Have you ever stepped into a room and immediately sensed something felt weird… but couldn’t quite put your finger on it? Without proper scale and proportion, a room’s design can crumble quickly, and leave it feeling… off. If you want to get it right, you need to learn how to balance the objects in your room with each other and the room itself.

Scale vs. Proportion

Scale refers to the size of objects in relation to the room, or how well they seem to fit together in the space. Proportion is the relationship between items, or how well they seem to fit with each other. In order to get it right you need both – the things in your home need to look right with each other and with the room itself. 

Having a home that looks balanced is easier said than done, so we have some expert tips to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes and create a home where everything works together in harmony.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Size Rug

One of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong rug size. Rugs can be a significant investment, and novice designers might be tempted to cut costs by going with a smaller size – but don’t fall into this trap! A too-small rug can make your room feel cramped. On the other hand, a too-large rug can leave edges in awkward places and feel bulky. The right size will balance with your furniture and your room. 

Rug placement and size needs will be different in every room, so following a rug guide like this can steer you in the right direction. For example, in the living room a good rule of thumb is to select a rug that’s large enough to either accommodate all the furniture completely on top of it or have only the front two legs of each furniture piece placed on it. 

Why This Doesn’t Work: The rug and furniture chosen are noticeably undersized for the space! Relying on a floating rug island with a single chair and side table to carry the design is ineffective (and a trip hazard). To achieve balance, this room needs more furniture. You’d either need to choose seating that matches the scale of this rug to create a small conversation area, or use a larger rug to anchor larger furniture to fill the room.

What to Do Instead: We cannot emphasize this point enough: selecting the right size rug is everything! This gorgeously balanced room proves it’s worth it. This large living room has plenty of furniture, and a large rug like this provides an essential foundation that anchors the space and ties the room together. In any room, a well-fitted rug will ground the space, making it feel cohesive. 

Mistake #2: Not Enough Light

Another common mistake is to use lighting that’s mismatched with scale of the room or in proportion to the furniture. Yes, scale and proportion matter in lighting too! Lighting that is too dim or overpowering can really mess up the feel and functionality of a space. 

The key is layering your light – using various sources and types of light throughout the room to give a well-balanced light throughout the space by addressing common issues like dark corners and poorly lit work areas. A well-chosen array of light fixtures will make your home look like a designer’s been through, but how do you know how exactly much light is right for your space?

To determine your lighting needs, first you’ll have to understand a few basic light measurements. Lumens are a measurement of the amount of light emitted by a light source. A foot candle is a measurement that describes how bright a light source appears to be from one foot away. You’ll need to use both of these to calculate your lighting needs!

Larger rooms need more light than smaller rooms, and task-oriented spaces within those spaces (like a kitchen counter, office desk, or reading chair) will need more light than the rest of the room. To get an idea of how much light you’ll need, start by measuring the width and length of the room, then multiply those two numbers to find the room’s square footage. Next, use the chart below to determine how many foot candles your room or space will need. 

The last step is to multiply your room’s square footage by the recommended foot candle requirement to determine the number of lumens your space requires. Most modern light bulbs have their corresponding lumens included on the packaging. Simply add up the lumens for each bulb in your room to see if you’re in the right range. 

Example: A 20’x20’ living room has 400 square feet. The recommended foot candles for living rooms is 10-20. 400 x 10 = 4,000 and 400 x 20 = 8,000. In this room, you would want to add up the lumens for your light bulbs and shoot for somewhere between 4,000 – 8,000 lumens for the entire space.  

Keep in mind that this recommendation is for typical use. You also need to take into account all of the ways you’ll use the room, and plan balanced lighting for each situation. If the living room above was also used for movie nights and has a home office in the corner, you would need a way to accommodate those activities too. You’ll need fewer lumens for movies (dimmer switches or small lamps are a great option) and extra light for work (a desk lamp, extra overhead light, or wall sconce would work well). 

