Let there be light

Let there be Light

BY KAREN HOLLOWAY, IBB DESIGNER karen@ibbdesign.com

The lighting in a room can make or break the décor you have so painstakingly selected.

Have you ever walked into a room and marveled at how the light was diffused? Probably notand for good reason. When lighting is well planned, it’s hardly noticed. It enhances skin tones, fabric colors and textures, and makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.

The best lit rooms have layers of light that blend well together creating a comfortable, inviting environment I always try to incorporate multiple points of light in a room. Even in a small area like a powder bath, consider a wall sconce or a lamp on the vanity to add ambience. Remember, if you only have one light source in the center of a room, you will have your shadow all day long. 30 IBB AT HOME

Carefully consider the bulbs you select so that the color of the light complements the fixture, especially if there is a shade. With white shades, for instance, use a brighter, more pure white light, just not emergency room bright. The new LED bulbs can vary, so do a little homework before you buy. Dimmers are a great tool to allow you diffuse light and control the mood of a room.

Lastly, if you have done any decorating at all, you know that the chandeliers, lamps and other types of fixtures in a room should complement and flow with the rest of the décor, but the most common misstep I see in lighting is the scale of the fixture selected. Often, they are too small for a space – especially with the tall ceilings in our Texas homes. Designers at IBB are able to assist with those selections.