Let There Be Light

Do your rooms have all 3 layers of lighting?

No matter how beautiful your furniture, no matter how luscious your paint colors, it does not matter unless you can see.  Sufficient lighting in the home is essential to create a safe space, as well as a beautiful atmosphere.   ​When I was in the theater the director would say that the most important job was that of the lighting designer. Again – it’s because if you can’t SEE anything – nothing else matters.

LIGHTING LAYER #1  - Ambient

Most of us know about the first layer,  Ambient.  This is general lighting. Basically, this is the overall lighting that makes sure you don’t bump into the furniture. You have to see where you’re going. When you’re walking into a dark room, you flip on a light – whether it’s overhead ceiling light, or a pair of powerful floor lamps, that’s the ambient lighting. 

Overhead lighting also includes flush mounted or dropped ceiling fixtures….or that lovely chandelier over your bed.  Make sure every single room has ample ambient light to adequately illuminate the space.  Moving on to layer #2.

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LIGHTING LAYER #2 - Task lighting. 

​What is task lighting? Anything that helps you see exactly what you’re doing. If you’ve ever used a lighted mirror to put on your mascara, you realize how much easier it is when you have ample task lighting. 

For instance, if you’re reading a book, you benefit by having a desk lamp that illuminates the book. Even if you are using a Kindle or Nook, studies show that using a task lamp will ease eye strain while you’re on your device. The most subtle improvements in your task lighting will help you also see colors in a better way, and again ease eye strain as well as reduce headaches. Plus, there are so many attractive task  lamps  (like this one pictured in this girl's bedroomn). ​

​Most people stop there. But there is one more layer.

LIGHTING LAYER #3 – Accent lighting.

This is the lighting that really brings out your home’s features. Often times you’ll see a fireplace illuminated by an accent light. You can install accent lighting to bring out your favorite artwork (or architectural feature as in the photo at left). This is the subtle-maybe-they-don't-notice-but-its-so-much-nicer kind of lighting.  

I love accent lighting over and under the kitchen cabinetry. Try it, you'll like it.

Accent lighting beautifully highlights this stone wall.

This AZ home for sale has all 3 layers of light

When it comes to lighting,  use all 3 layers of light in your rooms. See your home in a new LIGHT.  

​Give us a thumbs up and "share" below. Happy Decorating, 
​~Alana Light
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