Remember, these numbers are general recommendations. In addition to being balanced, your lighting also needs to be comfortable. Start with the recommendations, then tailor your lighting from there to get what works best for you.

Why This Doesn’t Work: These small lamps are undersized for the scale of the bed and the room, which is both an aesthetic and a practical issue – nobody likes squinting at their late-night read or tripping over the black shoes on the floor in the middle of the night. 

What to Do Instead: Using a variety of light sources ensures sufficient light coverage and adds depth, enhancing the room’s overall atmosphere. In this particular space, the lamp, pendant, chandelier, and accent lighting have been thoughtfully chosen to provide just the right amount of light and are in perfect proportion with the room’s other features. Whether you’ll be using the space for a late-night book or preparing to take on your day, this room promises to exceed your expectations functionally and aesthetically.

Mistake #3: Picking the Wrong Size Chandelier or Pendant

In addition to getting the amount of light right in your space, it’s also important to get a fixture that’s to scale. Since chandeliers and pendants typically serve as a room’s focal point, it’s especially important to get it right! To avoid picking the wrong size, a few tips:

1. Measure your room’s width and length in feet, then add those two numbers together to determine the width of your chandelier or pendant in inches. For example, if your room is 10 feet x 16 feet, your chandelier or pendant should be around 26 inches wide (except in a dining room – no head bumps please!).
2. Measure your room’s height. We recommend adding 3 inches of height to your fixture for every foot of space between your floor and ceiling. For example, if your ceilings are 10 feet tall, your chandelier or pendant should be around 30 inches tall.

Why This Doesn’t Work: We can understand why this room doesn’t have a chandelier with those gorgeous windows as a focal point. But in the evenings, this room’s focal point will disappear into the shadows and the high vaulted space above will feel empty. A chandelier would fill this void and give this room a gorgeous 24/7 focal point. It would also provide essential lighting for the evening hours and create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere than a grid of bright recessed lights.

What To Do Instead: Use the guidelines above to find the ideal fixture size for your space. In this room, the pendant is slightly oversized, but it’s okay to make judgment calls when deciding what’s going to work best in your space since you’re the one who has to live with it! In this room, the pendant serves as the focal point and creates a more intimate conversation area. By occupying the vertical space, it brings harmony and balance to the design. If you need extra help selecting the correct size fixture or installing it, don’t be afraid to ask an expert!

Mistake #4: Small Wall Hangings on a Large Wall

We love how art and other wall hangings add personality to a space, but we often notice inexperienced designers or homeowners creating a tiny island of art in a sea of empty wall space. It’s a common mistake, but is one that is easily avoidable with a few essential tips!

When it comes to hanging pictures on a large wall, you generally have two options: creating a gallery wall or opting for a larger piece of art. Whichever you decide on, the resulting arrangement or artwork should be around 60-75% of the width of the furniture it’s above and take up 60-75% of the wall height above it for a perfectly balanced look! If you’re using multiple pieces, space them out to get the right scale. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and art pieces – you may be surprised by what combinations work.

Why This Doesn’t Work: The frames above this bed are too small, throwing off the whole balance of the room. Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple!  You can either keep the existing frames and incorporate more pieces for a gallery wall or replace them with something larger. Whichever you choose to do, getting the scale right is a non-negotiable!

What To Do Instead: The art in this room is a much better size for the room and the bed! While it might be a touch more than 60-75% of the bed’s width, it’s spaced appropriately and doesn’t hang so high that you’ll need a stepladder to see it. The result is a gorgeous room with perfect proportions and scale. Hanging the right art in the right place is critical to a design that drops jaws.

Mistake #5: Not Styling with Scale in Mind

If we could give one tip to aspiring homeowners/designers it would be this: details are everything. To achieve a beautifully designed room, you need to pay attention to both scale and proportion when it comes to accessorizing. 

