Don’t Forget Lighting When Custom Remodeling

When planning a custom interior remodeling project for the home, most people focus on the flooring, wall coverings and room furnishings. One item that is often overlooked is the lighting. In fact, lighting plays an important role on how the room is used. It sets the mood and changes the look and feel of the space. When planning a custom remodeling project, consider the type of lighting for the room in general and whether there should be more emphasis on lighting in different parts of the room.

Access
When designing the position of light switches, lamps and fixtures, homeowners should consider the practical side of things. Access is important. Requiring someone to walk all the way through a dark room to flip a switch creates a safety hazard. Using floor and table lamps requires access to the electrical outlet. The cord should not traverse the floor or hang in between tables and the wall where people are walking. One option is to have the lights automatically come on with movement in the room. This is ideal for busy people who frequently have their arms full when coming in or those with mobility issues that find it difficult to walk across the room to a switch.

Mood
The mood of a room is greatly influenced by lighting. The brighter the room, the more active and functional it feels. The darker it is, the more subdued the mood. Standard ceiling fixtures can illuminate a room for basic use. Using a dimmer switch allows the user to adjust how bright or dark it is. A bedroom, for example, should be well lit when someone is getting ready for the day. At night, the main fixture can be switched off and bedside lamps turned on for reading a book before falling asleep.

Function
The function of the room has an impact on the type and style of lights. In a kitchen remodel, for example, brighter lights are needed in countertop areas planned for food preparation. Areas over the range or ovens should have optional lighting to turn on or turn up when items are cooking. Proper lighting helps the chef check for doneness or clearly see different components of food.

Physical Needs
As people age, their eyesight tends to decrease. Consider the age of those in the home. If they are approaching retirement, they will be home more often and may need a brighter living space. This will help avoid injuries and make it easier to read books and newspapers or participate in hobbies, such as building models or knitting.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about custom remodeling, visit http://www.fosterremodeling.com.