We’re looking forward to football watching parties and other fall get-togethers just as much as we’re excited for the more formal gatherings over Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.
The fall and winter months bring cooler weather, which means guests will be spending time in your foyer as they remove coats and jackets or hand off gifts or baked goods—and they will be consciously (and subconsciously) taking in the sights. They’ll spend time in this space once again as they put on their outerwear and prepare to leave at the end of the festivities.
The foyer is the first glimpse guests have of your home and decorating style, so having a statement lighting fixture is one way to enhance that impression. If you have a two-story entryway, there are many decorative options besides the light that was in place when you moved in. Many interior designers have been switching out these basic fixtures for ones that are more modern, featuring unique silhouettes or a mix of shapes, materials, and finishes.
If your ceiling is a more modest height, there are decorative styles that will add design distinction without intruding too much into the space over your head. For ceilings that are 8 or 9 feet, a noticeably beautiful upgrade could be a flush-mount with some design flourish, or you could install a pair of wall sconces in this area instead.
When it comes to weekend gatherings and holidays, the dining room takes on greater importance and is the perfect place to set a theme. Replacing your dining room fixture is an affordable upgrade that will have a lot of visual impact as guests gather around the table.
In addition to square and round chandeliers, many lighting manufacturers have created elongated, oval-shaped versions to suit those tables that aren’t the standard size or shape. For an edgier look, interior designers have been opting for two or three pendants over a dining table instead of one larger fixture.
If your kitchen serves as the hub for your gatherings, changing the lighting above the island or casual dining nook will give an instant refresh more affordably and quickly than replacing appliances or cabinets.
Interior designers have been creatively re-thinking island lighting for the past few years by installing several pendants or hanging two larger lanterns instead of one longer fixture. For those homeowners who prefer to have one larger light over the island, recent versions are more elegant and sophisticated than in years past.
Gone are the ubiquitous stained glass fruit and floral pendant chandeliers over the breakfast nook. Today’s casual dining fixtures boast more natural materials and lighter finishes that seamlessly blend in with modern-day décor from traditional to contemporary.
Updating the lighting in those areas of your home where guests spend the most time is an easy, affordable renovation that can be done in a single weekend. LightsOnline has the widest assortment of popular and designer-style fixtures for every room in the house.
More from Linda Longo:
October 27, 2022
[…] Simple Holiday Home Refresh Ideas […]