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When renovating your home, developing a comprehensive lighting plan is essential to achieving both ambiance and functionality. Homeowners often default to recessed downlights, considering them the simplest and most cost-effective option. However, a well-designed lighting plan incorporates a variety of light sources to enhance the beauty and usability of your home. By prioritising your lighting design from the beginning, you can transform your living space into a welcoming and perfectly lit sanctuary.

Lighting Plan Tip 1: A Shift In Mindset

More often than not, a standard lighting plan consists mostly of recessed downlights with a few feature pendants. The problem is that every nook and cranny looks and feels the same, with no features or focal points.

A shift in mindset is required from “let’s just illuminate each space from above with downlights” to “how can I create moments within each space by highlighting specific features and creating the right mood.” This will dramatically change the atmosphere of your home and how you use your space!

Lighting Plan Tip 2: Answer These Two Questions

Start by answering these two questions…

1. What is your unique style?

What has this got to do with your lighting plan? You need to understand the overall look you want to achieve so that you can start to envisage the end result and make informed decisions. If you need help defining your unique style then jump back to blog 3 How To Define Your Unique Style.

bedroom lighting plans lou brown design

2. What is the mood of each space?

Lighting is super emotive and sets the mood of a space. Visit Blog 4 The Feel of Each Space to define the mood for each area. Make a list of the spaces in your home.

For example, if you want your master bedroom to be elegant, casual, and cosy, choose a lighting plan that conveys this vibe, such as an elegant pendant on a dimmer above your bed. Dimmers are inexpensive to install and allow you to control the ambience within each space.

WEAVE YOUR MAGIC CONSULT

I’m available for 3x in-home interior design consults per month.

My popular in-home interior design consultation is a game changer!

It’s a working meeting where we ACTUALLY get stuff done. I answer all of your questions, show you EXACTLY what to do and WHERE to go for products and trades.

Get INSTANT results and receive a written customised design plan that you can work through at your own pace.

Have the home you’ve always dreamed of.

Lighting Plan Tip 3: Space Functionality

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When creating your lighting plan, make a list of the specific functions you’ll perform in each space, such as applying make-up, chopping veges, reading, cooking, getting dressed, and studying. These zones require both general and task lighting.

Lights near a bath, shower, or vanity need to be low voltage with the correct IP rating according to the zone.

Lighting Plan Tip 4: Focal Points

When creating your lighting plan, identify key focal points in each space, such as a fireplace, bedhead, view, fabric, piece of furniture, or art. Highlight one or two of these focal points with accent lighting. For instance, use a row of recessed narrow beam tiltable downlights to wash down a feature wall, table lamps to highlight a prized piece of furniture, or a hanging pendant or uplights behind a bath.

Lighting Plan Tip 5: The Right Suppliers

Here’s a list of some of my favourite lighting suppliers:

A thoughtful lighting plan is so important when you’re creating a well-curated home. It can make such a big difference to your interior and your mood. For more practical tips on how to select the right lighting when you build or renovate, enter your details below to instantly receive my video 5 WAYS TO INSTANTLY REFRESH YOUR HOME INTERIOR. You’ll also be sent my comprehensive HOME INTERIOR GUIDE which includes an entire section on Lighting.

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Or feel free to contact Auckland Interior Designer Hayley Brown via the STRATEGY SESSION BOOKING PAGE and we will create a level of illumination far beyond your expectations.

Downlights be damned…..or at least limited!!

Hayley x

AKA LOU

A word from our clients…

Hayley from Lou Brown was outstanding. Right from which pieces to buy, where to buy them, where to put them and, importantly, how they will all work together, we left the consult feeling excited about getting on with the project. No more decision fatigue, just clear direction. Great value, would thoroughly recommend.
Derek Stone

Thanks, Hayley, for Weaving Your Magic, an awesome session. I got so much value from the time we spent together. Your ability to read the large open space we have, help with colour choices and making decisions around the furniture was amazing. Such good value, it’s also great to know I get to re-cover my 30-year-old lounge suite and give it new life too. Many thanks Shona.

Shona Oliver

After moving from a large home and downsizing to an apartment, Hayley’s help in planning and choosing new furniture, and also adapting pieces brought with me to fit the space and feel of the apartment, has been invaluable! Her knowledge and understanding of my style and needs have been exceptional.

Jenny Bownes