Lighting is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in property design.

It enhances aesthetics, creates inviting atmospheres, and significantly influences mood and productivity. For property developers and investors, choosing the right lighting isn't just about appearances; it's about increasing property value and ensuring tenant satisfaction.

Understanding the Basics of Lighting

Lighting can truly transform your development. Natural lighting is invaluable—it reduces energy costs and offers health benefits by boosting mood and productivity. Maximising natural light should be a priority in any property design.

Consider these strategies:

Window Placement: Strategically place windows to maximise daylight penetration. Large, unobstructed windows in living areas can flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
Skylights: Where conventional windows aren't feasible, skylights are an excellent alternative. They bring in natural light from above, illuminating rooms that might otherwise be dimly lit.
Reflective Surfaces: Incorporate materials that reflect light, such as polished floors, glossy tiles, or mirrored surfaces. These elements bounce natural light deeper into the room, enhancing brightness without additional fixtures.

Choosing the Right Artificial Lighting

When natural light is insufficient, artificial lighting steps in. Layering different types of artificial lighting—ambient, task, and accent lighting—is key to creating a versatile and functional space.

Ambient Lighting: Provides general illumination, setting the room's tone through ceiling-mounted fixtures, pendants, and wall-mounted lights.
Task Lighting: Focuses on specific areas like reading or cooking, including desk lamps and under-cabinet lights.
Accent Lighting: Highlights features such as artworks or architectural details, often with spotlights or wall-mounted fixtures.

Tips for Different Areas Within a Property:

Lounge

Ambient Lighting: A central ceiling fixture or pendant light provides overall illumination. Opt for dimmable options to adjust brightness according to the occasion.
Task Lighting: Place floor lamps and table lamps strategically near seating areas for reading or other activities requiring focused light.
Accent Lighting: Highlight focal points such as artwork or architectural features with adjustable wall-mounted or track lighting, adding depth and visual interest to the space.

Kitchen:

Task Lighting: Install under-cabinet lights to illuminate countertops, making food preparation easier and safer. Pendant lights above islands or breakfast bars provide both task lighting and a stylish focal point.
Ambient Lighting: Overhead fixtures should provide even, shadow-free illumination throughout the space. Consider recessed lights or flush mounts for a streamlined look.
Accent Lighting: For larger budgets, use in-cabinet or toe-kick lighting to add ambiance and highlight kitchen features during evening hours.

Bedroom:

Ambient Lighting: Soft, diffused lighting helps create a calming environment conducive to rest. Opt for wall-mounted fixtures or overhead lights with dimmers to control brightness.
Task Lighting: Bedside lamps with adjustable arms or wall-mounted reading lights are essential for bedtime reading.
Accent Lighting: Use recessed spotlights or wall-mounted fixtures to highlight decorative elements like artwork or architectural details, enhancing the bedroom's appeal.

Ensuites/Bathroom:

Task Lighting: Place fixtures on either side of the mirror at eye level to minimise shadows and provide optimal lighting for shaving or applying makeup. Avoid overhead lighting directly above the mirror, as it can cast unflattering shadows.
Ambient Lighting: Ceiling-mounted or recessed lights should provide overall illumination without glare. Consider adding a dimmer switch to adjust brightness according to the time of day or task at hand.
Safety Lighting: Install waterproof recessed lights in the shower area for safety and functionality, ensuring adequate visibility without compromising design aesthetics.

Work Areas:

Task Lighting: Position a desk lamp with adjustable brightness to reduce eye strain and improve focus during work hours. Supplement with overhead ambient lighting to evenly illuminate the workspace.
Ambient Lighting: Ensure overhead lighting is sufficient to illuminate the entire room without creating harsh contrasts or shadows. Consider dimmable options for versatility.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In today's world, energy-efficient lighting is not only a responsible choice but also a practical one:

LED Lighting: LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are highly energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are available in various colors and brightness levels, making them versatile for any application.
Smart Lighting Systems: Smart lighting solutions allow for greater control and efficiency. With programmable features and remote access via smartphone apps, developers can adjust lighting settings that suit their energy-saving goals and their tenants lifestyle.

Lighting and Property Value

Investing in quality lighting can significantly enhance a property's appeal, functionality, and market value:

Enhanced Aesthetics: Well-lit spaces are more visually appealing to potential buyers or tenants, making the property stand out in a competitive market.
Improved Functionality: Proper lighting improves the usability of each room, whether it's a cosy bedroom retreat or a functional kitchen workspace.
Higher Rental Yields: Properties with thoughtful lighting designs can command higher rental yields or selling prices, as tenants and buyers recognise the added value of well-lit living spaces.

Get Started With Your Next Development

At Mardesign, we specialise in creating stylish, functional spaces that tenants and buyers love to call home.

Whether you're already working on a property or about to start a new development, we can help you design your project with the correct design elements that will increase your development's value and ROI. Get in touch with our team today to know more!

Check out what investors say.

“Raquel's handle of space-planning and visualisation is second to none. Am thrilled with the outcome, especially the colour choices and how they compliment each other.”

—Sarah Robinson

Getting the Lighting Right in Your Investment Property