When curating pieces to display in your room, some basic principles apply. First, create little moments by using your decor in groups! For example, pair a small vase with some books and a frame. Most designers say that groups look better in odd numbers, so shoot for 3 or 5 rather than 2 or 4. Second, stagger the heights and sizes of the objects in a group. Playing with proportions can help you to get a design that’s both balanced and visually interesting. Last, use a variety of colors, materials, and patterns to keep things interesting and achieve the perfect balance!

Why This Doesn’t Work: While this kitchen is full of vibrant personality and patterns, the overall effect is a tad overwhelming and disorganized. The island feels slightly overrun with a bunch of small items similar in size (although the flowers at the end do add some much-needed height). The top shelf is unbalanced and half empty, while the bottom shelf is stuffed with a row of, again, similarly-sized items. In both places, creating groups with space would give the decor a bit of room to breathe, and give each design moment a chance to shine.

What To Do Instead: This room beautifully showcases the result of investing time in thoughtful styling! Items on the counter are grouped to the edges, leaving plenty of work space. Items on the shelves are spaced out to fill the shelves without blocking the light, a must for this stunning storage solution that maximizes shelf space without sacrificing the view. Even the large shelving feels unobtrusive because it’s to scale with the rest of the room. While this kitchen has a more minimalist vibe, paying attention to scale and proportion can give you a balanced look with any style from a traditional living room to a maximalist bedroom. 

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Understanding scale and proportion is essential for making design choices that lead to a balanced and harmonious home. Whether choosing the correct size rug to ground a room, selecting a beautiful light fixture, hanging wall art with precision, or curating decorative pieces thoughtfully, every detail matters. By avoiding these four common mistakes and following our tips, you can transform your home into a space that’s the perfect blend of form and function. For more personalized advice, call Illuminate Lighting! Our experts would love to answer your questions and help you as you design a home you love.

Have you ever watched a television show or movie set in a time period that made you want to hop in a time machine? Opulent architecture and fabrics from the Edwardian age, bohemian vibes in the 70s, smoky dens and midcentury furniture in the 50s… they all have style aspects that are still popular in homes today. 

While you may not want to redesign your home completely in a particular period’s style, a bathroom is a small space where it’s easy to incorporate your favorite era’s designs. Let’s take a jump into the past, present, and future with some fun bathrooms that might serve as real inspiration for your own renovations!

 

 

The Gilded Age 

When more was more, the 1870s was a period full of ornate designs and a whole lot of gold. While you may choose not to go as maximalist as some of the fashionable folks of this period, oversized mirrors, sumptuous linens, and gold and glass fixtures make for a truly luxe lavatory. 

Always wanted a dramatic chandelier in your home, but felt it was too “much” in your regular living spaces? Put it in the bathroom! Feel free to experiment with gold handles, doorknobs, and towel bars – they’ll make a big impact, and they’re really easy to swap out if you change your mind down the road.

 

 

The Edwardian Era

If you’d love to trade places with the Countess of Grantham, a bathroom with touches of the Edwardian Era may be perfect for you. Rich woods, freestanding tubs, and beautifully arched architectural details were the norm of the time. 

While you probably don’t have a crew of “downstairs” staff to tend to your every need, you can still feel like an aristocrat when you install vintage-inspired fixtures that provide a warm glow.

 

 

Mid-Century

If you watched Mad Men more in awe of the décor than Don Draper, then a bathroom in a mid-century modern style is right up your alley. Tapered legs and natural wood tone vanities combine with colors like olive green, rust, soft pink, or blue. 

While you might not enjoy a 10am scotch accompaniment to your Zoom meetings, you can bring a little 50s flair into your life through bathroom decor. Choose furniture with clean lines, abstract art and fixtures, and organic shapes (like a round or oblong mirror) to really instill the room with a mid-century feel. 

 

 

The Hippie-Vibe 70s

Peace, love, and macramé! The 70s were a time of exploration, advocacy, and a laid-back design style that is experiencing a resurgence today. Beaded or woven light fixtures, fiber wall hangings, and plenty of plants help set a casual, bohemian vibe in your home. Grab some incense, pull the beaded curtain closed, and turn on some Grateful Dead for a very chill soaking session.

