It's About to Be Lit

Using a variety of light sources, playing up a room's layout, being picky about bulbs, and emphasizing ambience are included in a new list of lighting tips from home designers.

One tip for homeowners? Don't overdo it on the overhead lighting, says Robert Highsmith, a principal at Brooklyn design firm Workstead. “Often it can be excessive, generating spots and unwanted shadows.” Instead, opt for a large pendant fixture or chandelier in a common area, Highsmith tells The New York Times. “Light is a powerful thing,” explains Theo Richardson, the director of development at another Brooklyn-based design studio Rich Brilliant Willing, adding, “The right light lifts the mood, inspires productivity and motivates us. At home, light enlivens the little things — our morning routines, or the moments we spend with friends.”

Any experienced designer will tell you that lighting is an essential ingredient when you’re decorating a room — not the afterthought that many of us consider it. If you’re tempted to spend more of your time picking out furnishings or puzzling over layouts, remember that lighting can completely transform a space — not just by brightening dark corners, but by affecting your emotions.

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