Lighting Chic

New Homes in York County

Love the idea of living in an historic area? Historic Downtown York in York, PA, is filled with three centuries of American history. We have townhome neighborhoods in the area with lots of green spaces and walking trails. A cool choice if you love that Americana vibe.

Small changes in lighting can have big impact. Add more style to your space with these ideas from Progress Lighting, one of our trusted design partners.

• Outdoor lighting makes a solid first impression and is great for adding a little drama. Did you plant a beautiful Japanese maple on your front lawn? How about placing a spotlight underneath it to make it really come alive at night? Ditto for lights along paths and driveways (plus, good lighting prevent those trip and fall accidents no one wants to admit to).

• Illuminate your entryway or foyer, guests' first experience inside your home. A beautiful lantern or hanging fixture is more than functional; it can serve as a design focal point for the space. Consider installing a dimmer for more lighting control.

• Think of lighting in layers. To add depth and to change the mood of a room depending on the occasion, mix chandeliers, recessed lighting and wall sconces in your living spaces. Houzz has a really nice article on 10 Ways to Get Your Lighting Right http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10558866/list/10-Ways-to-Get-Your-Lighting-Right which explains this layering idea some more.

• Since it's the focal point of the room, give lots of thought—and perhaps more of your decorating budget—to the lighting over your dining table. Think about one fab chandelier or multiple pendants for a more unique look. Another idea: Use recessed wall washers to help create the illusion of a larger space.

RYAN HOMES QUESTION: Where have you shopped for lighting for your home?