 

 

The 80s

The 80s were all about the party, which meant not shying away from bold colors, textures, and fixtures. Olive green bathtub? Sure! Stairs leading to an oversized Jacuzzi tub? Why not? Patterned carpet in the bathroom? Uh, ok, let’s never revisit that. 

Designers are bringing some of the 80s attitude into bathrooms again, embracing colorful toilets and tubs and saying “more is more!” Maybe you wouldn’t use teal tile in your kitchen, but a little playfulness in bathroom design never hurt anyone. In fact, one might say it’s totally rad.

Want to add a touch of (the good part of) the 80s? Consider a pink or green toilet, terrazzo tile, or a bold light fixture to bring pizzazz to a functional space. 

 

 

Turn of the Century

While teens of the Y2K era were busy covering their rooms with colorful posters and blowing up their inflatable chairs, their parents had very different ideas for the rest of the house. The 90s ushered in an era of minimalism with warm browns, satin nickel and brassy gold, and honey oak. And in the bathrooms – who could forget all of that glass block? 

For many, this era is still a little too fresh to want to do a repeat, but we think there are some great opportunities to bring the best of the Y2K bathrooms into today. For example, including warm undertones can make modern minimalist bathrooms feel more cozy and comfortable, and today’s modern light fixtures are popular in both silver and gold finishes. 

 

 

The Present

It’s fun to turn back the clock, but we have to give credit to the current era of design. We’ve kept the focus on creating a peaceful retreat, but allowed a little more life to enter the chat. Homeowners today are sticking to their natural materials and earth-toned palettes, while also finding ways to add a little bit of personality to their bathrooms using things like houseplants, wallpaper, paint, funky mirror shapes, unique light fixtures, and even colored tile to brighten up their space. 

In a home designed in the trends of the 2020s, you’ll notice twists on previous eras of style. Mid-century-inspired mirrors mingle with wood laid in herringbone patterns (a trend from the 16th century!) and hexagon tiles. Modern appliances and light fixtures are nestled in between old-world-inspired wall molding and trim. Today’s bathrooms are designed with style, health, and sustainability in mind – saving the planet while promoting wellness. 

 

 

The Future

Tech enthusiasts and aspiring space travelers, this is the bathroom for you. You’ll be amazed by the features available for bathrooms these days, from deodorizing washlets, to heated water-proof flooring, smart mirrors and smart lights to smart toilets and smart showers, and more. 

While we don’t know what the future may hold, this rendering gives us a glimpse at the possibilities! Futuristic bathroom designs tend to lean more minimalist, focusing on functionality over style – but that doesn’t mean the room needs to feel sterile. We hope to see people incorporate natural materials (and maybe a houseplant or two) to keep their homes from feeling like a bathroom on a space station. (Unless astronaut-core is the next hot trend – only time will tell!)

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Whether you’re a vintage vixen or a tech maven, the bathroom is a fantastic room to incorporate more flashy or fun features that you might not choose in the rest of your home. Considering humans spend an average of 2+ years in the bathroom in their lifetimes, it’s a room worth making your own!

No bathroom is complete unless it is well-lit. When it comes to lighting your bathroom or powder room (or any other space for that matter), checking in with a lighting specialist who can give expert tips and style suggestions will help you to get your shopping right the first time. Stop in today to browse our selection and speak to an expert who will help make your dream bathroom a reality.

 

Welcome, homeowners, to a guide that sheds light on an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of your home – garage lighting. Whether you use your garage for storage, as a workspace, or simply to park your vehicle, proper lighting can transform it into a safer, more functional space. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of thoughtful garage lighting, different lighting options, and how you can enhance both functionality and aesthetics. If you find yourself in need of expert advice tailored to your unique requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – your local lighting specialists.

Why Does Garage Lighting Matter?

