Many homeowners have their own ideas about how light or dark their home interiors should be. Some folks love nothing more than sunny, light-filled rooms. Other people adore their comforting, softly-lit spaces. While light levels can be a matter of personal preference, lighting can also be a powerful tool for shaping the mood, emotional tone and usage of every room. In fact, lighting is just as important as furnishings. Lighting Tips 1. Stay Warm Cool light looks brighter to the eye and can seem more like daylight. It can also make your home feel like a hospital or grocery store, which is not what we’re going for. Warm light is softer and creates a more relaxed mood. That’s what you want in your home. 2. Yes, You Can We’re big fans of can lighting. These in-ceiling lights draw zero attention to themselves while creating a foundation for excellent interior lighting. We add lamps for emphasis and mood in particular areas and put everything on a dimmer switch (see #3). This formula gives you maximum flexibility. 3. The Great Dimmer What did people do before the dimmer switch was invented? We suspect they shielded their eyes or huddled together in the dark because there was nothing inbetween. We use dimmer switches everywhere except the bathroom. Controlling the level of every light in your home allows you to create the right mood for the moment every time. 4. Beam Me Up We’re head over heels in love with this stunning raw wood beam wrapped with light bulbs on cords. Flip one dimmer switch and all the lights go on, at the exact intensity level you choose. The can lights in the ceiling gently illuminate the room, so this fabulous fixture can serve its true purpose—which is to create an irresistibly inviting space and a found-object, vintage vibe. 5. Open Bulb Policy Many of our light fixtures feature exposed bulbs. Once upon a time, light bulbs might have been ugly, but clear Edison bulbs, showing the filaments within, are themselves works of art. In a chandelier with an open, orb structure, candelabra bulbs are reminiscent of candle flames. A small lamp with a square metal base and a single bulb takes the open concept one step further. 6. Double Up Above a long dining table or bar, consider using multiple light fixtures. Especially with hanging light fixtures, we tend to think of putting just one in the middle. But lighting only the center of a long table would leave some of your dinner guests in the dark while others take the spotlight. 7. Reflections Reflections off mirrors, glass and tile bring a secondary light source into play and add a soft, beautiful touch. Candles create particularly compelling reflections. 8. Looking Up In high, open spaces, a light fixture can help balance the space, bringing the eye downward and helping make the area less cavernous and more inviting. 9. Looking Out Lighting is also a safety issue. Make sure you can turn on the stair lights at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Incorporate the flexibility to light up the room you’re entering before you get there, so you aren’t stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the switch. 10. How Low Can You Go?
While low light may be flattering, people tend to err on the side of too little light, rather than too much. Turn up that dimmer a notch more than you would normally and you may like what you see. Having sufficient light is particularly important in areas such as basements, where there may be little to no natural light.

Stone patio creates a nice texture for with the spacing such that the grass is placed in between to give the hardscape a little softer feel.
Inspiration for a farmhouse exterior home remodel in Birmingham

Designed by Rochelle Cote Interior Design for Streetside Developments, the F2 Showhome in Red Embers Point, Calgary, AB builds on the success of the D2 model with a softer, more neutral aesthetic. Subtle caramel and muted green accents complement a warm, layered palette, creating a calming yet sophisticated living environment. Organic textures, natural wood tones, and soft fabrics bring depth and tactility, while the curated mix of materials maintains a grounded mid-century essence. The result is a home that feels refined but approachable—livable in every sense.

The completed remodel feels like a completely different bathroom! Strategically placed can lights and decorative sconces create a bright, shadow-less environment and a softer look for the updated space. The large floor tiles were laid at a 45-degree diagonal angle, which makes for a smoother, more uniform look with no linear grout lines. The neutral paint, tile, flooring and counter top colors create a clean, spa-like atmosphere that isn’t too busy or overwhelming. Best of all, no plastic storage bins needed for additional storage space! Photography by Todd Ramsey, Impressia

We changed to gray in the Master bedroom for a change in the visual feeling. It blended well with the Softer Tan since it was down a short hallway.
Inspiration for a coastal master bedroom remodel with blue walls

Coastal influence created this peaceful, bright living room and doubled as a family room. Used light fabric for sofa and went with a softer palette to create a peaceful feel.

Well-traveled. Relaxed. Timeless. Our well-traveled clients were soon-to-be empty nesters when they approached us for help reimagining their Presidio Heights home. The expansive Spanish-Revival residence originally constructed in 1908 had been substantially renovated 8 year prior, but needed some adaptations to better suit the needs of a family with three college-bound teens. We evolved the space to be a bright, relaxed reflection of the family’s time together, revising the function and layout of the ground-floor rooms and filling them with casual, comfortable furnishings and artifacts collected abroad. One of the key changes we made to the space plan was to eliminate the formal dining room and transform an area off the kitchen into a casual gathering spot for our clients and their children. The expandable table and coffee/wine bar means the room can handle large dinner parties and small study sessions with similar ease. The family room was relocated from a lower level to be more central part of the main floor, encouraging more quality family time, and freeing up space for a spacious home gym. In the living room, lounge-worthy upholstery grounds the space, encouraging a relaxed and effortless West Coast vibe. Exposed wood beams recall the original Spanish-influence, but feel updated and fresh in a light wood stain. Throughout the entry and main floor, found artifacts punctate the softer textures — ceramics from New Mexico, religious sculpture from Asia and a quirky wall-mounted phone that belonged to our client’s grandmother.

