At Kylemore, lighting is never an afterthought, it’s among the first things we plan when designing our model homes. Before drywall is installed or any millwork is produced, we create an electrical plan that addresses both practical and decorative needs for every room. While decorative lighting elements are introduced later in the design process, their placement and purpose are accounted for from the beginning.

We review each room, considering how lighting will function, enhance atmosphere and contribute to the overall aesthetic. In pre-construction, homebuyers are typically offered a standard electrical package, but many Kylemore buyers opt to upgrade, adding more pot lights, dimmers or electrical rough-ins for future chandeliers, wall sconces and pendant fixtures. These upgrades allow for personal expression and future flexibility.

Tip: If you’ve already purchased or selected a light fixture for a specific room in your home, be sure to discuss it with your builder’s design consultant. They can determine whether the fixture requires additional structural support; something that should be installed before the drywall goes up.

Lighting becomes integral to our design mood boards, where materials such as metal, fabric, glass and even stone are selected to complement cabinetry, furnishings and wall finishes. In one recent model home, a sculptural glass chandelier for the living room became the centrepiece of our vision. Despite a delayed delivery, we waited for the light we chose to arrive as we believed it was irreplaceable and vital to the design.

Making every room feel just right

Each room presents an opportunity to elevate the experience through lighting. In open concept living and dining areas, a dramatic fixture can unify the space. Dining rooms invite bold statements, for example, long fixtures that span the entire table and command attention. Powder rooms, too, offer a chance to play with finishes, introducing luxurious touches through striking sconces or unique materials like marble. Artwork, when lit from above, can transform the mood of the room it’s featured in.

Bedrooms call for a softer approach. We lean toward dimmable fixtures that promote rest and relaxation. In bathrooms, we often light vanities with fixtures that provide both function and flair.

Lighting that tells a story

Sometimes, a light fixture becomes the final piece that completes a room. When designing a model home, I carry a snapshot of the entire space around in my head, so when I’m shopping for finishing touches, I’m always on the lookout for that perfect item. Whether it’s a floral-inspired pendant over the kitchen island or nature-influenced sconces in the powder room, these details communicate craftsmanship and creativity. Often, they’re happy accidental finds discovered during sourcing, that instantly feel like they were meant to be part of the design, bringing the room to life.

Lighting does more than illuminate; it shapes how a home feels and functions. At Kylemore, we treat it as an essential element that ties every design detail together while allowing homeowners to express their personal style.

Coming up next… Planning your space

In my next column, I’ll be sharing how we approach space planning in model home design.