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Good lighting in a home is sacred. Certain lights affect our mood and impact a space more than a paint color or piece of furniture. Lighting is impactful and there are so many inspirational ways it can be blended into home design. (Quick Writer’s Note: I am a big, big fan of good lighting in a home. I learned this from my mother, who deeply believes lighting can heal people. It’s a thing!) Whether or not it’s a S.A.D. lamp, a lotus pendant chandelier, a pink light bulb or sparkling string lights…whatever gives you joy is part of the solution here. Your home should be a place you want to spend time and lighting is a grandiose part of that.
However, we put together a few lighting options that you can start with in your home. Did you know? Red and green lights make you sleepier? Blue lights tend to wake you up. Light therapy can ease effects of seasonal depression and ease your energy levels – making light design in your home soft magic. Also, did you know the two types of lighting? Meet: task and ambient. Task lighting allows us to do tasks (reading, cooking). Ambient lighting helps navigate a room and make it beautiful (chandeliers, pendants). There should be a soft blend of both options in each room.
It’s time to decide how lighting will fit best in your space and where task and ambient fit in your home. A key note to remember: task and ambient can be layered together. That’s what makes the room a “mood.” So, mix it up! Let’s put some light on the subject (Writer’s Note: sorry about this pun). Here are the five truths of lighting.

TRUTH #1: WASHING THE WALLS WITH LIGHTING IS THE KEY TO AMBIANCE

Layering light is a particularly important concept in family rooms and the spaces you spend the most time. A light that bounces off the ceiling for ambient illumination is the key here, instead of lighting coming directly from the ceiling. We love the term “wash the walls” with light. Soffit or valance lighting, typically accomplished with a floor lamp, is a great solution here. We really love this one.

Key tip: Ambient lighting for a living room should be 1,500-3,000 lumens. Task lighting for reading should be a minimum of 400 lumens (a little moodier).

TRUTH #2: TASK LIGHTING DOESN’T NEED TO BE UGLY

Desk lamps, floor lamps, and overhead lighting can be functional and really beautiful. Make sure you have an aesthetic in mind and go outside-the-box. Mix up styles. Add beautiful ceiling medallions to blend personality into overhead lighting. There are so many ceiling light options to choose from.

TRUTH #3: INVESTING IN A LIGHT THERAPY LAMP MAKES A DIFFERENCE

A key tip on lighting is to make sure each element is helpful in your home. A micro-light therapy lamp is certainly functional – especially in a home office or bedroom to ease anxiety and stress. We’ve heard good things about this one.

TRUTH #4: WALL-LIGHTS ARE AMBIANCE SAVIORS

We love a good sconce or wall-light. And it’s an easy one to forget about! Adding one to your home design can add a decadent aesthetic, both vintage and cozy. They are super practical and their illumination is especially unique. Plus, plus! When they’re lit, they make the ceiling feel higher and the room seem bigger. So, where should you place them? Since sconce lighting is almost always installed in pairs, they really work well in spots that are dim: hallways, stairwells, entryways and alcove walls. Oh and our personal favorite – set side by side near a bathroom mirror.

Key tip: Light bulbs should be at about eye level. Think about 65 to 70 inches off the floor. On a staircase, they should be placed a little above shoulder height.

TRUTH #5: BULB SELECTION IS KEY.

Choosing the right bulb for a space is as important as the fixture itself. LED bulbs and incandescents are really great and they preserve energy in your home. App controlled bulbs are also extremely functional and effortless. There are many Smart Light Bulbs to choose from out there!

Which new lighting will you try to brighten the mood?
If you want more information on updating your home, or if you’d like to speak to a designer to get the design process started, we would love to hear from you!

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Mom's & Design Build

12275 Weckman Road
Shakopee, MN, 55379
United States

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