Your guests have all gathered around your outdoor table, and you're feeling happy and warm. What a great night! Top it all off by sinking into these comfortable, beautiful and luxurious Portofino Sling club chairs. Features: Sunbrella® acrylic sling is textured with poly fibers for added durability and visual depth,designed to withstand outdoor environment and coastal climates. This outdoor furniture set is softer and more welcoming than traditional rattan furniture. A perfect addition to your outdoor living area, these chairs are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Resistant to fading, mildew, and wear and tear under the most severe weather conditions. Provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the slow turning of the summer season. Durable, beautiful construction is designed to last for years. Designed to coordinate with the pieces in the Portofino Sling Collection by RST Brands.

Lenore Frances Home Interiors was brought in to complete this Medford, NJ home after the client realized they couldn’t achieve the warm, cohesive look they envisioned on their own. With beautiful neutral foundational pieces already in place, the combined living and dining room still felt unfinished and a bit cold. The client wanted a softer, more inviting atmosphere—subtle color (with an emphasis on blues), elegant window treatments without visible rods, layered pillows, greenery, table lamps, and a statement art piece that would draw the eye without overpowering the room. We transformed the space by thoughtfully integrating every element on their wish list, balancing comfort, color, and sophistication. The result is a harmonious, welcoming environment that feels complete, curated, and unmistakably personal to the homeowner. Another project finished with intention, expertise, and a client thrilled to finally see their vision fully realized. Service Provided: Designer on Call with Procurement

A person’s home is the place where their personality can flourish. In this client’s case, it was their love for their native homeland of Kenya, Africa. One of the main challenges with these space was to remain within the client’s budget. It was important to give this home lots of character, so hiring a faux finish artist to hand-paint the walls in an African inspired pattern for powder room to emphasizing their existing pieces was the perfect solution to staying within their budget needs. Each room was carefully planned to showcase their African heritage in each aspect of the home. The main features included deep wood tones paired with light walls, and dark finishes. A hint of gold was used throughout the house, to complement the spaces and giving the space a bit of a softer feel.

Set within a stately traditional home, this renovation strikes a bold balance between heritage and modernity. The clients wanted their contemporary aesthetic to shine through without compromising the home’s architectural integrity. The kitchen and bathrooms were completely reimagined with sleek lines and a refined palette, infusing each space with a distinctly modern sensibility. Traditional trim and millwork were thoughtfully preserved—framing the crisp, tailored interiors with timeless detail throughout. In the dining room, deep tones and sculptural lighting add drama, while the living spaces lean softer, blending comfort with clean sophistication. The result is a home that honors its classic bones yet feels entirely fresh, personal, and family-friendly—a seamless conversation between old and new.

We did a full gut on this Master Ensuite. Our clients wanted a brighter softer look with modern touches but still keeping that class feel.
Bathroom - mid-sized contemporary master black and white tile double-sink bathroom idea in Toronto with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a drop-in sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and a floating vanity

A person’s home is the place where their personality can flourish. In this client’s case, it was their love for their native homeland of Kenya, Africa. One of the main challenges with these space was to remain within the client’s budget. It was important to give this home lots of character, so hiring a faux finish artist to hand-paint the walls in an African inspired pattern for powder room to emphasizing their existing pieces was the perfect solution to staying within their budget needs. Each room was carefully planned to showcase their African heritage in each aspect of the home. The main features included deep wood tones paired with light walls, and dark finishes. A hint of gold was used throughout the house, to complement the spaces and giving the space a bit of a softer feel.

Set within a stately traditional home, this renovation strikes a bold balance between heritage and modernity. The clients wanted their contemporary aesthetic to shine through without compromising the home’s architectural integrity. The kitchen and bathrooms were completely reimagined with sleek lines and a refined palette, infusing each space with a distinctly modern sensibility. Traditional trim and millwork were thoughtfully preserved—framing the crisp, tailored interiors with timeless detail throughout. In the dining room, deep tones and sculptural lighting add drama, while the living spaces lean softer, blending comfort with clean sophistication. The result is a home that honors its classic bones yet feels entirely fresh, personal, and family-friendly—a seamless conversation between old and new.

