Candice Olson, a home-decor star on HGTV, knows full well how studio lighting can make-or-break a scene. And she says the same holds true in homes.
"I think of a house as a stage," said Olson, a former Calgary student who now hosts the popular Divine Design. "You can use light to sculpt, increase effects and create drama."
The right lighting can make a $100 cabinet look like it's worth $1,000, Olson says.
"I tell viewers it doesn't matter how much time, energy and money you spend on a space, if it doesn't have a lighting plan ... you could be wasting your money." According to a recent report released by lighting manufacturer Philips, 79% of North America consumers believe lighting affects their overall mood. While the average home sports more than 30 light bulbs, Philips says about one in three are used incorrectly.
Getting stuck on having lights evenly spaced around the room is a habit people should try and break, said Olson.
Instead, she suggests picking out certain features around the room you wish to highlight and go from there.
"It has to start with the furniture."
The simplest way to do this, says Olson, is to replace your main overhead light fixture with a simple $100 track lighting piece.
Philips says a lighting plan should encompass three types: Ambient (floor lamps, ceiling lights), focal (track lighting) and decorative (sconces, etc.).
The company recently introduced its "Natural Light" bulbs, billed as producing a natural light similar to daylight.
The company also says the new bulbs "promote a healthier lifestyle by helping eliminate sleep problems, loss of appetite and depression that often result from lack of sunlight."
All just from changing your lightbulbs?
Olson, who now works with Philips on the Natural Light campaign, said she became illuminated (pun intended) after some initial skepticism.
"The colour rendition on those new bulbs really blew me away ... it's absolutely amazing."
Five ways to make light of the situation, from Philips:
UPLIGHT IT: An old favourite of designers, uplights are inexpensive fixtures that only need a plug-in. They come in metal cans or adjustable halogen fixtures, and can be used on floors to light a plant or be placed behind furniture to send light cascading up a wall.
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR ART: Light affects different art pieces in various ways. Broad-based lighting should be used for oil paintings to avoid spectral highlights. Acrylics are generally glare-free and safe with any light source. Art behind glass can cause glare. This can be avoided by non-reflective glass or by using lights from different angles to light sculptures.
GARDENS AND YARDS: Low-level
lighting can illuminate your paths and stairs for safety. Try highlighting any sculptures, water features or plants in your yard to set a mood.
GO STEALTH: Use leftover paint to match fixtures to walls. This will cause the pieces to blend in with their surroundings, creating a harmonious effect within the room.
SHADEY DEALS: Lampshades take a beating. If yours look like Trailer Park Boys throwbacks, it might be time for a change. You can buy shades on their own, or even pick up shade kits that allow you to match them to fabric or wallpaper.
From the archives.
