Design Notes by The Collective Haus
Bold Spaces. Expert Tips.
Real Stories.
Dive into the inspiration behind our favorite transformations - from remodel walkthroughs to curated styling tips and must-have product roundups. This is your go-to source for real-life design advice that blends beauty and function. Whether you're planning, pinning, or just peeking behind the scenes, you’re in the right place.
SOUTH BOISE MAKEOVER
Before
SOUTH BOISE MAKEOVER
After
LIGHTING
The Ultimate Lighting Guide:
Sizing Rules + My Favorite Fixtures
A Designer-Approved Roundup of Beautiful, Functional Fixtures - and How to Know What Size You Actually Need.
Dreaming of a Lighting Glow-Up? Let’s Make It Effortless:
Let’s be honest: the lighting that came with your house? Not exactly a vibe. Whether it’s a boob light, a too-tiny flush mount, or something suspiciously Tuscan, outdated fixtures can dull the impact of an otherwise beautiful space.
But good news: lighting is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to completely change the tone of a room—and you don’t need to rewire the whole house to do it.
Below, I’m sharing my go-to lighting picks (yes, they’re affiliate links), plus a quick cheat sheet to help you figure out what size you actually need before you fall in love with the wrong fixture.
Why Lighting Is a Game Changer:
Swapping out a single fixture can turn builder basic into curated and intentional. Think of it like a room’s secret weapon - it can:
Add personality without a major renovation
Create focal points in an otherwise neutral space
Shift the mood depending on the time of day
Actually make your paint colors and furniture look better (yes, really)
If your room feels flat, tired, or like it’s missing something - you might just need better lighting.
Dreaming of a Lighting Glow-Up? Let’s Make It Effortless:
Let’s be honest: the lighting that came with your house? Not exactly a vibe. Whether it’s a boob light, a too-tiny flush mount, or something suspiciously Tuscan, outdated fixtures can dull the impact of an otherwise beautiful space.
But good news: lighting is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to completely change the tone of a room—and you don’t need to rewire the whole house to do it.
Below, I’m sharing my go-to lighting picks, plus a quick cheat sheet to help you figure out what size you actually need before you fall in love with the wrong fixture.
Why Lighting Is a Game Changer:
Swapping out a single fixture can turn builder basic into curated and intentional. Think of it like a room’s secret weapon - it can:
Add personality without a major renovation
Create focal points in an otherwise neutral space
Shift the mood depending on the time of day
Actually make your paint colors and furniture look better (yes, really)
If your room feels flat, tired, or like it’s missing something - you might just need better lighting.
How to Choose the Right Light (And Get the Scale Right):
Lighting isn’t just jewelry for your room - it’s structural. Too small and it disappears. Too big and it feels like your house is wearing someone else’s hat. Here’s how to get it right:
Over a Dining Table or Kitchen Island
Fixture Size: ½ to ⅔ the width of your table or island
Hanging Height: 30–36" above the surface for an 8' ceiling (add 3" for each extra foot of ceiling height)
How Many?
For 4–5 ft tables/islands → One large pendant
For 6–8 ft → Two large pendants
Over 8 ft → Three pendants or one long linear fixture
In a Living Room or Bedroom
Flush Mounts: 13"–20" for standard rooms; up to 24" for larger rooms
Chandeliers or Pendants: Add your room’s length + width in feet and convert to inches
Example: 12' x 14' = 26 → Look for a fixture ~26" wide
Don’t Forget Ceiling Height!
Under 8' → Flush or semi-flush fixtures
9–10' → Pendants and medium chandeliers
Vaulted/double-height → Go big, just hang it no lower than 7' off the floor
Shop Designer-Approved Fixtures:
(These are affiliate links - so yes, I earn a little something if you click + shop!)
1. Textured Plaster Chandelier – Like a sun-bleached sculpture on vacation - this plaster chandelier brings big “effortlessly chic” energy to your ceiling.
2. Frosted Glass Pendant – Geometric, glam, and a little bit Gatsby - this pendant cleans up any entryway or kitchen with polished charm.
3. Alabaster Melange Sconce – It’s giving jewelry box meets sculpture - this alabaster beauty clips in with just enough brass to make her glow.
4. Opal Glass Sconce – Adds a little “artsy but elevated” to hallways or bathrooms
5. Metal Shade Ceiling Mount Fixture – The drama of a chandelier, but make it flush.
Brooke’s Take:
If you’re going to upgrade one thing this month - make it your lighting. You’ll feel the difference every day (and your selfies will look better too).
Ready to Light Up Your Life? (Pun absolutely intended)
Don’t let boring, builder-grade fixtures bring down your space. Whether you're swapping out one flush mount or tackling a full-house refresh, great lighting makes all the difference. Need help choosing the perfect piece? Book a quick consultation or shop my favorite finds here.
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