Good lighting also impacts how we feel. It can help us create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere, both for ourselves and our guests. From creating more depth to smart lighting systems, we’re here to help you discover the best home lighting ideas for your space.

Living Room Lighting Ideas

The living room is often the primary hangout area of the home, so it’s especially important to have lighting that sets the right tone for this versatile room.

1. Layered Lighting

When it comes to the living room, the key to great lighting is layering. You don’t want to rely on just one source of light—this can make the space feel flat or harsh. Instead, combine ambient lighting like overhead chandeliers with task lighting from floor lamps or table lamps for reading. This can look like wall sconces, dimmers, and other lighting fixtures that help create that depth. Just make sure that you match the temperature of your lights—super bright and warm coloring doesn’t blend well. The most popular temperature for residential lighting is either 2700K or 3000K, so pick one and then be consistent throughout your home.

2. Statement Ceiling Lights

 While not every living room needs a grand decorative fixture, when the design calls for it, a well-chosen ceiling light can make a powerful impact. A statement piece like an eye-catching chandelier or pendant light can act as functional art/sculpture that draws the eye upward. Otherwise, living rooms call for options like table lamps, canned lights, and floor lamps.

3. Smart Lighting Solutions

Smart bulbs and lighting systems offer more than just convenience; they allow you to customize your home’s ambiance at the touch of a button. With smart lighting, you can adjust the brightness and color temperature, and even schedule lights to come on or dim at certain times of the day. Living rooms are such versatile spaces, so it helps to customize the lighting from time to time depending on the occasion. 

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Food brings people together, which means that kitchens do, too. As the heart of the home, your kitchen calls for lighting that invites.

4. Under-Cabinet Lighting

For a sleek, modern look that’s also highly functional, under-cabinet lighting is a great option. LED strip lights are a popular choice because they provide focused task lighting with ambiance, making food prep a more enjoyable experience while giving your kitchen a polished look. You can even install motion sensor lights under or in the toe kicks of your cabinets so that you can easily navigate your kitchen at night.

5. Pendant Lights Over the Island

Pendant lights are the perfect combination of style and function, especially when hung over a kitchen island. They not only provide plenty of task lighting but also serve as a design focal point. Many people like to put pendant lights above the sink since that is where we all work the most in the kitchen. However, if your ceiling is low, consider skipping pendant lights in favor of other options that won’t crowd the space.

6. Dimmable Kitchen Lights

Having dimmable lights in the kitchen is a game-changer. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or enjoying a quiet dinner, being able to adjust the lighting lets you set the right mood for any activity or different times throughout the day. Plus, dimmable lights are an energy-efficient option for those moments when you don’t need full brightness.

7. Sconces

Adding sconces in the kitchen can create a more inviting, homey feel. Try placing them over an accent shelf or flanking your kitchen sink or cooktop. They work well in spaces where you want softer lighting without the intensity of overhead lights.

Bedroom Lighting Ideas

The bedroom should be a sanctuary, and the right lighting can help create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere for winding down at the end of the day.

8. Soft, Warm Lighting

In the bedroom, warm-toned lighting is essential for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid bright, task lighting here — instead, opt for low-wattage bedside lamps or dimmable overhead lights that use bulbs with a color temperature of around 2700K. This softer glow is perfect for winding down at the end of the day.

9. Statement Lighting Fixtures

A unique chandelier or sconce can bring a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Pair it with softer lighting elements to balance form and function, ensuring the room feels cozy while still making a design statement.

10. Closet Lighting Solutions

Don’t forget about your closet! Installing LED strips or motion-sensor lights inside closets can make it easier to see and organize your wardrobe, while also adding a luxurious touch. The perfect place for a bit of lighting is under or over any cabinet space you have.

Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Bathroom lighting is all about balancing practicality with comfort so that you have functional lighting for getting ready and softer options for relaxation.

