BY MARK E. MILLER

If you’re looking for an easy way to spruce up your home, pay close attention to your lighting. As a lighting showroom owner for over 17 years, I have seen it all! Our team of professionals at Brilliant Lighting Center can simplify the process for you. Here are my personal five tips:

1. Begin with a good lighting plan
You have got to have power where you want light. This can entail climbing in attics, cutting drywall, or running new circuits. Each room of the house should be seriously considered for its function and use.

The areas that typically need the most light are the kitchen and bath. If you don’t know where to begin, my next four tips will help.

2. Think layers
A good lighting plan consists of three layers: general, decorative, and task/accent lighting. Most homes have a combination of these three layers.

General lighting consists of ambient natural light and artificial light sources that are typically mounted overhead like the sun. Examples of this are flush mounts and can lighting.

Decorative lighting fixtures are pieces of art and “decorate” the home. Examples of this are chandeliers and pendants. This is the jewelry of your home.

Lastly, task/accent lighting concentrates light exactly where you want it to draw your eye’s attention. Examples of this are under cabinet and picture lighting.

With proper layers, you can create scenes that affect your mood and ability to focus. Leaving out even one layer can leave your space feeling poorly lit.

3. Update your color scheme
Finish trends come and go like the polished gold of the 80s and 90s. The strongest finish right now is black, and we are seeing a steady shift to antique brass and whites.

Also, do not mistake the color of light for brightness of light. Color is measured in Kelvin, and brightness in lumens. Just because you change the color of light to daylight, doesn’t mean that it will be brighter.

4. Convert to Light Emitting Diode (LED) products.
Using LED products is environmentally friendly and financially advantageous. LEDs are solid state electronic components that are brighter and five to nine times more efficient than incandescent technology. LEDs are highly controllable and have superior performance in many ways.

5. Get professional help.
Our business, Brilliant Lighting Center, has a 2400-square-foot showroom that is open to the public. We accept walk-ins and also make appointments. We carry the major brands and know all the latest trends. If an in-person visit is not possible, visit us at brilliantlightingcenter.com or call us at 801-782-8000.

Mark E. Miller is the owner of Brilliant Lighting Center and has over 17 years of experience supplying lighting in Utah.