The Best Lighting Hints for Your Home

This was a sweet historic Crocker Highlands, Oakland home, which we renovated in its entirety from the studs up. Lighting was definitely an area where we pushed the boundaries to create a truly unique and eye-catching space. The client wanted a major refresh, but we showed reverence to the original details (note historic moldings, floor, etc).

BEFORE:

AFTER:

We incorporated fun design elements, like this kitchen tile and octagonal display shelf, against a backdrop of a more modern, neutral palette.

The style of this home is definitely contemporary luxury: we incorporated luxurious details to elevate a more contemporary space.

One of the most prominent ways we’ve incorporated luxury into this space is through the unique light fixtures throughout the home.

1. Use light fixtures to incorporate different styles into your home’s overall aesthetic

This fun piece adds a modern edge to a classic space. When everything is the same style, the eye tends to read things as one-note. This unexpected moment allows the eye to bounce around and for the viewer to engage with the design. I wouldn’t advise this as a reading light or for targeted function, but it surely adds a touch of glam as a decorative accent.

2. Use light fixtures to create movement in simple spaces

This two tiered chandelier is made of antique chains that give a lot of movement to a space. We used it in a stairwell for a touch of drama and to fill the void the space created. Again, it’s reminiscent of a classic chandelier but is done with a certain edge that we enjoy in more classic surroundings. It’s great in a simple space, as the light play it creates is fun. The light fixture also helps to make this reading nook a separate space of its own.

3. Use light fixtures to create a dramatic impact

These pendants from Circa Lighting were a dramatic choice for an understated, classic design. The soft fabric interior shade softens the polished modern edge of the cage. These pendants are sure to get noticed!

4. Use light pendants instead of table lamps

We love using pendants above nightstands in lieu of table lamps. It’s a fun twist to your traditional sconces. It’s a modern solution for a fairly classic pendant, and adds a nice additional level to the design. In this case, no overhead light could be used due to the poster bed, so this was our way of still getting the “jewelry” in the room that beautiful lighting design provides. This light in particular has a simple shade which creates a soft light to read by. The bamboo motif paired with the glam polish is super chic.

5. Use chandeliers to create a luxurious impact

Chandeliers are the perfect design piece to create a luxurious impact in a space, big or small. Like with this bathroom, an oversized chandelier makes a huge impact on a smaller space. In this dramatic bathroom, the ornate light fixture brings luxurious glam, and the circular design plays off of the design in the wallpaper nicely.

This living room features another chandelier that illuminates the darker furniture. Its ornate style creates a huge impact against the softer design elements in the room, such as the soft, muted colors and textures of the furniture and the fireplace that blends into the rest of the space. For more chandelier inspiration check out Lindsay Adelman’s beautiful bubble chandeliers.

Never underestimate the importance of good lighting. It is crucial to the ambiance and functionality of a space. While the previous bath featured an oversized chandelier, this chandelier is scaled nicely to help create a focal point in the bath.

6. Use subtle lighting in private spaces

These light pendants bring elegance to a more casual bedroom space. It incorporates the white palette of the room, while the silver hardware plays nicely with the gray accent colors in the space. We love how this custom built-in media console makes the space feel more homey and cozy.

This bathroom is light and airy, and these see-through pendants are perfect for this kind of space. We love how the bathroom tile runs through the entire space — this, paired with the sleek glass shower door, really helps to maximize flow and open up the space! Details like the translucent light pendants and the floating vanity really matter when you are trying to make a smaller space appear bigger.

Lastly, this light pendant is perfect for the gray-beige color scheme in this room. The circular cage helps to create a soft light over the bedroom. It pairs perfectly with the two light sconces, and is highlighted by the oversized mirror that reflects it.

What did you think of these hints for incorporating luxurious lighting into your home? For more information, visit mas-interior-design.com.

Images by Helynn Ospina Photography.

Artwork from Simon Breitbard Fine Arts. Living room mantel: Katy Kuhn, A Brief History. Master bath: Myke Reilly, Orbuka #1 in Series. Dining room: Myke Reilly, Itulia (Left) and Ace Bird Village (Right)

For more remodeling hints, check out Roomhints kitchen remodel ideas or if you are really bold, blue kitchen cabinets.