11. Vanity Lighting

No one likes to get ready in a mirror with poor lighting—proper lighting at your vanity is key for tasks like grooming. Sconces placed on either side of the mirror provide even illumination so that you have great visibility for your get-ready routine.. Many people opt for dimmable lights here, too, or even lighting that can change from cool to warm, depending on your get-ready task.

12. Ambient Lighting for Relaxation

For a more relaxing, spa-like feel in your bathroom, consider adding dimmable ceiling lights or even a statement chandelier—a chandelier over the bathtub is especially beautiful. These lighting options create a calming atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.

13. Safety Lighting

When lighting bathrooms, safety is just as important as style. Make sure to choose moisture-resistant lighting options for areas like the shower or above the bathtub to prevent any electrical hazards.

Hallway and Entryway Lighting Ideas

Often overlooked, hallways and entryways benefit greatly from the right lighting and can help set the tone for the rest of your home.

14. Statement Pendant Lights or Chandeliers

We’ve mentioned having pendant lights or chandeliers in a couple of different areas of your home, but that’s because they can add a bold first impression. It adds both light and personality to often-overlooked areas of the home.

15. Wall Sconces for Narrow Hallways

In narrow hallways, floor space is limited, which makes wall sconces an excellent choice. These fixtures provide soft, ambient lighting without crowding the space, so the area feels bright and open. Not a big fan of sconces? Pendant lights also elevate this type of space and can make the area feel bigger than it is.

16. Recessed Lighting for a Sleek Look

If you’re concerned about overwhelming the space with large fixtures, recessed lighting has its benefits, too. For a modern, minimalist aesthetic, recessed lighting is a go-to. They can give off ample light in entryways and hallways, and even make the area feel a bit cozier—especially if on a dimmer.

17. Motion Sensor Lights for Convenience

Motion sensor lights in entryways and hallways offer both convenience and energy savings. These lights turn on automatically when movement is detected, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like entrances. 

18. Highlighting Artwork and Décor

Hallways may sometimes feel like simple “connectors” of the home, many people display their favorite artwork, family photos, or fun architectural details here. You can accentuate these displays with spotlights or track lighting to draw attention to your gallery-like atmosphere.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Outdoor lighting improves your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and functionality for paths, patios, and gardens.

19. Pathway and Garden Lights

Illuminate your outdoor walkways and garden paths with solar-powered lights. These lights are not only eco-friendly but also provide a soft glow that enhances your home’s curb appeal and adds a layer of safety.

20. Patio and Deck Lighting

Outdoor spaces like patios and decks come alive with the right lighting. String lights, lanterns, or even outdoor chandeliers create a warm and magical atmosphere perfect for outdoor dining or relaxation.

21. Security Lighting

Don’t forget about security when planning your outdoor lighting. Motion-sensor lights placed around entryways and darker areas of your yard can help deter unwanted visitors and also help you navigate your yard safely at night.

Specialized Lighting Tips

Even in unique spaces like home offices or multi-functional rooms, you will want to layer your lighting. That’s where a well-placed light can make all the difference.

22. Home Office Lighting

Lighting plays a key role in productivity, especially in home offices. Choose desk lamps that provide focused, task lighting, and consider overhead lighting options like recessed or canned lights or adjustable pendants on a dimmer to reduce eye strain during work. 

23. Artwork and Accent Lighting

Accent lighting in home offices can make the space feel more polished and professional. Use spotlights or track lighting to highlight any artwork or décor—this gives the room a curated, intentional look. Not only will it feel professional for visitors and Zoom guests, but it can also help you create that much-needed separation from the rest of your home.

24. Multi-Functional Spaces

Multi-functional spaces, like a guest room that doubles as a home office, need flexible lighting solutions. Consider a mix of task lighting for work and softer ambient lighting for when the space is being used as a bedroom. This way, you can have your focus space for work without compromising on the welcoming atmosphere you want to create for a guest.

Wrapping Up

Because lighting impacts the atmosphere of your home so much, you don’t want it to be an afterthought in your design choices. With the expertise of Roberts and Lamb, finding the perfect lighting solutions for your home has never been easier. 

