Life, Styled
Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design; it significantly influences the mood in the home and alleviates eye strain when there is minimal natural light or when it gets dark. More often than not, a home suffers from insufficient lighting instead of overillumination. For seniors, lighting is even more critical, as the muscles in the eye weaken over time and the pupil size decreases, making it harder for light to enter. Better lighting reduces the chance of bumping or falling over an obstacle and lessens the strain on the eyes as you look around. Good lighting also helps create a comfortable and relaxing environment, exactly what you want for your well-deserved retirement. Let’s talk about how you can have the best lighting, what the benefits are, and which lighting choices are best for certain areas in the home.
Lighting Options For Seniors
It’s no secret that as we age, certain things no longer work as well as they used to, and our eyes are a key area of change. We depend on our sight for so much; it guides our path as we move from room to room, assists us in accomplishing most tasks, and provides us with balance as we move around. Poor lighting can hinder any of these things and even contribute to an increased number of falls. This is why your lighting selections matter in each area of the home. When choosing lighting for seniors, keep these things in mind:
- Glare-free shades
- Cooler lights
- Task lighting
- Dim control lighting
Knowing which lighting options are best for seniors ensures you get the best lighting that meets your needs. Light fixtures with opaque shades help disperse the light and prevent those harsh glares that can irritate the eyes. Warm and cool lights also play a role in how things are perceived in the home. For example, warm lights cause a more yellow hue and can make an area feel darker, while cooler lights shine brighter, making things easier to see. Task lighting is especially helpful in eliminating dark corners and shadows, which can occur in the kitchen between upper and lower cabinets, as well as in other areas such as the laundry room. These shadowy areas can cause a strain on the eyes, and installing specialized task lighting can create a safer, more comfortable environment for you to complete your everyday tasks. Lighting strips and table lamps are some good examples of task lighting. The brightness of a light is also important, and adding dimmer switches can provide the control you need throughout the day. Be sure to check the light switches while you are at it; a good switch is important too.
What Lighting Is Best For Areas In The Home
Different areas in the home will require different lighting choices, influenced by the amount of natural light in each room. Areas in the home that should be given extra thought on lighting needs include:
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Laundry room
- Home office
These areas are used more than any other area in the home and can cause eye strain and increase the risk of accidents if not properly lit. Kitchens are an essential area in the home where we spend a lot of time, and for seniors who are enjoying their retirement, they may even spend a little extra time there. The kitchen is also a place where shadows can accumulate due to upper cabinets and corners, making it difficult to see. Food prep can be made harder and strain the eyes when there is insufficient lighting. When designing your kitchen, be sure to include sufficient lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting, recessed lighting, and pendant lighting. This will chase away the shadows and provide balanced lighting for your eyes. The laundry room is a regularly used area in the home and should also receive proper consideration when selecting the lighting options there. When removing a stain or inspecting clothing for damage, poor lighting can hinder the task and make it harder. Areas of the home where you read or have screens, such as a computer or TV, should have sufficient lighting to reduce eye strain. As we grow older, this becomes a priority in the home. Living rooms and home offices need good lighting. Some great options for these areas include:
- Floor lamps
- Wall sconces
- Pendant lighting
- Recessed lighting
- Table lamps
Each of these choices works well together and adds warmth and depth to the home, making it a welcoming and inviting space for you and your guests. Choose enough lighting to eliminate or at least minimize the number of shadows in your room. You deserve a home that gives you the very best in every area.
The Benefits Of Good Lighting For Seniors
Investing in the right lighting for your home comes with a host of benefits, such as:
- Reduced risk of falling
- Less strain on the eyes
- The ability to accomplish tasks more easily
All of this matters and contributes to a home that is ready for you to safely age in place. Your eyes matter because they are a part of almost anything you do, and most of our activities are spent indoors. Natural light is recommended as much as possible, as it comes with its own host of benefits. However, it will shift throughout the day, leaving you with a need to supplement it. Whether it is cooking in the kitchen for yourself or with the grandchildren, pursuing a favorite hobby in the craft room, or reading a good book in your home office or living room, good lighting makes all the difference. If your home is beautiful but hinders you from doing your daily routine or the things you love, it is poorly designed and will only compound the problems later. A good home is both functional and beautiful, working together to provide you with a place you love to be every day. Good lighting focuses on providing you with everything you need to effortlessly transition into your golden years, allowing you to live your life to its fullest potential. By knowing exactly what lighting is perfect for each area in the home and which type of lighting is better suited for certain tasks, you can ensure that your newly renovated or updated space will provide optimal service for years to come.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Greenbrook Design