Q: What’s the secret to sprucing up my home on a shoestring budget?

A: Lighten up – literally. The economy may be in the doldrums, but that doesn’t mean your decor has to be there too. It’s possible to turn dark, dreary and dated decor into light, lively and “now” without breaking the bank! Upgrading your home’s lighting can impart a whole new atmosphere.

• First, consider the first impression guests (or potential buyers) have of your home. Upgrading exterior lighting or entryway lighting can improve the curb appeal and first impression of your home.
• Next, take a look at the first parts of the house guests see – often the entryway or dining room. Changing these lights will make major strides in improving the look and, in some cases, the efficiency of your home.
• An upgrade that’s well within the skills of most do-it-yourselfers, installing a dimmer can completely change the character and quality of a space. Iin a bathroom, there is no jarring impact of turning on bright lighting in the middle of the night. In a master bedroom, they can create a soothing or even romantic mood.
• In other rooms, take a look at your table lamps. Changing outdated lamps with newer trend-forward ones that incorporate fashion-friendly colors, fabrics, and patterns can create an impact on a small budget.
• Simple upgrades in kitchens and baths can also deliver big impact and enhance your home’s value. Adding mini pendants is a good place to start. They add esthetic appeal and build an interesting focal point at a fair price.
• Finally, when you’re lighting a room, keep in mind that you need to use more than one light and more than one kind of light. A balance of overhead lights, floor lamps and/or table lamps will produce the most esthetically pleasing, livable atmosphere.

Simple, budget-friendly changes can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels, and how much you enjoy living there. Visit our lighting consultants at Kerry Jayms Lighting – or have them visit you – and they can help create your own jewellery for your home!