We are experts in helping you find solutions for the right fixtures and their placement, especially with each unique room in mind. We have the know-how and incredible vendor connections to bring the best quality to your home. Contact us today to get started on lighting up your home design!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Lighting Your Home appeared first on Roberts & Lamb.

If this is happening to you, you’re likely weighing the pros and cons of moving versus building onto your house. Sometimes it’s easier to start over, but if you want to stay exactly where you are, it might be time to build an addition to your house. This guide will walk you through the entire process of how to build an addition to your house and how it can help make your home the perfect space for you and your family.

Planning Your Home Addition

1. Assess Your Needs and Goals

Before you start, consider why you need a home addition. Some common reasons include needing an extra bedroom because your family has grown beyond what your house holds or you now have older teenagers who can’t fit into the bedrooms comfortably. Maybe you need a home office or a larger kitchen to fit a table to seat the whole family. 

The reasons will be unique for each situation, but you’ll want to make sure it’s a problem that can’t be solved in another easier way. For example, you likely don’t need to build an addition to hold more stuff. Instead, it’s simpler and more affordable to cut down on what you own.

2. Set a Budget

Before you move any further, it’s important to determine how much the project will cost and if you can afford it with funding. Building an addition to your house includes a wide range of expenses like:

• Permits
• Materials (for both construction and interior finishes like flooring)
• Construction labor
• Architectural, contractor, and designer fees (and landscaping fees for a larger project)
• Unexpected expenses

The best way to determine what you’ll expect to pay is to start working with your designer and general contractor at this point. Your builder can show you similar projects and how much they cost, as well as.  take your plans and give you an allocated estimate of what the addition might cost with allowance for finishes. 

Building an addition is an expensive endeavor, depending on the size, design, and goals of your project. Few people can pay for this kind of expansion out-of-pocket, so it’s likely that you’ll also want to secure financing before beginning the project. 

Ultimately, building an addition to your house can increase your home’s value, which is why it can be worth the investment for many.

3. Research Local Zoning Laws and Building Codes

The next step is to determine what regulations you’ll have to follow to have an addition built. The good news is that you aren’t responsible for digging deep into zoning laws or building codes. Instead, at this point, you’ll want to hire an architect to begin working with you. They will determine exactly what constraints your area has and help you design an addition that is both within code, aesthetically pleasing, and in harmony with the design of the rest of your home. 

To begin, your architect will likely create a plan for your build in order to get the necessary permits. Cities or counties will need to look at proposed plans to give their approval for you to get the necessary permits. 

Designing the Addition

4. Choose The Right Design

Now, it’s time for the fun part: designing your dream home addition. If you haven’t already, this is a good time to choose your designer and bring them on board with your architect and builder. Getting your entire team together — architect, designer, general contractor, and landscaper if it’s a larger project — by this phase prepares you for the best outcomes. They can all give input on the feasibility of certain aspects of your project and make choices together to try and make your dreams a reality. 

When you’re working with both your architect and designer, the architect can help with space planning, and the designer will look at that space and determine what will function best for you. With your guidance, your architect will create the layout and the designer will select finishes based on your preferences and budget. 

One of the big architectural decisions you’re going to make upfront is whether to build upward or outward. You’ll need an architect’s insights to determine if it’s possible to build up, but if you can, it’s usually cheaper.

5. Work with a Professional Architect or Designer

To get the best quality addition, you’ll want a highly qualified team for the entire process.  For your design team, consider a professional like Roberts & Lamb. Their team will guide you through the process and recommend architects and general contractors to work with. 

You’ll want a team that has integrity and character, as well as years of experience. The best way to determine you’re picking a good team is to choose someone who comes highly recommended. Talk to your neighbors who have put on an addition or work with the designer that you trust to see who they have worked with.

