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Understated Radiance: Dazzling Recessed Lighting For Warm And Inviting Modern Interiors

Lighting is often the best when it is least noticed. Unless you are adding an extravagant floor lamp or a dazzling chandelier to the interiors, lighting is all about shining the spotlight on something else. The right illumination can make or break the appeal of your interiors. It can transform a dark and grim looking residence into a warm and inviting abode. When it comes to blending in functionality with a modest presence, nothing matches the efficiency of recessed lights.

Smart, stylish and hidden, they are a perfect addition to the modern home.

Create a dreamy and romantic vibe in the bedroom with smart use of recessed lighting

by Stotler Design Group

Recessed lights are a far more basic part of interior design than the sculptural floor lamps or stylish pendant lights. They might not be the showstoppers of a setting, but they are an absolute must in order to fashion gorgeous and well-lit spaces.

Contemporary living space with recessed lighting shedding soft hues on wall art

by Utopia Projects

Lighting the kitchen is an art of combining form with function seamlessly

by Chr DAUER Architects

Minimalist bedroom with recessed lights highlighting colorful piece of modern art

by Ian Engberg

Custom ceiling lighting looks amazing with specially crafted recessed light slots

by Griffin Enright Architects

Dimmable recessed lights above the bed create a soothing atmosphere

by Best Builders

Modern living room with recessed cove lighting

by Hartman-Baldwin Design

Spacing plays an important role in bringing the best out of recessed lighting

by Marilza Tavanielli

Usher in relaxed and soothing atmosphere in the bedroom with recessed lights

Concealed, Focused and Functional

Recessed lights or can lights (as they are sometimes called in the US) bring along with them a multitude of features. Doubling up to provide both ambient and focused illumination, they are a great addition for the modern ergonomic kitchen. Since this is one room in the home where functionality takes precedence over form and elegance, recessed lights work beautifully in here. The area above the bathroom vanity and the spot above the tufted headboard in the bedroom are also popular places where can lights unravel their magic!

Highlight cherished possessions and prized art work with understated recessed lights
Ergonomic white kitchen with green accents and lovely lighting

Design is about light and shade, and appropriate lighting is of great importance. Dramatic lighting always tends to produce great photographs. But most often it makes for interiors that are too sterile and touch impractical. It is important to balance the theatrical with the unassuming and the minimal. This is precisely what makes recessed lighting a must home in contemporary homes with clean and well defined interiors.

Interesting combination of pendant lights and recessed lighting in the bedroom
Kitchen is one room in the house that usually demands an array of lighting installations
Orange and yellow panels used along with recessed lighting to create unique interiors

by Peter A. Sellar

Patio space lit up in a warm and fabulous fashion

by Brown’s Interior Design

Recessed lighting used instead of pendant lights above the kitchen counter

by Cameron C. Habel Construction

Small spaces seem a perfect fit for recessed lights
Smart recessed lighting can offer focused illumination in the kitchen

by Bunker Workshop

Multiple Layers of Lighting for a Complete Home

The best interior designers in the world will tell you that creating the perfect ambiance indoors is as much about the lighting as it is about color and décor. Multiple layers of lighting combined with smart natural lighting during day time is the perfect way to achieve this. It is best to remember that no single type of lighting gets the job done in its entirety. Recessed lighting is often used as accent lighting. It cannot be the sole light source in most rooms. Mix recessed lights with floor lamps, rail lighting and pendant lights to get the desired illumination.

Ceiling and lighting can be used to demarcate spaces in an open and flowing living plan
Clean dining area with low profile recessed lighting and large pendant light

by Arnold Schulman Design Group

Lighting has become infinitely more complex in the modern times. With designers and clients gravitating towards discreet colors and muted hues, proper lighting acquires greater significance than ever before. Correct lighting can elevate even the simplest of shades. Get it wrong and dark corners along with dreary shadows dominate the setting. Several varied light sources can combine to eliminate this conundrum.

Combine natural lighting with recessed lighting for a complete look

by Mark English Architects

Grey interiors with a stylish ceiling and recessed lights

by Arnal Photography

Illuminate the vanity area with recessed lighting

by Sullivan Design Studio

Place recessed lights just right to get uniform illumination
Spa-like bathroom at home in white with comforting ambiance
Use several layers of lighting to drive out any dark areas

by Ed Ritger Photography

Proper lighting is paramount for comfortable work spaces

Spacing it Just Right!

There is no exact and universal rule when it comes to spacing recessed lights. Yet, a simple way forward is to put 5-inch lights approximately 5 feet apart or 3-inch lights around 3 feet away from one another. The way you place recessed lights depends also on the intensity of illumination you wish to achieve and the areas you want to highlight. They are great for highlighting art work on the walls or a small nice in the corner as well. Choosing the right trim also depends largely on the existing color scheme of the room and surrounding décor.

Track lighting combined with concealed recessed lights to create artistic interiors

by Joie Wilson

Simple recessed lighting offers functional illumination in the kitchen

by Cynthia Lynn Photography

Well placed recessed lighting highlights the best features of a room while the lights themselves remain invisible! This is the true litmus test for recessed lighting. Offering warm, inviting and pleasing aura, recessed lights give most interiors and patio spaces a whole new lease of life filled with radiance.

Wooden beams allow you to add recessed lighting with ease and elegance!
Eliminate any dull corners with evenly placed recessed lights

by Revealing Assets

Recessed lighting is a popular choice in the modern kitchen

by CORE Architects

Back-lit vanity mirrors look all the more beautiful with tiny recessed lights above

by Scott Haig

Interiors of a tropical-styled bedroom accentuated with recessed lighting

by Causa Design Group

Rail lighting and recessed lights sparkle in this smart kitchen

by De Anza Interior

Verandas and eaves with recessed lighting give the facade a soft and inviting aura

by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects

Sherry Nothingam

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

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