This two-toned kitchen was designed by Paula Greer, CKD of Bilotta Kitchens with Robin Zahn of Robin Prince Zahn Architecture. The u-shaped space has perimeter cabinets in Bilotta’s own line, the Bilotta Collection in a custom gray paint. The island is Wood-Mode Cabinetry in cherry with a stain. Countertops are Caesarstone’s London Grey with a built-in walnut cutting board on one corner of the island from Brooks Custom. The custom Madison Hood by Rangecraft is in a Dark Antique Steel finish and extends up accentuating the high ceiling above the cooking triangle. Two of the most interesting elements of this space are the banquette area and the coffered ceilings. By far, the most frequent installation of banquettes is tucking them into a corner of the room, regardless of how much seating is available at the island. In this kitchen, the island provides enough space for four to five stools. But because the space is separated from the rest of the house, the client wanted to ensure there was sufficient seating for their frequent entertaining. Also, the house is situated in a secluded wooded area; the new kitchen includes an abundance of unobstructed windows to fully experience the beautiful outdoor surroundings. The corner banquette (under more windows!) makes it feel like you’re dining in the trees. The bonus feature is that there’s extra storage below for table linens or seldom-used serving pieces. This really functions like a couch, complete with throw pillows and a TV, where the empty-nesters love spending time even when it isn’t mealtime. As for the ceiling, coffers don’t necessarily have to be large and intricately detailed with layers of moldings in order to be effective. This kitchen features two different ceiling heights: a small section of an addition contains a vaulted ceiling, while the larger island and eating area are tucked under a 2nd floor balcony and bedrooms. The client wanted to distinguish the lower area from the vaulted section, but in a subtle manner. The architect chose to implement shallow coffers with minimal trim for a softer result. The geometric pattern also reflects the floor tile and other lines within the room. The most interesting aspect, though, is that the vaulted area is actually concealed from view when you’re standing in the breakfast area; but as you approach the sink and window, the ceiling explodes above you for a visual surprise. And lastly, of course during this time of “work from home” the desk tucked in a nook opposite the banquette creates the perfect space for Zoom meetings, email checking and just the day-to-day activities we used to go into the office to do. The kitchen is an all-around perfect space for cooking, entertaining, relaxing or working! Bilotta Designer: Paula Greer Photographer: Philip Jensen-Carter Architect: Robin Prince Zahn Architecture

Along with her primary bathroom, Jill decided to give the guest bathroom a complete update. The original space had a dated tub-and-shower combo, basic cabinetry, and flooring that no longer fit the style of the home. She wanted this room to feel welcoming and fresh for anyone who used it. The tub and shower surround were removed down to the studs to make way for a new custom shower. Large porcelain wall tile, also used in the primary bathroom for a cohesive look, was installed in a stacked layout with clean white trim. A long recessed niche was added, finished in Bedrosians Makoto Midori Green mosaic. The shower floor was finished with the same white glass mosaic tile used in the primary bathroom, tying the two spaces together. Stainless fixtures matched those in the primary bathroom, keeping continuity across the home. A frameless barn-style sliding glass door with brushed nickel hardware completed the enclosure. Cabinetry was updated with sage green for a softer tone than the navy in the primary bath, with a wall cabinet added above the toilet for extra storage. Quartz counters matched the primary bath, paired with an undermount sink and matte black faucet for contrast. A framed mirror with two black-and-nickel sconces finished the vanity wall, tying in with details from the primary bath while giving this space its own style.

Coastal influence created this peaceful, bright living room and doubled as a family room. Used light fabric for sofa and went with a softer palette to create a peaceful feel.

This stunning primary bedroom remodel delivers a refined, masculine aesthetic that feels equal parts luxury hotel and personal sanctuary. The transformation centers around a rich, moody palette anchored by a custom periwinkle-blue wall color that shifts beautifully from cool gray to soft lavender depending on the light — creating an atmosphere that is both energizing and deeply restful. The room's focal point is a king-sized upholstered platform bed featuring a wide, channel-tufted headboard in warm taupe velvet, dressed with layered indigo linen bedding, oversized quilted shams in dusty mauve, and a classic windowpane throw blanket. Flanking the bed are sleek black oval nightstands — each topped with a marble-column lamp, silver starburst sculptures, and carefully curated personal accessories that nod to the homeowner's passions for horology and classic automobiles. A full wall of fluted black wood dressers provides generous storage while doubling as a dramatic display surface beneath a large-scale framed photograph of a luxury watch movement — a conversation piece that elevates the space into gallery territory. The sitting area features a channel-tufted slate leather armchair paired with a minimalist pedestal side table, positioned beside a grand bay window with an arched transom and custom woven valance. Personal touches throughout — a vintage car model, A Man & His Car coffee table book, watch displays, and framed automotive photography — give this retreat a deeply personal character without sacrificing sophistication. A cognac leather oval bench at the foot of the bed introduces warmth and a subtle vintage nod that ties the entire palette together beautifully. The second bedroom refreshes a guest suite with a softer, transitional sensibility: warm greige walls, a linen platform bed, crisp white bedding with charcoal velvet accent pillows, and a triptych of terracotta-framed abstract art above the headboard.

Amber Roberts
Transitional deck photo in Singapore