Before your Boston home renovation can begin, it’s important to consider several factors that will make your house a home. While some factors may receive more attention than others, make sure to give some special planning time for lighting. Lighting is a critical consideration for establishing the overall tone and feel of your “new” home, so don’t let it be overlooked!
Planning for Lighting
For the optimal lighting outcome, it’s best to begin planning before the renovation begins. By mapping out all elements of the room, homeowners will be better equipped to select lighting options that will achieve a balance of cost-effectiveness, energy use, and complements to the design of the home. The most effective lighting plans utilize all forms of light: natural light from outdoors, general artificial lighting in rooms and areas, artificial task lighting for appropriate areas, and accent lighting to finish it all off.
Natural Lighting
Natural home lighting works wonders for making a home renovation feel more inviting by brightening and opening up a room. Consider what types of windows and glad doors may best achieve your natural lighting goals. When deciding where windows should go, consider which direction the sun rises and sets on your home and when you want the most light to enter each room. These considerations will also help in determining the best sizes and shapes of your potential new windows.
Artificial Lighting
The main types of artificial home lighting are more powerful fixtures on the ceiling of a room. In addition to ceiling lights, you may wish to consider pendant lights, wall sconces, or “up-lights.” Additionally, consider your home’s “navigation lighting,” which will illuminate hallways, exterior entrances, and stairways. These types of lighting are most commonly operated using switches that are installed into walls near doors and other points of entry into the room.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is accomplished through a series of special fixtures that illuminate certain areas that may require extra lighting to complete certain tasks. For example, under-cabinet kitchen lighting may be ideal for cooking. Office areas may need task lighting for a drawing board or other work-related tasks. Consider whether your task lighting is best suited for floor lamps, table lamps, or built-in fixtures. After establishing which fixtures are best for each area, it’s easier to work these adjustments into your overall lighting plan to ensure that it’s cohesive and cooperative.
Light Reflection and Temperature
All of the surfaces and décor in an area will reflect and absorb light in a certain way. This is a key consideration for selecting the type, color, and strength of your lighting. Rooms built for relaxation may benefit from darker décor to absorb more light, as well as warmer bulb colors like soft yellows. When these elements combine, you’ll end up with a mellow and peaceful environment to relax and enjoy your Boston home renovation.
