Three Tips to Achieve Great Lighting
Lighting – it’s one of those things that you don’t necessarily notice much when it’s designed well and doing what it’s supposed to be doing. However, when it comes to bad lighting or a lack of lighting, the issues tend to be overtly obvious. That’s why it is so crucial to take advantage of the expertise of someone who has seen countless lighting scenarios and knows just what your space needs are in order to both maximize natural light, as well as add additional lighting when required.
Kasia of Kasia Karska Design (Vail, Colorado design-build firm) has over 20 years of architectural, interior design, and general contractor experience. Because of this, she thoroughly understands the importance of lighting. And she knows just what to do to achieve beautiful and functional lighting results in your space. It’s important to remember that the quality of the light, the positioning of the light, and the fixtures themselves are all an integral component. Below are three tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to achieving great lighting:
1.
It’s vital to consider lighting in the early stages of your project. Whether it’s a small scale remodel or the construction of a new home, you don’t want your lighting to be an afterthought. There are a couple reasons for this:
- We suggest having a solid lighting plan in place. This way you can get the electrician in there to wire for all the various lighting needs throughout the space. This approach should save you time and money up front because then wiring won’t need to happen after the fact. This can result in more demolition and repairs, having to repaint, etc.
- Some light fixtures may be ready immediately, but others could be made-to-order and require longer lead times. It’s great to first have your lighting plan in place. Then have the space measured or predetermined. And, finally select fixtures near the start of construction. That way orders can be placed and timed accordingly to allow for the light fixtures’ potential lead times. This results in us installing your lighting during the bulk of the construction as opposed to after everything is completed.
2.
Kasia is a huge proponent of natural light and incorporating it into her designs as much as possible. Whether you’re building a custom home or remodeling an existing space, Kasia believes there is always an opportunity to bring more light into each and every room. Her use of large windows and glass doors (often floor-to-ceiling) allows natural light to fill the space. One such project this was accomplished on was Windy Hill, a custom design-build home by KK Design. Below is a photo of the entryway of the home. The all-natural light illuminates the space where a suspended custom steel bench with a yellow cushion brings a pop of color and intrigue into the entrance of the home. It also draws the eye to the breathtaking view that exists behind the bench.
3.
Even if you don’t have a new build or remodel planned, simply upgrading your light fixtures can really transform a space. It’s amazing what just a few simple changes can do to achieve a refresh. In the below photo, KK Design procured a new dining table and chairs, as well as new light fixtures for the dining room and the kitchen. The purposefully selected fixtures work well in this transitional space. They add some extra, needed light and complement each other nicely.
In this same home, KK Design also did a small laundry room/powder room addition. In the laundry room above the sink, you can see that we used a decorative pendant. We believe decorative pendants can be utilized in more than just a kitchen. There are a lot of interesting lighting trends emerging right now and we just love seeing pendants used in spaces like a laundry room, bathroom, office, etc. It’s one more way to bring some intrigue into a room, while also, perhaps resolving a lack-of-light problem.
These are just a few tips and tricks with regards to lighting that we wanted to share with you. There are many more tips, ideas, and innovations that we have to impart and we’d be happy to discuss with you for your upcoming project and how lighting (among other things) can make it extraordinary. As always, if you have any questions or are looking for someone to help take your home to the next level and transform it into your own personal sanctuary, please let us know!
To learn more about us and what we do, visit our “About Us” page for more info about Kasia Karska Design, a boutique design + build firm located in the Vail Valley, Colorado. We focus on the design and build of unique environments for infinite potential, tranquility, and inspiration. “Your Life – Your Space – Your Sanctuary.”
Beautiful photography by: Brent Bingham Photography