DOUGLAS E. SMITH
        Smith Custom Builders

Over the years we have never duplicated a custom home. The main reason is everyone’s lifestyles, tastes, and needs is different.

This is especially true with lighting, so when developing a concept to light your new home, you must bring in the experts. This will be one of the most important aspects of the aesthetics of your new custom home.

We have learned there are many things to consider when developing a plan for lighting your Custom Home.

Martin Sunday with Lighting Inc. recommends clients work with him closely to design an overall concept of Lighting.

Martin says, “its important to design a layering of light, sculpturing with light shadows and light. This adds depth to otherwise dull or flat surfaces. Even the times of day should promote a certain feel to each home”.

The types of changes in light levels that wake us up in the morning are all different. Some require a softer feel to the eyes, so simple tasks like taking a shower in the morning are much more pleasant. The overall mood can be changed in each home with infinite variations through out.

Functions of light can range from, decorative, task, accent, ambient, kinetic(Kinetic is changing of colors). Every type plays an important role in enhancing the architectural design, furniture, art, and surfaces in the home.

Lighting adds style, elegance, presentation, and value to our homes. If its recessed downlights, low voltage or line voltage. Track lighting with rails or cables, surface mounted decorative, sconces, hanging, and semi flush.

Indirect lighting in ceilings, under cabinet counter lights, toe kicks where cabinets meet the floor, back lighting of decorative sinks, edge lighting or down lighting of glass shelving, decorating your new custom home with lights can be very rewarding.

Another important fact to consider is lighting control. This can be done with different types of systems on the market today. Systems like Homework’s, Radio RA, and Spacer by “Lutron” are just a few that can be installed at entry level costs.

These systems are all flexible, and expandable to adapt to the ever-changing lifestyles we all have. They are programmed to fit each clients needs, and can be reprogrammed at any time.

Safety and security is important to all of us. A simple control at your bedside can activate some or all of the lights in and out of your home. Lights can be controlled by motion sensors that will light your way to the bathroom or kitchen, down the stairs, in the middle of the night without touching a switch.

If you find yourself coming home after dark, a car visor control can be set up so with a push of a button, path lighting up to and into the home can be turned on before you ever leave your car.

There are so many different types of equipment on the market today; it can be difficult to choose. This is why experts in the field, will be invaluable to your new custom home lighting design.