Garages are versatile spaces, serving various purposes beyond parking cars, so adequate lighting is essential for safety, security, and efficiency. Insufficient lighting can lead to accidents, difficulty finding items, and a general lack of usability. By investing in the right lighting solutions, you can significantly improve the functionality and overall appeal of your garage.

Types of Garage Lighting

Adding additional light to your garage doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Here’s a few of the different types of garage lighting to help you get started:

Overhead Lighting

Many garages are only equipped with a single bulb located in the center of the ceiling. While it may technically light the space, it’s really not enough to make your garage a safe or usable place to move through or work on projects.

• Consider replacing your bare bulb for fluorescent or LED fixtures for bright, energy-efficient lighting.
• Choose fixtures with multiple bulbs pointing in different directions to ensure even distribution of light to eliminate dark corners.
• If you’re building or renovating, look into having an electrician wire extra lights into the ceiling to give more thorough coverage.

Task Lighting

If you have places in your garage where you work on certain tasks, like a workbench, it’s always a good idea to add extra lighting to that space. Task lighting makes doing tasks easier and safer, which is especially important when working with tools.

• Install task lights above workbenches or specific work areas. If you have existing lighting above the space, swap out the fixture for something that gives better light. If you don’t, consider installing a corded fixture, like a ceiling or wall light, to give better overall coverage. Secure the cord properly to avoid it catching or becoming a trip hazard.
• For more up-close lighting, any heavy duty lamp will do. One of our personal favorites are LED strip lights, which can be installed with 3M sticky tape to the underside of shelves or interior of cabinets. Strip lights can be battery powered, rechargeable, or corded, and are excellent for focused, glare-free illumination.

Motion-Activated Lights

There’s nothing quite like the way you feel when you walk into your workspace and everything lights up, on its own, ready to get started. Motion lights can be a practical addition to your garage, but they’re also just really cool.

• Always accidentally leaving the light on? Motion lights can make your garage more energy-efficient, and eliminate the “oh crap” moment when you realize you left the lights on… two days ago.
• Install motion-activated lights near the driveway and other entry points to increase safety and ensure a well-lit path upon arrival. For a wire-free option for your exterior entry points, look into motion-activated solar lights that can charge up during the day and light your doorway at night.

Natural Light

Nothing beats the way sunlight can light your garage… for free.

• Maximize natural light through windows or skylights by keeping the glass clean. If privacy is a concern, try adding a privacy film that obscures the view without blocking the light.
• If your garage lacks windows, you’re not without options. While it may be a pricier solution, opting for a garage door with windows can also add natural light to an otherwise dark garage. 

Decorative Lights

For those of us who rack up plenty of garage hours on the regular, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little bit of personality to your space.

• The types of decorative lighting for a garage are as varied as the tasks done while in one. Anything goes here – whether it’s a neon sign, a traffic light, a back-lit clock, or a company logo from your at-home startup.
• For decorative items that don’t light up, look into installing track lights or wall sconces to shine a light on your collection.

Creating Zones

To make the most effective lighting plan for your garage, you’ll want to break it into zones. Take a moment and draw out the layout of your garage, and then take note of how you use each part of the space. Segment your garage into functional zones and tailor the lighting accordingly, taking into account how the natural light coming in through the windows will complement the light during the times of day you’ll use the garage. Some zones might include: parking, work bench, storage, lounge area, play area, gym, mudroom, etc.

This approach allows you to customize the lighting to suit specific needs, providing a well-lit and organized space. General use areas are usually fine with simple overhead lighting. In workspace zones, supplement with strategic task lighting to increase usability and safety. Strategically place motion-activated lights for security, and for that “wow” moment you want to give when you invite your friends over to check out your latest project. 

Choosing the Right Fixtures

When selecting fixtures, prioritize energy efficiency and durability. LED lights are an excellent choice, offering longevity, energy savings, and a range of color temperatures to suit your preferences. Additionally, if the work you do in your garage involves working with colors, such as detailing your car or refinishing furniture, consider bulbs or fixtures with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) for accurate color representation.

