LIGHTING: The reason your dentist office doesn’t feel like home

By Shaneen Interiors

Can we have a moment for lighting? Honestly, it’s one of the most transformative things you can do for your home and it doesn’t need to involve electricians, rewiring or a panic trip to the DIY aisle. Lighting has this magic ability to make a space feel warmer, chicer, and more “put together” in five seconds flat.

The trick is layering. Think of lighting like an outfit. Ambient lighting is your comfy base, task lighting is your smart blazer, and accent lighting is the jewellery that brings it all together. Let’s break it down.

Start With a Glow-Up

Ambient lighting is your main vibe-setter. It’s the soft, all-over light that makes everything feel just a bit more relaxed and lovely. Think flush ceiling lights, soft pendants, and that gorgeous natural daylight we all chase.

Some favourites include clean ceiling lights in a matte finish, a simple pendant over the dining table, or that dreamy daylight coming through floaty linen curtains.

Quick tip: warm white bulbs all the way. Cool-toned light makes even the prettiest room feel a little sad and sterile.

Lights That Do Things

Task lighting has a job to do. Reading in bed, cooking dinner, finishing off a bit of work at the dining table. It’s the light that gets you through the day but still deserves to look beautiful.

Lately I’m loving brass wall lights by the bed, sleek LED strips under kitchen cabinets and those sculptural desk lamps that look like they belong in a design museum.

Mix up your finishes for extra charm. A little brushed gold or matte black detail gives instant style points and keeps things interesting.

The Sparkle

Accent lighting is the little touch of magic that brings personality into your home. It’s not about function. It’s about mood and polish. These are the twinkly bits that make people go “Ooh, that’s nice.”

Try soft strip lights under shelves, picture lights over your favourite artwork or a cheeky uplight tucked behind a plant to add drama without shouting about it.

The secret is not to overdo it. Accent lighting should feel like the final spritz of perfume. Just enough to leave a little impression.

Why It All Matters

Layered lighting makes a home feel thoughtful and lived in. It gives you options. You get that soft morning glow when you're easing into the day, a bright boost when you're cooking or cleaning, and a warm, cosy feel when you're winding down in the evening.

Not sure where to begin? Sit in the room you’re working on and write down five words for how you want it to feel. Bright, calm, luxurious, energising, serene. Whatever speaks to you. Let those words guide your lighting choices and suddenly every decision feels easier.

Lighting doesn’t just help you see. It helps you feel. And that’s what truly makes a house feel like home.