Especially for entertaining, proper lighting highlights your décor and creates ambience. You will be more relaxed in a softer lit room and your guests will take note of your attention to detail. This applies to all areas of the house, kitchen, dining room, living room, the yard, and even your bathrooms. There’s nothing worse than using a powder room and being attacked by the ‘ugly lights’ you find in department store change rooms.

Lighting is not just about utility, it’s where style meets function and I believe the most important element in decorating. Walk into any lighting store and you’ll see that the choices are endless, so this month I’d like to share a few ideas with you on how you can get creative with your lighting.

Sconces
A trend that has come and gone from interior design, sconces are back in a big way and there are more styles available than ever. Sconces are a great way to light hallways and bedrooms instead of traditional ceiling lighting. Especially for the art lover, they are the perfect way to show off whatever is on your walls.

Another advantage of using sconces is that they take up less space than table and floor lamps. Use them above a nightstand and make room for other décor pieces like sculptures, photos or a vase full of fresh flowers.

Chandeliers
A great way to add drama to an otherwise simply decorated room is with an eye-popping, stop-you-in-your-tracks chandelier. The current trend is leaning towards over-scaled pieces, they can add sparkle and whimsy and look great in any room. Typically reserved for entryways and over dining room tables, try using a chandelier in your bedroom, above an island or in a bathroom.

You may also have some fun playing the style of your chandelier against the style of your room to create interest. For example, if you have a modern aesthetic and lean towards straight lines, try a more ornate traditional chandelier. The mix is on-trend and will add visual interest to a space.

Make sure to measure the height of your ceiling and ask the retailer how space the fixture will take up. There are plenty of options that will hang lower from the ceiling and still have impact.

Pendants
Typically placed above kitchen islands, I love using pendants in creative ways. Like sconces, they look great hanging over nightstands in bedrooms rather than table lamps. The look is modern, chic and functional and there are great options for pendants with shades to create softer, romantic lighting.

Pendants can also be used like chandeliers if you group them in creative ways. Try hanging several of the same pendants at varied length in an entry or above a table. This kind of grouping can create a custom, one of a kind look.

Table & Floor Lamps
If you really want to make a bold statement with your lighting there are unique and attention-grabbing table and floor lamps available. Table and floor lamps work really well for a quiet corner to read in or to add the finishing touches to an otherwise simple living room. They are the perfect accent piece and will highlight a bare corner or create some ambience. No room is complete with just one ceiling mount fixture.

Works of art in their own regard, a table and floor lamp can be an easy do-it-yourself project. You can make a lamp out of almost anything; all you need is a kit from the hardware store and pick up an inexpensive shade from IKEA or Homesense. You can even customize the shade with a fabric remnant or wallpaper. It will bring colour and pattern into your space.

Finally, when you’re having your new lighting installed, try to put a dimmer switch on each light. As the daylight (and your mood) changes it’s nice to have the option to change the ambience. I like to put dimmers on lights in the house. Also, energy efficient bulbs are now available that don’t have the fluorescent glow, so be sure to think green even when it comes to lighting.

Let there be light!