I recently finally completed the renovation of my new home. For me, this project wasn’t just about simply switching up the aesthetic; it was about truly crafting a space that makes me want to come home early every single day. From structural fixtures to soft furnishings, I was involved in almost every single detail—and when it came to lighting design, I was even more meticulous than I was when choosing furniture.
I used to think of lights as nothing more than functional tools for illumination. However, once I actually began the renovation process, I discovered that a home’s sense of sophistication and its overall atmosphere are, to a very large extent, determined by its lighting.
To find light fixtures that would complement my home’s specific style, I scoured countless design portfolios and browsed through numerous websites. Then, quite by chance, I stumbled upon BHS. The more I looked, the more I fell in love with their offerings, and I ultimately ended up purchasing several different fixtures directly from them. Now that I’ve been living here for a while, I am truly grateful for the choices I made back then.
Today, drawing upon my actual lived experience in the space, I’d like to share a few of the light fixtures in my home that I am currently most satisfied with.
1.The Most Delightful Light Fixture in My Semi-Open Kitchen
My kitchen features a semi-open-plan design; there is no complete partition separating it from the dining area, so the lighting throughout this entire zone needed to strike a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Initially, I was worried that if I chose the wrong pendant light, it might visually lower the ceiling height or appear too bulky and heavy. However, the moment I spotted the “Saskia Bubble Glass Diner Pendant Bar in Satin Brass” on the BHS website, I knew almost instantly that it was the one.
What appealed to me most was its distinctive design featuring multiple bubble-glass shades.
During the day, when the lights are off, it looks just like a piece of decorative art. But at night, once switched on, the entire dining area becomes enveloped in a uniquely warm and gentle glow. I’m particularly fond of its satin brass rod; the finish exudes a truly premium quality—it avoids the flashy ostentation of standard gold tones, opting instead for a subtle, understated champagne-gold texture.
My absolute favorite moment is dining in the evening: the light cascades down so softly—never harsh or glaring—yet it simultaneously adds a wonderful sense of depth and layering to the entire space.
Whenever friends visit my home for the first time, one of the first things they invariably ask is where I bought this light fixture. It belongs to that rare category of design pieces that possess a strong aesthetic identity without veering into the realm of overly trendy, “influencer-style” clichés—it’s a timeless piece that never gets old. Furthermore, it is truly the perfect fit for a semi-open kitchen layout; it serves as a natural visual bridge connecting the kitchen and dining areas, creating a sense of cohesion and unity throughout the entire space.
2.Wall Sconces: The First Time I Truly Felt the “Atmosphere” of Home
I used to genuinely underestimate the importance of wall sconces.
It wasn’t until I moved in that I realized what truly defines the “premium feel” of a home isn’t usually the main overhead light, but rather these auxiliary light sources. During my recent renovation, I installed numerous wall sconces in the bedroom, hallway, and on the living room feature wall; of them all, the one I am most satisfied with is the Seline Champagne Wall Light in Satin Brass.
This particular sconce from BHS complements my home’s overall aesthetic perfectly. Its champagne-colored glass shade softens the light beautifully; when switched on in the evening, it imbues the entire space with a sense of profound tranquility and warmth.
Initially, I only installed one on each side of the bed in the bedroom. However, the effect was so stunning that I decided to add a few more in the hallway area.
Its satin brass finish creates a natural visual harmony with the other brass accents throughout my home, resulting in a space that feels remarkably cohesive.
Nowadays, I particularly love leaving the main overhead light off in the evenings and relying solely on the wall sconces. That warm, gentle glow allows me to instantly unwind—it even feels as though the very mood of the entire home has softened.
I used to wonder why hotels often possess such a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere; now I realize that, more often than not, it is achieved through precisely this kind of indirect lighting.
3.The Single Item That Most Enhanced My Living Room’s Atmosphere
To be honest, the Terri Tiered Floor Lamp in Natural was a fixture I didn’t have particularly high expectations for at first.
