Life As Art

As one explores Lewis and Maury County, it becomes increasingly evident that growth and new construction, as well as add-ons and renovation projects, are in full swing. Engaging in any form of construction or renovation inevitably leads to extensive to-do lists for every room in a home. Often, these lists resemble checkerboard roadmaps, marked with highlighted words, arrows, asterisks and red inked crossed-out items that may not align with the available budget. The renovation wish list can sometimes appear overwhelming, but the very essence of the word “renovation” implies a sense of renewal. With this exciting prospect of rejuvenation, the question arises: Where does one begin?

For me, it all begins with something I know best: lighting, specifically decorative lighting. Selecting and designing custom lighting for residential homes and hospitality projects had been my passion and specialty for many years. Perhaps, some of the details in this column can provide a benefit and inspiration to those currently engaged in a design endeavor or snafu!

If you view a home as an overall “outfit”, then decorative lighting, such as chandeliers and sconces, serve as the jewelry and finishing touch to that outfit. Lighting can truly make a delightful wow factor. After all, everything in the arts starts with lighting. A painting has its point of light, photography plays with light to capture the subject, and even runway shows and movie sets heavily depend on lighting. Designing your home is no different. Lighting enhances the room, sets the mood, and aids in performing tasks.

Decorative chandeliers and sconces have the power to transform the entire ambiance of a room. Whether you choose a classical statement in the Arts and Crafts style, a Contemporary or Mid-Century Modern design, something Whimsical or Organic, or even an eclectic combination of styles, in my humble opinion, decorative lighting is one of the most crucial design elements for any home, restaurant, or hotel. Let me share with you some decorative lighting rules I have adhered to for years:

1. Choose designs you love, not just what’s in the latest magazines or what your friends and neighbors are doing.

2. Think outside the catalog collection. Treat each room as its own unique space, and avoid choosing the same design throughout the entire home.

3. Consider custom painting the chandelier or sconce if it’s the perfect selection but not offered in the color you desire.

4. Enhance an existing or new chandelier by adding crystals, shades, a medallion accent on the ceiling or thicker candle covers.

5. Add dimmers to everything. It gives you the flexibility to adjust the lighting levels to suit different moods and occasions.

6. Pay close attention to size and scale. Ensure that the proportions of the lighting fixtures harmonize with the room and its furnishings.

7. The dining room, kitchen, and powder or guest bath are the rooms that guests will see the most. Make them your wow factors by selecting extraordinary lighting fixtures.

8. If you need even extra light in the room in conjunction with the decorative lighting, consider adding in recessed lighting as well on a separate switch.

9. And most importantly, have fun! Let your personality shine through your choices.

One of the longstanding challenges in the lighting industry, which still persists to some extent today, is the limited variation in sizes offered by many manufacturers. For instance, a chandelier might be long but not wide enough to maintain proper proportions. Alternatively, companion sconces are often available only in heights of 10”-12”, whereas the space may require a minimum height of 24”-36”. This is where custom work becomes essential because the correct dimensions simply do not exist off-the-shelf.

In various projects, whether they are large or small, effective problem solving plays a significant role when confronted with these challenges. For example, using two fixtures over a dining table instead of one in the center can create a more balanced and visually appealing arrangement. In larger entry hallways, a staggered cluster of 3-5 fixtures can be used if a single fixture of sufficient size cannot be found.

In the end, you have to live with and appreciate the design choices you make every day, whether it’s furniture, accessories, or decorative lighting. So make them count, have fun throughout the process, and hopefully, they will bring a smile to your face and light up your life. 

No pun intended!