3 Tips on How to Enhance Interior Design With Automated Lighting

There are a lot of elements involved in interior design, such as wall color, furniture pieces, accent art, and layout. But have you ever considered how lighting plays a part in creating a beautiful home? Talk to any interior designer, and they'll tell you that lighting is a huge factor in planning out the right home design. The reasoning is that lighting affects our mood, the way we see things, and also affects how we function on a daily basis. Keep reading to discover our tips on how lighting can play a part in creating a beautiful ambiance in your Lake Norman residence, or anywhere in North Carolina.

SEE ALSO: The Integrated Home Takes Lighting to the Next Level With Automation

Include Decorative & Accent Lighting

When you hire The Integrated Home to integrate and coordinate your lighting, we go above and beyond to make your home look as beautiful as possible. We work with top-rated interior designers, electricians, and sub-contractors to create the perfect lighting scheme. Our team and partners can strategically place your lights in the right spots to not only illuminate your spaces but also highlight and complement décor. For example, a chandelier or intricate lighting fixture hanging above your dining room table is a decorative light that brings the theme of the room together while also providing a nice ambiance for a relaxing meal. Dimmers help you create the right ambiance by brightening the room for a fun game night, or lowering it for a romantic date night. We can also install special lighting around art work, like paintings and sculptures to bring attention to the detail in the artist's work. With a smart system, you can even hit a button on your mobile device to enact certain scenes when the time is right. Having cocktails with new friends? Hit "entertain" and all the lights highlight your beautiful art collection. We'll work with you to create the right lighting scheme that works best for every room.

Choose the Right Type of Light

The type of light you use makes a difference. Here is a run-down on exactly how each one differs.

Fluorescents: These types of light bulbs emit a flat, cold light that is bluish and very bright. Most often used in professional office buildings and retail stores, fluorescents are typically economical and last long periods of time—about 13 times longer than incandescent light. Fluorescents are also widely used in closets, pantries, and laundry rooms in a residential setting. However, they can cause headaches in some people and have a limited visual spectrum.

LEDs: LEDs (light-emitting diode) are very energy efficient and long lasting. Since they give directional light, they are best for under-counter lighting or accent lighting. But newer models include arrays of LEDs put together for general use. We use this type of bulb the most in our homes now. The Integrated Home knows which bulbs to use for reliable dimming results, such as Solais bulbs. The newest bulbs are very versatile, as you can specify color temperature and even beam angle, while still achieving 25-year bulb life. These bulbs usually pay for themselves in energy savings within 18-24 months, with the remaining bulb life providing a great deal of savings. It is extremely important to work with a knowledgeable company when choosing LED bulbs for your home, especially if utilizing a lighting control system.

Incandescents: In comparison to fluorescents, this type of light tends to be softer, warmer and more inviting because it has a wider spectrum - similar to sunlight. They can last up to 1,000 hours and work with dimmers. However, they are not the most energy efficient. We would recommend using a halogen bulb for exterior lighting since they are usually turned off most of the day.

Our team will help you decide exactly which type of light is right for every space and application in your house

The Right Light for the Right Occasion

As we mentioned before, some lights are more for show while others are mainly just functional. Harsher types of lights like fluorescents can be used outdoors, while LEDs are mostly used indoors. You can also choose from a variety of colors to set the mood – like a soft white for the bedroom, and white lights in the kitchen. Or, include any color of the rainbow to highlight our most beloved aspects of the home. Project green lighting in the backyard near some potted plants, or red for a party. With home lighting control, you can control every space and pick the right light for the right occasion. Only a sophisticated system will allow you to manipulate lighting arrangements and easily change the mood.

Would you like us to design and install the lighting in your home? Simply fill out this contact form online.