Lighting Your Space | By Mary Ellen Cunningham, Knilans' Interior Designer

Lighting is an important ingredient when you’re decorating. The right light lifts our mood, inspires productivity, or relaxes us. At home, light enlivens the little things — our morning routines, or the moments we spend with our family and friends.

When you think about lighting in your home, consider layered illumination. Every room should have a mix of lighting, including overhead, accent, and task lights. A Knilans’ designer is equipped to help you achieve this. We work with numerous companies that provide a variety of lighting styles and can help you achieve the look you desire. 

In the living room, we might begin by hanging a decorative ceiling fixture near the center of the room, then use downlighting that can gently wash the walls, curtains and art with warm, functional brightness. This can be achieved with table lamps or floor lamps that bounce light off the floor or ceiling. Depending on a room’s layout, accent lights can be used to highlight art. Extra ambiance can be created with candles.

One place where bright light is more important than ambiance is the kitchen. If you have a kitchen island, consider hanging pendants overhead which will light the space without taking up space you might need for preparing meals.   

It’s important to be aware that different types of bulbs will bring you different types of light. You may see a “color temperature” listed on bulbs, something like “3000K.” 

Warm lights (2000K - 3000K) have lower color temperatures and therefore appear more yellow. They are best used in living rooms and bedrooms to provide that warm, cozy feeling. 

Cool lights (3100K and up) have higher color temperatures and appear whiter or bluer. They are best used in kitchens, bathrooms, or garages, giving rooms a more energetic feel.

When renovating or building a new home it’s essential to make sure you have a lighting plan. It is also helpful to have floor layouts for furniture in order to determine both floor and wall outlet placement: your Knilans’ interior designer can assist with all of this.

Lighting can truly make a difference in your space! Poor lighting can seriously impact the comfort and usefulness of a room. But a well-lit space accentuates good interior design and sets the perfect tone for relaxing in comfort. If you have questions about improving your home’s lighting, reach out to a Knilans’ designer! We’re happy to find the best way to illuminate your space.