
Lighting has a huge effect on your interior spaces. Remember the one dismal bulb in the ceiling of that old basement or storage room? Remember the glare, the murky shadows, and how it felt? The same principles apply to your great room, bedroom and kitchen. Lighting can make you want to linger in a space or make you look for the nearest exit, depending on the atmosphere it creates.
Bathing a room in overhead lighting will dispel the gloom, but it’s not always the best answer. It doesn’t allow for drama, intimacy or focused task lighting.
Look for areas to highlight. Some might be obvious, like a fireplace or artwork; other small spaces can come to life with a well chosen lamp, like an entry console or built-in bookshelf. Today’s lighting is varied and versatile enough to accommodate almost any space or application.