Lighting is such an important part of your home. Right?
In the wake of launching our new Non-Toxic Candle we thought it was very fitting to have Garrett, a lighting designer, on the blog to share his tips for your home when it comes to mood, vibe, and ambiance through lighting.
In this post he’s going to talk about why you need dimmers, how to layer your lights, room specific tips and so much more.
With that, let’s welcome Garrett to the blog.
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Hi there!, I’m Garrett, a second-generation lighting designer. I grew up immersed in the world of architecture and design. My passion for lighting didn’t happen overnight, though.
While in college, my journey took me from managing bands, waiting tables, and working in a law firm before realizing my true calling was in design. I grew up going to a lot of concerts and so I became fascinated by the interaction of sound and light, which inspired me to help shape spaces through illumination.
After school, I joined my father’s business, and together we’ve been creating bespoke lighting solutions for everything from luxury homes to large-scale hotels. We are more like vibe technicians. Lighting isn’t just about seeing in the dark, it’s about creating a vibe.
Our mission is to make every space feel special with the perfect lighting plan. And here’s what I’ve learned along the way about how lighting can completely change the vibe of every room in your home.
Home Lighting Tips So Every Room Has a Vibe
Every Room Should Have Dimmers
Step up your home lighting game by installing dimmers. Dimmers are the ultimate starting point.
Why? Because they give you control. Instead of your lights being either on or off, dimmers let you fine-tune the vibe.
Want a cozy setting for a movie night? Dial it down.
Need bright light to get stuff done? Crank it up.
Plus, dimmers can stretch the life of your bulbs and save you cash on energy bills — a win-win. You don’t need a full-blown renovation to make a big impact. Start small, go with dimmers, and watch how your space transforms. I’d recommend Lutron Caseta for an entry level dimming system. It’s WiFi based and allows you to control your lighting from your phone and a physical switch.
Set the Mood in the Living Room with Layered Lighting
To level up your living room lighting, think in layers—ambient, task, and accent lighting. Each one plays a role in setting the mood and function of your space. Ambient lighting is your base—it fills the room with general light. For that, go with a chandelier or recessed lighting to keep things bright and open.
Next, you’ve got task lighting, which is all about focus. Place table or floor lamps next to sofas or reading chairs to make sure you’ve got the right light where it counts.
And don’t forget accent lighting—this is where you highlight those cool architectural features or artwork with soft spotlights. For that final touch, consider candles or cordless lamps. It’s that extra layer that makes the room feel warm and inviting. Check out ERCO’s modular 48V lighting system, perfect for custom configurations.
Create a Calming Oasis in the Bedroom with Warm Lighting
Go for soft, warm lighting that feels like natural sunlight—it’s a game-changer. Warm tones help your body wind down, making it easier to chill and sleep. For that cozy vibe, grab some dimmable sconces or table lamps with warm LED bulbs (aim for around 2700K). Try Tryka LED products.
Want to add a little luxury? Throw in a statement pendant over the bed. Here’s a tip: position your lights on either side of the bed at head height. It’s perfect for reading and easy on the eyes. If you’re into smart bulbs, don’t forget to set up an all-red scene for those sexy moments.
Use Smart Bulbs
Smart bulbs are a game-changer when it comes to home lighting. Why? Because they give you total control—whether you’re at home or not. You can adjust the brightness, color, and even set the mood with just a tap on your phone or a voice command.
Imagine walking into a room and having your lights automatically turn on to your favorite setting. Need bright white for productivity? Done. Want a warm, moody vibe for a dinner party? Easy. Plus, smart bulbs can save you energy by scheduling them to turn off when you’re not around.
Some smart bulbs manufacturers, like Ketra let you create custom scenes—dim the lights for dinner, switch to cool tones in the morning, or even set up colorful lighting for parties. They’re also super convenient for security, since you can control them remotely when you’re away. Basically, smart bulbs let you fine-tune the lighting in your home to fit your mood and various needs.
Make the Kitchen Functional and Stylish with Bright, Focused Light
In the kitchen, bright, neutral-toned task lighting is a must. You want to see exactly what you’re doing—whether you’re chopping, cooking, or hosting. Under-cabinet LED strips are perfect for that focused light you need, and pairing them with a statement pendant or recessed lights gives you solid general brightness.
Stick with neutral white (around 3500K) to mimic daylight—it’s the sweet spot for cooking and making everything look on point. Try fixtures like the Vestalux V2 Luminaire from Lumascape for a sleek look.
Elevate Your Bathroom with Task and Ambient Lighting
Bathrooms need a balance of task and ambient lighting to hit that perfect sweet spot. You want enough brightness for grooming, but also a relaxed vibe for when it’s time to unwind in the bath.
Vanity lights around mirrors are a must for your make up and skin care, while recessed ceilinglights give you that soft, all-over ambient glow and reduce shadows. Install your vanity lights at head height for the best functionality, and consider tunable white LEDs so you can adjust the brightness and warmth based on your mood or time of day.
Want to take it up a notch? Add an LED strip under the vanity or in shower niches for that spa-like effect. These are great for night lights as well. CLS Lighting offers fixtures perfect for wet environments.
Outdoor Lighting Should be a Mix of Safety and Aesthetics
Light pathways for safety but also highlight your home’s architecture and landscaping. Use in-ground uplights ot illuminate trees or outdoor features and pathway lights to guide guests and enhance the landscape design. MaxiLED Globe Series offers excellent options for outlining walkways and creating a magical ambience.
If you need help with lighting and setting the right vibe in your home, you can find my team and I @neal.lighting or on our website. I’m sure we can create something extraordinary together.
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Hope you loved this post and found it useful. Remember, making small adjustments to your home doesn’t have to be expensive or a huge reno job. By replacing lightbulbs, getting some rechargable lamps and installing dimmers you can create an environment that energizes, inspires and/or relaxes you.
In Lauryn’s home, she tries to use only red light bulbs, candle light or natural sunlight, especially upstairs around the bedrooms. Try it and let us know how you like it.
x, The Skinny Confidential team.
+ Learn more about Lauryn’s specific habits and why morning and evening light is essential.
++ How to recover from a bad night’s sleep.
HOME LIGHTING TIPS:
