12 Simple Bathroom Updates You Can Do Yourself

Bathrooms are spaces that often go overlooked, but when they’re spruced up, they add some serious value to your home! Remodeling can take loads of time and effort (not to mention money), but giving your bathroom a facelift doesn’t have to. These simple tips can give you the bathroom of your dreams.

1. Organize

The last thing you want to deal with at the beginning and end of your day is CLUTTER. Give yourself the gift of a good system! Containers may seem unnecessary, but when you’re rushing out the door, it saves you a headache to just have an easy home for all your toiletries.

2. Add Greenery

Plants bring life, peace, and tranquility into a space. This bathroom would be the perfect escape from the stress of everyday life. The warm tones mixed with the green tell you to relax and take a break. Who are you to tell them no?

3. Change the Hardware

Arguably one of the easiest ways to take your bathroom from the early 2000s to today without spending a fortune is changing the hardware on your cabinets. Finish options are endless! The bathroom above uses gold accents to create a cohesive look with a modern feel.

4. Spruce Up the Walls

If you’re looking for a simple way to make a big impact in your bathroom and have a free weekend coming up, a fresh coat of paint and some elbow grease will make your bathroom feel like a brand new space with just a few hours of work! 

Want to take it to the next level? Bold wallpapers are in, and they really let you show off your personality! This bathroom incorporates the best of both worlds with a simple, painted board and batten wall on the bottom and wallpaper on top! It’s not as hard as it looks – check out this quick tutorial!

Renter-friendly option: Removable peel and stick wallpaper will give you the same look without having to commit long-term. Love the board and batten? There’s a renter-friendly tutorial for that too!

5. Update Mirrors

Bathroom mirrors are often neglected, but they totally change the feel of the room – don’t leave them out! These wood-framed mirrors bring warmth to this bathroom’s design and help to balance out all of the cool tones and polished finishes. 

Renter-friendly option: If replacing your mirror is out of the budget or you’re renting, adding a wood frame to an existing mirror is an easy one-weekend DIY project – just make sure you can easily remove it if you’re renting!

6. Paint Your Cabinets

Painting your bathroom cabinets may take a little effort, but it’s a great way to unify your space or to add a fun pop of color your bathroom. With just a small can of paint and some time, you can take your bathroom from basic to beautiful, even with a low budget. This bathroom’s painted cabinets help to ground the space, and provide much-needed contrast that takes the design from bland to balanced.

7. Replace Old Light Fixtures

Replacing a ceiling or wall light in your bathroom with a modern fixture that’s more your style will give the entire room an instant style boost! You don’t have to play it safe here – find a fixture you love and jump in! We love the way this bathroom shows some serious creativity with these pendant lights that highlight this AMAZING wood accent wall. 

Many homeowners are wary of swapping out light fixtures, but it’s usually a pretty simple DIY. We recommend starting with your vanity light first if you’re on a budget – great front-facing light by the mirror will make the biggest impact on your morning routine!

8. Layer Your Light

Every room in your house should have several light sources to make it feel more comfortable and eliminate harsh shadows and dark corners. In a living room, that’s as easy as tossing in a few lamps, but layering light in a bathroom can be a little trickier.

This bathroom uses a combination of pendant lights and recessed lights to make the whole space feel bright and airy. If your bathroom lighting isn’t working for you, installing an extra wall or ceiling light is the best way to go from dark and dingy to light and bright. 

If your bathroom’s already finished and rewiring isn’t in the cards – don’t worry! Fortunately, there are a lot of easy do-it-yourself options out there. 

LED light strips like the ones in this bathroom are inexpensive and as easy to install as a sticker! They’re usually used behind the mirror or under cabinets, but they can go anywhere you want some extra light. 

You can also replace a light switch or outlet cover with one that has a built-in light – no more blind fumbling for a switch in the middle of the night.

Renter-friendly option: Get a motion-sensing plug-in outlet light or a rechargeable countertop light! These are both non-permanent ways to add a layer of light and keep yourself from bumping into the counter in the dark.

9. Update Faucets

Another way to update the look of your bathroom and conserve water is by switching out your faucets. Look for a faucet with a WaterSense label to reduce your sink’s water flow by 30 percent or more. Less water flow means a lower water bill. With a lower water bill, you’ll have some extra change in your pocket to take your family out for dinner (or yourself–you deserve it!).

10. Dim the Lights

The lights in this bathroom make it a retreat from chaos. When you want a calming bath, dim the lights for optimal relaxation. Dimmable lights give you the flexibility to turn your bathroom into a spa.

Bonus points: Since dimmable lights are more energy-efficient, installing a dimmer switch will leave you with extra money to do more with your bathroom!

Renter-friendly option: Use other lower-light options like strip lights, countertop lights, or LED candles like in the bathroom above.

11. Add a Backsplash

The metallic accents and painted vanity in this bathroom are to die for, but what really makes this space magic is that classic backsplash. Not only does it breathe new life into this space, but it also protects the wall from moisture and staining, so you won’t have to worry about mold or mildew. With a little DIY magic, this bathroom feels complete!

Renter-friendly option: Use a peel and stick backsplash instead! It’ll look like tile without actually being permanent.

