Blog Layout

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting
September 11, 2023
Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting
September 11, 2023

If I had to pick one of design's most crucial yet often overlooked elements, I'd choose lighting. It's a game-changer that can either make or break your space, but it provides an opportunity to add something unique and extraordinary to your room. In this blog post, I’ll share the secret of transforming your home with layered lighting. We’ll go through each of the main spaces of your home and see real-life examples of how to enhance your living experience. It is a must-read that you do not want to miss!

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting


As I mentioned in this previous article
, layered lighting is a design technique in which you combine different types of lighting to achieve a well-balanced room. Depending on your lifestyle, space, and functionality, you can add different layers of lighting to complete your design goal and vision. 


Remember that even though it might seem simple, you must always consider other elements in your room to create a cohesive look; I recommend always consulting your interior designer before purchasing to avoid extra costs and overwhelm. If you’re ready to learn more about how an interior designer can help you with crucial elements in your home, book a call with me here to get started!


Let’s take a look at how you can start using the art of layered lighting in every room in your home.


Kitchen


The kitchen is the central hub of the home;
that’s why we want to ensure your space is functional and inviting. There are three types of lighting you can use in this space:


a. Task Lighting:
Under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights above islands or a sink to provide focused illumination while prepping or cooking.


b. Ambient Lighting:
Recessed lighting creates general, even lighting throughout the kitchen, ensuring no corner remains in the shadows.


c. Accent Lighting:
Accent lighting can help you enhance your design elements or colors in your kitchen. Some of the most common include under-cabinet lighting, above-cabinet lighting, kitchen cabinet interior lighting, and kitchen drawer lighting. 


This project's goal was functionality and entertainment
; we included kitchen pendant lights to create an inviting look and task lighting to help with prepping and cooking.

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting

Bathroom


In your bathroom, lighting is about functionality and relaxation, similar to the vibe you get every time you walk into a spa. Through layered lighting, you can add something exceptional that will allow you to unwind after a long day. Here are a few tips for layering your bathroom lighting:


a. Task Lighting: Wall-mounted fixtures or sconces on either side of the mirror provide flattering light for daily tasks like hair or tooth brushing.


b. Overhead Lighting: Recessed lights can provide general illumination like the kitchen.


c. Accent Lighting: Adding a chandelier over your bathtub is a great way to highlight the bathtub and draw your eye up making your ceiling height appear taller.


This project's design goal was to go from outdated to luxurious. We added recessed lighting above the shower, replaced the outdated vanity fixtures, and a chandelier over the tub, adding an elegant touch to this bathroom. Would you like to unwind after a long day of work in this beautiful bathroom? Comment below!

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting

Bedroom


In your bedroom, the goal should be to create a cozy mood that allows you to retreat and relax but that serves your main purpose. Here’s how layered lighting can help you achieve this balance: 


a. Task Lighting:
Table lamps or wall-mounted sconces on each side of your bed are ideal for reading


b. Overhead Lighting: Pendant lighting or a chandelier can provide a unique look for your room and illuminate the entire space.


c. Accent Lighting: Adding floor lamps or sconces in a sitting area of your bedroom will provide a touch of ambiance as well as task lighting for reading, sewing, or relaxing.


For this project, we achieved a hotel-look-alike vibe by adding the sleek black lamps with a small gold detail for tasks and ambiance and the chandelier for an extra touch of glamour and luxury. 

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting

Home Office


A well-lit home office is essential for productivity and comfort. Here's how to create the perfect lighting setup:


a. Task Lighting: Adding desk lamps can help with productivity for your work tasks.


b. Overhead Lighting: Overhead fixtures or chandeliers can illuminate the entire workspace and help you locate work elements faster.


c. Accent Lighting: Add wall-mounted sconces to highlight bookshelves or personal items can help create an inviting atmosphere. 


I wanted a modern look for my home office, so adding layered lighting was a no-brainer, starting with my new chandelier, which I love; sconces to make the room much lighter and brighter and highlight key elements.

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting

Family Room


The family room serves many purposes, from relaxation to entertainment and family gatherings. Since it involves different activities, you can create a statement through layered lighting:


a. Overhead Lighting: Use recessed or chandeliers to provide even illumination throughout the room.


b. Task Lighting: Adding floor or table lamps near seating areas can be helpful for reading or entertaining.


c. Accent Lighting: Wall-mounted fixtures can emphasize architectural details or display shelves with accent decor elements.


For my most recent project, we added layered lighting throughout the different spaces in the home, from sconces to chandeliers; we created a relaxed yet refined space ideal for relaxing from the comfort of home.

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting

As you can see, lighting in design can transform your space into a more functional and inviting one. When you choose to combine overhead, task, ambient, or accent lighting, you can create a balanced look that will please every room's needs and style. If you’re ready to elevate your home's design, book a call with me so I can help you transform your home into a place you’ll love.


Pin this article here.

Transforming your Home with Layered Lighting

What’s your design style?

Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!

You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Interior Designer Jen Morrell | Charlotte & Waxhaw | An Inspiring Home

I work with busy families to create beautiful and functional spaces by providing local design services in the Charlotte/Waxhaw area and beyond through online design.

an inspiring home charlotte interior design living room

What’s your design style?

Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!

You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Recent Posts

Why Your Living Room Feels Off—And How to Make It Look Finished
By Jennifer Morrell April 2, 2025
in this blog post, I spill all the secrets to making your living room stunning and transforming it into a space that speaks to your lifestyle.
How Long Does An Interior Design Project Take? A Timeline Breakdown
By Jennifer Morrell March 20, 2025
In today’s blog post, I will break down the entire timeline process for you—from our initial contact to the installation date—revealing every step along the way.
Spring and Summer Favorites
By Jennifer Morrell March 6, 2025
If you’ve been feeling that your home could use a refresh, keep reading. I’m about to show you how, with a couple of elements, you can transform your space into a fun and cozy spot, ideal for family gatherings or entertaining.
Top Kitchen Remodeling Must-Haves
By Jennifer Morrell February 20, 2025
If you’re in the planning stage or just gathering ideas as inspiration, read this post until the end because I’m about to share the must-have remodeling list you need to include in your kitchen project!
Everything You Can Achieve in a Day with a Designer
By Jennifer Morrell February 6, 2025
In this blog post, I share with you all the details of how, in one day, we helped our clients transform their outdated bathroom into a luxury sanctuary!
More Fun Than Fancy Project Reveal
By Jennifer Morrell January 23, 2025
So, if you love remodeling and before-and-afters just as much as we do, you’re in for a treat. We’re about to show you how we transformed an outdated home to match our clients' vibrant lifestyles and love for entertaining family and friends.
A Step-by-Step Plan to Design Your Dream Home
By Jennifer Morrell January 7, 2025
In this blog post, I explain step-by-step how you can start your design project and build your dream home this year.
2024 An Inspiring Home Projects Recap
By Jennifer Morrell December 5, 2024
If you’re ready to get inspired for your next project, keep reading as we’re about to look back at a busy but amazing year!
Readers' Favorite Blog Posts from An Inspiring Home
By Jennifer Morrell November 20, 2024
Readers' Favorite Blog Posts from An Inspiring Home - Whether you’re remodeling your home or just looking for inspiration for decorating your space, these posts will excite you to transform your home into a place you’ll love.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Working with an Interior Designer
By Jennifer Morrell November 5, 2024
In today’s blog post, I’ll answer our clients' most frequently asked questions and walk you through the steps to start working together.
Show More
Share by: