Overwhelmed: Lighting Design Needed

A visit to the big orange home store's lighting department can be overwhelming. There are so many lighting fixtures on display. Brushed nickel, mint glass, hanging lights, wall sconces, ceiling mounted... the selection is astounding.

So it's time to rethink the approach... and none too soon. The approach to any lighting decisions in this house can only be successful with a return to basics.

Here is the plan for lighting design:

1. Determine the use in each room. For example, in the bathroom the lighting will be for putting on makeup, provide light in a room without any windows and provide overall light for functions such as bathing and showering.  In the bedroom a combination of ambient lighting, targeted lighting for reading and attention to the locations where the each activity will occur is important. 
2. Evaluate the electrical supply that can be dedicated to illuminating lighting fixtures. The electric system is scheduled for an upgrade as soon as the funds are secured. It's probably better to hold off on full lighting design until the entire system is reworked.
3. Before making any final decisions, bring one or two or half a dozen friends in to do a full evaluation. One may suggest under cabinet lighting in the kitchen while another thinks the addition of a light over the sink and one over the stove is sufficient. By the time their suggestions come rolling in, there will exist a better idea how much the electric system can handle.

 In the meantime, a good approach is to set up a file to gather ideas. Cut out and save pictures, not just of fixtures, but of lighting profiles that are appealing.