12. Update Your Tile Floor

While tile may be a bigger time or money investment, this bathroom clearly shows that it pays off. If you’re wanting to update the floor, choosing a unique tile like this is the way to go. Pro tip: while real tile will give you the best result, you can actually use a stencil to paint your floor. It will give it the same look for a fraction of the cost!

Renter-friendly option: Use removable flooring (peel and stick) to look like custom tile, or cut a vinyl piece to fit the size of any existing tile.

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Don’t let your bathroom fall between the cracks any longer! When you’re ready to take it to the next level, give our experts at One Stop Lighting a call. We’d love to help you get started and give you more tips like these.

How to Use Patterns and Textures in Every Room of Your Home to Personalize Your Space

Interior design trends seem to cycle back and forth every five to ten years. And right on cue, after a long stretch of neutral minimalism, maxalimist living has taken designers and influencers by storm!

The rise of maximalist design doesn’t mean you have to redo your entire home. But it gives you an excellent opportunity to touch up your existing space with bold patterns.

We’ll give you top ideas for incorporating patterns for any design aesthetic throughout your home! Then you can adapt these tips to your own style, budget, and space.

Kitchen

Your kitchen is the heart of the home, and so the style influences here will change how the rest of the house feels. 

So if you’re ready to change up the balance of your white cabinets and walls, try a few of these tips:

  • Custom backsplash: An easy way to increase the function and design of your home is by installing a backsplash that matches your unique style. With endless tile options, you can create a minimalist pattern or a loud mosaic impact with bright colors.
  • Runner rugs: Tired of aching feet and a crumby floor? Runner rugs make your home safer, cleaner, and prettier. Line your floors with patterned rugs to add dimension and enjoyment to your dinner prep.
  • Display plates and dishes: The shift to a more maximalist design includes incorporating personal touches to your decor. So display your inherited china or thrifted dishes for another layer of patterns and history.
  • Island pendants: Create a final dimension of patterns with light! Your pendant shades can create shadows, new colors, or bright spotlights to increase the variety of your home.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are often a tricky space to decorate– you want to enjoy your space, but you usually don’t have room to embellish much. With a little creativity (and courage) you can pack a punch with some washroom-approved patterns. 

Try adding some layers by updating your:

  • Wallpaper: Make an impact without taking up needed space with wallpaper. Add natural neutrals, bold art deco, or geometric modern to immediately glow up the area.
  • Tile work: Bathrooms offer so many opportunities to use tile. Redo your countertop, create a backsplash, touch up the floor, or renovate your tub and shower!
  • Vanity lights: The lighting around your mirror is another way to play with patterns. Whether it’s a custom shade or a unique number of lights, it’s another valuable investment that will significantly impact your bathroom. 
  • Textiles: Incorporate your towels, washcloths, and rugs into your design to save space and add beauty. Using contrasting colors and patterns, you can use these textiles as an accent layer in your design.

Hallways

Your hallways are a tricky spot– not much light, wall space, or floor space is available to show your personality. But these small, narrow spaces are a great place to incorporate some maximalist colors and patterns.

Some space-saving, high-impact design tips include: 

  • Sconces: Create a new rhythm for your hall by spacing out wall sconces along the way. You can add beauty and light to any hall, from DIY peel-and-stick to professionally installed hard-wired options.
  • Textured walls: Add interest to your walls with custom board and batten or wood strips. It’s easy to customize, install, and match to any color scheme.
  • Runners: Protect high-traffic walkways with a runner rug! You’ll extend the life of your wood or carpet floors and add another layer of color and exciting patterns.
  • Eclectic gallery: While most hallways don’t have much open wall, an eclectic gallery can fit the smallest spaces. You’ll add color, personality, and pattern with a few frames tucked between doorways!

Bedrooms

Your family bedrooms are a great place to match your unique personality. While the rest of the house may stick to one theme, this private space can be anything you want.

We recommend playing with:

  • Curtains: Layer curtains for a custom layout and better sleep. Blackout curtains usually have less design variety, but you can layer them with patterned sheer curtains for a daytime set.
  • Accent walls: Create the perfect focal point for your personal domain with wallpaper or use wood planks in a custom design.
  • Bedding: Use a floral, geometric, or playful bedspread to display your personality. Or, if you like to change your look often, use a white bedspread and rotate patterned throws throughout the year.
  • String lights: Create soft light patterns by stringing fairy lights around your room. For an added layer, swap fairy lights for color-changing LEDs!

Dining Room

Whether your dining area is a dedicated room or a nook off the kitchen, it should be defined as a separate space. Then you can leave the work of food preparation stress in the kitchen and switch to relaxation and connection as you eat. 

Define the space by:

  • Distinct wall treatments: Change the mood by using different colors and shapes for your dining walls. Patterned wallpaper is an easy way to get a professional finish without detailed work!
  • A bold divider: If your dining room shares the space with your kitchen, add texture and pattern with a wall divider. From eclectic to traditional, you’re sure to find the right touch for your space.
  • Unique lighting: Signal a mood change with your lighting choices. Using a different style of pendant or chandelier from the kitchen will disrupt the food-making pattern.
  • Playing with upholstery: Use a table runner, placemats, or statement upholstered chairs for an added layer of personality.

