The Role of Lighting in Residential Architecture and Interior Design

As residential architects and interior designers, the Morgante Wilson team considers lighting design to be as critical to the success of a new build or renovation project as its style, layout, and finishes. You might have thought lighting was in the same category as, say, furniture or draperies. But not us! You see, the way a house is lit affects not only the way it looks, but also the way it feels and functions. Think about it: Good lighting makes cooking easier, reading more enjoyable, and evenings cozier. It can make a small room feel open, or a large one feel intimate. In fact, lighting is so important we’d go so far as to say it turns a house into a home. Here, a few illuminating (pun intended!) thoughts on the power of light:

Let the Sun In

Natural light is key. Homes designed to take advantage of sunlight feel warmer, brighter, and more connected to the outdoors. Large windows, French doors, and skylights are all ways to welcome natural light. (We sometimes like to back kitchen cabinet uppers, and even the space above a bathroom vanity, with panes of glass when they’re on an outside wall. That way, we can bring even more light into rooms that see a lot of action during daytime hours.)

Natural light isn’t just beautiful—it’s healthy, too. It helps regulate sleep cycles and boosts mood, which is why we often orient kitchens and family rooms toward the brightest parts of a property. The lesson: if you’re dreaming of a new home or renovation, think about where the sun falls during the day and how the rooms you spend the most time in can benefit.

Why Layers Matter

Once the sun sets, artificial lighting becomes critical. We advise clients to think in terms of layering their lighting. What do I mean by that? There are four types of artificial lighting, each serving a distinct purpose:

• Ambient lighting refers to the general glow of a room, usually from ceiling fixtures or recessed lights. Ambient lighting sets the overall mood.
• Task lighting is brighter and more focused, to facilitate activities such as cooking, reading, or working at a desk.
• Accent lighting is a softer, more directional type of light intended to showcase art pieces, fireplaces, or special architectural details.
• Decorative lighting includes chandeliers, pendants, sconces, and lamps. These not only have functional applications, they also act as design statements. In fact, our design team views great lighting as being like great jewelry – the right choice can really impact a room, in the same way a gorgeous necklace can elevate an outfit.

In combination, having a “wardrobe” of lighting like this allows you to switch certain lights on or off to make a room feel bright and energetic for a busy morning, or soft and relaxing for a quiet evening.

Lightbulb moments

It’s easier than ever to control your home’s lighting thanks to today’s technology. Smart systems let you use your phone to dim, schedule, or even change the color of your lights. Imagine lights gradually brightening in the morning to help you wake up, or turning off automatically when you leave the house or go to bed. These tools save energy and add convenience – and give you endless flexibility to set whatever mood you’re after.

Get a head start on a lighting plan

Lighting (like so many things) has the greatest impact when it’s factored into the overall design of your home from the get-go. Window placements, ceiling heights, furniture layouts, and even paint colors all affect the way light behaves. Think about lighting early to make your home as inviting and welcoming as you’ve always dreamed.

For more ideas on the way thoughtfully planned lighting can transform your home, follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. Or check out our website!