Glow factor

FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES AND DISCOVER HOW, WITH THE RIGHT LIGHTING, YOU CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE TO THE LOOK AND FEEL OF YOUR HOME

Words KYLIE JACKES

Agreat lighting scheme throughout your home can be a game changer. Improved ambience is one of the visible benefits, but functionality, safety and energy efficiency are other gains. Plus, a revamp – including overhead lights, pendants and lamps – gives you the opportunity to add layers of style and personality. Here’s our guide to getting it right inside and out.

If your lighting scheme consists of little more than a few downlights, chances are it’s inadequate, resulting in unevenly lit spaces that lack warmth. The remedy is to layer ambient, task and accent lighting which you can control to suit the occasion or mood. Jane Troiano of Arlec suggests using multiple light sources at different levels. “For a warm and relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom, consider a dimmable overhead light, wall lights either side of the bed for a soft glow and bedside table lamps for reading.” In living areas, Jane recommends combining overhead recessed lighting with pendant lights for a bright and airy, yet functional atmosphere, highlighting artworks with wall sconces and positioning floor or table lamps beside sofas.

The kitchen is a cooking and social hub where lighting needs to serve various purposes. Think task lights for food prep, something with an ambient glow for when the mood shifts to entertaining, as well as striking feature lights. “Pendants above the island benchtop add style as well as directed task lighting and, if you install batten-fix versions, you can easily change them to update your look,” explains Sharon Breeze of Brilliant Lighting. “There are also easy DIY replacements for downlights to convert them to 1- or 3-light directional spotlights to brighten bench space and direct light to where you really need it.” To boost brightness, glass-fronted cabinets can look stunning when lit from within at night, while retrofit strip lighting under overhead cabinets is an effective way to illuminate benchtops and wash light over the splashback.

A common bathroom blunder is reliance on a central overhead light. “These lights tend to cast shadows onto mirrors, so it’s better to combine them with vanity lights above or beside mirrors, which will evenly illuminate your face,” says Sharon. Choose from sleek wall sconces, slimline bars and pretty pendants. For natural-looking light, Sharon recommends bulbs with a colour temperature of 3000K to 4000K. Another option is Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) globes that allow you to adjust the colour temperature as required. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window or needs extra ventilation, consider a fan/heat/ light combination. “Gone are the days of heat globes that need replacing,” says Sharon. “Instead, opt for a streamlined panel style with radiant heat and LED CCT lighting.” 

Well-lit paths, driveways, entries and outdoor entertaining areas are essential for safety and security, while uplit trees and twinkling lights create magic after dark, says Jane Troiano. “A pair of wall sconces or lanterns either side of the front door can provide a soft, ambient light, while ground lights, spotlights and string lights are great options to brighten pathways and garden areas, and can be used to create dramatic lighting effects.” For added safety, Jane suggests installing motion-sensor lights.

To cut power bills, switch to LED bulbs and consider having smart lighting systems installed. “Smart lighting technology and smart bulbs which connect to an app can be used throughout the home, allowing the ability to control colour temperature, dimmers and timers remotely from a smartphone or tablet,” explains Jane. Other energy-savvy solutions include sensor solar LED wall lights, which turn on when motion is detected after dusk. Inside, battery-powered motion sensor wall lights are ideal for lighting the way at night along hallways or in bathrooms.

1 IXL ‘Tastic Ovation’ 3 in 1 bathroom heater, exhaust fan and light, $589, I/N: 0251870. 2 Lytworx motion sensor wall light, $19.90, I/N: 0300798 (batteries sold separately). 3 Brilliant ‘Cabine’ 240V 29.5cm metal pendant light in Black, $185, I/N: 7071454 (globe sold separately). 4 Arlec 30W security sensor LED twin flood light, $44.38, I/N: 0132000. 5 Philips Hue ‘LightStrip Plus’ 2m white and colour light strip, $117, I/N: 0326158 (requires Philips Hue Bridge). 6 Brilliant ‘Jez’ 3 light DIY spotlight in Black, $107, I/N: 0277211. 7 Brilliant ‘Corymbia’ smart DIY LED garden light kit, $239/ pack of 6, I/N: 0145085. 8 Arlec 9.5W 806lm CCT ES smart globe with Grid Connect, $21.49, I/N: 0119820. 9 Philips Hue 8W IP65 600lm outdoor spot extension kit, $125, I/N: 0087402. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Any hardwired electrical fixtures must be installed by a licensed electrician.