An important element in interior design that most homeowners overlook is lighting. Interior design lighting can make the difference between a mediocre room and a truly impressive and spectacular one.
Whether intentionally or not, some homes keep very dim and gloomy lighting that does not contribute at all to the appeal of the living space. These are places where interior design lighting has been taken for granted, and no matter how expensive your furniture or accents are, they will lose their appeal when placed in a room that is poorly lit.
Although interior design lighting is done with functionality in mind, it can also create mood-setting atmospheres, depending on its location, color, and combinations.
Many older houses are notorious for being dark and plain due to the limited possibilities for modern interior design lighting. The number one setback most interior design lighting professionals face is existing wiring that may not be accessible or would simply require too much disassembly to retrofit.
However, if interior design lighting cannot be easily managed through overhead lighting, there are alternatives for revitalizing lackluster-looking spaces by using modern techniques that weren’t available a few years ago.
Making use of track lighting
Track lighting is a boon to the interior design lighting industry. They are elegant, easy to install and highly functional. Most new condo units have provisions for basic track lighting fixtures and can be easily moved from one location to another with simple wiring.
Homes that were built without backup wiring but with ceiling lights or ceiling fans can still benefit from track lighting, since your existing wiring can still be tapped for the track lighting fixture.
Track lighting is best used to focus light on various areas of the room – on paintings, artwork, sculpture, or whatever item you want to focus on. You can also use track lighting to focus light on a desk or the counters where you work.
If you have a manufactured home with limited interior design lighting options due to a shortage of electrical outlets, you can rely on track lighting to meet your most sophisticated lighting needs.
Professional level interior design lighting can now be easily achieved with track lighting due to the many varieties of lights available. There are different sizes, colors, shapes, and designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Old homes that used to be dreary and unwelcoming instantly become vibrant with strategically placed track lighting. These fixtures help by reaching places that might not otherwise be illuminated.
The kitchen is another of the rooms where interior lighting is essential. Because it can be a hub of activity, purpose-built track lighting works perfectly for kitchens with many different work areas.
There are simple straight tracks, U-shaped tracks, and just about any layout imaginable. Interior design lighting professionals can show you a wide range of selections, depending on whether you want fixtures to blend in with the ceiling or stand out and stand out.
You can also “play” with your interior design lighting by using your track lights as ambient lighting. These are often equipped with dimmers that can soften or intensify the light. Light bulbs of different colors can also be used for a festive effect.
In fact, interior design lighting has come a long way from the plain, dreary lamps of yesteryear. Today, the possibilities in interior design lighting are only limited by your creativity.