The Ultimate Guide to Home Lighting Design

Lee Makin
Published March 18, 2025

A well-lit home isn’t just about making sure rooms are bright—it’s about setting the right mood, making everyday tasks easier, and bringing out the best in your home’s design.

At Makin Homes, we know that lighting is more than just a practical feature. It’s a way to make your home feel warm, stylish, and comfortable. Whether it’s soft lighting for a relaxed evening, bright lights for cooking, or smart lighting that adjusts automatically, the right setup makes all the difference.

We collaborate with you to create a home lighting design that works for your lifestyle, making sure each space feels just right.

Here are some of the most effective ways to use lighting to create the perfect atmosphere in every room.

Making a great first impression: Entrance & hallways

The entrance is the first thing people see when they walk into your home, and good lighting makes sure it feels inviting from the start.

If you want to make a bold statement, a chandelier can add a touch of luxury that guests will remember. But in a smaller hallway, it might feel overwhelming. In that case, warm-toned wall sconces work well to create a welcoming atmosphere without taking up too much space.

For a modern and practical solution, motion-sensor lighting turns on automatically as you enter. This adds convenience while also saving energy by ensuring lights are only on when needed.

A well-lit entrance makes your home feel stylish, functional, and easy to navigate.

Entrance & Hallways Lighting Design

Creating the right atmosphere: The living room

The living room is where people gather to relax, watch movies, or catch up with family and friends. The right lighting helps create a warm and comfortable space that feels just right for every occasion.

LED strip lights along shelves, bookcases, or display walls add a soft glow that highlights your favourite décor. Table and floor lamps give extra light when needed, making them great for reading or creating a cosy corner.

If you like having full control over the lighting, recessed LED downlights with dimmer switches let you adjust the brightness to match the mood—brighter for social gatherings, softer for a relaxed evening in.

Good lighting makes the living room feel more inviting and practical, making sure it suits both everyday life and special occasions.

Living Room Lighting Design

Practical and stylish: The kitchen

The kitchen is a busy space, used for everything from cooking and eating to working and entertaining. Lighting should be both practical and stylish, helping you see clearly while also making the space feel warm and welcoming.

Under-cabinet lighting is great for brightening up workspaces, ensuring you can see what you’re doing even when it’s dark outside. Pendant lights over an island bench add a touch of style while also providing focused light for food prep and dining.

A modern design feature that’s becoming more popular is LED kickboard lighting, where lights are installed under cabinets or along the floor. This adds a soft glow that makes it easier to move around at night without turning on bright overhead lights.

A well-planned kitchen lighting setup makes the space more enjoyable to use, making sure it’s functional while still looking great.

Kitchen Lighting Setup

Setting the scene: The dining room

The dining room is where families come together, meals are shared, and special moments are celebrated. The right lighting helps set the tone, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal gathering.

Dimmable pendant lights over the dining table give you the flexibility to adjust the brightness, making the space feel intimate and relaxed when needed.

For added convenience, smart lighting lets you control brightness levels through voice commands or an app, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting switches while hosting guests.

If you want to bring something unique to your dining space, colour-changing LED lighting can be a fun way to change the mood depending on the occasion. Soft golden light for a relaxed evening, cooler tones for a fresh and modern feel—the options are endless.

Dining Room Lighting

For a night of comfort & calm: The bedroom

The bedroom is your personal retreat, a place to unwind and recharge. Lighting should help create a peaceful and calming atmosphere while also being practical for everyday use.

Bedside table lamps provide a soft, warm glow, perfect for reading or winding down at the end of the day. If you prefer a modern look, under-bed LED lighting gives off a gentle light that makes it easier to move around at night without needing bright overhead lights.

Dimmable LED strip lighting is another great option, allowing you to adjust the brightness depending on your mood. Whether you need soft lighting for a relaxed evening or a bit more brightness to get ready in the morning, it gives you the flexibility to create the perfect setting.

Bedroom Lighting Set Up

Spa-like serenity: The bathroom

Bathroom lighting needs to be both functional and relaxing. Bright lights are important for getting ready in the morning, but softer lighting helps create a more calming space in the evening.

Flush mount ceiling lights work well in smaller bathrooms, while spotlights inside cabinets help brighten storage areas so you can find what you need easily.

For a modern and practical touch, waterproof LED lighting can be built into mirrors, vanities, or even bathtubs. Motion-sensor lights are also a great option, so you don’t have to touch a switch with wet hands.

A well-lit bathroom should feel bright and fresh in the morning while also offering a calming glow when it’s time to unwind

Read more about luxury bathroom ideas 

Bathroom Lighting

Lighting up your outdoor space

Outdoor lighting makes your garden feel just as inviting as the inside of your home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening outside, the right lighting makes a big difference.

LED strip lights along pathways or patios add a soft glow that makes it easy to move around safely while also creating a beautiful effect. Spotlights placed in trees or along garden beds add depth to the space, giving your backyard a stylish and welcoming feel.

For outdoor kitchens or BBQ areas, a mix of task lighting and softer decorative lights keeps the space practical without making it too bright. Underwater LED lights in pools also add a striking look, making the water appear deeper and more inviting.

Outdoor Lighting

The perfect home lighting design

From the initial concept to the final touches, our expertise in custom home lighting design will ensure that every detail works seamlessly without compromising on ease and efficiency.

With solutions that are adaptable, versatile, and personalised to suit your needs, we can help turn your custom home build into something truly spectacular and that will last the test of time.

Contact Makin Homes today to start the process of designing and building your dream home.

 

Lee Makin
Lee Makin, founder of Makin Homes, started his building career in 1995 as a bricklayer. After facing a challenging personal building experience, he founded Makin Homes in 2008 with a focus on transparency and open communication. Known for his client-first approach, Lee ensures every project receives personalised attention, building a maximum of 10 homes per year to guarantee each client’s dream home becomes a reality.
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