Light up your home with these chic lighting trends

Combine functionality with style: Briggs Electrical’s Malvern electricians share top considerations to make when lighting up your space!

There’s no denying that a renovation or build project can often blow out, well beyond timeline estimates or deadlines.

So it’s no wonder that one of the most exhilarating parts of this process is the moment where you’ve finally reached the lock-up stage; as your vision comes to life and rooms start to take shape.

What is the ‘lock-up’ stage of a build or renovation?

The lock-up stage of a build refers to securing the structure with doors, windows, and roofing, essentially enclosing the building. At this stage, the building becomes weatherproof and secure, protecting it from external elements and unauthorised access.

It marks a significant milestone in the construction process, often preceding interior fit-out work. And part of that interior work includes lighting! 

Lighting installation following lock-up

Lighting installations typically occur after the lock-up stage of a build. Once the building is enclosed and weatherproof, electricians can safely install wiring, light fixtures, and other electrical components.

This ensures electrical work is carried out in a protected environment, minimising potential damage from outdoor elements.

When some people think of interior design, a lighting plan is not always on top of their mind. However, what some fail to realise is the importance of a good home lighting design that not only looks good, but functions well, too.   

 

5 considerations to make with indoor lighting

1. Task and accent lighting

Almost every room in the home requires both task and accent lighting.  It’s particularly important in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, and can also be used effectively in bedrooms.

Task lighting is practical lighting for things like cooking, shaving, or applying makeup, while accent lighting brings warmth, ambiance, and dimension to a room.

You can find out more about task and accent lighting in this blog post.

 

2. Trends or timelessness?

Trends come and go, so you might want to spare an extra thought before following super-specific trends. Unfortunately, they can leave a home feeling dated after just a few years.

There are some trends, though, that stand the test of time and are here for the long haul. In fact, they should be referred to as themes rather than trends. Themes are timeless; they do not date.

They’re classics!

Some of our favourites are included below.

 

3. Go for gold

Metallic colours have always been present in home lighting design. This year is no different!

While super-timely trends like rose gold may feel outdated after a year or two, gold, silver, brass, and copper are colour schemes that won’t be going away anytime soon.

If you’re not a fan of super bright gold tones, you can always go for the more muted or matte tones. You can also mix gold with brass to subdue it. Alternatively, if you’d like to inject some on-trend rose gold, look out for fixtures that combine rose gold with copper.

Metallic tones are suitable for almost any taste:

• Opulent chandeliers for those who like making a bold and striking statement
• Modern, clean-brushed gold domes for a chic look
• Rustic and industrial pendant lights for that super-cool warehouse vibe

Metallic colours look especially striking in a crisp white bathroom, adding a touch of warmth and style.

 

4. Art deco is always trending

When art deco was first introduced in the 1920s in France, the world opened its arms and embraced this new visual style. Art deco heavily influenced designs including art, architecture, fashion, and even interior decoration.

And more than 100 years later, it’s still a highly coveted styling theme in homes.

Lighting design is also influenced by art deco. And this year, just like years gone by, it is trending.

Art deco lighting designs are usually made of glass, and designs are usually geometric inspired and have brass or chrome trimmings.

If you’re a pro at flea or trash and treasure markets, you might just find an original art deco-inspired piece of lighting from years gone by with a fantastic story behind it.

Be aware though: because of its vintage status, its wiring will likely be in poor shape. Consult a trusty electrician to help you determine the state of the light fixture and how it can be restored and installed in your home.

 

5. Go big or go home

In some homes, people lean towards larger lighting fixtures that really stand out in a room. In fact, lighting can be as much of a feature as artwork of furniture!  

If you want to take a risk, you can definitely work with oversized lighting fixtures. They look great in large rooms and open plan spaces.

Due to its size, a bold lighting fixture can become a room’s centrepiece. If you want to make a statement, then this theme is for you!

If you’re thinking of a bold and daring design aesthetic, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Take inspiration from these larger-than-life statement fixtures.

 

Need an electrician in Melbourne to help you with lighting up a new home?

Trust Briggs Electrical to combine style with functionality

  

Along with the thrill of building a new home or engaging in a renovation comes the strategic planning of lighting, plumbing, landscaping, and more.

It can be easy to get caught up in the aesthetics, but always remember that safety comes first: your entire electrical system, including lighting, must be up to Australia’s electrical safety standards.

Regardless of your design aesthetic, your lighting fixtures should also be functional and efficient.

When it comes to planning and installing fixtures, make sure you work with the pros! We’ll make sure that everything is up to standard and performing as intended.

The Briggs team of electricians is based in Bayside and serves the entire Melbourne region. And we’re just a phone call away: 1300 300 222.