Living Room

From hosting parties to a quiet movie night, your living room provides a comfortable space to relax and enjoy. But relaxation doesn’t mean it has to be quietly predictable. 

Try some of these tips to maximize design in your shared “unwind” space:

  • Wallpaper the ceiling: Do a unique riff on traditional wallpaper by wallpapering the ceiling. You’ll create interest by adding pattern and color to an ordinarily neutral space.
  • Change neutral patterns with colored LEDs: Prefer a neutral room but want to up the anti for parties? Then try color-changing LEDs to turn your neutral wallpaper into something bright and playful.
  • Swap pillow covers: Even in the most neutral space, you can add pattern and dimension with new pillow covers. Corduroy, leather stripes, or soft florals will make your sofas look brand new.
  • Layer rugs: Layering rugs is a new standard for luxe-looking living rooms. You can keep it simple with a muted border or play up the patterns with a modern geometric display.

Home Office

More people than ever have a dedicated work space from home– but have you taken the time to craft a space that works best for you and your tastes? 

Create interest in your Zoom meetings (without lagging virtual backgrounds) with some of these tips:

  • Accent wall for the camera: Show your personality to your coworkers and clients with a beautiful accent wall in sight of your camera. It will beat your cubical or office walls anyways!
  • Interesting lamp shades: Create shadow or color with a unique lamp shade. You’ll improve visibility and do better work, too!
  • Computer mat: Keep your workspace clean, organized, and attractive with a patterned laptop mat. You can cover your entire desk for a comprehensive update or accent your space with a keyboard-sized mat.
  • Reading chairs: Add flavor to your room with an accent reading chair or two. Reading chairs offer an excellent opportunity to introduce new patterns to the room without going overboard.

After years of minimalist, copy-paste interior design, it’s time to breathe new personality and individualism into our homes with some playful patterns. Go for whatever suits you best. You keep your minimalist aesthetic and introduce a few subtle patterns and textures. Or, you can go all in on a complete redesign and bring bold, beautiful patterns and colors throughout your home! 

Whatever your style, there are endless ways to incorporate patterns and embrace your favorite designs.

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at One Stop Lighting for advice on your project!

 

Gorgeous Nature-Inspired Rooms You’ll Want to Escape To Immediately

When you’re designing your house, finding inspiration is key. Taking a step outside can give you a fresh perspective – there’s no better inspiration than mother nature herself!  No matter what space you’re working on, drawing from the beauty of nature will make your home feel like paradise.

The combination of earth tones and natural materials in these rooms almost makes them feel more like they should be in National Geographic than a home decor magazine – and we mean that in the very best way possible. 

Bathrooms

Picture yourself after a long day of work. You’re exhausted, and what you need more than anything is a moment to yourself. You finally get some uninterrupted time to sit in the warmth of the tub and it feels good. The anxiety melts away. Your bathroom can be a natural refuge from your stress. When you put a little effort into your bathroom, it’ll pay off!

The owner of this room has a green thumb that brings the whole room to life. To complement the plants, they chose a macrame chandelier that’s uniquely fitted for this bathroom. Warm wood and wicker also feel right at home in this organic space. The black furniture and tub ground the look, bringing an effortless cohesiveness. You’d have a hard time feeling anything but relaxed here.

This light and airy space incorporates natural materials like wicker and terracotta pots. The foolproof combination of warm wood tones, green plants, and neutral, natural colors will always leave you feeling like you’re stepping into an oasis! This room is definitely a no-interruption zone.

If it was possible (or ethical) to steal a bathtub, we’d be walking out of this bathroom hauling this one! The wood exterior is a nature enthusiast’s dream base for relaxation. The twinkling lights behind it are also a charming touch to give the bath a glow. 

Living Rooms

The living room is the main hub of the house. It’s where work, relax, and entertain guests – you live here. Whether you choose a paired back approach or go full maximalist and pull out all the stops, make sure to include some natural materials to ground yourself and make the living room feel more like home.

Neutrals are the star of the show in this living room. We love the texture the pendant light brings and how it coordinates with the mirror frame and the accessories in the room. The color palette may be limited, but each piece works together to create a neutral haven where texture is the star of the show. 

This nature-inspired design would work well in a space of any size. When you’re strapped for square footage, picking a smaller couch that will still accommodate your needs is a smart choice. A pendant light also shows creativity since it won’t take up any extra floor space. It’ll give you the ambiance for an intimate conversation or some light for reading. The texture of the wicker and wood here is also stunning. Adding burnt orange brings a tiny pop of color to make you feel extra happy!

This colorful living room is oozing with style! Who said organic design has to be boring? We can’t help but feel insanely jealous of whoever owns this room. Everything here – the colors, textiles, plants, and warm wood furniture – is to die for. Don’t be afraid to go bold and bright if it makes you happy. This is a living room anyone would be lucky to come home to!

This living space uses nearly all natural materials and earth tones in its design to make a cozy conversation space. From the wood ceilings to the stone accents, the textures here are immaculate. Everything feels warm and welcoming. A wood ceiling fan matches all the decor and will give this homeowner an extra breeze on a hot summer day.

