Upgrading lighting in a new build adds value, but to get the most for their money homeowners should develop a design plan to determine placement and style of lighting. Lighting is an integral part of home décor, and is also an essential task-oriented tool that will make life easier and more beautiful for homeowners with the correct approach.

Plan lighting upgrades early

Planning lighting in a new build should happen early on to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to facilitate and execute the lighting design.

“Electrical is very important infrastructure in the home. Determining outlet placements and lighting early in the process will avoid costly and messy electrical additions later on. Generally speaking, it’s more cost-effective to add electrical components and lighting during the construction process,” says Heather Brown, design studio manager at Atlantic Builders.

Among the first choices the homeowner should consider are “architectural lighting fixtures such as recessed lights, under-cabinet task lighting, accent lighting for architectural features and art,” says Debbie Bernstein, lighting consultant and design department manager at LightStyles.

“This important step should take place during the early planning stages of a project, as it is one of the most crucial parts of the home’s design for both function and aesthetics,” says Bernstein.

Architectural lighting vs. decorative lighting

It’s important to make the distinction between architectural and decorative lighting. Homeowners are likely already familiar with decorative lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers, lamps or sconces.

Architectural lighting focuses on “enhancing the architecture while bringing light into a space,” says Bernstein.

“Architectural lighting is the bones of the house and the foundation for the furnishings and finishes that will fill the spaces. Decorative lighting is the jewelry that adds illuminated beauty as well as some function,” says Bernstein.

Architectural fixtures might include recessed lights, under-cabinet task lighting, accent lighting for architectural features and art, linear lighting or cove lighting.

It is in the planning of architectural lighting that homeowners tend to need more guidance from professionals who have the skill set to marry the science and the art of light selection, placement and integration that best promotes functionality, creates mood and enhances the effect of architecture features in the décor.

How much light do I need?

There is some fairly complicated math that goes into determining how much illumination is required in a space that involves calculations with room dimensions, lumens (units of light emitted from a light source) and foot candles (units of light intensity).

Mathematical calculation aside, for the average homeowner aiming to adequately illuminate their home, the best approach is to consider the function of each space and to assign a combination of types of lighting to best support that function.

“Homeowners should analyze the way they use light in their current living situation. It is useful to determine what their pain points are and what brings them happiness and convenience so they can narrow down what lighting they want in their new construction home,” says Brown.

“The next step is to think about how they will use each room in the new house. For example, most people prefer brighter lights in the kitchen and softer, dimmer lights when relaxing in the living room at night. It all comes down to personal preference for the design and functionality of each space,” says Brown.

How to layer lighting?

The technique that the pros use to make sure rooms are properly and beautifully lit is to layer lighting. In simple terms, that means incorporating multiple sources of light (ambient, task and accent) in the same room.

“First, you need general or ambient light, which is just like a first layer of lighting in a space to give overall illumination. Next, address task areas. You also need to incorporate accent and mood lighting, along with decorative lighting,” says Bernstein.

Ambient lighting is the light that illuminates a space on a general level, like a building block for the other layers. Task lighting focuses light distribution to make certain jobs easier, while accent and mood lighting serve to highlight décor or create ambience. Decorative lighting involves fixtures, sconces and lamps.

One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners can make is to rely on a single light source, which is often an overhead ceiling light. While technically a single light source will light a room, the effects are dark and shadowy where the light doesn’t reach and harsh where it is most concentrated.

What does layered light look like? Consider this layering plan for the kitchen.

Kitchens are high-traffic rooms that generally serve multiple purposes; homeowners should imagine what life will look like in the kitchen, and plan lighting layers accordingly.

“The kitchen is widely considered the heart of the home, a focal point for design, and a major task area all in one. Homeowners should think about all the functions their kitchen will serve to figure out how much light they will need. Will the kitchen table double as a homework station? Will they do most of your entertaining there?” says Brown.

The first layer should be ambient light, which might come from natural light, or an overhead light source, such as track lighting. Ideally, the ambient light should be on a dimmer, so that the homeowner can adjust the main source of light as needed depending on time of day.

The next layer to add to the design is task lighting focused on daily routines, like kitchen prep. Recessed lighting or undermount cabinetry lights will accomplish this.

And finally, accent lighting should be incorporated to enhance aspects in the décor. In the kitchen this may mean pendants over a kitchen island, above-cabinet or in-cabinet lighting to accentuate cabinetry or decorative wall sconces.

In the living room, layering lighting might include “recessed lights for general illumination, accent lighting to highlight art, cabinetry displays and toe-kick, warm-dim mood lighting to enhance a textured wall finish at the fireplace, and a table lamp or two at the seating area for reading and conversation,” says Bernstein.

“The various layers of lighting would be on separate dimmers to allow for ultimate lighting control and flexibility and energy efficiency,” says Bernstein.

Developing a lighting plan

Before embarking on lighting design for a new build, establish the budget. Determine what lighting is included as standard with the new construction home, and then build out from that plan, prioritizing high-traffic areas, or areas in the housing plans that are naturally lacking in light.

Look at the home room by room to determine lighting needs. What are the likely activities in the various rooms?

At what hour of the day will particular rooms be most used? The presence of natural light will be the base for your eventual lighting plan, so a homeowner should consider the potential for daylight in a given room, and at what point in the day the room will be in use. It is important to be able to effectively supplement natural lighting with artificial lighting.

Look at room dimensions as well as ceiling height, which will factor into the amount of light you need, along with the placement of lights.

