Illuminate Your Space

It may be difficult to evaluate whether an improvement will sufficiently increase the value of your home to justify the price of the project. One of the most cost effective and efficient upgrades for your home is adding strategic lighting. The right lighting can turn a room from flat to fantastic; making rooms look more spacious without breaking your budget. Listed below are the effects lighting has on your living space.

Lighting can create a sort of optical illusion by appearing to maximize or minimize the physical size of a room. Your high ceilings might not look so tall if your lights are midway up the wall and shining downward. You can use this to your advantage and adjust accordingly to enhance or diminish the proportions of a room. If a room looks small, you can “open a wall up” by focusing a light source on it.

However, if a room is too wide or long, illuminate the narrow ends of the room. Lighting goes beyond amplifying room appearance, and can also affect overall emotions, draw attention to room highlights and decor, and even enhance your skin tone.

There are three different types of lighting: General – giving overall light to an area, and allowing for safe function in your home. Accent – highlighting and drawing special attention to details. Task – lighting used for specific work or activities.

There are also three different categories of lighting: Ambient – a light which is hidden, and washes a room with a glow. Aesthetic – lighting involved with a feature or decoration. Natural light – lighting from outside, or a source such as a fireplace or candle.

Keeping these lighting types and categories in mind, analyze each room in your home to bring out its potential.

For All Rooms: Start with considering recessed down-lights in ceilings with dimmer controls. Bedrooms: Recessed down lighting is great for starters, then add task lighting for bedside reading and closet space. Bathroom: Try angled lighting to reduce mirror glare and shadow. Use task lighting for shower and bath areas, and also for sinks and mirrors. Sconces or over-vanity lights will work well for bathroom accent lighting. Kitchen: Use a combination of all three lighting types. Group task lighting to focus on cooking and preparation areas.

Keep in mind the variety of decorative lighting that is available, such as sconces, chandeliers, table, and floor lamps. If lighting in a particular room is already ideal, consider updating the fixtures. When showing your home, don’t forget to leave all the lights on in the morning so potential buyers see the full effects.

If you have more questions about the topic above, please feel free to reach out to me. My professional experience can guide you through the entire decision-making process, including giving you the best advice on which home improvements will provide the greatest increases in value in today’s market. If you require the services of a real estate professional now or in the future, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Anne Butcher
Realtor®, ABR|CNE|CDPE
239-872-1574