Lighting Design Ideas from HGTV Dream Home 2016

HGTV Dream Home 2016 interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn sheds light on choosing interior light fixtures.

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October 06, 2015

By: Brian Patrick Flynn and Dana Dalrymple

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Guiding Light

Lighting can quickly make or break a room, so when shopping for HGTV Dream Home 2016, he focused on the ceiling fixtures, table lamps and floor lamps, making sure each room had an original mix of shapes, finishes, textures and design styles.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Classic Industrial

“When given my first choice, I'm drawn to classic industrial fixtures since I feel they fit with any style interior and also mix well with a wide variety of furnishings and artwork,” says Brian.

Glitz and Glamour

For a traditional approach to a glamorous or formal style room, an iron and crystal chandelier is classic and timeless just like black and white.

Power In Numbers

Finding the perfect size fixture to anchor a large room can be daunting, however grouping the same or slightly similar fixtures together can solve this issue as long as the scale of each fixture is proportionate to the other.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Visual Weight

Think of a space compositionally and make sure each element carries its weight and holds its own against the other. The trick to getting larger table lamps right is to choose fixtures made of glass. You still get the shape and scale needed, but the glass lessens the visual weight since you can see through the lamp.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Reflective Qualities

Reflective objects play a big part in the overall lighting by creating a rich, warm glow as well as an interesting play on shapes and shadows on nearby floors, walls or ceilings.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Overhead and Task Lighting

Always try to add statement-making overhead lighting along with task lighting such as table lamps, desk lamps or floor lamps for a successful mix of various lighting elements. You'll have lighting at different levels, eliminating harsh shadows or creating isolated hot spots in the room.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Natural Light

Capitalize on rooms with abundant natural light with light furniture, reflective accents and even bright colors. However, when making selections, beware of too much direct sunlight which can cause fabrics and rugs to fade quickly.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Play on Light

Incorporate glass and crystal accents into spaces that receive tons of natural light due to the soft, diffusing effect they have on nearby elements.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Color Influence

When choosing light fixtures, it is important to consider the effect they can have on colors at night when there is artificial light. In cases where a room is painted a dark color or a more saturated tone, diffused light fixtures such as drum pendants made of fabric are ideal because they will help white balance the colors, allowing them to read truly.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Diffused Lighting

Anytime you can use diffused lighting in bathrooms, you're sure to cast a more flattering glow onto yourself rather than fixtures with bare bulbs, which can create hot spots.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn