A little over a week ago, we ventured to all things Vegas where we were honored to speak at the International Builder’s Show with Kichler Lighting. It was an awesome trip, and we were able to catch a little of Vegas while we were there. We even took an obligatory selfie or two, which means we got real crazy and stuff. Good times.
A few of our random side adventures {we’re museum dorks} did not disappoint, and we loved seeing some awesome things and hanging with the amazing Kichler crew when we weren’t catching a little of all things Vegas.
In our little talk, we were honored to share, and give a little bit of our perspective of our approach when it comes to all things design and lighting… and why it’s important in working with clients. The subject matter was how lighting inspires room design.
So without further ado, here are a few things we were happy to cover in the world of how lighting inspires room design! {We altered our little talk for the site, of course. We hope you enjoy a little of our take.}
A good light has always been king. As a designer, it’s always been my favorite element in a space. We pull inspiration from a ton of places, and we love using good lighting as a pivotal moment in our creations. It truly brings a space to life. We think that good lighting can both finish off a space, and inspire an entire room design. We adore the way they can both work hand in hand. Our own home is one thing. Helping clients see that, is quite another. Sometimes, people choose to fixate on one element in their renovation. A lot of times, that fixation is a light fixture.
Suddenly, it’s not what they expected, or they’re unsure.
Or it’s an afterthought or obligation.
Cold feet when it comes to lighting, is a real thing.
In reality, it’s one of the key elements that bring a space together, and it’s our job as designers to help them realize how important that can be.
Good lighting does two things for a space.
It’s the age-old adage of form and function, and this is what we love about Kichler, because they do both.
1. Bring on the bling – Lighting can be a real statement piece. Like earrings to a good outfit, it really ties everything together.
2. It enhances the space – It can truly enhance a space’s dimensions and beautiful qualities when utilized correctly in a room.
Here our favorite elements to consider when choosing lighting for a space.
Because ultimately, it inspires the design.
There are so many different opportunities to utilize lighting in a design, these are a few of our faves.
1. Layer it.
• A combination of the very best elements when it comes to lighting. Canned lights vs. chandeliers, vs. flush mounts and ceiling fans. Sconces and pendants and under cabinet lighting. It’s a great opportunity to utilize multiple options for the best solution in a space.
• There is no one size fits all for a room. We strive to meet client’s needs by addressing them and then meeting them on a different level with Kichler lighting. Our sweet client’s kitchen was a great example of this, from under cabinet lighting, to canned lights, to pendants, chandeliers and sconces. This photo doesn’t do it justice, but the different elements brought so much to this entire design.
2. Play to a client’s personality
Lighting is not only the pivotal design moment in a space that really pulls the entire space together, it’s also a great way to play to the homeowner’s {or your own space, when it’s yours!} personality.
Here are a few examples where we really utilized that.
Garage to Airbnb conversion –
Out client loves farmhouse vibes with a modern touch – and they needed a gathering space for guests that could later be converted again into a space for their family. Their lighting options needed to help define the spaces.
We loved the lighting solution here with Kichler and the way it truly brought the space that had so many needed functions, together.
Kitchen revamp –
This is the kitchen of a single dad who loves to cook.
We brought in masculine vibes with a hint of glamor to his new kitchen. We love how the Kichler lights ultimately brought the space together but they also inspired the entire look. The space would have been lacking, without these awesome additions.
Dining Room –
This family loves entertaining and gathering but wanted something of a statement piece for main room. This dining room is a great example of how changing something over drastically, doesn’t have to include knocking down walls or hiring a construction crew.
This space soon became the houses’ main gathering area, and we considered it a success with the beautiful Kichler light.
3. Mix your Finishes
There are no real rules in design, just principles that can really send an element over the top. It’s a great opportunity to push the envelope when you mix and match in tasteful ways. Kichler makes it easy to do so within in their collections, all tied together beautifully with this aesthetic.
Take the pool house for example… We love the way that the collections are effortlessly layered for a cohesive look.
4. Scale
Scale is a beautiful way to play with lighting in a space. Scale can be applied in different ways, with contrast and balance to truly bring a space together. Gone are the days of tiny pendant lights in the kitchen, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase your favorite lighting.
Lighting can alter a space completely when scale is used in inventive ways. Embrace size, playing with the different elements of it, and how it can do so much for a space.
5. Sneak peek
Don’t forget the outside: Bring in real character to your home with outdoor lighting!
One of our favorite elements of lighting design, is the way that we can help bring exciting things to the outside of the house, as a sneak peek to the vibe of a house on the inside.
It’s another opportunity to bring dimension into your home with all of Kichler’s fabulous collections!
Inspiration is everywhere, and it’s so fun to apply it in different ways to client’s spaces, as well as our own.
We’re always looking for fresh ways to revitalize a home, and help our clients fall in love with their own dream home, all over again.
As always let us know if you have any questions! We’d love to hear!
Thank you again to Kichler for having us – it was such an honor and a good time!
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And just in case you’re curious…
We don’t believe in the dream home, we believe in your home.
And we can’t wait to help you discover it all over again.
The Handmade Home : Love Where You Dwell.
The Handmade Home is thrilled to bring both full on rehab and design services to our clients.
We offer in-person, full service design options, from a complete kitchen overhaul to a simple consult in your home on how to spruce it all up. If your kiddo needs a big kid room, your home could use some paint palette ideas, or even a brand new build from the ground up… we’re glad to help. Both nationally and locally in the Nashville area, we even offer a wealth of resources for our clients, right at their fingertips.
If you’d like to hear more about what we have to offer for you {because the possibilities really are endless} please be sure to check out our design services page, here! While you’re at it, be sure to check out our completed projects here. We love working with our client’s needs.
We look forward to hearing from you, and we welcome the opportunity to work with you!
To read more about us, be sure to check out this page here, as well.
Have an inspired day!
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