6. Consider Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

As you’re making your plans, consider how you can create an energy-efficient and sustainable design. Your architect can guide you through the specifics, but you might think about having energy-efficient windows, insulation, and HVAC systems in your new addition. Building this into your home can lower your utility bills and make the new room more comfortable all year round.

Getting Permits and Hiring Contractors

7. Obtain the Necessary Permits

There will be permits that you have to have to build, like zoning permits and building permits. Depending on where you live, you might need permits from the local municipal sewer and water company, public works, health department, or fire protection. The process of getting a permit usually involves filling out paperwork, paying a fee, and scheduling any inspections necessary. All of this is going to be the responsibility of your general contractor. 

If you have a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), you’re also going to want to check with them and see if there are any regulations or rules about what you’re allowed to do and when.

8. Find and Vet Builders

To build an addition to your house, you’ll need a builder to work with. They will do the work of organizing workers to do the labor on your house, as well as obtaining the permits. So how do you find an experienced and reliable builder who will be good to work with? 

Word of mouth is the best way to find a great builder. That way you’re getting someone you know you can trust and who has impressed people before. Instead of comparing bids (those aren’t completely accurate either), go with the builder your architect or designer recommends. This is one of the major advantages of working with a designer. These builders have to consistently produce results that impress the design team as well as the customers, so you can be sure you’re getting someone excellent. 

One good way to get started is to get a project estimate from the recommended builder and bring it to your designer. They’ll look it over to ensure that everything makes sense before giving you the final approval. Even then, always verify the builder’s licenses to make sure everything is in order.

Construction Process

9. Preparing Your Home for Construction

Should you stay in your home during the remodel? The short answer is no. While your builder is expanding your house, living in the building will be difficult and potentially miserable. Construction is noisy, there will be people coming and going all day long, and there will be dust everywhere. To avoid the hassle, move out for a  few weeks of the construction process. 

10. Managing the Construction

A good build team will have regular communication. Your builder will communicate with you about the construction aspects of the job. When you work with Roberts & Lamb, we will pick the finishes before construction ever starts, so we don’t delay the build.

11. Dealing with Unexpected Challenges

In a perfect world, following all the right steps will mean you avoid any problems. But the reality is something will go wrong. Maybe it’s the weather or an unforeseen structural problem, but either way, this is why it’s so important to hire a good team. An excellent team will know how to problem-solve the issues that inevitably arise. 

To be prepared for any kind of problem, it’s important to have a contingency budget of money set aside just in case. Your builders could find mold, a plumbing issue, weird electrical wiring, or even a rough foundation that leads to structural problems. It’s important to have funds ready to deal with anything like this.

Finalizing the Project

12. Inspection and Final Walkthrough

Your builder will arrange for your code inspection to make sure everything follows local regulations.  On top of that, Roberts & Lamb will do site visits regularly with your construction team to make sure the project is on schedule and everything is done to our specifications. Consider us your advocate during the entire process. When the build is done, we’ll do a final walkthrough with the builder and point out anything that needs to be fixed or tweaked. 

13. Moving into the New Space

After everything is approved, the building team will pack up and leave with all of their tools. After that, it’s time to move into the new space. When you work with Roberts & Lamb, we have an install team that will arrive and deliver all the new furnishings into the space or work with the items you’d like in the room. These new furnishings will be planned for as part of the design from the beginning, so they’ll fit perfectly into the new addition. 

Then you’re free to move back into your home and begin enjoying the addition!

Conclusion

There are a lot of moving pieces involved in building an addition to your home, and if you’re wondering how to add an addition to your house, this is the main takeaway: get a good professional team and get them all involved early on. You’ll need a builder and architect to get the permits organized, but you also need a designer to see the vision of your house from the earliest planning stages. 

To get started with your home addition, work with Roberts & Lamb. We’ll work with you from start to finish, working to understand your goals and pain points, as well as regularly visiting the construction site to ensure the builders are meeting all of your needs. Contact us to get started bringing your vision to life.

The post How to Add an Addition to Your House: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Roberts & Lamb.