Layered in light
Lighting is one of those elements that often gets overlooked until the very end of a project, yet it has the power to completely transform how a space feels. I’ve seen time and again how thoughtful lighting choices elevate interiors, whether it’s a family home, a compact apartment, or a hospitality space.
Embrace Natural Light
There’s something uniquely Melbourne about the way our light shifts throughout the day. From crisp mornings to golden afternoons, natural light brings a rhythm to interiors. I often recommend positioning mirrors to reflect daylight deeper into a room, or using sheer curtains to soften glare while still letting the outside in. It’s about working with the climate, not against it.
Layer Your Lighting
Just as we layer textures and colours, lighting benefits from a layered approach. Ambient lighting sets the overall mood, task lighting supports daily activities, and accent lighting highlights those special details. When combined, these layers create flexibility: spaces that feel calm in the evening yet energised during the day.
My Favourite Layering: Wall Sconces & Lamps
One of my go-to strategies is incorporating wall sconces; they add visual interest, break up blank walls, and create atmosphere without overwhelming a space and draws the eye around a room. I love how wall sconces can act as both functional lighting and sculptural detail. Wall sconces in bathrooms are having a moment too, add for face level functional lighting around your mirrored shaving cabinet.
Equally important are floor and table lamps; they bring warmth and intimacy, while also offering versatility, you can reposition them, creating an adaptable room. Together, sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps create a layered effect that feels inviting, lived in, and effortlessly stylish.
Warm vs. Cool Tones
Colour temperature plays a subtle but important role, in my previous blog I mention lighting temperature. Warm light (2700K-3000K) creates intimacy, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms, while cooler tones sharpen focus in kitchens or workspaces (4000K-6000K). I often blend both across a project, ensuring each space feels purposeful yet cohesive.
Highlight Features
Lighting should celebrate the design, not compete with it. Spotlights on artwork, wall washers on textured surfaces, or a pendant over a dining table can draw the eye to what matters most. These touches add depth and elevate the overall experience of a room.
Smart Lighting for Modern Living
Technology is reshaping how we interact with interiors. Smart lighting systems allow adjustments in brightness and tone throughout the day, aligning with both lifestyle and sustainability goals. It’s a way of future-proofing your home while keeping it adaptable.
Lighting is more than a practical necessity, it’s an emotional layer of design. When approached thoughtfully, it can make a room feel expansive, intimate, or energising. In Melbourne’s dynamic design landscape, it’s often the difference between a space that simply works and one that truly inspires.
Your Vision Crafted.
Jenni