However, once I actually placed it in my home, it unexpectedly became the most “photogenic” corner of my living room. I positioned it next to the sofa, near the reading nook. Its unique tiered shade design is quite distinctive; when switched on, the light creates a beautiful, natural sense of visual layering.
Furthermore, because its overall color palette is composed of natural tones, it doesn’t compete with or distract from the room’s focal points—yet it quietly elevates the overall sophistication of the living room. I am especially fond of its Scandinavian-inspired style and its naturalistic charm.
During the day, when the light is off, it serves as a piece of decorative art; come evening, when it is switched on, the entire living room takes on a wonderfully warm glow—making it the perfect setting to curl up on the sofa with a book or to binge-watch your favorite shows.
I used to feel that my living room was missing something, but I eventually realized that what was missing was precisely the atmospheric quality provided by this kind of auxiliary lighting. The main overhead light handles the practical task of illumination, but it is these localized light sources that truly make a home feel comfortable and inviting.
4.Bathroom Lighting Truly Impacts Your Sense of Well-being
Many people tend to overlook bathroom lighting during renovations, but I believe the bathroom is actually a space we use with great frequency every single day. Especially when waking up in the morning or taking a shower at night, harsh lighting can genuinely put a damper on your mood.
My bathroom isn’t particularly large, and the ceiling height is fairly standard; consequently, I was on the hunt for a light fixture that wouldn’t visually crowd the space yet remained sufficiently elegant. Eventually, I settled on the Klaudia Bathroom Flush Ceiling Light (Chrome) from BHS.
This particular fixture from BHS is truly ideal for small to medium-sized bathrooms. Thanks to its flush-mount design, the overall look is incredibly sleek and streamlined, preventing the space from feeling cramped or oppressive. Furthermore, it boasts an IP44 protection rating, offering extra peace of mind when installed in a bathroom environment.
I absolutely adore the design—specifically the combination of the chrome frame and the clear glass shade—and I’m especially fond of the small crystal accents nestled inside; under the light, they catch the glow and shimmer ever so slightly.
Although it incorporates crystal elements, the overall aesthetic is anything but dated; instead, it exudes a refined sense of “light luxury.” Most importantly, the light it casts is incredibly soft. It’s gentle on the eyes during your morning grooming routine, yet creates a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere for your evening shower.
So often, the things that truly enhance our daily sense of happiness are precisely these small details that we encounter day in and day out.
5.Outdoor Lighting Instantly Gives My Home a Boutique Hotel Vibe
In the past, I always assumed that as long as an outdoor light was bright enough, that was all that mattered.
However, after this renovation, I’ve completely changed my tune. That’s because when you arrive home in the evening, the very first thing that catches your eye is the lighting around your entryway and outdoor areas.
I eventually discovered the Sergio Outdoor LED Circular Wall Light (Black) on the BHS website. It features a distinctly modern, minimalist design aesthetic. The black finish looks incredibly sophisticated, but my favorite feature is its backlit, circular design.
When switched on at night, it casts a beautiful halo effect against the wall.
After installing these fixtures at the courtyard entrance and on the balcony, my entire home instantly took on the sophisticated ambiance of a boutique hotel. Plus, with its IP65 protection rating, I never have to worry about rain or adverse weather conditions. Now, whenever I return home in the evening and see that soft ring of light illuminating my entryway, it fills me with a profound sense of comfort and security.
Good Lighting Can Truly Transform Your Life
Now that I’ve been settled in for a while, I’ve come to realize—more than ever—that the single most worthwhile investment you can make during a home renovation is in your lighting. Furniture can be replaced gradually, but lighting truly has a direct impact on a home’s atmosphere and mood.
The lights I selected from BHS this time have indeed elevated the overall aesthetic and quality of my home. They aren’t merely those trendy “Instagram-famous” fixtures designed solely for photo ops; rather, they are the kind that seamlessly integrate into daily life—fixtures you grow to love more and more the longer you live with them.
Nowadays, I find myself increasingly fond of staying at home. Sometimes, simply switching on the wall sconces in the evening and sitting on the sofa to daydream leaves me feeling incredibly relaxed. I suppose this is, in its truest form, exactly what an ideal home should be.