When I think of redesigning my home, I often feel overwhelmed and inadequate. Fortunately, my friendship with award-winning Interior Designer, Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs has given me an increase of innovation and confidence. Most importantly though, it has made me realize I do not have to be an expert in the world of interior design.
Dawn’s passion and expertise IS in the design world, so I can simply sit back and listen. As we had our latest conversation, I begged her to allow me to blog about it. Thankfully, she agreed. Our conversation was about choosing the proper light fixtures for your home.
As I write this post, many of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before. Therefore, it is the perfect time to boost the lighting in our homes, or to at least begin a plan. Just the light fixtures alone can be the difference between a desirable inviting space, and a dark, lonely one. Not only can some new light fixtures add lighting and character to your home, but it can also boost your mood.
Now, let me say ahead of time: You do not need to head out to a home improvement store to make this transformation happen. You CAN order a great deal of your supplies online.
A helpful tip: Order your supplies directly from Dawn D. Totty’s ideabook on Houzz and receive an instant 5% off discount. Dawn’s ideabook has some very attractive and modern light fixtures choices.
Most recently, Dawn has been working with Teems Electric (of Ringgold, GA), to achieve some of her most important light fixture goals yet. Teems specializes in both residential and commercial electrical work. They are currently graciously volunteering for one of the most near and dear projects Dawn has ever been associated with. With Teems Electric by her side, Dawn is working to create an uplifting and nurturing environment at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Jasper, TN.
With that said, in previous posts, you may remember that Dawn has expressed how vital proper lighting is. When it comes to brightening up your space, she emphasizes that everything from window treatments to paint color matters (Sherwin-Williams is her favorite). Today though, we are going to focus solely on those light fixtures. As always, Dawn doesn’t share just what to do……but she also dishes on how to do it.
Dawn’s tips for choosing proper light fixtures:
- Ceiling height: The higher the ceiling, the larger the light fixture should be. If the ceiling is shorter, its length should not exceed 18 inches.
“For rooms with shorter ceilings, I recommend going with a light fixture that is more horizontal vs. vertical in shape. It will simply look more showy and add character to your room,” reveals Dawn.
“ Avoid light fixtures that hang too high or too low. It should always be approximately 6 foot 7 inches from the bottom of the fixture to the floor. If you have a 28 foot ceiling, you should go the standard 8-10 feet from the floor,” emphasizes Totty.
- Triple and quad lighting fixtures vs. one single light fixtures: Dawn is a big fan of clusters of pendants and chandeliers.
“You can use 3 full-sized chandeliers on one ceiling if it’s big enough. I also like to stagger the lights, and prefer odd numbers of lights to even,”suggests Dawn.
“When it comes to contemporary kitchen island lighting, I would suggest a very large 4 ft. LED light. You can go with a very long horizontal pendant, or you can go with 3 pendants depending on the size of course. And when it comes to recessed light fixtures? You can have too many, I promise. I like pendant lights over a kitchen sink vs. recessed. With the pendants, you get nice ambient lighting – yet it’s an opportunity to create a little personality rather than simply have a light disk in the ceiling,”she adds.
- Mixing metal finishes: As Dawn has also emphasized in past posts, your home doesn’t have to be predictable or cookie-cutter. She enjoys going outside of the box and mixing it up.
“You can always mix your metal finishes. A combination of brass and pewter is perfect,”explains Dawn.
- Expensive vs. cost-effective: Dawn is all about salvaging, refinishing and making the most of what you already have whenever possible. Sometimes, the same can even be true of your current light fixtures. Not every light absolutely has to be replaced – especially if it’s not in the budget.
“Avoid fixating on buying that $300 light fixture. Always buy the shape and size that is suitable for the space, as well as your personal style. Sometimes all you need to do is buy a $5 can of spray paint (with primer) and refinish,” she reveals.
Though ceiling fans are not among Dawn’s preferred light fixtures, she emphasizes that even those can be improved for a small price.
“If the ceiling is white, and you know you cannot budget enough to replace the ceiling fan – simply paint the blades the same color as the ceiling. Remove your blades, take them outside, lay them on a big black garbage bag, and spray them with 2 or 3 coats of spray paint (with primer). It will make your fan blend in more appropriately with your ceiling, rather than look like a big black spider hanging down,” she shares.
- Light bulbs: Most important of all? If you want adequate lighting, you must choose the right bulbs to make it happen.
“A lot of people don’t necessarily think light bulbs matter, but they matter tremendously. LED bulbs are always the best option. There are warm LEDS and then there are cool LEDS, which give off absolutely no heat. In the south, that is always the best option of course,” says Totty.
- Exterior lighting:
Dawn stresses that though interior lighting is crucial, we should also give attention to our exterior – especially if we are looking to sell anytime soon.
“About 85% of potential home buyers will drive by to look at your home at night. Exterior illumination, porch entry light fixtures and landscaping lighting are all part of the curb appeal and “wow factor.” Your exterior entrance light should be covered or semi-covered….not a flush mount. It always adds value to a property to see a pretty light fixture vs. just a glow,” expresses Totty.
Needless to say, lighting can truly be everything. What are some of your favorite light fixture styles? Sound off in the comment section below.
To keep up with Dawn D. Totty and her latest projects, follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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About Dawn D. Totty Designs
Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential. Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes. As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates. With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.
In addition to her aesthetic talents and undeniable creativity, lies the mind of an entrepreneur. She’s a real estate investor with a highly favorable track record. She has been known to consistently make sizeable profits off of her investments as she has a trained eye for what potential buyers look for. From homes, to business environments, Totty’s designs have been positively impacting lives both personally and professionally.
In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.
