Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Today, you get a double dose of DIY!  We will be showing you how to create a well lit room as well as how to create your own light fixtures.  Lighting is such an important element in a room.  It can not only change the entire look and feel of a room but can effect how you feel as well. Higher levels of lighting generally produce cheerful effects and stimulate your alertness and activity, whereas lower levels tend to create an atmosphere of relaxation, intimacy, and restfulness.

This Brock Designs Group living room combines the brightness for functionality and the softness added by the lamps.  Highlighting the artwork on the wall is also a great way to draw the eye and make the room appear larger.  Always remember to add dimmers to every light fixture so you can adjust the lighting to suit your mood.

Image via Brock Designs Group

In areas where you “retreat” it is very important to keep the lighting soft.  This will help you to feel relaxed and peaceful.  Adding table lamps or soft, low hanging pendent lights are a great way to get that feeling.

Image via Lizette Marie Interior Design

In other areas of the house, like the kitchen or a home gym, you need a brighter ambient lighting plan.  This will not only add to the obvious functionality of the room but creates a more energetic mood.

Image via Rossington Architecture

Image via Crisp Architects

I hope this helps you create a flattering glow, yet still have enough wattage to see what you’re doing and “illuminating” your way to a well lit room.

For more lighting ideas, check out my Lighting Board on Pinterest!

Now let’s look at some ways to create your own light fixtures!

Image and Full Tutorial via Kara Paslay Designs

Image and Full Tutorial via Planet Green

Image and Full Tutorial via Apartment Therapy

Image and Full Tutorial via Oregonlive.com

These are some fun projects!  What a conversation starter to say that you made them yourself.

Enjoy your weekend and don’t forget to let me know how your projects turn out!