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How to Incorporate Light Into Your Brandywine Valley Home

Photo by Venjhamin Reyes

Illuminate your home in unique ways with help from the experts.

The Natural Look

“Nods to nature are on trend this year, with plant shapes taking the forefront,” says West Chester-based interior designer Nicole Bailey. Here she’s uses a trio of pineapple-shaped fixtures as vanity lighting over a bathroom mirror. It’s a look that’s both classic and fun.

Courtesy of Nicole Bailey Designs

Mixed Metals

Gold lighting has become a go-to for many designers. If you have silver kitchen appliances, not to worry. “Mixing metals is a great way to ease into the gold trend and blend styles in a space,” Bailey says.

Courtesy of Nicole Bailey Designs

Lighting in Layers

Wilmington-based interior designer Liza Nicole likes to create an experience with lighting, achieving it through layering and utilizing different fixtures throughout a room. She suggests marrying a ceiling fixture, wall sconces and table lamps that vary in style but still look cohesive. “Your eye dances around a space noticing other areas of your curated design because you’ve literally lit the path,” Nicole says.

Texture Hacks

A fixture made from woven rope or wicker might be just what a space needs. “It’s a sneaky way to make up for any elements that need repeating,” says Delaware-based interior designer Megan Gorelick.

Photo by Venjhamin Reyes

Expensive Looks (Without the Hefty Price Tag)

A striking light fixture is a great way to elevate a space. “If adding millwork or arched hallways isn’t in the budget, splurge on a sculptural or bold fixture to create that special detail,” says Nicole.

Photo by Rebecca McAlpin

Dressy Lamps

A shade can easily be enhanced with fabric and trim, especially when that trim involves tassels or pom-poms. Gorelick likes this technique for a whimsical vibe, especially in a bathroom or powder room. “It’s such a fun way to add personality to the room, and it’s easily changeable,” she says.

Photo by Rebecca McAlpin

Recessed the Right Way

If you’re planning recessed lighting for a room, keep it subtle. “When I was little, there was no such thing as a high hat. Then, when they became a thing, people went overboard—and it looked like an airplane runway,” says Gorelick. “Now, the pendulum is swinging back to clean fifth walls.”


Gina Lizzo

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