Bedrooms

The bedroom is the best place to be a little braver with your decor. It’s the place you should feel the most comfortable being yourself. Pick bolder earth tones and bring in all the natural materials to create a place that will allow you to be the best version of yourself!

This cozy room pulls out all the stops. The way the headboard coordinates with the gorgeous pendant lights has our jaws on the floor! They give the room a natural glow and highlight that warm orange wall. To some a deep, rich color like this can be intimidating, but this bedroom is the perfect example of what can happen when the risk pays off.  

Going dark on the paint can be risky, but using light, warm colors to contrast it is a clever way to combat any heaviness and create balance. The pendant above the bed is a gorgeous focal point that ties in with the wicker and wood. A fixture like this gives off soothing, soft lighting that helps to prepare yourself for a good night’s rest. 

If light and airy is more your speed, use this room as inspiration. Natural textiles bring layers of texture and interest to this bedroom that make it feel cozy and inviting. The rugs and layered blankets make this space feel lived-in without feeling cluttered. Sheer curtains allow for lots of diffused natural light for a dreamy daytime vibe, and will reflect just the right amount of light at night to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

Kitchens

No matter your kitchen’s current style, a few extra touches from nature can make it a gathering space where you’ll love to spend time preparing and sharing food with your loved ones. 

In a small space like this, details matter. The warmth in the butcher block counters and floating shelves stands out against the stark white of cabinets, creating a sense of balance without filling the space up with accessories. When space is small, a single bold choice is a great way to give it some personality – these mismatched pendants do just that! And of course, no nature-inspired space is complete without a little green. In a space full of hard lines, this pothos softens the edges just a little – and it’s perfect for the out-of-the way nook in kitchen since it won’t require much light. 

Going with darker textured cabinets was a bold move here. They almost look like they were carved straight from a mountain! In another space, they might look more industrial, but with the wicker pendant and basket, the white tiled backsplash, and the plants for accessories, it gives modern organic. The sharpness of the hard edges and metallic textures is softened by the natural textures and shapes throughout the space, like the draped pendant lighting – a smart choice that balances the design and makes it easier to see what you’re doing while you prep dinner.

This kitchen is a marriage of light and airy and organic design. The green styled cabinets are perfect for storing the most beautiful cookware and dishes. Adding fresh flowers makes a kitchen feel fresh and beautiful. However, the icing on this wedding cake is the lighting! Those cute white pendants and this kitchen are a match made in heaven. They fit the space perfectly and will give you some much-needed task lighting.

Nooks

Almost everyone has that spare corner in their home that they just can’t quite figure out what to do with. Adding a seating nook for reading or working one of our favorite tips to make a space feel cozy and welcoming. 

This little nook looks like Shangri-la in the middle of a house! Get cozy with a book and a blanket or just take a little rest here for some mid-day rejuvenation. Everything about this leans into the wildness of the natural world. Even the lighting is freeform and organic, these hanging pendants make this space feel like magic and will give you light to read no matter the time of day. 

This boho-coastal nook is just what the doctor ordered for some me-time. We love a good hammock – and this one is just begging to be relaxed in. The driftwood frame with the macrame hammock turns this space from an empty white corner into a light and airy refuge. The beaded chandelier is an unexpected twist that ties perfectly with the accessories, making this nook feel like it’s just a few steps away from the beach.

We can tell every element in this picture was chosen intentionally because it works together so well. From the wood and wicker furniture to a neutral color palette with a grounding green on the wall, you can’t get more organic than this! The dome desk lamp in white is a smart choice for task lighting – its small footprint doesn’t eat up work space, and the height and color make it pop against the dark wall behind it. This work nook may be small in size, but not in style. 

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Using an earthy color palette and natural materials in your design is nothing short of gorgeous when it’s done well. We love this trend and want to help you create it in your home. Come visit One Stop Lighting and show us what inspires you. We’ll help you the find the perfect lighting solutions to create your own natural sanctuary.

Top Tips to Lighting Every Room of Your Home

Many homeowners fall into the trap of relying on paint and mirrors to lighten up a room. While these are tricks that work, they’re just bandaid fixes that ultimately limit your design options. One of the best ways to make your house a home is to have great lighting in each room. And just as every room has a different function, and they all have their own lighting needs. 

Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Getting the best lighting set up is almost always a simple undertaking, and this is something that can be done on any budget.

Set aside some time to do a tour of your home, looking specifically for places where your lighting just isn’t doing you any favors. To help you out, we created a checklist you can use to find what’s missing. 

  • Front Exterior
  • Entry
  • Living Room
  • Kitchen
  • Dining
  • Bathrooms
  • Office
  • Bedroom
  • Backyard

Front Exterior

The front of your house carries a lot of weight. It’s what you drive up to, what your friends and family see first, and plays a big role in your relationship with your neighbors. It also is the first line of defense against intruders. If your curb appeal is lacking, look for these things:

  • A well-lit door: What’s better than coming home to warm, golden light washing over your front door? If your exterior feels dim or dingy, you’d be surprised at how dramatic a transformation you’ll get when you replace the fixtures by your door.
  • Sidewalk lights: Keep you and your visitors safe with sidewalk lights leading to and from your home. They also add a little fairy light magic to your home!
  • Motion sensor flood light: Any motion sensing light is a great way to increase your home’s safety. Flood lights are an added bonus, as sudden bright light usually scares off intruders – whether human or pest.

