Lights are a major design element that allow us to manipulate the atmosphere of our homes simply by carefully positioning them and thoughtfully selecting the fixtures. Each room should have its own distinctive lighting; the perfect lights for the kitchen or living room may not work in the bedroom or bath.
Sometimes we replace our lighting options due to upgrades in technology. When advances in fixtures and bulbs are introduced, we want them in our homes. Then, too, our styles fluctuate with trends and generations, from vintage to farmhouse, Art Deco to mid-century modern, etc. This year’s trending light options offer some notable changes you might want to include in a soft home makeover that will make a big difference.
Before you begin, consider the following tips to help you select a beautiful fixture that fits the space:
- Calculate correct size. Consider the size of your room and select the right sized fixture to achieve proper illumination and maintain style continuity. To figure out the ideal dimensions for a statement chandelier, a good rule of thumb is to add the width and length of a room and use this number in inches as the approximate diameter of the chandelier. Example: If a room is 12 feet wide and 16 feet long, add 12+16=28. The minimum width would then be 28 inches.
- Perfect placement. Use oversized pendants to proportionately accommodate large kitchen islands and open dining areas. Use thin and sleek LED lighting to provide the correct proportion for visual balance without overshadowing a vanity area. When replacing vanity lighting, linear designs offer a variety of installation options. When spacing allows, cluster pendants at varying heights to create a cozy living space.
- Flexibility with adjustable fixtures. New adjustable fixtures are now available that can be tailored to accommodate the dimensions of the space. By simply twisting or turning these fixtures, they can adapt to your space and personal style preferences. The flexibility of these interactive pieces allows more options when selecting home décor and more opportunity to maximize space and investment.
Ready, set, shop
After considering these factors, it’s time to start shopping for some great new options as well as some updated, trusty favorites:
- Mixed metals. Whether on a single fixture or within a space, mixing metals such as gold, silver, brass, rose gold, or copper is a great way to create a vibe that’s both balanced and visually pleasing. Pair “like” metals—warm hues with other warm hues and cold hues with other cold hues. Also combine different textures for a rich effect. For example, mix matte with polished or hammered finishes. While mixing metals is a great design trend to create interest and depth in your space and create the “collector’s” effect, do it conservatively or it can look mismatched.
- Refined retro and industrial. Being inspired by the past is not a new design trend, and industrial no longer means “unfinished.” A new decade brings sleek, sexy shapes and simple, utilitarian, and Scandinavian touches. Look for retro fixtures with artful details in neutral colors like white, black, and gray, and materials like wood, steel, concrete, plaster, and resin. These lighting designs are popular for over the kitchen island, above the dining table, or on the wall, and can become a piece of art or the centerpiece of a room.
- Vintage Edison-style bulbs. Vintage Edison-style bulbs demonstrate that some things just don’t go out of style. Their shape makes the bulbs especially homey, so they’re perfect for the family room and kitchen. These bulbs are also available in LED if you want a more energy-efficient, longer-lasting fixture. However, if the authentic retro experience is more your style, for less than $5 you can still get the incandescent bulbs. Use this style to add warmth and softness to a retro/industrial interior. For maximum effect, use a system of lights rather than single bulbs. For instance, find a chandelier that uses Edison-style bulbs or construct a row of connected Edison lights above your kitchen work area.
- Mid-century modern and art deco. More and more mid-century and Art Deco lights are making an appearance. Both styles emphasize clean lines, unique designs, and a balance of form and art. Art deco lighting focuses on sharp lines and cool geometry. Mid-century modern lights revolve around natural shapes that integrate function and aesthetics. Look for sleek geometry and daring silhouettes that will make an artful presentation.
- Bigger is better. In certain areas, big fixtures are making big statements. While scale is important, modern trends are leaning toward fixtures with big impact. Beyond lighting, these lights are centerpieces. Some have ornate designs that demand all the attention in a space. For best results, use such a fixture in a central area where it can create the maximum effect. You can balance it with smaller fixtures around the room to create a nice overall effect.
- Artisanal glass. Lighting fixtures with an artisanal glass celebrate the time-honored technique of molding cut glass into sophisticated shapes and exquisitely transparent forms. Just about anywhere you shop, expect to see glass bubbles. Whether they cluster or cascade, glass bubbles bring whimsy and wonderment to any space. They are available in both clear and iridescent versions.
- Smart lights. Several lighting products in today’s market go beyond the average by integrating smart home technology. This trend is now gaining ground, and lights are one of the easiest ways to dive into it. Smart bulbs can completely transform the way your home looks, and you can control them from an app on your phone. The app enables you to change the brightness of the bulbs, and if the bulbs have colored LEDs, you can change their colors too. You can have one light for watching movies, another for dinnertime, and yet another for reading. Switching from one to another is as simple as tapping a smartphone or speaking to your voice-activated personal assistant.
- LED lights. More efficient and environmentally friendly LED lights are now easier to find in a wider variety of styles than ever. They come in multiple colors, levels of brightness, and shapes. While they will save money in the long run, the purchase cost is comparatively still quite high. Consider replacing one fixture at a time with LED lights.
As you consider all these terrific new options, though, don’t feel urgency. The best lighting design is the one that you’ll love and that works well in your home, whether you are simply renovating or building something new.