For single-fixture overhead lighting, opt for bulbs that shine light in multiple directions (like the one seen above), or for fixtures that allow light to shine in every direction without casting shadows. Be aware of obstacles that could block your light, like storage or pillars, and choose fixtures that can work around them to minimize shadowy dark spots – like a long fluorescent tube or a fold-out (deformable) LED bulb.

If you live in an area with very high or very low temperatures, it’s also a good idea to check on the temperature tolerance of the fixture and bulb. Consider choosing outdoor-rated fixtures for garages without temperature control.

As lighting experts, we understand the unique requirements of homeowners when it comes to garage lighting. If you’re ready to transform your garage into a well-lit and functional space, contact us for personalized advice and a curated selection of lighting solutions. Or, visit our local showroom to explore the latest trends in garage lighting, and let us guide you toward creating a brighter, safer, and more inviting garage space.

 

Your home should not only be a reflection of your style – it should also cater to your daily needs. Lighting is a vital element that influences the overall atmosphere, mood, and functionality of a space so it’s important to get it right! Balancing form and function can be challenging, but it is possible and the result is worth it. With a few tips and some pictures for inspiration, we promise you can achieve the perfect balance – every room in your house will shine!

Kitchen

A well-lit kitchen ensures a safe space to prepare meals and gather to enjoy them. When you’re working with sharp tools like knives, safety is non-negotiable! To get the most out of your lighting, install overhead lighting for indirect lights and include more directly above any workspaces. Choose lights that pair with your kitchen’s design for a look that’s gorgeous and safe! Look for fixtures that match your cabinet color or hardware finish to seamlessly incorporate a new fixture into an existing space. 

In this kitchen, overhead track lights provide indirect light to the entire room while a gorgeous pendant hangs over the island for more task lighting. The lights in this space blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic with clean lines and a matte black finish that matches the cabinets. 

The only thing this kitchen is missing is under-cabinet lights! They’re simple to install and would beautifully highlight the alcove while also making it easier to work in that space.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is one of the most critical rooms in your house for your health – it’s where you sleep! Improving your sleep is key to having a better mood and overall improved health. According to the Sleep Foundation, “Light is the most important external factor affecting sleep!” Your body’s internal clock (or circadian rhythm) is particularly sensitive two hours before bed and one hour after waking up. That means more light in the morning will help you wake up faster and less in the evening will help you have a better night’s sleep.

In a bedroom, having several light sources can help you customize the amount of light you’re exposed to, so it’ll work for both waking up and winding down for the day. You can also install dimmer switches for the same purpose. More lighting also means more gorgeous design pieces to work with!

This bedroom’s pendant provides ambient lighting so you can see your clothes in the morning, and the bedside lamp is perfect for making it through one more chapter of your bedtime book! In the morning, turn all the lights on for plenty of visibility and to help your body wake up. At night, just turn on the lamp to wind down for the day.

This room is also the perfect example of balancing beauty and practicality! It’s a stunning room with to-die-for details like a customized headboard, tons of cozy textures, and coordinating pastels (the pink on that light is swoon-worthy!). We’ll definitely be stealing some of these ideas for our own homes!

Bathroom

The bathroom is an essential room in your house. It’s a very functional space where you meet your basic hygiene needs, but it’s also a place for privacy and relaxation. Designing a place to fill both functions is vital to your overall well-being! You deserve a retreat from the hustle and bustle of your life. 

For a bathroom’s lighting to meet both requirements, it needs to be adaptable. For getting ready you need clear, bright light. For relaxing, you’ll need soft, warm light. Get this balance with a dimmer switch, a color-changing LED light, or a combination of fixtures that can be used on their own or together to get just the right mix. 