Entryway

Crossing the threshold is an important moment. When you walk through the door, you’re looking for a place to relax and be yourself after work, running errands, or shuffling the kids to activities. Your entryway sets the tone for your home for you and your for your guests – don’t skip out on the lighting in here! 

  • Buffet table catch-all: Use a lamp on a buffet table to make it easier to take off shoes after a late night. Small space? Use reflective finishes to add some extra light.
  • Smart lighting for smooth entry: Smart bulbs can be set to a schedule to keep your entryway ready at all times. Some can even turn on automatically when you arrive, or respond to voice commands when your hands are full.
  • Wall/Ceiling Lights: If your entryway feels to dim or too harsh, try swapping out the bulbs in your fixtures with LEDs with a different lumen count (measures brightness) or a different light “temperature”. (Warm/soft white bulbs make you feel cozy and comfortable, and bright/daylight bulbs will make you feel alert.) Some smart bulbs can even switch back and forth with the help of a small remote or a smart home hub.

Living Room

Your living room is the hub for comfy entertaining and family relaxing. You need it to be well-lit but still cozy. Consider these:. 

  • Ditch boring fixtures: You living room is a great place to choose more decorative fixtures. Find something that speaks to your soul and swap it out. It’ll instantly boost your mood every time you walk into the room! 
  • Mood lighting: Nail mood lighting by making sure you have light coming from more than just a single overhead light. Lamps and sconces shine a quiet, cozy light when the main light is off – perfect for a relaxing evening at home.
  • Media lighting: Movie nights are core memories – but staring at a screen in a dark room is hard on your eyes. For the film aficionados and gamers alike, we recommend either backlighting your TV with an LED strip light or keeping a couple of dim lamps around.

Kitchen

Your kitchen is the heart of the home, used for both focused work and for entertaining. That means you need to pay close attention to light layering so you can quickly flip from one function to another. 

    • Task lighting: Bright lights are necessary for safe cooking! Light your countertops with island pendants and LEDs under cabinets lights to improve your accuracy while dicing and sauteing. 
    • Dimmable lights: Late night snack turned heartfelt conversation with cocoa? Install dimmable lights so you can create a space for more intimate moments that’s away from harsh lighting. 
  • Light up your cabinets: Want to make your cabinets look high-end without high-end work? Use LED strip lights inside glass-fronted cabinets for a curated look, or put LED pucks on top of the cabinets to reflect light upwards and make the room feel bigger. 

Dining Room

Have you ever noticed that most restaurants are pretty dark? That’s because people talk more, eat slower, and stay longer in a relaxed atmosphere. Recreating this ambiance in your home is sure to make your meals more enjoyable. 

  • Comfy Cozy: Use warm bulbs in your fixtures to create a cozy vibe. Look for bulbs that say “soft white” or that are less than 3000K. If it’s in the budget, swap out that flush mount light with a chandelier or pendants light-filtering shades to wash your space with soft, warm light.
  • Try candles: Adding candles is a quick and easy way to soften the space and increase the feeling of closeness. For apartment dwellers or those with young children, battery-powered candles are a great flameless alternative.
  • Keep it separate: If your dining room is close to your kitchen, turn off the kitchen lights once you’re ready to eat so that your dining table is the center of attention. 

Bathrooms

Bathrooms play multiple roles, so they need to have clever lighting. On the one hand, they are “get ready central,” where true light is critical to having great makeup and a clean shave. But, on the other hand, they are also a relaxation hub, where harsh lights won’t help. 

  • Bright lights for mirrors: Replacing the light above your mirror is a fast and simple project that will make a huge impact on both the functionality and overall appearance of your bathroom. Use bright, cool lights for the best makeup application and cleanest shave.
  • Warm light for relaxation: Use warm light over tubs or showers to help you relax in the water after a long week. No lights over the tub? A warm night-light or set of LED candles will give you the same feeling!
  • Use multiple light switches: You can easily custom control the lights for each activity. 

Home Office

Spending a lot time in the home office these days? Your office lighting impacts the quality of your work, so take a minute to assess what you need to do your best.

  • Update your overhead lighting: Get rid of that builder-grade light and put in a cool chandelier or pendant to jumpstart your creativity. 
  • Modern deks lamps: Make sure you have plenty of light for your workspace with a great lamp. If you’re on video calls often, try shining the light on the wall in front of you rather than directly on your face – it’ll bounce back and give a softer light that’s easier on your eyes.
  • Create a designated recharge area: Set aside a corner in your office to take a few breaks during the day. Get a comfy chair and soft lighting so your brain can rest and recharge between meetings. 

Bedrooms

Your bedroom is your place to relax, unwind, and get a full night’s rest. However, the lighting in your room will significantly impact your ability to shut off your brain and get deep into that REM sleep. 

