Why Lighting Should Be Your Number-One Design Priority

Lighting is often the most overlooked component of interior design — yet it shapes mood, function, and the way we experience a space more than any other element.

Natural light is ideal, so start by maximizing windows: keep window treatments light and minimal, avoid blocking light with bulky furniture, and use mirrors to bounce light deeper into the room. For artificial lighting, layer your lighting design using ambient (overhead), task (reading or cooking), and accent lighting (to highlight artwork, décor, or architectural features).

Opt for bulbs with warm color temperatures in living spaces to promote coziness, and make switches or dimmers easily accessible so you can control atmosphere. Finally, think about where shadows fall — placing a floor lamp next to a reading chair or a spotlight on favorite decor can dramatically change how you perceive the space.

Good lighting doesn’t just help you see — it elevates the mood, highlights design intent, and transforms everyday rooms into inviting, purposeful environments.