💌 The Power of Lighting in Design
Dear Reader,
If there’s one design element that can make or break a space, it’s lighting. It’s not as flashy as new cabinetry or a marble countertop, but when done right, lighting completely transforms the way a room feels — not just how it looks.
One of my favorite examples of this is a project we recently completed: Cindy’s Kitchen.
The Before
Minimal and oddly distributed lighting made the space dark.
When we first walked in, the space felt dark and dated. The lighting was cool-toned and harsh in some areas, and barely there in others. It was the kind of light that made even beautiful finishes look flat. The goal was simple — create a kitchen that felt bright, warm, and welcoming without losing its sense of intimacy.
So, we designed a layered lighting plan. I like to think of lighting in layers — each one serving a different purpose, but together creating harmony.
✨ Ceiling lighting (task): the foundational light that makes the space functional and bright.
✨ Wall sconces and pendants (ambient): the “jewelry” of the room — soft, decorative, and grounding.
✨ Under-cabinet lighting (task again): precise and practical, illuminating every countertop.
✨ Overall tone (mood): all these layers working together to create warmth and comfort.
And when it comes to color temperature — I only use soft white tones. Always. Lighting at 2700K to a max of 3000K brings warmth and a lived-in feeling that’s inviting rather than clinical. It’s that subtle difference between a kitchen that feels like home and one that feels like a showroom.
Once installed, the change was breathtaking. The kitchen felt instantly alive — warm light bounced off the quartz surfaces, the sconces created soft glow pockets, and the under-cabinet lighting made every prep task feel effortless.
The After
A well illuminated kitchen creates softness and warmth.
What I love most about lighting is how emotional it is. It doesn’t just brighten a room — it brightens how you feel in it. When you walk into a well-lit kitchen, you don’t just see better… you feel better.
With warmth (and the right wattage),
Gaby
Founder, Guild Properties
P.S. When you’re planning your next renovation, give lighting the attention it deserves. It’s the quiet design hero that makes every other element shine.