  • Prepare for rest: Blue light (like the light from daylight LEDs and from phone or TV screens) will keep your brain awake, so avoid blue light sources for 1-2 hours before bed.  Use soft, warm light bulbs only in your room! 
  • Be careful with tech: We’re strong believers in mood lighting – but those tiny LED lights on power cables, alarm clocks, speakers, etc. are not it. Remove what you can, and cover the rest with dimming stickers.
  • Lighting you feel: Focus on how you feel. Swap out old fixtures or lamps that you don’t love with something that you’ll enjoy seeing every night. Too warm? Replace your overhead light with a ceiling fan so you can rest comfortably.  

Pro tip: It’s okay to use brighter, whiter lights in your closet so you have a place to check the true colors of your outfit before you head out for the day. 

Backyard

Once you’ve walked through each room, don’t forget to check your outdoor space! Whether it’s a big suburban yard or a small 5th floor balcony, it should be a great place to spend long summer nights while keeping you and your family safe. 

  • Bring the magic: Fairy lights or string lights feel like a luxury, but they’re actually really affordable and easy to hang. They’ll bring a little bit of magic to your nights whether it’s an evening party with friends or a backyard campout with the kids.
  • Proper lighting for activities: Make sure your yard has adequate lighting for all of the ways you use it. Install flood lights in active areas like basketball hoops. Put in a row of solar path lights along walkways.
  • Exterior lights: If your patio is too dim, it might be an easier fix than you realize. Replace that tiny, old wall sconce light with a modern fixture. If you need lots of light – opt for a fixture with multiple bulbs and/or clear glass. 

Don’t Stress It

Great lighting is an essential part of a well-designed and a fully functioning home – but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! The biggest thing to remember, TL;DR of it all is that you need to have multiple sources of light in each room. Lamps and smart bulbs are your friend! 

If you want some help getting it right, contact the experts at One Stop Lighting for advice on your project! Lighting is what we do – so we’re not going to toss you the closest box off a shelf and say “have at it!” If you’re not happy with your home’s lighting, we’ll help you find what’s right for you. 

Home Lighting and Interior Design 101: Top Interior Design Tips From The Lighting Experts

Have you ever walked through your home and wondered, “why did my stuff look cuter online/in-store?” If you have, there’s a decent chance the problem is your home lighting. Product images and store displays always have excellent lighting, showing you the best possible version of their decor, paint samples, art, and furniture. 

But if you buy that gorgeous piece or perfect paint color and put it under poor lighting, you’re bound to feel like you got duped.

Luckily, the rules to great lighting aren’t very complicated! You can start updating your home lighting for relatively low cost, low skill, and low tools. 

Consider this post a free course on home lighting essentials, including practical interior design tips from lighting experts. Answer quiz questions along the way to see if you’ve got it, then apply what you learn to make your interior design shine!

The Basics

Let’s start with a few basic terms and ideas– including five layers of great lighting and why the bulbs you use significantly impact how your home reads.

Layers of Light

You can break up your home lighting into five different categories. Once you understand how the categories work, you can mix and match them to fit your needs. Here are the five layers you should consider in each of your rooms:

  1. General/Ambient: the primary light source for the entire room.
  2. Task:  more focused light over a workspace, like a kitchen island or desk.
  3. Accent: think mood lighting; creates an atmosphere rather than light up the whole room.
  4. Decorative: it’s more about what the fixture adds to the overall design than the light it gives.
  5. Natural: working with windows (and firelight) to maximize color and space.

We’ll break down tips for working with each of these layers later on. For now, keep in mind that a well-lit room typically has five to seven light sources spread across these categories.

Question 1: Which type of lighting is most responsible for setting the mood in your space?

Warmth of Bulbs

There is so much information available on bulb temperature. The truth is you can get started with just a few pieces of information. First, bulb temperature refers to the color and brightness of the light. So let’s break it down.

Cool light will wake you up, help you focus, and is best for showing the true colors of paint, makeup, and clothing. These are the bulbs in the bottom row of the image above. Cool bulbs are great for offices, kitchens, and vanities.

Warm light has the opposite effect– it relaxes and casts a yellow or orange glow on your walls and furniture. Warm light is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.

Both ends of the spectrum are important for different areas. And sometimes you might need to combine them in the same room so you can control the activity you’re doing. 

Now, let’s get into some specifics about how to work with each of our five light categories.

Question 2: Which light temperature is best for relaxing, cool or warm?

General or Ambient Light

As stated earlier, general or ambient lighting is your primary source of light for your space. It’s often centered in the ceiling so it can cast a bright, even light across the room. Your light fixture will greatly impact how the light casts. For example, flush mount domes offer little resistance to light, while metal shades will concentrate light downwards.

Since general lighting gives the most light, it will set the tone for your space. Here are a few top tips for nailing the general lighting in your home:

  • Use cool ambient lighting for kitchens, offices, and bathrooms.
  • Use warm light for living rooms, dining, and bedrooms. 
  • Swap out your builder-grade flush mount for an immediate (not to mention cheap and easy) upgrade. 

Question 3: Where should you position your general light source?

Task Lighting

Task lighting concentrates light (and your focus) on important tasks, like homework, dicing up vegetables, and filling out expense reports. They are also more obvious choices in your design since they often hang down or sit close to the action. 

