8 Things to Consider When Creating a Home Lighting Plan
1. Budget
When setting a budget for a remodel or new build, homeowners don’t always pay enough attention to their lighting budget. Often thinking a lot more about allocating money to their budget for construction costs and the finishes they’ve been dreaming of...but it is important to create a thoughtful lighting budget.
Because you could spend anywhere from 10 bucks to $10,000 (and anything in between) on a single lighting fixture—think splurging on a luxury chandelier here, it’s important to consider taking an honest look at what your lighting costs will be. You may want to get together with your electrician to help you understand the cost for new wiring and lighting installation.
2. How Will You Spend Time in Each Space?
Considering how you and your loved ones will be spending time in each space is a good place to start thinking about your budget. Go room by room and make a list of all the ways you’ll be using each room.
Will the kids be doing homework in their bedrooms? Be sure their work areas are well lit. Where in the kitchen will food prep be done? Do you want under counter lighting? Do you want to create a relaxing environment in your family room? Don’t forget to layer the lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. What about the dining room—perhaps you want wall sconces for some added drama?
Creating a list of what you need, and would like, lighting for in each room will make a good foundation for your plan.
3. Design Style
When creating your home lighting plan, the next thing you’ll want to consider is your home's design style. What is the architecture style of your home? And, what direction are you going for your home decor style?
Whether you’re going for a farmhouse, boho chic, Scandinavian, mid century modern, rustic, or traditional design style, you’ll want your lighting plan to reflect the overall feel of your home's architecture and design style. It might look off if you paired art deco lighting with your farmhouse decor.
4. Different Types of Lighting
While creating your home lighting plan, remember to include all the different types of lighting your home will require. Including any ceiling mounted fixtures, wall mounted fixtures, recessed lighting or can lights, track lighting, and task lighting such as under counter lights in your plan.
Creating a layered lighting plan for each room will help you to control the lighting environment throughout your home depending on what your lighting needs are throughout each day.
5. Dimmers
Consider having dimmer switches installed.
Installing lighting dimmers can save energy and lower your electric bill. You’ll pay less when your lights aren’t blaring at 100% at all times. Your bulbs will last longer too—which will save you money on replacement bulbs.
Whether you’re relaxing in the evening, having an intimate gathering, or celebrating with a big party—dimmers have the power to create ambiance and change the whole atmosphere of your home.
They’re also great for hallways at night. Your kiddos will feel comforted to have a little night light cast outside their bedroom door.
6. Outdoor Lighting
Don’t forget about your outdoor lighting! Illuminating your property not only helps with home security, but it beautifies your property, adds a ton of curb appeal, and increases your home's value.
There are many types of outdoor lighting to consider when creating your home lighting plan.
- Flood Lights
Flood lights cast a broad beam of light to illuminate large areas. Flood lights are great for home security especially when installed with a motion sensor. Flood lights are great to have on garages and lighting entry points.
- Landscape Lighting
Landscaping lighting also helps with home security and beautifying your property by illuminating different aspects of your yard.
- Spotlights
Spotlights offer a narrow beam of light to illuminate a specific part of your home, like your front door, or architectural details of your home.
- Up lights
Up lights are a type of spotlight that shine their light upwards. Often at ground level, these lights can illuminate favorite features of your home and landscape—like trees, and the front of your home.
When placed between the front of your house and shrubs they create a beautiful glow that illuminates and beautifies your home.
- Down lights
Down lights are another type of spot light that is mounted from above and shine their light downwards. They are great for illuminating garden beds, outdoor seating areas, pathways, and also help with security.
- Deck and Step Lighting
Deck and step lighting adds beauty by creating a glow around your steps and safety to your deck and entry ways. These are especially useful while entertaining and for those summer nights in the yard.
7. Smart Lighting
Consider how you want to control your home’s lighting. Being able to voice activate your lights or control them from an app while you’re on vacation is appealing for many reasons.,,turning lights on at night while on vacation for security, or checking that you left a security light on outside from bed before retiring for the night is very 21st century!
There have been a lot of advancements in smart lighting in recent years, from smart bulbs controlled by an app on your phone, to smart lights connected to a hub, to motion sensor lighting.
If you’re doing a remodel or building a new home, chances are it won’t be remodeled again for another 15-20 years...so it’s a good time to consider if you want smart lighting installed.
8. Finding the Right Electrician
When choosing the right electrician for your home’s remodel or your new build, it’s important to find someone with a proven track record that you can trust.
Don’t be afraid to call around and ask questions. A good electrician will be happy to answer your questions and concerns. You’ll want someone who values their customers, has a good work ethic, and who is happy to help you understand the cost of your project.
Your home’s electrical wiring is so important for your family’s safety and you want to be sure you are hiring a professional you can trust.
If you’re planning a remodel or new home build in Northwest Arkansas, consider calling the best electrician in Arkansas—Josh Patton of Patton Electric.
Josh will listen to your needs and put together a no obligation, hassle free quote for you.
Josh treats his customers like family, and that’s evident in his Northwest Arkansas customer reviews. Give Patton Electric a call today! You won’t be disappointed!
