The home design industry often
focuses on the latest colors and design styles, but the lighting in a home has
a profound effect on the appearance of all design choices. The right lighting
will highlight a home’s architectural and design features, making a home feel
more open and inviting. While poor lighting can change the look of colors and
spaces in a home and diminishes an otherwise well decorated room. Whether you
are planning to list a St. Louis or St. Charles County area home for sale, or just
want to present your home in the best light, try these lighting tips to make
your home look its best.
Audit the lighting in the rooms of your home.
Consider the amount of natural light in your home and if there is enough. Check
to make sure artificial lighting fully illuminates the entire room. Discover if
your current lighting casts any hues that change the appearance of your paint and
fabric colors. The results of your audit will help determine where to make any
adjustments necessary to improve the lighting in your home.
Let in natural light from the windows.
A natural build up of dirt and
debris from wind and rain can block the light coming in. Give the windows a
good scrub on both sides and rinse off the screens. Pull the curtains open wide
and lift any blinds. You can even expand the appearance of the size of windows by
extending curtain rods eight inches on either side of the window. This trick
allows room for draperies while still letting in plenty of natural light. Don’t
forget to look outside the window. If there is foliage blocking the window from
outside the home, manicure the landscaping to reveal the windows. Choose the right light fixtures.
If you love your current light
fixtures, give them a good cleaning. But if they are outdated and older than
you are, replace them. Choosing the right fixture depends on the room size and
use. Large fixtures are great for making any space cozier. Small fixtures are
great for hallways and smaller spaces. A great way to create ambience is with a
combination of overhead lighting and two other lighting sources like lamps.
When choosing fixture color, go
with a color that matches or compliments other design features in the home. For
example, match the metal color on a kitchen light fixture to the metal color of
the kitchen cabinet pulls. Also, clean or replace any dirty or damaged light
switch plates. Pick the right light bulbs.
Use the highest wattage light bulb
you can as directed by the lighting manufacturer. If you don’t like bright lighting in your
home, install dimmer switches. This will allow for bright lighting when needed
and energy-saving mood lighting when you want it. Softer lighting is OK for
accent lights and wall sconces. Don’t forget to audit the hue of the light
bulbs in your home. It’s OK if you prefer bulbs that are soft white or rose-tinted.
Just be sure that you use the same color of light bulbs in all of the fixtures
within the same room to avoid a chaotic look.
Choose feature-enhancing exterior lighting.
A current trend for home listing
photos is a picture taken at dusk to show exterior home lighting. Even if
you’re not having a dusk photo shoot of your home, exterior lighting choices
can greatly affect the curb appeal. Potential homebuyers may drive by at any
hour to check out your home and neighborhood. A well-lit home exterior is inviting
to homebuyers and discourages burglars. Good exterior lighting will make your
home and neighborhood appear safer. Speaking of safety, path lighting helps
prevent tripping hazards as well and creates a welcoming impression. Contact The Boehmer Team when you’re ready to list.
If the reason you want to improve
the lighting of your home is to highlight its best features for a home sale, contact The Boehmer Team. We offer home staging advice and services that are proven to
help sell homes for the most value. We also use professional photography to be
sure a home listed with The Boehmer Team is always shown in the best possible
light.
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