There are large windows and expansive views of Crested Butte, CO’s beautiful landscapes. And yet, your home still feels…small. The good news is you don’t have to tear down walls and start over. The problem is usually poor lighting choices.
Incorporating the wrong lighting fixtures, settling for a one-tone lighting design, or even using the wrong color temperature flattens spaces and makes rooms feel cramped. But there are some cool lighting tools you can use to reshape the perfection of your space.
We’re a local expert specializing in custom lighting design plans that make homes feel more open and welcoming. Below, we outline some common tips on getting your beautiful estate the lighting it deserves.
Expand Vertically With Uplighting
Many luxury homes rely on canned ceiling lights facing directly downward. This has many drawbacks, including creating shadows, glare, and disjointed lighting. It also makes the space shrink in on itself. Instead, we recommend incorporating uplights.
Directing light upward elongates walls and ceilings. It’s a really easy way to make a space look longer and taller. This trick is particularly useful in living rooms and entryways, as well as in highlighting the vaulted ceilings common in Crested Butte homes.
Add Depth and Dimension With Wall Washing
Shadows are lighting designers’ biggest nemesis. They create dangerous pockets outdoors, leave you with poor lighting for tasks, and make the space look unappealing. And in the theme of this blog, shadows also make rooms look smaller.
How can you eliminate these pesky shadows? Wall washing allows you to spread light evenly to soften shadows. It creates the illusion of width and depth and avoids the look of tunnel-like spaces. We typically integrate this in hallways, long living areas, and media rooms (these are also great for showcasing artwork).
Get Creative With Changes in Color Temperature
Lighting fixtures and their placement can only go so far. We also recommend integrating LED tunable fixtures tied to a smart lighting control system. Warm or cool tones will also affect how large a room feels. In the past, you were stuck with the color temperature of your fixtures (cool LEDs, warm incandescents).
Today, fixtures from companies like Ketra let you choose whichever color you want. Cooler tones generally open spaces up, but if you’re setting down for an afternoon reading session, that’s not what you need. Dynamic systems let you set the perfect hue based on the time of day or activity.
Create a “Hosting” scene that provides cool lighting when showing off your space to friends and switch back to a “Relaxing” scene that pulls up warm, dim lights for setting down with the family after a long day.
Why Work With a Lighting Design Expert in Crested Butte
The number one issue is homeowners settling for their electrician’s lighting plans. Instead, your luxury homes deserve a professional lighting designer knowledgeable in fixture placement, control systems, and color temperatures that will best serve your moods.
King Systems offers Lutron lighting control and shading solutions that work together to give your home the elegance it deserves. Our tailored designs maximize aesthetics and comfort.
Make your home feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting. Our local lighting experts are here to help! Call or fill out our contact form to get started.