Welcome to self-care central! This bathroom already has gorgeous natural light, so the lighting is the icing on the cake (for early mornings, later nights, or more light on a rainy day). The pendant lights are perfect for a well-lit, relaxing bath, and a back-lit mirror ensures an extra glow for your skincare routine. The LED light strip tucked into the ceiling above the shower creates the perfect mood for both slow-wake-up mornings and wind-down-after-a-long-day evenings. The simplicity of this design is complimented perfectly by the understated light fixtures. 

Office

A well-lit office space within your home can enhance your productivity and focus! It provides a designated area for concentrating on tasks, free from distractions commonly found in other parts of the house. A home office helps create a work-oriented environment, allowing more organization and efficiency. But home office lighting can be so much more than a boring ceiling light and basic desk lamp.

When you’re designing and lighting an office space, start by adding ambient or general lighting. Then, you’ll need to consider where you work – are you a couch-dweller, a desk sitter, or both? Add task lights accordingly to help with mental focus and avoid eye strain! The last thing you want is distractions due to improper lighting. Put in a little effort up front and your productivity will pay you back!

This office is moody and we’re here for it. We can’t get over the warm wood accent wall paired with the black-and-white color palette! Pendants are perfect for overhead lighting and the desk lamp is a great addition for unavoidable late nights working on a project. In a room this pretty, you might not even mind the excuse to spend more time in it! This home office screams productivity and comfort – a delicate balance to achieve. We’re impressed!

Nooks

Every home has under-utilized nooks and crannies. An unused corner is an opportunity to give the space a purpose. Once the space has a purpose, you can light it accordingly! Do you need an extra workspace? Add a small desk and a small stool with a lamp! Looking for a cozy spot to read? Add a chair and a pendant or floor lamp. Nooks are what make give your house a personality that’s unique to you – and choosing fixtures that both meet your needs and make you happy to look at will help that personality shine through!

This oversized couch is the perfect place to cozy up with a book or take a late-afternoon nap. The exposed bulb pendants give extra lighting without sacrificing the gorgeous aesthetic. This designer didn’t waste a square inch in this nook-turned-oasis. Giving an unused corner a purpose is the essence of good design!

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Fashion and functionality are two sides of the same coin! Both are essential to a happy, smooth-running home. By evaluating your family’s needs in each of the rooms in your house, you can plan lighting placement. Then, with some help from our experts, you can choose the best fixture for your room and aesthetic. Give us a call when you’re ready to get started creating a beautiful home with a purpose!

“What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?” –E.M. Forster

Imagine stepping into a home that feels like a sanctuary, where every corner echoes the beauty of the world outside. That’s the magic of organic modern design. It’s a canvas that celebrates the elegant simplicity found in nature, weaving it seamlessly into our personal spaces.

What is Organic Modern Design?

This nature-inspired design trend has been growing in recent years and is all over social media and in interior design publications – and for good reason! Organic modern design is an interior design style that harmoniously blends contemporary aesthetics with elements of the natural world. It emphasizes clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and an abundance of natural light. 

This design style celebrates the relationship between humans and the natural world, incorporating organic shapes, textures, and colors into modern, clean-lined living spaces. The goal is a warm, inviting space that creates a sense of tranquility, balance, and a connection to nature.

After the rollercoaster of the past few years, many of us are craving a deeper connection to nature and the outdoors, and the enduring popularity of the organic modern design philosophy is here to deliver. So, if you’re ready to pay homage to Mother Nature in your space in the coming year, take some inspiration from the gorgeous, earthy interiors below!

 

This boho-inspired bedroom leans into the organic modern trend with great use of warm tones and natural accessories; including a rattan pendant light hanging over a bed of simple cotton textiles, a textural jute rug, a display of dried grasses, and simple wooden roman shades. The decor pieces elevate this otherwise rather minimalist space.

 

An excellent way to bring an earthy texture and feel into your home is with fixtures and decor pieces made with natural materials – such as these pendant light fixtures made from woven rattan. Other materials to consider include bamboo, wicker, jute, seagrass, limestone, clay, cork, cotton, wool, and leather. 

