Home Renovation Lighting Tips and Tricks

It’s very likely that you’re already well aware of how crucial curb appeal can be when renovating a home, but the second-most imperative factor is whether the interior of the home is well or poorly lit. Are you spoiling the first impressions of potential buyers with an entryway that feels dark and cramped? Does the lighting in the kitchen adequately highlight the best features and shining appliances? Does the bathroom feel more like a dim closet rather than a place to relax in a hot bath or freshen up in front of the mirror?

Without the right lighting, even the greatest homes will appear dark, cramped, and uncomfortable to live in. If you neglect lighting in your renovation, then open floor plans feel more closed off, average ceilings seem lower, and decent-sized rooms feel a whole lot smaller. Your potential buyers will want to get out and visit the next home as soon as they step through the front door.

However, if you put forth a good amount of thought and effort into bringing your lighting up to modern-day standards, the house will sell so much easier. With the right type and amount of lighting, your buyers will feel more comfortable, take their time, and most importantly, notice all the things that make the house so great. Rules of Renovation has three important tips to help you light your home perfectly.

Light the Rooms Appropriately 
The degree of lighting you choose should vary according to which room you are lighting. Take the kitchen, for example: a kitchen should be bright. Great lighting in the kitchen will cast a brilliant sheen on glistening countertops, appliances, and pretty much everything else. If the kitchen includes a breakfast or dining area, you will want to provide an option for softer lighting as well, during meals. No one likes a bright light in their face while they’re trying to enjoy dinner.

The bathroom is another place in the house where you’ll want to add various lighting options that range from bright to dim. Just like the kitchen, the bathroom is a place where many tasks can be performed, including; putting on makeup, performing first aid, or taking a long, relaxing bath after a stressful week.

Consider the Atmosphere 
Another simple tip for transforming a room with lighting is to blend different light sources and use each to your advantage. If the home receives plenty of natural light, then that will make for a wonderful showing—until the sun sets. This is where floor lamps and desk lamps come in handy. Consider a floor lamp (or two) that compliments your decor and gives off plenty of light during the evening hours.

The Best Lighting for Your Budget
As you may very well know, renovations aren’t cheap, and if you’re smart, you’ve set a predetermined budget for the project. This means that tough decisions must be made when it comes to what types of lights you can buy and how many. You’re going to have to choose which rooms you’ll focus most on.

Anytime I’m faced with a tight budget, I place most of my lighting focus on the kitchen, living rooms, bathrooms, and foyers. These rooms are usually the make-or-break areas of the home, so if you must skimp in some areas, skimp elsewhere.

As you can see, lighting is imperative to showing and selling your homes. For more home renovation tips and tricks, check out my Rules of Renovation Seminars or register for a free event! The Rules of Renovation Workshop will give you the resources you need to take your project to the next level.