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.

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.

The difference between good and exceptional design is the ability to leave no detail overlooked. Make every inch of your space exceptional with the addition of our hand hammered copper switch plates.

Michael J. Lee
Inspiration for a farmhouse entryway remodel in Boston

Close up view of the kitchen island, farmhouse sink and white granite countertop. The single handle faucet is flanked by a soap dispenser and a button for the garbage disposal. This kitchen radiates cleanliness and efficiency.

Kitchen/dining room combo - modern kitchen/dining room combo idea in Toronto with beige walls

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an industrial living room remodel in New York

It's the details that make all the difference in this master bedroom. The floor to ceiling bookcase adds height, storage, and convenience for him and her. The overhead lighting also adds ease to the room with an inner light switch located on each side of the open shelving. Learn more about Chris Ebert, the Normandy Remodeling Designer who created this space, and other projects that Chris has created: https://www.normandyremodeling.com/team/christopher-ebert Photo Credit: Normandy Remodeling

PhotoluxStudio.com/commercial - Christian Lalonde / Kariouk & Associates
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Ottawa

Beautiful new light switches by legrand made a lovely addition to the finish on our apartment.
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Los Angeles

Adorne switches by legrand in a Master Bath remodeled by Village Home Stores.
Large transitional master gray tile ceramic tile bathroom photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, furniture-like cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops and gray walls

Questech premium quality switch plates enhance the beauty of any room - and are now even more decorative with no visible screws. The design utilizes magnets to make installing and changing the switch plates quick and easy. The quality and beauty of these switch plates will add a decorative finishing touch to your home décor.

Hiding outlets in plain sight with these unique angled plug molds were just the ticket for this master bath vanity. The natural stone wall would not have look so clean with outlets. These are cleverly concealed but easily reached under the counter overhang. Chris Veith

Inspiration for a country living room remodel in Nashville

Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2018 Houzz
Eclectic bedroom photo in Chicago

Switch back staircase (modern) In the woods zen home http://ZenArchitect.com

This kitchen had the old laundry room in the corner and there was no pantry. We converted the old laundry into a pantry/laundry combination. The hand carved travertine farm sink is the focal point of this beautiful new kitchen. Notice the clean backsplash with no electrical outlets. All of the electrical outlets, switches and lights are under the cabinets leaving the uninterrupted backslash. The rope lighting on top of the cabinets adds a nice ambiance or night light. Photography: Buxton Photography

The MultiTable FlexTable Height Adjustable sit Stand Desk. https://www.multitable.com/product/flextable-height-adjustable-standing-desk/ The FlexTable by MultiTable is uniquely designed from the ground up to be the most steadfast, versatile and adaptable height adjustable standing desk made for today’s modern workspace. Now the power is in your hands to sit or stand with an affordable height adjustable desk that can be ordered with an electric up-down switch or a hand crank – you get to choose how to raise and lower your desk surface. Best part is you can easily and quickly convert the FlexTable from a manual hand crank to an electric switch at any time with the FlexTable Electric Upgrade Kit. Offering impressive height adjustability from 27 ⅝” to 45 ⅞”, the FlexTable is made from quality-grade aluminum and steel components that can support standard desk tops ranging from 40” to 72” wide. Our most affordable standing desk yet, FlexTable achieves the ultimate in functionality, comfort and flexibility. With MultiTable, you decide how you accomplish your best work. FEATURES: Affordable, high-quality design in a variety of standard colors Powder-coated premium aluminum and steel desk frame Expansive height adjustability from 27 ⅝” to 45 ⅞” Adjustable width range from: 43” to 67” Adjustable desk frame width supports desk tops up to 72” Wide desk frame leg structure for improved stability and durability Flexible conversion from manual hand crank to electric switch with FlexTable Electric Conversion Kit 30-day return guarantee 5-year limited warranty

Pacific Northwest Cabinetry
Eat-in kitchen - large traditional dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Portland with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island