The Little-Known Impact Of Lighting On: Efficiency& Mood, Paint Colors & Affordable Design

Lighting is one of the most commonly overlooked details, often considered a small touch when in fact it makes a HUGE difference in three major areas of your home and life. This week , Homes of Silicon Valley is taking a glimpse into a topic that impacts virtually all homeowners young and old, new and experienced and everyone in between.

MOOD/EFFICIENCY

Did you know that bright light – and the lack thereof – can affect your internal biological clock, sleeping patterns, energy and mood? In fact, many recent studies have focused on how the maximization of daylight increases happiness and productivity in the office. Why not apply these same principles to home? When choosing lighting for your home, do not underestimate the power of natural light, and making sure your window treatments, furniture placement and overall design elements account for both natural and artificial light.

To learn more about how different activities require different light, when over lit is overkill and more, visit the Ridiculously Efficient blog HERE.

PAINT COLORS

One of the biggest secrets of choosing the right paint color (you know the one you love and don’t regret!) has nothing to do with the size of the paint sample – but the light you look at it in! According to HouseLogic, the way that we see color depends on how the color absorbs light (such as black absorbs all colors – and white absorbs none), and how the actual light source works (level of sunlight & type of bulb).

Be sure to view every paint color you are considering in both natural and artificial light, in every room you are planning to use it in and with the type of bulb you plan to install. Never underestimate if a room faces north, south, east or west (for sunlight purposes) and if you are using incandescents, fluorescents, halogens, LED’s or CFL’s (for artificial light considerations).

Gather some great tips on exactly how room orientation and light bulb selection impact paint color on HouseLogic HERE.

DESIGN TRENDS

Before you consider blowing your budget on all new furniture, take a look at your lighting! According to Houzz (and our own personal experience!), lighting is one of the most affordable and impactful ways to update your home. It can also play a huge role in creating flow within one room and across the home when you have different design styles in play. Transitional lighting styles can pull together what is old & new, while distinctive lighting trends can 'make' a room if that’s what you are going for.

Pendant lights over islands, farmhouse fixtures in kitchens and chandeliers in dining rooms are all the rage ~ but if you are selling, consider the implications of one lighting style that may not fit all!

For a helpful list of ‘5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting”, visit Houzz HERE.

Whether you are a prospective home buyer, a thrilled existing homeowner or spring seller – we are always happy to help you look on the ‘bright side’ of your buying, selling & homeownership needs! (Pun intended!)

All our best,

Mark & Jason