Top tips:

  • Hanging pendants often look best in odd numbers, so stick to one, three, or five pendants where possible.
  • Strip lights or spotlights tap into task lighting fixtures to highlight art or displays to create design focus. 
  • Don’t forget LED strips as a versatile option! Place them around mirrors and under cabinets for steady, bright light.

Question 4: How do you know what areas need task lighting?

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting covers mood lighting and rounds out the lightscape. From reading lamps to LED strips behind TVs, they land closer to decorative lighting than really focusing on function. 

But don’t underestimate what they deliver! Accent lighting easily becomes general lighting during movies, date nights, and intimate gatherings with friends and family. 

Top tips:

  • Warm light is usually best for accent lighting. Scatter a few accent light sources around gathering places to have enough light to fill the room without the general light source.
  • Sconces are a great way to switch up typical lamps. And some come with plug-in cords– no hard wiring needed!
  • Color-changing bulbs and LEDs are a great option for accent lights. Then they are versatile for task lighting or mood lighting as the situation requires!

Question 5: True or false? If I want to add accent lights to my home, I have to hire an electrician.

Decorative Lighting

The final category is sometimes lumped in with accent lighting since they both have more to do with aesthetics than functionality. But we pulled this out to give special attention. 

Decorative lighting is about adding a super cool fixture, with the provided light taking a backseat. For example, using a chandelier for general lighting offers general light for the room, but its top priority is providing a visual “wow.”

  • Try mixing up the expected, like using pendants or sconces where you’d normally use a lamp. 
  • Get creative and turn a statue or other thrift finds into a one-of-a-kind light source.
  • Work with a local light showroom for designer-level pieces for a fraction of the price– plus top tips on installation and more!

Question 6: What is the purpose of decorative lighting?

Natural Light

Natural light is the final component of your lightscape. While manipulating natural light isn’t as easy as shopping for a great light fixture, it’s still critical to the overall feel of your home. 

For example, when shopping for paint, check the swatches day and night to see if there’s a dramatic change in appearance. This will also inform your decision on what kind of bulbs you use. And if your room’s color changes a lot from day to night, you can use cooler “daylight bulbs” to keep your color from changing as much. 

Top tips:

  • To get an airy feeling, use light curtains and hang them as close to the ceiling as you can, regardless of where your window stops. 
  • Which way do your windows face? You’ll get very different glows north versus south, as north-facing windows tend to get cooler light, with south-facing windows giving warmer light. Work with the natural light temperature when picking paint colors and decor!
  • Remember, dark colors absorb light, and lighter colors reflect it. So if you want a dark, moody space, dark paint will help to suck in extra light while still getting to keep the windows open. 

Question 7: True or false? Paint colors always look the same, no matter the time or the way windows face.

Summary

With a basic understanding of these simple lighting and interior design principles, you’re ready to convert your home from predictable and dull to vibrant and glowing! Remember:

  • You need all five layers of light to pull off a great room design.
    • General: main light source.
    • Task: focused light on important activities.
    • Accent: set the mood.
    • Decorative: dress it up, make it unexpected.
    • Natural: work the windows.
  • Bulb temperature affects concentration and color interpretation. 
    • Cool light for true colors and enhanced focus. 
    • Warm light for cozy relaxation and a golden touch to color. 
  • Updating your lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. Work with local professionals to get a leg up with great selections, expert advice, and affordable prices.

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at One Stop Lighting for advice on your project!

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Quiz Answers:

Question 1: Which type of lighting is most responsible for setting the mood in your space?

General (ambient) lighting is a room’s main light source, so it’s the primary contributor to the mood.

Question 2: Which light temperature is best for relaxing, cool or warm?

Warm light naturally relaxes your brain and helps you to fall asleep. Cool light wakes up your brain for detailed work.

Question 3: Where should you position your general light source?

General lighting should come from as high and centered as possible for even light distribution.

Question 4: How do you know what areas need task lighting?

If you have an area where you perform detailed work, you should check to see if you need task lighting! Ambient lighting can provide enough light, but focused work often requires focused lighting.

Question 5: True or false? If I want to add accent lights to my home, I have to hire an electrician. 

False! There are many options for battery-operated and plug-in accent lighting.

Question 6: What is the purpose of decorative lighting?

Decorative lighting works with your decor as art, giving a unique lift to your design. It’s one more detail that helps you show off your style!

Question 7: True or false? Changing your lighting will change your paint colors.

True! All colors change with the quality of the light shining on them. Window position, time of day, and bulb temperature will all change how your paint reads.

12 Simple Bathroom Updates You Can Do Yourself

Bathrooms are spaces that often go overlooked, but when they’re spruced up, they add some serious value to your home! Remodeling can take loads of time and effort (not to mention money), but giving your bathroom a facelift doesn’t have to. These simple tips can give you the bathroom of your dreams.

1. Organize

The last thing you want to deal with at the beginning and end of your day is CLUTTER. Give yourself the gift of a good system! Containers may seem unnecessary, but when you’re rushing out the door, it saves you a headache to just have an easy home for all your toiletries.

