Add Ambiance and Functionality to Any Space with the Perfect Lighting

When considering the lighting throughout your home in Fairfax County, VA, it’s imperative to go beyond only thinking about the basic light bulb and light switch. Instead, consider the overall lighting design to transform your living spaces from boring to beautiful and practical. 

Below, we’ll dive into three types of lighting you can incorporate that will not only make daily life more functional, but also make your home more aesthetically pleasing. Keep reading!

SEE ALSO: 4 Reasons Your Home Needs Landscape Lighting

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the primary lighting source in a space, providing even overall illumination. In homes without a cohesive lighting design, this is often done (poorly) with a single overhead bulb in the center of the room. With lighting design, ambient lighting is achieved with various lamps and luminaires. In a larger home, ambient lighting incorporates a mix of recessed lights, wall sconces, chandeliers, or pendants that complement the room’s architecture and the desired aesthetic.

The goal is to create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere without harsh shadows or excessively bright spots. Dimmers can be used to adjust the level of light according to the time of day or the mood you’d like to create. Natural light is also an essential component of ambient lighting, so working with a professional lighting design team like A.B.E. Networks is recommended so all of your lighting and related technologies, such as motorized shades, are carefully considered and incorporated! Imagine being able to press one button that says “Relax” and the room dimming to the ideal setting while shades lower for privacy, and the multi-room audio system begins playing a lowkey playlist.

Task Lighting

As the name suggests, task lighting is meant to help accomplish specific tasks such as reading, cooking, or dressing. The purpose of task lighting should not only be functional but also complement the overall aesthetics of the intended space. For instance, in a kitchen, under-cabinet lights provide ample illumination for food preparation, while pendants or chandeliers can light up a dining table. Similarly, adjustable bedside lamps or wall sconces with individual switches can facilitate reading in bed. When layered with ambient lighting, task lighting enhances the illumination for functionality but doesn’t seem overly bright or glaring like a spotlight.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is all about drama and emphasis. It’s used to highlight specific architectural features, artwork, or other elements in your home so it has a luxurious and sophisticated feel. For example, recessed adjustable lights can be used to illuminate a painting, or LED strip lights can accentuate the edges of a coffered ceiling. 

In an outdoor setting, accent lighting can highlight landscaping features, such as a sculpture, a particularly beautiful tree, or the edge of your poolscape. Lighting designers frequently use the rule of three, meaning the accent light should be about three times as bright as the ambient light to really make the highlighted feature stand out.

Are you ready to transform your Fairfax County home with illumination? Keep shining light on the possibilities by filling out our contact form to get started with your own lighting design project. We can’t wait to hear from you.