As you plan out your lighting scheme with your interior designer, be sure to consider the use of recessed lighting.

This type of lighting provides one of the more flexible lighting options available, since it can be used to provide general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting — all without taking up valuable space.

The following are a few tips to help you use recessed lights in a successful manner:

• Dimmers - Adding dimmers to your recessed lighting provides another layer of control. However, don’t allocate all of the recessed lights in one room to one dimmer. Instead, dim the lights by zone so you can control the lighting in different parts of the room separately.
• Focal point - Use gimbal lights to create a focal point in your room. For example, if you have a piece of artwork hanging above the fireplace, a pair of recessed gimbal lights pointed toward the artwork is a great way to establish an immediate focal point.
• Task lighting - Recessed gimbal lights are perfect for task lighting, since you can aim the lights at specific locations. For example, if you have a small reading nook in your home, a recessed light will help provide the perfect amount of light. A gimbal will also allow you to aim it in a way that will eliminate any shadows from the pages of your book.
• Bathroom lighting - Bathrooms tend to work best when you use a combination of lighting options. Recessed lights provide an elegant and clean look to the bathroom and works especially well for the vanity area.

For professional advice regarding recessed lighting or any other home design concerns, contact Stephanie Kratz Interiors.