 

This space seems simple but makes wonderful use of organic, flowing shapes and a subtle punch of color. The sage green wall color and credenza pair well with the soft off-white chair, abstract artwork, and clay vases. Changing up your paint or displaying a few thoughtfully selected decor pieces is an easy way to breathe life into a room.

 

This living room features a neutral, yet well-balanced color palette – commonly seen in organic design.  The layering of clean-lined furniture, lush green potted plants, and minimalist decor pieces keep the space airy and welcoming. 

 

Bathrooms are a great place to start your journey into the organic modern design movement. This bathroom retreat is characterized by a seamless blend of neutral-tones and wood textures. A freestanding bathtub sits beside rustic wood shutters, inviting in the lush plant life outside. A floating vanity keeps the lines in the space clean while leafy potted plants infuse the space with a calming, spa-like ambiance.

 

White they are a staple of organic design, you don’t have to make live house plants the focus of your space if it’s just not your vibe or if you don’t have the space (or the green thumb). You can still bring a little bit of the outdoors in with a few small, well-placed plants adorning your space – such as those seen on these raw wood bookshelves. 

 

Since we’re on the topic of plants and greenery, we can’t forget to talk about the drama that is a plant wall! Plant walls and vertical gardens are a unique way to honor nature and truly blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. The rest of the pieces in this chic space are neutral enough to keep the focus on the wall while still being eye-catching in their own right.

 

In this organic-inspired kitchen, natural wood-grained cabinetry, stone countertops, and carefully curated decor take center stage. The open wood shelving, wide plank wood floors, and wooden beam add a touch of rustic, artisanal charm.

 

Natural light should be emphasized whenever possible in organic modern design. Capitalize on the natural light streaming into your home and create an oasis in your bedroom sanctuary. Balancing out bold plant life with subdued, natural-toned bedding creates a harmonious look and feel.

Pro Tip: Maximizing the use of daylight not only reduces reliance on artificial lighting but also improves mood, productivity, and overall health. Consider the strategic placement of windows, skylights, and glass doors to flood your space with sunlight. 

 

Furniture and fixtures made from natural elements set organic modern interiors apart from other design styles. This beautiful, rustic driftwood light fixture with warm Edison bulbs in varying shapes is simply stunning and unlike anything you’ve likely seen before. For help finding your own unique, nature-inspired light fixtures, check out Illuminate Lighting! 

 

This bohemian-chic bedroom almost feels like a spa! A folding bamboo screen, simple wood bench, dried pampas grass, wicker lanterns, a wood basket, and earth-toned textiles bring warm, organic charm to the space. 

 

Color reigns supreme in this golden, earth-toned living room. Using nature-inspired artwork is an easy way to add a bit of the organic design trend to your own home. Also, how charming is that mushroom-shaped side table/ottoman?

 

The last few inspiration photos featured a lot of earthy accessories. You can embrace nature more simply, however, by showcasing your home’s architectural features and location. If you have amazing windows with a gorgeous view of the lush outdoors and ample natural light – like this swoon-worthy home – that’s all you need! Sometimes less truly is more. 

 

Gorgeous is an understatement when it comes to this expansive living room! Nature and organic elements can be emphasized through more than houseplants and decor alone. This space features breathtaking views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive natural stone fireplace, and beautiful warm wood flooring and bookcases. Don’t you just want to curl up here to soak in the snowy view, a warm cup of tea, and a good book?

 

As we move forward in a world seeking balance and harmony, organic modern design stands at the forefront of interior design trends. It’s a testament to our connection to nature, a reminder that our well-being is intertwined with the environment around us. Infuse your home with the beauty and energy of the outdoors. Let it be a place of solace, a sanctuary that replenishes your spirit, and a canvas that celebrates the wonders of the natural world.

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Ready to transform your space? Contact us today for a personalized consultation and let’s bring nature’s beauty into your home!