Light Up Your Life

Creating the right ambiance with Lighting

Shaping our perception of space, colour, and texture and having a direct affect on productivity, mood and relaxation — that's how important the right lighting is in your home. A balanced mix of natural and artificial light can make rooms feel larger, cosier, and more inviting. Here are a few simple tips:

Get natural light into your home whenever possible – seeing natural light not only makes you feel better by creating a connection with the outdoors, it also reduces energy consumption, saving you dollars. The orientation of your house affects sunlight exposure. During the design phase, focus on maximising, natural light and sunlight through windows, doors and skylights — it's a mood changer and significantly reduces heating costs on sunny winter days!

When you're designing your homes lighting think about the functionality of each room and what you'll be doing in there.

Ambient lighting: Provides overall illumination and sets the general mood or tone of a room. Examples include ceiling-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, and recessed lighting. All great for dimming!

Task Lighting: Focuses on specific areas to help with activities such as reading, cooking, or working. Examples include desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, pendant lights over kitchen islands, vanity lights in bathrooms.

Accent Lighting: Highlights specific features or areas in a room, such as artwork, architectural details, or plants. Examples include track lighting, wall-mounted fixtures, and spotlights.

Decorative Lighting: Serves primarily as a decorative element while also providing some illumination. Examples include ornate chandeliers, statement pendant lights, and unique floor lamps.

Smart Lighting: Incorporates technology for adjustable brightness, colour temperature, and even remote control via smart home systems. Examples include smart bulbs and connected lighting systems that can be controlled via an app or voice command.

Dim Dim Dim… We can’t stress enough how awesome dimmers (and other smart control systems) are for your home lighting. They let you customise the vibe in any room, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cosy movie night. With dimmable lights you save on energy costs, plus they make your space way more comfortable by reducing glare and giving you ultimate control over your lighting experience. So go ahead—get your dim on!

With so many options lighting can quickly become a web of complexity and cost! So, take a moment to really think about your must-haves versus the nice-to-haves. Work closely with your designer or electrician to figure out what you truly need and what products are on the market. Sometimes, less is more — We’re not saying you should keep a headlamp handy, but it’s easy to overdo it—And don’t forget: freestanding lamps can be your best friend! They add depth and versatility in any room, another cost effective solution. Shine on!

LED is a no brainer with energy-efficient bulbs using up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and lasting significantly longer—up to 25 times! This means fewer replacements and lower energy bills. With a variety of environmentally friendly styles and colours available, you can easily find the perfect match for your home decor. Beyond energy conservation, LED lights offer unparalleled versatility in design and functionality. With options ranging from dimmable features to smart technology integration, homeowners can easily customize their lighting environment to suit any mood or occasion.

Outdoor lighting enhances safety and security whilst complimenting any aesthetic into the evening hours — It can beautifully highlight architectural features and landscaping. When planning your outdoor lighting, consider weather-resistant fixtures and their placement to ensure adequate illumination without contributing to light pollution. The right colour temperature can also set the perfect mood for your outdoor gatherings. Solar lighting has emerged as a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, simplifying installation by eliminating complex wiring. With recent advancements in solar technology, these lights now offer impressive efficiency and brightness that rival traditional models. However, keep in mind that they may struggle in areas with limited sunlight or on those overcast days.

Security Lighting: Outdoor lighting that promotes both security and safety. They are usually motion activated and set on a timer.

Overhead ambient lighting: for general areas which can be recessed into the eaves. Alternatively they can be wall lights, mounted on the exterior of the building.

Pathway lights: are essential for illuminating walkways and garden paths, providing both safety and aesthetic appeal.

Spotlights: are versatile outdoor lighting options used to highlight specific features, such as walls, trees, sculptures, or architectural elements. They can be placed overhead or as up-lights which can create dramatic effect.

Festoon / String lights: add a festive touch to any garden. They can be draped across trees, along fences, or above seating areas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.

Lanterns: offer a charming and portable lighting solution for gardens. Whether hung from tree branches or placed on tables or steps, they create a cosy ambiance in any outdoor space.

Work with your electrician to create a detailed electrical design for outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, and other electrical components throughout the home. Tip - make sure to include USB on power outlets throughout your home. And don’t forget about network cabling and audio systems. Smart Home integration is here and whilst we recommend that your small home keeps it simple, you do need to have a think about what smart home control you might want to incorporate.

From practical to dramatic there really are no rules when it comes to your lighting and the choices you make. Be bold and don't be afraid to mix and match styles—The right lighting not only sets the mood but also showcases your unique style.