2. Add Greenery

Plants bring life, peace, and tranquility into a space. This bathroom would be the perfect escape from the stress of everyday life. The warm tones mixed with the green tell you to relax and take a break. Who are you to tell them no?

3. Change the Hardware

Arguably one of the easiest ways to take your bathroom from the early 2000s to today without spending a fortune is changing the hardware on your cabinets. Finish options are endless! The bathroom above uses gold accents to create a cohesive look with a modern feel.

4. Spruce Up the Walls

If you’re looking for a simple way to make a big impact in your bathroom and have a free weekend coming up, a fresh coat of paint and some elbow grease will make your bathroom feel like a brand new space with just a few hours of work! 

Want to take it to the next level? Bold wallpapers are in, and they really let you show off your personality! This bathroom incorporates the best of both worlds with a simple, painted board and batten wall on the bottom and wallpaper on top! It’s not as hard as it looks – check out this quick tutorial!

Renter-friendly option: Removable peel and stick wallpaper will give you the same look without having to commit long-term. Love the board and batten? There’s a renter-friendly tutorial for that too!

5. Update Mirrors

Bathroom mirrors are often neglected, but they totally change the feel of the room – don’t leave them out! These wood-framed mirrors bring warmth to this bathroom’s design and help to balance out all of the cool tones and polished finishes. 

Renter-friendly option: If replacing your mirror is out of the budget or you’re renting, adding a wood frame to an existing mirror is an easy one-weekend DIY project – just make sure you can easily remove it if you’re renting!

6. Paint Your Cabinets

Painting your bathroom cabinets may take a little effort, but it’s a great way to unify your space or to add a fun pop of color your bathroom. With just a small can of paint and some time, you can take your bathroom from basic to beautiful, even with a low budget. This bathroom’s painted cabinets help to ground the space, and provide much-needed contrast that takes the design from bland to balanced.

7. Replace Old Light Fixtures

Replacing a ceiling or wall light in your bathroom with a modern fixture that’s more your style will give the entire room an instant style boost! You don’t have to play it safe here – find a fixture you love and jump in! We love the way this bathroom shows some serious creativity with these pendant lights that highlight this AMAZING wood accent wall. 

Many homeowners are wary of swapping out light fixtures, but it’s usually a pretty simple DIY. We recommend starting with your vanity light first if you’re on a budget – great front-facing light by the mirror will make the biggest impact on your morning routine!

8. Layer Your Light

Every room in your house should have several light sources to make it feel more comfortable and eliminate harsh shadows and dark corners. In a living room, that’s as easy as tossing in a few lamps, but layering light in a bathroom can be a little trickier.

This bathroom uses a combination of pendant lights and recessed lights to make the whole space feel bright and airy. If your bathroom lighting isn’t working for you, installing an extra wall or ceiling light is the best way to go from dark and dingy to light and bright. 

If your bathroom’s already finished and rewiring isn’t in the cards – don’t worry! Fortunately, there are a lot of easy do-it-yourself options out there. 

LED light strips like the ones in this bathroom are inexpensive and as easy to install as a sticker! They’re usually used behind the mirror or under cabinets, but they can go anywhere you want some extra light. 

You can also replace a light switch or outlet cover with one that has a built-in light – no more blind fumbling for a switch in the middle of the night.

Renter-friendly option: Get a motion-sensing plug-in outlet light or a rechargeable countertop light! These are both non-permanent ways to add a layer of light and keep yourself from bumping into the counter in the dark.

9. Update Faucets

Another way to update the look of your bathroom and conserve water is by switching out your faucets. Look for a faucet with a WaterSense label to reduce your sink’s water flow by 30 percent or more. Less water flow means a lower water bill. With a lower water bill, you’ll have some extra change in your pocket to take your family out for dinner (or yourself–you deserve it!).

10. Dim the Lights

The lights in this bathroom make it a retreat from chaos. When you want a calming bath, dim the lights for optimal relaxation. Dimmable lights give you the flexibility to turn your bathroom into a spa.

Bonus points: Since dimmable lights are more energy-efficient, installing a dimmer switch will leave you with extra money to do more with your bathroom!

Renter-friendly option: Use other lower-light options like strip lights, countertop lights, or LED candles like in the bathroom above.

11. Add a Backsplash

The metallic accents and painted vanity in this bathroom are to die for, but what really makes this space magic is that classic backsplash. Not only does it breathe new life into this space, but it also protects the wall from moisture and staining, so you won’t have to worry about mold or mildew. With a little DIY magic, this bathroom feels complete!

Renter-friendly option: Use a peel and stick backsplash instead! It’ll look like tile without actually being permanent.

12. Update Your Tile Floor

While tile may be a bigger time or money investment, this bathroom clearly shows that it pays off. If you’re wanting to update the floor, choosing a unique tile like this is the way to go. Pro tip: while real tile will give you the best result, you can actually use a stencil to paint your floor. It will give it the same look for a fraction of the cost!

Renter-friendly option: Use removable flooring (peel and stick) to look like custom tile, or cut a vinyl piece to fit the size of any existing tile.

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Don’t let your bathroom fall between the cracks any longer! When you’re ready to take it to the next level, give our experts at One Stop Lighting a call. We’d love to help you get started and give you more tips like these.