Lighting: The Most Impactful Interior Design Element

What is the most impactful element of interior design?

Whenever clients want to make a big impact, we always look at the largest surface areas first. The most obvious surfaces are walls and flooring because they can easily transform a moody space into a light and bright space in a single stroke. But, the other highly impactful element that often gets overlooked is lighting, which can transform a space when done properly.

To me, upgrading a space is about intentionality, not expense. The value isn't in the cost or price of the upgrade, but in the end effect it has on improving the functionality or aesthetic of a space. Lighting is hands down the single most impactful element that can cost almost nothing but leave a profound impression. 

Most homes usually come with "builder-grade" finishes, and lighting is no exception, meaning they have the bare minimum to pass code requirements. For lighting, this comes in the form of recessed can lighting or a ceiling fan with a light... and that's about it, so there's plenty of opportunity for improvement.

Why is lighting so important in interior design?

Lighting fills a space in more than one direction, it's not flat or limited to a single surface, so the impact of a small modification is 10x the impact of what paint can do, in my opinion! 

There are a few ways to achieve a whole new look in a space by replacing your existing lighting fixtures. You can first manipulate the ambient lighting of the space by changing the color temperature - making a space appear cooler or warmer depending on the vibe you want to achieve. You can add fixtures too, from floor lamps, table lamps, pendants, chandeliers, and so on to impact a space with very little cost. 

Aside from the change in lighting location and temperature, the style or material of the light fixture also adds another layer of impact. Depending on the design of the fixture, it can bring a traditional or contemporary vibe, and the finish material also can amplify its overall effect. A brass fixture is going to bring warmth and a little femininity to a space, while an alabaster will bring a soft glow and an artsy feel. It's a double dose of impact in a single step! 

I call this the "jewelry effect" because the impact is multi-dimensional, it comes from the material, the design and the thoughtfulness behind each light fixture... the combination of those make it exponentially more valuable than the actual fixture itself.

How does this kind of project upgrade a space?

Layering lighting can be so fun and turn an ordinary space into something super intentional and elevated. 

Take a primary bedroom for example, which usually might have a ceiling fan/light or a few recessed cans. To make it feel quiet, cozy and serene, you can replace the ceiling fan/light with a chandelier for accent lighting, and add wall sconces around the bed for task lighting. Those small adjustments alone give the space depth and change it's whole mood, with just a few tweaks. If you put the recessed lighting on dimmers, then that's another layer, with very minimal costs. 

Lighting isn't limited to walls and ceilings only, but you can install them in furniture pieces like cabinets or glass hutches, closets, drawers, stairs, etc. There are wireless options like strip LED lights that are battery operated that can be installed under open shelves, there's puck lights that can be tucked into drawers, and directional lights that can be installed above artwork or in planters to illuminate indoor plants... the possibilites are endless! 

How much time does this project typically take? How much does a project like this typically cost?

The time involved can be as little as the time it takes to source a light fixture and plug it in, but if ti's more involved and needs to be hard-wired, then it's a job for an electrician, but still a single-day job at most!

If your ceilings are already wired for a ceiling fan or recessed lights, then the job is a lot cheaper and faster. An electrician can install additional fixtures or put existing ones on dimmers within a few hours and a few hundred bucks. You won't need a general contractor... and if you're a handy person, there are plenty of DIY videos on YouTube.  Sometimes it's just simply changing out the lightbulbs in an existing light fixture that will change the room from cold and sterile to cozy and warm, anyone can do that for less than $20.