Don't Forget To Look Up - My Lighting Tips

Things are looking up!

One of my most favorite elements to select when in the design phase of a project is the lighting. It’s so fun to take a look at a floor plan and think about all the places where a unique fixture can be added, how I will get all the fixtures to meld together and create visual interest that carries throughout the space.

I typically approach every project with the goal of keeping the lighting clean and classic with a surprise thrown in every now and then. With an updated traditional design style, open lanterns almost always make the cut on my lighting list as they lend themselves to so many design styles and work with other fixtures well.

This simple lantern is the perfect compliment to the vintage rug and custom designed doors for this client’s entry.

Another favorite trick when specifying lighting is to select fixtures that may be just a little larger in scale. With the larger size, it creates a statement in the room and serves as the perfect compliment to all the other selections.

These over-scaled antique nickel hanging shades defy the typical method of adding smaller pendants over a kitchen island. But with the large size and luxe finish, the walnut island stands out way more than if a few small lighting fixtures had been hung above it.

There is a lighting fixture in almost every material you can think of! Some of my favorites are antiqued metal, worn wood, and of course, crystal when the space calls for something more feminine and traditional. Crystal lighting fixtures add a sense of sophistication and glamour to a room.

This antique crystal chandelier was the perfect choice for my client’s dining room. This room has a mix of elements that all come together to create a sense of casual formality.