Lighting design is one of the best ways to highlight your interior and add function and aesthetics at the same time. Accent lighting is an effective layer that can feature the unique elements of your home from fireplaces to artwork and everything in-between. I change the sources of light based on the room, and my clients often tell me that the accent lighting I installed also serves as task lighting providing them with energy efficiency along with the desired aesthetic. It's easy to incorporate energy savings to your accent lighting plan with dimmer switches that allow for precise use, and low-voltage bulbs including fluorescent and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that offer high quality light with low energy consumption. Here are 5 easy accent tips:
1) Picture lights. Feature a favorite portrait or art with a picture light. It can be battery operated and attached directly to the frame, or wall-mounted, drawing power from a nearby outlet. Hiding the cord is desired so use wire molds for simplicity, place receptacles into the wall behind the art, or long-term, have the lights wired to a switch.
2) Shelf lighting - Attaching plug-in or battery operated puck lights on shelves, can change the profile of a room. A previously dark wall of books can become a perimeter feature with clip on lights and under shelf-pucks.
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| In-cabinet & under cabinet lighting. |
3) In or under-cabinet lighting. Do you have glass doors in kitchen or bath cabinets? Add LED puck lights to the interior and create a wonderful effect with energy efficiency and long-life. When you turn off all other room lights, they can serve as mood lighting, can be left on as a nightlight, and even be general lighting when you pop in to get a cup of tea. To highlight a decorative back splash, add task lighting, or just bath your counter tops with light, add fluorescent or LED strip lights under cabinets. You can hard-wire them to a switch or plug them in to your existing outlets. Place them towards the front to illuminate the counter top best. Low profile fixtures don't require light rails to conceal them.
4) Up-lighting. For drama, place an up light behind a plant or piece of furniture. Highlight a dark corner, the underside of an antique, or throw light on a ceiling feature. These can be free-standing plug in fixtures, or hard-wired rope (as an example) lights. A large armoire positioned in the corner of a room with an up-lighter illuminating from behind creates depth. The light emanating from the rear creates a frame, highlighting the furniture. Have a water feature? Add light from below and and it will take center stage; the reflection of light upon the water is especially theatrical, not to mention romantic
5) Wall sconces. Whether you want to light a dark hallway, flank a fireplace, or add mood light to your dining room, wall sconces are the perfect solution. Generally installed with a light switch, you CAN use candle sconces but be sure to monitor them! A benefit of wall mounted sconces is to make rooms appear taller, and they can be used in low-ceiling rooms when other fixtures won't fit.
