Lighting can make or break a space…

but “good” lighting in a home isn’t just about natural light coming in through the windows; it’s also about creating feeling through layered fixtures that bring ambiance and function. Lighting is one of the first things we consider when designing a home, and in our opinion, it’s just as important as other hard finishes like paint and flooring.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to give your lighting a refresh, finding inspiration is always the best place to start. In this post, we’re sharing our favorite tips on approaching lighting design in every part of the home.

Lighting in the entryway 

When it comes to choosing lighting pieces that work together in a home, it’s all about finding a cohesive element that ties each room and selection together. The entryway is often the start of your “lighting story” and where you set the scene for your lighting throughout the home. We love incorporating a statement lamp on a console table to add personality and welcome you with a warm low light.

From our Home on The Ranch

When choosing a lamp for your console table, consider bringing in an interesting material element like marble, plaster, or even glass, that you want to incorporate in your lighting selections throughout your home

Lighting in the great room 

We like to have multiple lighting levels in the great room to create a cozy ambiance and mood for settling in, kicking our feet up, and enjoying good conversation. While we often start with the overhead light to draw the eye up to the ceiling, sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps bring the space to life, allowing for lighting adjustments based on the time of day occasion.

From our PC Contemporary Project

Layer in a floor lamp to your great room to add an element of shape, bring in a new level of heigh for dimension, and ensure all of your guests look their best with that warm lamp glow.

Lighting in the kitchen 

Lighting in the kitchen is all about merging form and function, and it’s amazing how much of a difference can be made by switching out your lighting in the kitchen. Over-island pendants are often one of the most eye-catching features of the kitchen, and whether you want them to blend into your kitchen design or stand out and make a statement, the possibilities are endless.

From our AZ Homestead Project

Not sure where to start in choosing cohesive kitchen lighting? Match your cabinet hardware to one of the materials on your pendants!

Lighting in the dining room 

As one of the main focal points of the dining room, lighting can completely change the style and feel of your favorite gathering space.
We love incorporating a chandelier directly above the dining table in both divided and open-concept spaces to introduce a new purpose for the area and add a material element.

From The McGee Home

While we like to mix up styles, shapes, and forms of lighting throughout a home, choosing a cohesive element between your dining and kitchen lighting like material or shape can help bring the look together.

Lighting in the bedroom 

Lighting in the bedroom is all about creating a mood, and we love layering overhead lighting with sconces and floor and table lamps. When choosing your bedroom lighting, start with your overhead chandelier or pendant, and then select an element, be it material or style, to coordinate your secondary lighting choices.

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Summer Catalogue shot at The McGee Home

We love incorporating sconces above the nightstands as an alternative to the table-side lamp to create a retreat-like atmosphere.

Lighting in the bathroom 

While lighting can be disregarded in the bathroom, it’s crucial in softening and elevating one of the spaces where we spend the most time. Sconces can be a great way to bring contrast to your finishes with a new shape or material, while over-bath pendants bring a luxurious feeling to everyday rituals.

From our McGee & Co. 2020 Winter Catalogue

Looking to mix it up? Round shapes in lighting can help soften the hard lines that bathroom features and finishes often bring through cabinetry and appliances.

Outdoor lighting 

Outdoor lighting might be slightly different than the lighting throughout the interior of your home, but because it introduces the lighting story for the rest of the space, it should still feel resonant with what’s happening inside.

From The McGee Home

Outdoor lighting inspired by timeless lighting pieces like lanterns and candelabras can go a long way in adding an element of character and charm to your exterior!