Hello,
I hope your Sunday’s off to a gentle start. We’ve just had half term week, a bit of chaos, a lot of cousins, and plenty of cups of tea in between. It’s been so nice to pause, step away from the laptop for a few days, and just be.
And as always, time away has me thinking about home, how we can make our spaces feel more personal to us. Because home should hold you, not drain you.
Which brings me to this week’s topic: lighting.
The Importance of Ambience Lighting: Setting the Perfect Mood
There’s something I always tell clients that nearly always gets a surprised look:
It’s not your paint that’s wrong, it’s your lighting.
Light is the quiet architect of every room. It shapes how colour behaves, how flattering your sofa (and your skin tone!) looks at 7pm, and whether a north-facing space feels calm… or cold.
If colour is the personality of a room, lighting is its mood.
And once you start noticing it, you’ll never unsee it.
I’ve also added a few Pinterest images to inspire you, just so you can see how the right light transforms a space (and how your paint suddenly starts to sing).
Colour of Bulbs Matter
Here’s a small but powerful tweak I wish more people knew about, the colour of your bulbs matters.
When choosing LEDs, look for warm white bulbs around 2700–3000K. They’ll make your paint colours sing and your rooms feel inviting. Anything cooler (4000K and above) can start to fight your palette and make even the cosiest corners feel harsh or flat.
I nearly always tell clients to avoid bright white LEDs in living rooms and bedrooms, they’re brilliant for bathrooms and kitchens, not for comfort.
Layering Your Lighting
I’ll happily admit it, I almost never put the big light on.
The magic happens when you layer your lighting. Think of it like styling your outfit: one piece alone rarely makes the look, but together they create something harmonious and full of depth.
Start with your main source, the big light or ceiling pendant, then add accent lighting (floor lamps, wall lights, picture lights) to bring shape and softness. Finish with task lighting, those small, deliberate pockets of glow for reading, cooking, or getting ready.
When these layers work together, they create true atmosphere, gentle contrasts of light and shadow that make a space feel lived-in, calm and cocooning.
Next time you are in a restaurant or hotel, try to bring your awareness to the lighting in the room - if you like the mood or vibe, take note of how they have layered the lighting in the space.
Where to Add Lighting in Your Home
Once you start layering, it helps to know where each type of lighting belongs. Here’s how I guide clients room by room:
Living Rooms
You’ll rarely want to rely solely on overhead lighting in the evening. Instead, build atmosphere with:
Side table lamps for warmth and zoning
A floor lamp beside a reading chair
Wall lights to frame art or create gentle pockets of glow
The goal is simple: let light and shadow work together; that contrast is what makes a space feel alive.
Bedrooms
Two bedside lamps are almost essential. You should be able to wind down without ever needing to switch on the main light.
In my new home in Somerset, our guest bedroom isn’t able to fit a bed and bedside tables (its “cosy” haha), so I am planning to get wall mounted lights installed to add some personality, but also they will aid functionally by providing reading light to Sam’s parents who love to sit in bed with a good book and cup to tea.
Choose warm, soft LEDs (around 2700K) to flatter paint colours and create calm, harsh overhead lighting has no place in a space meant for rest.
Bathrooms & Makeup Areas
This is where function matters most. Always aim for lighting either side of the mirror, rather than from above, it gives a far more flattering, true-to-life reflection.
And yes, colour temperature matters here too: too cool and you’ll look washed out; too warm and makeup colours appear inaccurate. The sweet spot is lovely balanced light that feels natural and fresh.
A Lighting Checklist
Something I always suggest to clients, and do myself all the time, is a little lighting check. It takes two minutes but can completely change how your space feels.
Tonight, when the sun goes down, step into your favourite room and notice the mood. Then ask yourself:
Do I have at least three layers of light, not just one big overhead glow?
Are my bulbs warm enough to make the room feel inviting, not stark?
Am I relying too heavily on ceiling spots?
Is there softness at eye level, a lamp, a candle, a gentle shade?
How have side table lights zoned my room? I.e do they invite someone to sit with a book of an evening
If things feel a little flat or harsh, don’t worry, it’s never about throwing everything out and starting again. A new bulb, a lamp in the corner, or simply dimming what you already have can transform the whole atmosphere.
My Lighting Edit
I’ve pulled together a little Lighting Edit for you this week. It’s a mix of my favourite lamps and shades, pieces that bring depth, warmth and texture to a space, whether you want a bold statement or just a gentle glow.
Some are splurges, some are beautifully affordable, all are brands I’ve used in my own home or recommended during client consultations.
If you’re thinking about your decorating (I certainly am after half term!), and how you can create your dream home, my new Bedroom & Living Room Colour Courses are now live. We’ll talk about how to use light and colour together for calm, balanced, utterly restful spaces.
So, pour yourself a tea, dim the big light, and explore the edit. Your home deserves a little glow-up.
Tash x
PS. I just have to share these lovely words from those who’ve taken the Colour Course so far…over 200 people have taken the time to use the course to renovate their spaces eek!
“I’ve spent months staring at paint samples and second-guessing every decision. This course made it click. Once Tash explained how light and feeling work together, I knew exactly what direction to go in. My living room finally feels like me — calm, warm, and finished.” Emma L, London
“I expected another fluffy design course, but it’s genuinely practical. Each short video helped me make a decision straight away — from where to test paint to how to balance tones. I finished the course with a moodboard, a palette, and total confidence to start painting.” Hannah R, Manchester
“Short videos, clear steps, no waffle. I did the course over a weekend and came out with a moodboard, a paint shortlist, and a plan for styling. The section on light direction alone was worth it — finally understand why every colour I'd tried before looked wrong. Can't recommend it enough.” Cari B, Brighton