The Power of Lighting and Finding the Right Illumination for Your Custom Home 

Light transforms space. It inspires, soothes, and defines. With the flip of a switch or the opening of the blinds, homes become illuminated. Lighting is paramount to any home design. A dark room appears smaller, while the right light arrangement can make a room appear bigger and more welcoming. People often underestimate how proper natural and artificial light can affect their homes. In fact, light can also emphasize the flooring, wall colors, and other decors. 

When designing a custom home, we pay close attention to light fixtures and windows as a way to increase the aesthetic appeal and beauty of any space. Here’s what you need to know about lighting when designing and thinking about your custom home’s floor plan. 

Using Light as an Interior Design Element

Light is not always thought of as a major design element, but every home designer understands that the way light is distributed in a home will have a major impact on its atmosphere and vibe. Smart light design is elegant, vibrant, and functional. At the same time, light accentuates and highlights important and unique features of the home. 

Light as a Tool & a Design Element 

The homes of the 21st century are not so much interested in gratuitous ornamentation or design with no purpose. Today’s homes are all about functionality and performance and seek a design that serves a specific purpose or function in the home. Here’s how lighting affects your home: 

Lighting to Create Space. Whether it’s natural light flooding in through the windows or artificial light from a light fixture or lamp, lighting is used to create an illusion of space. When there is no sufficient lighting or light that doesn’t spread effectively, a room might feel cramped, restricted, and uninspired. 

Character and ambiance. This is a given but often put low on the priority list. As people consider the furniture and the style they want their home to have, they might not consider the effect of the windows (or lack of windows) on their arrangement. The lighting you have in your utility or laundry room is not the same as the one you need in your kitchen or study. 

Reflections and Shadows. Creating shadows in your home may not be the intended effect, but often happens when lighting fixtures are not planned accordingly. You can also use the ability to accentuate with lighting the features you want to emphasize or highlight. 

Focal points. Many modern designs make use of focal points. Bright points attract the eyes. You can use this to your advantage when wanting to create dimensions within a space while highlighting certain furniture or features. 

Creating Layers with Natural and Artificial Light 

It can be useful to think about lighting design in layers and building upwards towards the function of the room. Home designers will often talk about lighting in three distinct layers:

Layer 1: Ambient Lighting 

Think of this as the basic layer. This is the basic illumination of the room that ensures the entire room receives adequate light. It can be the natural light from your windows and/or the head light above. This basic layer of lighting will typically come from your main light fixtures like overhead lights or windows. 

Layer 2: Task Lighting 

This layer is far more focused on the function of the room or section of the room. When considering task lighting consider what each section of the room might need light for. Do you need a lamp next to the desk for studying? Maybe you want to install a light above the cutting board in your kitchen, or an extra light beside the recliner chair, etc. 

Layer 3: Accent Lighting

This is the last layer and, in some sense, the icing on the cake. It is mood light and it is the final touch, but it is just as much part of the design as any other layer. This layer will highlight architectural features or special furniture pieces that require attention. This is what makes your taste in arrangement and layout really shine. 

Common Light Fixtures for the Perfect Light Combination 

A homeowner today has endless choices for design in light fixtures. Whether they are eco-friendly design, classic, rustic, modern, industrial—you name it. Light fixtures come in different shapes, sizes, and with different finishes and types of lightbulbs available. Take a look at some of our model homes to see the beautiful implementation of modernity and timelessness in our light fixtures. 

Common light fixtures to create three layers of light include:

• Chandeliers 
• Ceiling lights
• Tracking lights
• Light kits on ceiling fans
• Vanity lights
• Floor lamps
• Candle lights
• Niche lighting
• Wall sconces
• Lighting inside cabinets

Illuminate Your Vision With Optimal Home Design 

Here at Cullers Homes, we know the importance of lighting in every room. Our designs are always looking for unique ways to utilize natural light while finding unique light fixtures and features that will add that special touch of beauty and elegance. 

Ready to work with El Paso’s premier custom home builder? Call us today and make an appointment to see a Cullers Home.