7 Lighting Secrets Interior Designers Swear By

Using Lighting Solutions for the Modern Home 

There’s no question that lighting plays a huge role in interior design. Designers know that the wrong light could dampen colors or make a room look smaller. If done right, though, it has the opposite effect. Not only can lighting add depth to your space, but it’ll help you highlight architectural features or artwork. 

Getting the most out of your lighting is difficult precisely because it’s so versatile. The key to lighting solutions for modern homes comes down to purposeful design and intuitive control. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the secrets to a beautiful home. It’s time to shine your San Mateo County, CA, property in the spotlight it deserves with lighting solutions for the modern home. 

SEE MORE: How DMF Lighting Can Lower Your Home’s Energy Costs 

Layered Lighting Adds Depth and Character

One of the first steps to crafting a captivating space is layered light. Relying on one light source can leave a room feeling flat and uninspired. Instead, mixing three types of lighting—ambient (overhead), task (focused), and accent (decorative)—brings depth and character to any space.

Take your living room as an example. You’d want recessed lighting for general brightness, stylish pendant lights for flair, and wall sconces to beautifully frame artwork. Add some task lighting by the couch for when you want to curl up with your favorite book. 

Wash the Walls for a Breath of Fresh Air

Did you know wall-washing can completely change how a room feels? It casts a soft glow that can create a sensation of spaciousness while drawing attention to unique architectural features.

For a simple yet effective trick, angle some recessed or track lighting at the walls. This way, you’ll create a warm glow that opens things up. Cove lighting or strategically placed LED strips tucked into the ceiling also lend an upscale effect. And if there’s art you love? Picture lights add a personal touch and let your decor shine.

Add a Touch of Drama With Uplighting

Want to highlight certain design elements? Uplighting is your friend. By placing lights at the base of plants or sculptures, you’ll naturally make them a focal point. Use floor-level LED strips behind furniture for a floating effect and more depth. You can also uplight bookcases or built-ins to give a museum vibe. Integrate lighting control to adjust brightness to pick and choose what you want to showcase on a given day. 

Set the Mood With Tunable LED Lights 

Never underestimate the impact of color temperature on how a room feels. The warmth or coolness of the light influences how colors pop and how we feel in a space. By combining LED tunable lights with smart lighting control, it’s easy to set the perfect temperature at any time. 

Warm white lighting (around 2700K-3000K) makes cozy spots like living rooms feel inviting. On the other hand, neutral white (3500K-4000K) works wonders in kitchens or offices where you need to focus 

Highlight Textures for an Upscale Feel

Lighting can be an amazing way to emphasize natural materials. Lighting designers recommend angling spotlights or LED strips across textured stone walls or wooden beams. Grazing techniques—where lights are placed close to the wall—further reveal beautiful patterns. Even fabrics, like sumptuous velvet drapes, radiate luxury when illuminated just right.

Create the Illusion of Height and Space

Good lighting can change how we perceive our homes' dimensions. Want to make your ceilings appear higher? It's all in the lighting.

Consider perimeter cove lighting to give the illusion of lifted ceilings, or hang pendant lights higher for more vertical space. And don’t forget about mirrors! Thoughtfully placed reflective surfaces enhance spaciousness while adding a chic touch.

Optimize Your Lighting With Curated Settings

As part of your lighting solutions, you should integrate pre-set scenes. These save your favorite settings for dinner or movie nights and let you pull them up at the press of a button. Activate a “Movie” scene, for example, with overhead lights dim while track lights remain on for safety. For changes that should happen automatically—like color temperature adjusting to mimic sunlight throughout the day–use sensors to activate them. 

The team at Luxe AV is ready to help bring these designer tricks to life in your San Mateo County home. Call us or reach out to one of our chat agents to discuss your project or schedule a consultation!