What are the new home’s colors and finishes?

Various colors and materials react differently with light, either reflecting or absorbing it, so considering what the finishes and color palette has been chosen for the new home is important.
Patterned or dense material absorb a greater amount of light, while glass and metals will reflect more, creating a greater sense of space and light.

Paint colors play a similar role, with light colors creating more movement with light, and dark colors trapping more. Flat or matte finishes don’t reflect light as well as semi- or high-gloss sheen.

Flooring factors in as well. Carpet traps the most light, so a lighter color would probably be preferable to reflect and direct light outwards. Stone, wood and ceramic (or similar materials) will cast a shine, particularly if they have a polished finish.

In the kitchen, take into account cabinetry colors. Cabinetry takes up a lot of the real estate in the kitchen, and will play a major role in the reflection or absorption of light, so it is essential that the lighting strategy addresses this.

Pick the right color temperature

Another important consideration when it comes to the relationship between lighting and home décor is the color temperature of the lighting. Color temperature refers to the glow and color characteristics cast by a light source, which is related to the amount of heat applied to a lightbulb, measured in Kelvins.

A cool light (i.e., with blue tones is popular in work-focused areas, such as the kitchen. A warm light (i.e., with red undertones) is a soothing, cozy light, perfect for the dining room, bedrooms and living room. Color temperature is a key part of creating mood and can also alter the appearance of interior décor choices. A bright white light mimics broad daylight, and is often seen in kitchens. It’s also popular in bathrooms, where homeowners are putting on makeup and shaving, needing intense light.

Getting the color temperature that will produce the right effect (i.e., mood lighting, bright light for kitchen prep, reading light) can be achieved by using a bulb that casts the right light, or with dimmer switches, giving the homeowner versatility and control over the color.

Choosing decorative light fixtures

Picking fixtures should be done strategically, because of the integral role they play in the overall décor and in the creating of focal points.

Determine what style will be dominant- traditional, modern, farmhouse, transitional, etc. in order to narrow down selections. Ideally, a statement piece (or pieces) would be selected first, as high-profile fixtures (say in a foyer, over a dining table, or a kitchen island) are highly visible. After the larger pieces are selected, choose smaller fixtures to complement the color, finish and style of the larger pieces.

Take into account where fixtures will be placed in the home. For example, if a fixture is in an open floorplan, or in front of a window with a view, choose transparent fixtures so as not to impede sightlines or block the view outdoors.

Trending in fixtures right now are “statement pendants, plaster lighting, rattan, rope and natural materials,” says Bernstein, but simplicity and timeless style are always popular choices.

If homeowners are not sure about a style, they can try a fixture out to see if it works in their décor.

While upgrading lighting at the construction phase is recommended, home buyers don’t necessarily need to upgrade decorative fixtures. Decorative fixtures are a design element that are relatively easy to change out as a DIY job when homeowners want a fresh look.

Planning lighting in an open-concept floor plan

With the popularity of the open-concept floor plan in new builds, it behoves homeowners to plan their lighting to suit an open space where multiple vantage points sightlines will be experienced.

It’s all about creating flow, and lighting plays a critical role in accomplishing this. Often in an open-concept floor plan there will be a number of different rooms with specific uses, such as the kitchen and the great room, which will call for task lighting combined with decorative lighting choices to set the style tone.

A homeowner should look to their lighting choices to be a unifying design element, with minimal glare and seamless flow.

“Task lighting completes the layout and can double as accent lighting, such as a reading lamp beside a sofa or under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen that is dimmable when entertaining,” says Bernstein.

Light color and color temperature is an important consideration in an open concept as well, and should be consistent throughout.

“Color temperature and color rendering of the light sources should harmonize with each other and with the interior finish selections and the overall design aesthetic,” says Bernstein.

Open-concept design can’t rely on walls to delineate space, but lighting can help to establish zones, which will communicate the purposes of the areas within the open space.

Remember outdoor lighting

Having the right lighting outside is as important as having the right lighting inside the home. Outdoor lighting plays a key role in function, safety and curb appeal.

At doorways and entryways, is there adequate lighting to be able to see to unlock the front door when it is dark? Are walkaways and porches illuminated to prevent tripping while approaching the home at night?
Choose fixtures that are in line with the decor theme of the home’s interior, and remain consistent all around the house (i.e., don’t choose traditional or Craftsman in the front, and modern in the back). Fixture colors should match the home’s exterior.

Use a similar approach as you would with indoor lighting, with multiple sources of light for a layered effect. For example, a striking chandelier would create a focal point in a covered porch, or dining area in an outdoor kitchen. Wall lights are helpful to illuminate the front door. Post lights are decorative to line the driveway.

Outdoors, LED lights are ideal for durability and energy efficiency. Solar lights are a good choice too, as they can be installed at any time, and are effective in lighting outdoor spaces.

Outdoor lighting can add focus on landscaping features, like floodlights on a garden bed, a water feature, or on garden sculptures.

What sort of activities will take place in the yard? Is there a deck or patio? Is there an outdoor kitchen? What about a pool, hot tub or sport court? Remember to include lighting to support a variety of activities.
Or if landscaping projects are something that the homeowner will tackle over time, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure that the lighting installations (i.e., transformers, etc.) are done as much as possible at the construction phase, in order to facilitate landscaping development plans in the future.

Upgrading Lighting in A New Build by Heather Wright | Livabl