Is it time to upgrade the boob light?!

An easy way to give your home a quick upgrade is to update the lighting. No wall removal, typically not invasive, and can immediately change how a space feels. Lighting ranges in a wide variety of pricing so it may not mean it is necessarily "cheap" but you can certainly shop on a budget and still make an impact.

Many homes are still plagued by the standard flush-mount dome—often called “boob lights.” These fixtures are functional, but they provide a flat, unflattering wash of light that highlights ceiling imperfections and makes a room feel dated. These were also very common in production builder homes, but fortunately many builders have moved to recessed can lighting which is visually a cleaner look. You can swap some of these dome lights to a can light or make more of an impact with a pendant or semi-flush, depending on the height of your ceiling.

Recessed lighting

Semi-flush lighting

Pendant lighting

Layered lighting is something to definitely consider. Think, open the shades, curtains, and blinds to let all of the natural light flow in on a sunny day, to the night wanting a crisp lit bedroom, to reading in bed with a soft lamp or directional task lighting. Or in your living space while entertaining you want the room to feel bright and well lit, but during television watching or movie night, want it to feel more calm with low lighting.

I sleep with my fan on just about every night and preferred no light attached to the fan. The ceiling fan with one "boob light" attachment centered between the blades is not going to cut it. Think about how you will use the space throughout the day and night and layer in lighting for how you want it to feel.

Your kitchen may have recessed lighting combined with pendants and under cabinet lighting, or lighting inside glass cabinets, for example. All are used for different reasons.

A chandelier in a dining space or foyer can make a big impact. You may also introduce dimmers to any room to change how the fixture lights up or dims down the room. Adding a dimmer switch to recessed can lighting is also a great option.

Your Entry Should Make A Statement

Sophisticated And Elegant

Layered and Functional

Consider sconce lighting in your bathroom appropriately blended with some ceiling lighting and don't forget lighting needed for the shower. Often we place a wet rated recessed can light in the ceiling above the shower area.

Last but not least, consider the hue of your bulbs.

• The Mistake: Using “Daylight” or “Cool White” bulbs (4000K+). These make your room look like a pharmacy, retail space, or a hospital wing.

• The Standard: Use 2700K (Warm White) bulbs.

• Why it works: Warm light mimics the glow of a sunset or a fireplace. It softens skin tones, enriches wood grains, and makes a space feel restorative rather than clinical.

Before you commit to new flooring or a $10,000 sofa, look up. By layering your light, upgrading in areas needed, and warming up your bulbs, you can achieve that “just renovated” feeling.