Home Lighting – How to Plan Light Effectively in a Modern Interior?

01.07.2025

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Home Lighting – How to Plan Light Effectively in a Modern Interior?

Well-planned lighting is a way to create a cozy atmosphere, define functional zones, and highlight the character of the interior. In modern homes, light serves many purposes. See how to plan it effectively!

Say Goodbye to a Single Central Light Source

Just a few years ago, it was common to install one main light source on the ceiling in each room. Today, this solution is considered impractical and simply outdated. Instead, it's worth opting for multiple light points to meet different needs: general lighting, relaxation zones, or workspaces.

Functional Lighting in Practice

Each zone in the home has different lighting requirements. Here are a few examples worth considering during the design phase:

Living Room

A lamp by the coffee table, soft side lighting such as wall sconces, and a reading lamp next to an armchair or bookshelf (see how to create a bookshelf in the living room). All of these elements help create a pleasant, flexible atmosphere – suitable for both work and relaxation.

Kitchen

Here, convenience and functionality are key. Countertop lighting (e.g., under-cabinet LEDs), lights above the kitchen island, and above the dining table – each has a specific role. It’s best if kitchen lighting has a neutral color temperature – around 3500–4000 K – which helps food look natural.

Bathroom

Cooler light in the bathroom (around 4000–5000 K) works well near the mirror – it provides better illumination for the face, making makeup or shaving easier. However, using such cool lighting throughout the home can create a “laboratory” effect, so it's best used selectively.

Bedroom

Warm, muted lighting supports relaxation. Be sure to include bedside lamps, preferably with adjustable brightness and warm light around 2000 K. This is a convenient solution for reading or winding down in the evening.

Light Temperature – Warm or Cool?

When choosing light temperature, consider the color scheme of your interior:
– If cool colors dominate (whites, grays, blues), even warm light at 3000 K may appear yellowish.
– In rooms with lots of wood, beige, yellow, or red, 3000 K light may actually seem too white or cold.

It’s also worth noting that old incandescent bulbs emitted warmer light with a narrower color spectrum. Modern LED bulbs, though energy-efficient and available in many variations, can create a different visual impression even with the same Kelvin value. That’s why it’s a good idea to test different light sources in specific rooms before making a purchase – their color can drastically change depending on wall color, materials, and overall decor. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – it’s best to mix color temperatures based on the function of each area.

Staircase Lighting

In two-story homes, spot lighting for staircases works perfectly. Wall-embedded LEDs or subtle wall sconces help with nighttime movement and create a unique, ambient atmosphere. This is an example of how a practical solution can also serve as a decorative element (read more tips on staircase design).

Summary

Well-planned lighting is key to a comfortable and cozy home. Choose lighting primarily based on its function in a given space. Avoid relying on a single central source – instead, combine different types of lamps and play with light temperatures to create an interior that’s perfect for living.

A home with a garden from Novisa Development is a space you can design exactly the way you want – including the lighting. Because a home is the atmosphere you create.