Lighting is a powerful tool to achieve the style and ambience you want in your home. It can accentuate treasured objects, hide less than perfect architecture, create a mood – and of course, it’s also very functional. Today, some light fixtures are so dramatic and so stunningly designed, they are art in themselves and become a focal point in a room. And just like furniture and accessories, there are new trends this year:
Bold is Beautiful. This season, we’re sold on bold. As in furniture and design, lighting is dramatic. Look for chrome, gold brushed and polished nickel; statement metallic is everywhere. Shapes are geometric and daring. You can design a room around this year’s lighting choices.
Make a Statement. Don’t settle for ordinary. Choose fixtures that stand out – especially for main areas like the kitchen, living room, dining room, family room and bedroom. Chandeliers are a great idea! They come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials, from contemporary to ornate. Put one in an unexpected place… how about something small and sparkly in the powder room?
A Penchant for Pendants. Pendants make perfect accent lights and there’s no limit to the variety available this season. Use them for task lighting, to highlight a table or in conversation areas. They are high on style and low on glare to create a soft, subtle ambience. 
Think Green. Energy efficiency is on everyone’s mind this year. You’ll see lots of choices in LED, halogen, fluorescent and xenon lighting. These lights are longer lasting and you’ll have lower power bills.
There are so many ways to use lighting creatively in your home. Here are a few ideas to ignite your imagination:
Use your main light to illuminate the central seating area and then choose auxiliary lights to accentuate special artwork, decor items or plants.
Try putting a lamp with soft light at the end of your dining room table. You can add flowers for added effect. It will generate warmth and softness – a much more flattering light than many overhead fixtures.
Want to make the most of any lighting? Paint your ceiling a warm colour in a high gloss finish. It makes everyone look radiant. Warm pink or a soft peach does the trick.
Include multiple sources of light. A room should have multiple kinds of light to balance it and give it interest: hanging fixtures, table lamps, accent lights… and don’t forget candles. Candle groupings look beautiful and generate a mood like no other lighting.
Make the most of natural light. There is simply no substitute! Let light in through curtains that are airy and transparent. Keep window treatments minimal and your rooms will look and feel more spacious.
And here is a tip… if you purchase a fixture that requires a unique type of light bulb, buy a few extra bulbs at that time so you aren’t hunting for one when it needs to be replaced.
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