Hi there! Welcome to the “Ask Alexa” series. I’m Alexa Drees, the Design Center Director at Drees Homes, and I’m excited to bring you weekly tips, advice, and answers to your dilemmas to help make designing your dream home an easy and enjoyable process. Each week, I’ll be rolling out a new feature. (If you missed our first five videos, you can watch them here.)

In our inaugural month, we kicked off the series with a discussion on all things backsplash. Last week, we took a deeper dive into the kitchen, going beyond the backsplash and suggesting other ways you can create major “WOW” factor. Now we’re talking through lighting decisions. Here’s are a few facts you should keep in mind when making smart lighting selections:

Working with the Architectural Jewelry of the Home

Selecting light fixtures should be a thoughtful decision as they have the power to create instant “WOW” factor, plus they’re functional. Think of light fixtures as architectural jewelry. With them, you can easily drees up or down the look of any room.

At the Drees Design Center, we help our customers consider their own personal style, plus color and size when selecting the ideal fixtures for their home. Homeowners are often surprised by the impact light fixtures make, and how many options there are to choose from. Rest assured though…We’re there to guide you every step of the way.

Incorporating Layers of Light

We ensure that our homes include a variety of lighting types. All well-designed spaces incorporate different layers of light. Think sconces, the main ceiling fixture, table lamps, recessed can lighting and natural light. Using various types of light provides greater functionality, interest and ambiance. A lighting mix is a must!

Recessed Lighting: Yay or Nay?

Some recessed light is a given. However, using wall-mounted or pendant sources to reflect light off a matte ceiling surface often provides much better illumination than sticking exclusively with recessed downlights. Plus, choosing light fixtures is fun!

How to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck

Ask yourself, “What space will I spend the most time in when it comes to inviting guests over or entertaining?” Is it the kitchen, family room or dining room…maybe even the foyer? To get the most bang for your buck, focus on adding eye-catching fixtures to those areas first.

Next week, we’ll be covering statement ceilings. For the first look at our new segments, be sure to follow along on Facebook. We look forward to having you join us on this journey of design explorations!

All the best,
Alexa Drees