When building or remodeling a home, lighting is one of those features that makes quite an impact, from the moment a person sees the house to enjoying the rooms within, to maximizing outdoor entertaining areas. The fixtures themselves can be bold, stylish and “make a statement” or can be hidden from view so it’s the light itself that showcases the home’s features. If you’re choosing lighting for a home, first consider how the natural light will perform, then enhance with fixtures accordingly, to fulfill these essentials:

• MOOD: Think about the use of the room – kitchen, dining room, office, media room, bedroom, bathroom, and outdoor areas all have vastly different lighting needs. However, fixture styles and finishes can ensure visual continuity as desired.
• PRACTICALITY and CONTROL: Use lighting wisely for security purposes and energy savings – automatic sensors, timers, dimmers, and appropriate task lighting all play a role in making the home function efficiently.
• STYLE: Whether modern, traditional, minimalist or ornate, lighting should complement the home’s décor – many fixtures surely look like art! Wall or ceiling mounted fixtures provide a welcoming feel and create nice ambient light; recessed lighting works well for unobtrusive task, general or accent lighting; and lamps are ideal for task lighting and accentuating certain areas.

In all cases, have fun choosing from today’s wide assortment of beautiful fixtures! If you need inspiration, lighting showrooms such as Klaff’s (locations in CT and NY) can be a great place to explore and learn about different types of lighting. LED technology has brought many new possibilities to lighting, and can provide long-term cost savings through less electricity usage and fewer replacement bulbs needed.

The photo above is from a home in New Canaan, CT built by RRBuilders, see album here. Strategically placed fixtures accent this kitchen’s high-end features while providing excellent task lighting for the chef!  

For more on planning the infrastructure of your home see Home Building Trends: Luxury or Must-Haves?