Pain Points – Yes, Designers Have Those Too

As designers, one of our primary goals is to address our clients’ pain points and (hopefully) solve them. Naturally, these pain points vary from person to person, but all are valid.

That said, although we don’t usually share our own challenges with clients, designers have pain points too. Let me share one of mine—arguably the biggest one on my list:

Lighting! Oh boy…

First off, let’s talk about Kelvin temperatures. For most indoor residential spaces, the sweet spot for lighting temperature is between 3000K–3500K. This range offers the perfect balance—bright enough while still being comfortable and flattering. If you prefer something a bit softer, 2700K (my personal favorite) is a fantastic choice.

Anything over 3500K moves into the realm of daylight or cold white light. And let me tell you, neither is ideal for a cozy, inviting home. When I walk into a space with cold white lighting, it truly hurts my designer soul. So, please—go check your light bulbs. Yes, even in the kitchen!

Another key aspect of lighting is layering. Without diving into too much detail, let me just say this: a single ceiling light is rarely enough to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s worth investing in multiple sources of light in a room—table lamps, wall sconces, chandeliers or pendants, gallery lights, under-cabinet lighting, etc. When used together, these layers add depth and charm to a space. Plus, they’re far more flattering than relying on just one overhead light. Depending on the activity or mood, you can choose to use all or only a few of these light sources.

Bonus point: A decorative light fixture plays a double role—it illuminates the space while adding to the overall design.

Finally, let’s consider lumens, which refer to the brightness of the bulb. For most residential spaces, light fixtures or lamps work well with bulbs in the 450–800 lumens range. To make things even simpler, aim for 40W bulbs (ideal for accent lighting) and 60W bulbs (perfect for a main light source) or their LED equivalents.

The takeaway? Thoughtfully planned lighting can elevate any space. On the flip side, bad lighting can ruin even the most beautifully designed room.

So, if you’re wondering whether your lighting could use a refresh, it might be time to take another look. Your home—and your eyes—will thank you!

Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll dive into another designer pain point: greenery. Whether it’s real plants, faux plants, or everything in between, we’ll tackle how to make greenery work beautifully in your space!

Nope!