Let's Talk About Lighting...

Lighting is like jewelry for a room. Light fixtures are the quickest way to transform a room or update an entire house--which is great for resale. In my last house, I carefully replaced the light fixtures in each room one by one. I would study catalogs from my favorite stores--Pottery Barn, Ballard, and of course Restoration Hardware.

Room by room and holiday by holiday, I would select chandeliers and pendant lights like they were fine pieces of artwork to be displayed in our home. By the time we bought our farmhouse, I just wanted to update the lighting as quickly as possible. I didn't want to wait for the next holiday to roll around to buy a $300 light fixture. So, I did what I do best-- I found inexpensive fixtures that resembled the expensive designer ones that I liked! Lighting is a commitment, here are some tips I always follow when choosing lighting! 

1) Choose a look and stick to it. Just because a fixture is pretty doesn't mean it will go well in your house. If you want an industrial look, stay industrial. If you like modern, stick to modern fixtures. Lighting is a great way to define your space. Is your dining area casual or formal? Let your lighting define that. Remember to consider your ceiling height--a mistake I've made. You don't want your guests to bang their heads off of your chandelier!

2) Lighting should look like it goes together. Not completely "matchy matchy", but it should flow. It should look like it could possibly be a grouping. This tip is especially helpful in houses with open floor plans! Don't just choose every light fixture in the store that you like--make sure they flow! 

3) Foyers First! Your foyer or entryway is the first place people see when they enter your home; make a good first impression with a great fixture! If you are updating your lighting one room at a time, the foyer is a great place to start--especially if it's a two story foyer. Foyers make a first impression, and who doesn't want to be greeted by a fabulous light fixture every time they come home? 

4) Shop around! I use the catalogs I receive in the mail from my favorite stores as inspiration. I decide on a look that I like, and then, I go on a hunt. The only reason I will invest in those great designer pieces is if I truly can't find the item somewhere else. If I do buy expensive pieces, I make sure they are classic and that I love them because they will be hanging out in my house for a long time!