Happy New Year! Since it’s getting dark so early, we’re diving into how the right lighting can transform your home from flat to fabulous, day or night. Lighting can make or break a space—trust us, it’s that important. Natural light does the heavy lifting during the day, shifting moods and hues like a theatrical spotlight, while artificial lighting takes over after dark, layering everything from overhead drama to the cozy glow of lamps and candles. And then there’s LED technology which demands a delicate hand with warmth (measured in Kelvin). The goal? A space that feels inviting and not like you’re prepping for surgery under harsh fluorescents.

PRO HINT: Do not forget to install dimmers everywhere.

CENTRAL TIME

The central ceiling light is having a major comeback, and we’re here for it. Gone are the days when a single overhead fixture was a boring afterthought – today’s designs are bold focal points, from sculptural pendants to stunning chandeliers. But they don’t work alone. Recessed lighting quietly fills dark corners and provides subtle, balanced illumination, ensuring the space feels bright and cohesive without stealing the spotlight.

SOME LIKE IT WARM

Let’s face it: everyone looks better in warm lighting. That soft, golden glow around 2700K (K is for Kelvin) is like nature’s Instagram filter – it smooths, flatters, and makes your space feel cozy and inviting. Conversely, harsh, cold light (4000K and up) can make your kitchen feel less like the heart of the home and more like an operating room. The secret to avoiding this lighting faux pas? Work with an interior designer who knows their ABCs and LEDs. They’ll help you navigate the tricky balance of temperature and placement so your spaces glow (and you do, too) without going flat or feeling sterile.

A LIGHT TO REMEMBER

Lamps and candlelight are critical layers in a lighting plan, bringing warmth and intimacy that complement overhead fixtures. Lamps create cozy pools of light, perfect for reading corners or spotlighting a beautiful table vignette. On the other hand, candlelight delivers a flickering softness that feels effortlessly luxurious—ideal for setting a mood for romance or a dinner party. Together, they add depth and dimension, ensuring your space feels balanced, inviting, and full of character. In the world of lighting, it’s all about layers, and lamps and candles are the finishing touches that make a room genuinely glow.

UPON RETURN

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ON THE BOARDS

This month, we are excited to share more design details of the lovely Primary Bathroom from our custom, new build project that now under construction in Arlington, VA. 

The highlights of this special bathroom include a custom floating white oak vanity with a beautiful tiled wall as the backdrop. The soft blue tile wraps around the corner niche wall of clever storage – a hidden medicine cabinet with a door clad in the same tile on the sink side and open niches for towels and toiletries on the front side within arms reach of the freestanding soaking bathtub.

The walk-in double shower is also a shining moment in this luxury spa-like bathroom oasis, including double rain-shower heads and full body sprays for the ultimate showering experience. We’ve amped up the design by cladding the walls in two different materials – large tile on the lower and the blue ceramic tile on the upper wall. This adds interest and function as the material combination is a cleaver way to create a nice transition from the lower wall section that’s built out to create a convenient ledge for holding toiletries and soaps at the perfect height.

We’re excited to see this special project continue to come to life – stay tuned for more design updates!