Correct lighting makes the difference between a hospital room and a therapist office, so being armed with plenty of good home decor ideas does absolutely nothing if you haven't considered the all important aspect of lighting. Of course, there are many ways to go about accenting a room and it all comes down to personal taste, but there are certain combinations that can create a variety of different moods. Having a great grasp on lighting can enable even a novice designer to have complete control over atmosphere and mood.
High Ceilings
A room with high ceilings would best benefit from large windows, but sometimes that isn't an option or isn't enough. It can be difficult to tie the high and low planes of a room together without the proper lighting, because not much else really suspends from the ceiling like a light fixture. Staggering hanging fixtures, perhaps light and airy textured orbs which seem to be in fashion, can create multiple layers of depth and really help the upper meet the lower areas. Go through interior design magazines for some great home decor ideas.
High ceilings are also the best candidates for chandeliers, which can make a small room look cramped and over-ornamented. In a living room, a chandelier should be very basic and modern, but over a dining table a hanging fixture should be allowed to take on personality. Fire resistant canvas can also be used to create DIY hanging lamps that can be decorated for children's rooms, where a ceiling may be high to them but not to you.
Workspaces
Workspaces should obviously be well lit, and often look and function best without being obstructive. For this reason, hanging lamps could be utilized with light-focusing covers that make the most out of an open area. Desk lamps are available in so many different styles that they can really bring out personality and added functionality to a smaller and more intimate workspace. Table or floor lamps for reading should be soft but bright enough to comfortably illuminate pages or quiet activities. Plan ahead of time the actual use behind the lighting as it is much more important than the aesthetic qualities. Contemporary is synonymous with functionality so don't get too tied up with looks.
Lighting Tips and Tricks
Minimalist home decor can benefit from creative lighting. Colorful bulbs can cast a new tint to otherwise neutral furniture immediately changing the ambiance of a room. Spot lighting can bring attention to neglected artwork or sculptural pieces bringing out the most in what you already own. Illuminating decorative niches is a great way to add depth to a small room, installing recessed fixtures does the same on a slightly higher budget.
Why not get the best out of your existing home decor ideas but adding a touch of illumination. The home shouldn't necessarily be planned around the lighting, but the lighting should definitely accent your home. Complimenting modern design with contemporary light solutions is necessary to create a cohesive environment. It's amazing how many design problems can arise from the wrong lighting, but how many right choices there really are.
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