Creating the Blueprint for the Perfect Lighting Plan

So you're building your dream retirement or second home in Park City, nestled amidst the serenity of the Wasatch Mountains, reflecting your unique style and preferences. While you've meticulously chosen the design, materials, colors, and finishes, one element can elevate your home's ambiance to another level: lighting. 

Recessed lighting, in particular, isn't just a functional necessity; it's an art, a statement, and a mood-setter. And it's not something you should leave to a standard lighting plan. You can fully customize this critical aspect of your dream home, but you have to plan ahead—ideally, as you finalize your architectural plans. Here's why you should call a recessed lighting installation expert early on your new home journey.

SEE ALSO: Home Lighting Control + DMF Lighting = An Enlightened Match

A World of Choices

The world of recessed lighting is vast and varied. From sleek square fixtures that offer a modern touch to classic round ones that exude timeless elegance, the choices are endless. Aimable fixtures allow you to direct light precisely where you want, be it a painting or a sculpture. The aperture size, or the opening where light comes out, also plays a significant role in the light's spread and intensity. Your selection will not only influence the ambiance but also seamlessly integrate with your home's overall aesthetic.

Strategic Placement

Light placement can make or break a room's ambiance. For instance, in living rooms, lights placed closer to walls can accentuate textures and colors, creating a luxurious feel. In kitchens, overhead lights above work areas ensure functionality. It's essential to consider the room's purpose, size, and layout. Avoid the common mistake of placing them too close together, which can cause overlit spots and shadows. Instead, aim for a harmonious spread of light that complements the room's features and furniture.

Custom Accents

Linear lighting, with its ability to accentuate ceiling coves, steps, or even the undersides of cabinets, brings a contemporary flair to spaces. Beyond aesthetics, they also enhance safety, especially in staircases. Early planning is crucial, given the specific wiring preparations they demand.

High or Low Voltage

Your choice of voltage can influence both the ambiance and functionality of your lighting. Low voltage lights, like the Lutron Ketra tunable lighting, offer precision in color temperature control, allowing you to shift from a warm, cozy glow to a bright, daylight tone. They're energy-efficient and often have a longer lifespan. However, they require transformers to reduce the standard voltage, which means a different electrical wiring plan. On the other hand, high-voltage lights are straightforward to install but might not offer the same level of customization.

Smart Keypads and Switches

In the smart home age, why shouldn't your new home lighting be smart? Deciding on the locations of keypads for lighting control is crucial. Consider how many you'll need and whether you'll also want traditional light switches. Each choice requires different wiring, making early decisions essential.

Automated Window Treatments and Shading

Natural light is a home's best friend, but controlling it is much easier with automated window treatments. For a sleeker installation, they might require recessed pockets in ceilings or floors. If you're leaning towards wired options, plan for low-voltage wiring to these windows to ensure flexibility in the types of treatments you can use and enjoy better reliability. 

Panelized Lighting

Since you are building new, consider the benefits of a panelized lighting control system. These systems are efficient to wire with new construction and offer the ultimate flexibility with lighting control, making each individual light controllable if you want. This allows for tremendous flexibility in setting up customized scenes for ambiance as well as using lights efficiently for sustainability. 

Think of lighting as a design choice as important as your front elevation. To get the customized lighting plan your new home deserves, it’s critical to start early. To learn more, contact Show & Tell AV Solutions today. We would love to work with you!