ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING
Consider the light source
Small things can have a huge visual impact on a space. Start with the light bulbs. Rather than replacing them only when they stop working, take note of the type and colour temperature of the bulbs fitted throughout your home.
Fluorescent tubes or harsh white bulbs can make living areas feel uninviting. Replace conventional bulbs with warm-tone LEDs to create a cosier, more unified feel. Be careful: bulbs of different hues can make a space feel chaotic. Homes that feature the same temperature of bulb throughout feel more cohesive.
Quality LEDs are also energy-efficient and generally last much longer than conventional bulbs, saving you money in the long run. This can be particularly useful for downlights and other fittings containing several bulbs.
Update the room
Consider adding a good table lamp. USBrechargeable, batterypowered versions are wide ly available, allowing you to introduce light without trailing wires.
These affordable lighting options can be positioned in multiple locations to add essential task lighting, atmosphere, and decorative flair. Pair a small table lamp with a larger design to create a cluster where space allows.
LED strip lights beneath wallmounted kitchen cabinets provide focused illumination and look clean and organised. They can serve both decorative and practical purposes.
If you have an attractive backsplash or countertop item that you want to highlight, position the strip light towards the back of the cabinet, closer to the wall. If illumination for tasks such as preparing food or reading recipe books is a priority, then lights need to be closer to the front of the cabinet.
Shuffle the pack
Moving fixtures around is an easy way to elevate the look of your home, and it doesn’ t cost a cent. By removing a fixture from one room and placing it in another, you give it new life and create a fresh look. Try placing fixtures in unexpected places for added interest.
Experiment with a chandelier in the bathroom, a small table lamp perched on a bookshelf, or a wall-mounted sconce or freestanding floor lamp beside a bed or couch in the lounge.
Hot tips
When layering lighting, try to include one fixture that provides diffuse illumination. Diffused light is softer, warmer, and more flattering. Contrast this with other more concentrated, focused, and direct light sources in the space.
Frosted glass, paper, and fabric shades all produce diffused light. This simple swap can make an entire room feel different.
Scale is everything. As with buying a pair of shoes online, make sure the size fits. Always check the advertised dimensions of a new fixture against the space it will occupy, since online store photos can be deceiving. A fixture that is too large can look out of place and overwhelm a room, while one that is too small can look odd and provide insufficient illumination.
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