If you’re feeling a little in the dark about the vast array of lighting options available, we’re here to light the way. At Metricon, our lighting designs are tailored to enhance the beauty of our home designs, ensuring every space shines. With insights from our friends at Amphis, we’ve compiled some key lighting tips for modern homes and new builds.
A great starting point? Ask yourself why you need the light in the first place. Just like nailing the perfect outfit, the secret to great lighting lies in layering. There are three essential layers to consider, and we’re here to guide you through each one.
1. Ambient Lighting
Also known as general lighting, this is the foundation of any great home lighting design. It provides the base illumination to brighten the entire room, rather than focusing on a specific area. The key is to strike the perfect balance - bright enough to see clearly but never too harsh or glary. Ambient lighting is most commonly achieved with ceiling downlights or track lighting, but wall-mounted lights can also play a role.
2. Task Lighting
Task lighting is the practical powerhouse of home lighting, designed to provide focused illumination that helps you accomplish specific tasks. For example, in our Botanica display home in Sunbury, Victoria, a pendant light above the island bench is as stylish as it is functional, creating the perfect atmosphere for everything from meal prep to entertaining. Desk lamps or bedside table lamps are also classic examples, offering just the right light for late-night reading or tackling your latest project in the study.
3. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is all about showing off your flair and adding a touch of drama to your space. It’s the layer that highlights your favourite features, whether it’s a stunning piece of art or a standout corner you want to make the star of the room. Incorporating LED strip lighting under cabinetry or inside shelving is a simple yet effective way to draw attention to key design features in your Metricon home.
The importance of layering
To create a truly beautiful room design, it’s essential to layer all three types of lighting into a cohesive, harmonious glow - where no single element outshines the others. Striking the right balance ensures they work together seamlessly, complementing rather than competing. The beauty of layered lighting is its flexibility; you can adjust it to suit the time of day or your mood. And remember, ambient lighting can be just as beautiful as it is functional.
Types of Lighting
Wall Lighting
Sconces or wall lamps, whether facing up or down, are a brilliant solution for lighting tighter spaces like hallways without sacrificing floor space. They also add a touch of personality, offering a stylish alternative to traditional downlights. Plus, they’re perfect for freeing up bedside table space, serving as a chic replacement for a standard lamp.
Pendant Lighting
When it comes to pendant lights, the options are endless - sleek minimalist drops, elegantly curved globes, or bold designs that make a statement. Pendants are incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways: as a solo statement piece to spotlight a specific area, lined up in a row above a workspace, or clustered together to create a chandelier-style effect, perfect for adding drama to a soaring entrance void. In our Riviera display home in Balwyn, Victoria, pendant lights above the dining area add drama and enhance the home's modern design.
Downlights
Downlights are the epitome of discreet simplicity - efficient, affordable, and ideal for creating ambient lighting throughout your home. However, their effectiveness hinges on thoughtful placement, so it’s worth taking the time to plan their positioning to ensure you achieve the maximum impact.
Track Lighting
The beauty of track lighting lies in its versatility. Unlike fixed-position downlights, track lighting lets you take control, redirecting light wherever it’s needed with just a twist or turn. It’s perfect for adapting the vibe of a space on the fly. Plus, you can easily add or remove lights as required, all while enjoying a sleek, architectural aesthetic.
Cabinet Lighting
Under-lighting cabinetry in the bathroom or kitchen is a smart choice, offering just the right illumination for simple tasks like brushing your teeth or chopping veggies - without the need for harsh overhead lighting. It not only brightens workspaces but also enhances the overall aesthetic. It’s also a game-changer for walk-in wardrobes, where lights inside cabinets make it easy to find what you need, even when you’re still half-asleep. For instance, integrated lighting in walk-in wardrobes, like those in our Franklin display home in Bentleigh, adds a touch of luxury and convenience.
Exterior Lighting
At Metricon, we love embracing integrated living, with our communal spaces flowing seamlessly into outdoor entertaining areas. To make these spaces shine, accent lighting is a smart choice. It enhances their beauty, whether you’re relaxing on the sofa with a view or enjoying dinner at the garden table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere both inside and out.
Warm or Cool?
When lighting a space, it’s important to think about the mood you want to create. In living areas or bedrooms - where you unwind at the end of the day - warm lighting with an amber glow can create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, crisper, cooler tones may be better suited for serene spaces like bathrooms or studies. Dimmers are a great tool for adjusting the tone to suit your needs, and don’t forget to make the most of natural light in areas like a reading nook, where you can soak up the sun.
Location, Location
Placement is everything when it comes to lighting. Ambient lighting does the heavy lifting, so it’s best to spread it out - relying on a single central light can leave shadowy corners. Layering is the key to overcoming this. Add accents, like a stunning standing lamp, or task lighting in areas where clarity is essential.
By experimenting with different lighting types, tones, and placements, you can build the perfect atmosphere for every room in your dream home.
Ready to build a home that’s as beautifully lit as it is designed? Explore our display homes and discover how Metricon homes shine brighter.
