Lighting does a lot more than just brighten up a room — it sets the mood, makes spaces more functional, and highlights your favourite features. In our designs, we treat lighting as a key ingredient in creating beautiful and liveable spaces. Here’s how to make lighting work for your home and why it’s worth a little extra thought.

The Three Layers of Lighting

Good lighting design combines three types of lighting to create a balanced, inviting space:

Accent Lighting: This is where you can add some personality and flair. Use accent lighting to highlight artwork, shelves, or architectural details. Wall sconces, picture lights, or LED strips work well here. Go for a warm white light (2700K-3000K) to create a cosy, inviting feel.

Ambient Lighting: This is your general, everyday lighting — the ceiling lights or downlights that brighten up the whole room. Think of it as the base layer that makes sure the space is well-lit.

Task Lighting: This is focused lighting for specific activities, like reading, cooking, or working. It’s your desk lamp, pendant lights over a kitchen island, or under-cabinet lights. For these areas, we recommend neutral white light (around 4000K) because it’s clear and bright without feeling too harsh.

What is Kelvin (K) and Why Does it Matter?

You might see numbers like 2700K or 4000K on lightbulb packaging. This is the Kelvin scale (K), which measures the colour temperature of light:

• Warm White (2700K-3000K): Soft, yellow-toned light that feels cosy and relaxing. Great for living rooms, bedrooms, and areas where you want to unwind.
• Neutral White (3500K-4000K): Clear, balanced light that works well for tasks like cooking or working. Ideal for kitchens, home offices, and bathrooms.
• Cool White (5000K+): Bright, bluish light often used in offices or hospitals. It’s too stark for most homes.

Choosing Statement Fixtures

Lighting can do more than just function — it can make a statement. A striking pendant light over your dining table or a beautiful chandelier in the entryway can add character and style. Think of these fixtures as the finishing touch that pulls the whole room together, like a piece of jewellery that completes an outfit.

Let the Sunshine In

Natural light is one of the best design tools out there. It brightens your home, lifts your mood, and can even reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. Use sheer curtains to soften harsh sunlight, place mirrors to reflect light around the room, and, if you’re renovating, consider adding bigger windows or skylights.