If I had to pick one of design's most crucial yet often overlooked elements, I'd choose lighting. It's a game-changer that can either make or break your space, but it provides an opportunity to add something unique and extraordinary to your room. In this blog post,
I’ll share the secret of transforming your home with layered lighting. We’ll go through each of the main spaces of your home and see real-life examples of how to enhance your living experience. It is a must-read that you do not want to miss!
Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting
As I mentioned in this previous article, layered lighting is a design technique in which you combine different types of lighting to achieve a well-balanced room. Depending on your lifestyle, space, and functionality, you can add different layers of lighting to complete your design goal and vision.
Remember that even though it might seem simple, you must always consider other elements in your room to create a cohesive look; I recommend always consulting your interior designer before purchasing to avoid extra costs and overwhelm. If you’re ready to learn more about how an interior designer can help you with crucial elements in your home, book a call with me here to get started!
Let’s take a look at how you can start using the art of layered lighting in every room in your home.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the central hub of the home; that’s why we want to ensure your space is functional and inviting. There are three types of lighting you can use in this space:
a. Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights above islands or a sink to provide focused illumination while prepping or cooking.
b. Ambient Lighting: Recessed lighting creates general, even lighting throughout the kitchen, ensuring no corner remains in the shadows.
c. Accent Lighting: Accent lighting can help you enhance your design elements or colors in your kitchen. Some of the most common include under-cabinet lighting, above-cabinet lighting, kitchen cabinet interior lighting, and kitchen drawer lighting.
This project's goal was functionality and entertainment; we included kitchen pendant lights to create an inviting look and task lighting to help with prepping and cooking.
Bathroom
In your bathroom, lighting is about functionality and relaxation, similar to the vibe you get every time you walk into a spa. Through layered lighting, you can add something exceptional that will allow you to unwind after a long day. Here are a few tips for layering your bathroom lighting:
a. Task Lighting:
Wall-mounted fixtures or sconces on either side of the mirror provide flattering light for daily tasks like hair or tooth brushing.
b. Overhead Lighting:
Recessed lights can provide general illumination like the kitchen.
c. Accent Lighting: Adding a chandelier over your bathtub is a great way to highlight the bathtub and draw your eye up making your ceiling height appear taller.
This project's
design goal was to go from outdated to luxurious. We added recessed lighting above the shower, replaced the outdated vanity fixtures, and a chandelier over the tub, adding an elegant touch to this bathroom. Would you like to unwind after a long day of work in this beautiful bathroom? Comment below!
Bedroom
In your bedroom, the goal should be to create a cozy mood that allows you to retreat and relax but that serves your main purpose. Here’s how layered lighting can help you achieve this balance:
a. Task Lighting: Table lamps or wall-mounted sconces on each side of your bed
are ideal for reading
b. Overhead Lighting: Pendant lighting or a chandelier can provide a unique look for your room and illuminate the entire space.
c. Accent Lighting:
Adding floor lamps or sconces in a sitting area of your bedroom will provide a touch of ambiance as well as task lighting for reading, sewing, or relaxing.
For this project, we achieved a hotel-look-alike vibe by adding the sleek black lamps with a small gold detail for tasks and ambiance and the chandelier for an extra touch of glamour and luxury.
Home Office
A well-lit home office is essential for productivity and comfort. Here's how to create the perfect lighting setup:
a. Task Lighting: Adding desk lamps can help with productivity for your work tasks.
b. Overhead Lighting: Overhead fixtures or chandeliers can illuminate the entire workspace and help you locate work elements faster.
c. Accent Lighting: Add wall-mounted sconces to highlight bookshelves or personal items can help create an inviting atmosphere.
I wanted a modern look for my home office, so adding layered lighting was a no-brainer, starting with my new chandelier, which I love; sconces to make the room much lighter and brighter and highlight key elements.
Family Room
The family room serves many purposes, from relaxation to entertainment and family gatherings. Since it involves different activities, you can create a statement through layered lighting:
a. Overhead Lighting: Use recessed or chandeliers to provide even illumination throughout the room.
b. Task Lighting: Adding floor or table lamps near seating areas can be helpful for reading or entertaining.
c. Accent Lighting:
Wall-mounted fixtures can emphasize architectural details or display shelves with accent decor elements.
For my most recent project, we added layered lighting throughout the different spaces in the home, from sconces to chandeliers; we created a relaxed yet refined space ideal for relaxing from the comfort of home.
As you can see, lighting in design can transform your space into a more functional and inviting one. When you choose to combine overhead, task, ambient, or accent lighting, you can create a balanced look that will please every room's needs and style. If you’re ready to elevate your home's design, book a call with me so I can help you transform your home into a place you’ll love.
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I work with busy families to create beautiful and functional spaces by providing local design services in the Charlotte/Waxhaw area and beyond through online design.

What’s your design style?
Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!
You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.
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