena of recessed they can look beautiful too!.
The last room I will mention today are bathrooms. Whether you are going to be personally using your bathroom or selling your house, it's important to make sure you have enough fixtures and that they are bright enough. In addition, go for something attractive vs. utilitarian, as it was in the past. If your room is large, consider adding wall sconces or a pretty chandelier. You start and end your day here. You deserve an appealing room to do it in.
Picking a stylish fixture can really elevate the style of a room. But, one must not only consider style, but positioning, height, quantity and which lightbulbs to use.
There is so much to say about lighting and I’ve only touched the surface here. For that, I’ll point you to these blog posts on Chandeliers, Lightbulbs, and Types of Lighting. and of course the opportunity to work with me on an E-Design project to help you pick the perfect fixture. It'
If you are ready, you can get your project started here or if you prefer, schedule a free discovery call with me at a time that works for you.