elegant lighting

by Sarai Johnson

A living space is not fully decorated, nor fully functional without lighting. The more elegant the lighting, the more exquisite the space. Formerly associated almost exclusively with chandeliers, the definition of elegant lighting has certainly evolved to include everything from “sparkling, faceted dangling crystals, curlicues galore, and bulbs that imitate flickering candles,” says Gail Adkins of Change Magic Interior Redesign. “Or it can mean simple, sleek classic lines.”

Traditionally, the extravagance of the lighting was determined by the lavishness of the space. “But, who’s to say that an elaborate, decorative chandelier can’t grace a ceiling in a contemporary bedroom or a clean-lined simple fixture won’t be dynamite in a traditional dining room?’ says Adkins, a professionally trained redesign and staging specialist.

When determining what kind of mood is to be created in a space, there are many different elements to consider: the size of the space, the height of the ceilings, the personality of the décor, the amount of lighting necessary to create the desired mood, and the list goes on. Angela DeYoung of Designs by DeYoung has a formula for figuring out exactly how much space you have.

“Step one: measure the entire length and width of the room or space in feet. Add those two measurements together. That number of feet measured will tell you the diameter of the fixture you need in inches. In the case of using it over a dining room table, measure the width of the table and subtract six inches from each side of the table. This measurement will tell you the maximum width you can use over that space,” says the Nashville-based interior designer.  “Step two: measure the ceiling height. Step Three: measure from the top of the surface and subtract another 30 inches. This will tell you approximately how tall the light fixture can be.”

When choosing a lighting fixture, select one that takes up as much space as possible without overwhelming the space. In the same way that an overwhelming lighting fixture can seem gaudy and impractical, a chandelier that is too small may seem pointless or frivolous.

Once the appropriate size for a lighting fixture is determined based on space availability, the next step is determining what kind of lighting fixture is appropriate for the setting.

“Replacing ceiling fans with a chandelier in the master bedroom or living rooms has become more common,” says Kathy Crowe of Essence Lighting. “This provides more light and, when put on a dimmer it sets a soft mood.” The ability to control a space with a dimmer switch allows for versatility according to the occasion. Bright lights can be provided for lively parties with many guests, while reduced lighting is typically associated with more intimate gatherings and fewer guests.

The dining room, however, tends to call for both intimacy and elegance, without compromising whatever tone has been set for the space. It is also an opportunity to update the space. Older homes with traditional décor can benefit from a modern lighting fixture, while contemporary rooms can be accented with an antique fixture.
“Dining rooms are becoming formal spaces again and lighting is used to set the tone,” says Crowe. “Putting two chandeliers over the table is so elegant. Contemporary crystal chandeliers in a very traditional space creates a wow factor.”

The variety of fixtures to create elegant spaces is vast. If wall space allows, sconce lighting “can be very creative and is available in a huge blend of styles,” says De Young. “Industrial, repurposed, crystal chandeliers, and those featuring fabric drum shades are all very different and yet very interesting to look at in layering lighting in the kitchen and eating areas of the home.” Sconce lighting allows for a different sort of versatility than that offered by another fixture with a dimmer switch. Also, the homeowner has the option of choosing a light source specifically for the space and this can create an intimate and highly personalized setting.

“There are so many more styles available than before,” says Amanda Burdge of AB Home Interiors of the many lighting styles that have become available in the past several years. “We are seeing more chunky chandeliers as opposed to the tiny intricate arms of a traditional chandelier. Some are made with metals in oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel, but the shapes are often more boxy and contemporary. Some are even made from wood.”

Black chandeliers are a popular commodity today, as are those with a hand-painted driftwood finish on metal, as well as those with clear silver leaf finishes accented with polished nickel fittings. The chandelier shown on the previous page features hand-blown patterned glass tapered candles lit by LED lights and a matching glass orb in white.

In addition, LED lighting is becoming increasingly desirable with the coming regulation of incandescent bulbs. Recent developments mean that today both fluorescent bulbs and LED bulbs can be dimmed.
Overall, lighting options have become so diversified that homeowners can find a fixture to suit virtually any space. However, don’t let the vast options overwhelm you when choosing a new lighting fixture. If you find a fixture you like and it is of a manageable size, more than likely it can be fit into your space.  n

There are a number of sources for elegant lighting in the Nashville area including:

AB Home Interiors
Brentwood
615/ 750-2768

Change Magic Interior Redesign
Spring Hill
615/ 275-9514

Designs by DeYoung
Nashville
615/ 210-4469

Essence Lighting
Hendersonville
615/ 264-9402

Graham’s Lighting
Franklin
615/ 771-3400

Hermitage Lighting Gallery
Nashville
615/ 843-3300

Team Electric
Murfreesboro
615/ 867-4895