If you’re planning a living-in-place home remodel, one of the most important considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked is the proper use of natural and artificial light. After all, both help ensure your living spaces not only look great but also exude a sense of comfort and safety. This blog post explains the benefits of incorporating proper lighting solutions in your aging-in-place remodel.
Natural Light
Natural light plays a pivotal role in creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in your home. One of its primary benefits is energy efficiency. By relying more on sunlight, you can significantly reduce your electricity usage during daylight hours.
Additionally, exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Incorporating natural light can make your space appear larger and more open, creating a brighter and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
When planning house additions or simple room remodels, consider including features that maximize natural light, such as skylights, windows of specific sizes, and open floor plans. White walls, light-colored wood flooring, and other reflective surfaces can also help reflect sunlight throughout the space.
Artificial Light
Artificial light is as important as natural light in catering to various tasks and moods. There are three primary types of artificial lighting: ambient lighting for general illumination, task lighting for focused activities, and accent lighting for highlighting specific features.
For example, consider various lighting needs in a bathroom remodeling project. Ensure adequate task lighting around mirrors and vanity areas for grooming activities and install soft ambient lighting for a relaxing bath or shower experience. Incorporating safety lighting such as nightlights and motion-activated fixtures can improve accessibility and prevent accidents, especially for individuals with mobility issues.
You can use a combination of task and ambient lighting for kitchen remodeling as well. Task lighting, such as pendant lights and under-cabinet fixtures, should be installed in the food prep areas. Meanwhile, ambient lighting in the form of recessed or track lights can set the tone for dining and socializing. Toe-kick lighting promotes increased safety and visual appeal.
Smart Lighting Solutions
Opting for energy-efficient lighting, like LED and CFL bulbs, can help you save on electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified products that meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to conventional light switches, incorporating dimmer and motion-controlled switches can further add convenience while also enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Dimmers allow you to adjust the light intensity according to your needs, while motion sensors ensure lights are turned off when a room is unoccupied.
Get the Right Lighting
Achieving the right balance of natural and artificial light in your living-in-place remodel is one of the keys to creating a comfortable, functional, and visually appealing living environment that will grow and adapt with you throughout all the seasons of your life. Ready to take the next step in your kitchen or bathroom remodeling journey? Get in touch with the experts at G.M. Roth Design Remodeling! Call us at (603) 880-3761, or fill out our convenient online form to request a consultation. We serve residents in and around Reading and Chelmsford, MA.
