Lighting: think in three layers
One ceiling light in the middle of the room, and that’s it? It is the most common mistake, at home and in shops. The fix: layer three kinds of light.
Ambient light
This is general light that lets you move around: ceiling lights, recessed spots, pendants. It should be soft and even, ideally on a dimmer.
Task light
Where you work, you need directed light: above the worktop, the desk, the counter or the till. It prevents shadows and eye strain.
Accent light
This is what creates atmosphere: a wall light on a textured wall, a spot on a painting or product, a lamp in a corner. It gives the room depth.
The right settings
For a warm interior, choose bulbs around 2,700 K with a colour rendering index (CRI) above 90. Add more light points at different heights rather than more power.