Bedroom - large traditional master carpeted and beige floor bedroom idea in Richmond with beige walls

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Bridgeport

Ryann Ford
Trendy u-shaped light wood floor kitchen photo in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, subway tile backsplash and a peninsula

Enclosed kitchen - small craftsman galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and beige countertops

Modern custom home nestled in quiet Arcadia neighborhood. The expansive glass window wall has stunning views of Camelback Mountain and natural light helps keep energy usage to a minimum. CIP concrete walls also help to reduce the homes carbon footprint while keeping a beautiful, architecturally pleasing finished look to both inside and outside. The artfully blended look of metal, concrete, block and glass bring a natural, raw product to life in both visual and functional way

Arts and crafts master carpeted bedroom photo in Seattle with gray walls and no fireplace

Photographer: Greg Thomas
Inspiration for a large modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard stone garden path in Austin.

Small trendy u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Home bar - contemporary single-wall light wood floor home bar idea in Dallas with no sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, black backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Photograph by Muffy Kibbey Robert Bell, General Contractor
Trendy light wood floor bathroom photo in San Francisco with a pedestal sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and wood countertops

Modern custom home nestled in quiet Arcadia neighborhood. The expansive glass window wall has stunning views of Camelback Mountain and natural light helps keep energy usage to a minimum. CIP concrete walls also help to reduce the homes carbon footprint while keeping a beautiful, architecturally pleasing finished look to both inside and outside. The artfully blended look of metal, concrete, block and glass bring a natural, raw product to life in both visual and functional way

Kitchen - transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in Chicago with an island, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Accent lighting was added around this patio and to the waterfall for visual enhancement from the back windows of the house and extended patio use. Down lights were placed in the pergola above the dining table for accent and additional usage after hours. Many of the trees were also illuminated to visually anchor the lower lighting on the ground.

Pinnacle Mountain Homes
Inspiration for a rustic medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Denver with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a tv stand

Living room - traditional living room idea in Boston with beige walls

Inspiration for a small modern kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Oklahoma City with white walls and no fireplace

Cal Mitchner Photography
Enclosed dining room - victorian medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room idea in Charlotte with gray walls

Accent lighting was added around this patio and to the waterfall for visual enhancement from the back windows of the house and extended patio use. Down lights were placed in the pergola above the dining table for accent and additional usage after hours. Many of the trees were also illuminated to visually anchor the lower lighting on the ground.

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.