Lighting does more than illuminate a room. It influences how a space feels, functions, and comes together. From statement chandeliers to subtle accent lighting, thoughtful lighting design can completely transform a home.
At Tran + Thomas Design Studio, we consider lighting an essential part of luxury residential interior design. Our team develops comprehensive lighting plans that thoughtfully layer functional task lighting with beautiful decorative fixtures tailored to the needs and style of your home. We also source and procure decorative lighting fixtures as part of our design and procurement services, ensuring each selection complements the overall design and creates a cohesive, beautifully illuminated space.
A Personalized Approach to Lighting Design
At Tran + Thomas, we curate lighting packages tailored to each client’s unique needs, lifestyle, and design preferences. Beyond considering how homeowners use their spaces today, we also plan for how their needs may evolve over time.
Aging in place is an important part of this process, as proper lighting can improve visibility, comfort, and safety throughout the home. From incorporating dimmers to ensuring adequate illumination in kitchens, bathrooms, and stairways, we thoughtfully plan lighting solutions that enhance everyday living while allowing the home to adapt to our clients’ needs for years to come.
Why Some Rooms Feel Warm and Inviting—and Others Don't
Have you ever walked between rooms and noticed that the lighting suddenly feels warmer or cooler?
Lighting color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), plays an important role in creating the atmosphere of a home. At Tran + Thomas, our team prefers 2700K lighting for residential spaces, as it creates a warm, inviting glow that feels comfortable and welcoming. We generally avoid temperatures above 3000K in homes, as cooler lighting can feel harsh, sterile, and reminiscent of a hospital rather than a relaxing living environment.
Consistency is equally important. When different color temperatures are used throughout a home without intention, the overall design can feel disconnected. We carefully coordinate lighting temperatures to create a cohesive atmosphere from room to room.
Advanced lighting systems like Ketra can even adjust color temperature and brightness throughout the day to support natural circadian rhythms. Dimmers also provide flexibility, allowing spaces like kitchens and primary bathrooms to have ample lighting for everyday tasks while transitioning into softer, more relaxing environments in the evening.
The Secret to Beautiful Lighting Is More Than One Fixture
Great lighting design incorporates multiple layers, including ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting. Rather than relying entirely on overhead fixtures, we incorporate lighting at different heights to create depth and atmosphere.
Placement is just as important as the fixture itself. In bathrooms, for example, properly positioned lighting can illuminate the face evenly rather than creating harsh shadows. On bookshelves, integrated or directional lighting can highlight artwork, books, and decorative objects.
By considering beam spread, fixture placement, and lighting levels, we create spaces that are both functional and visually balanced.
Scale Matters
Choosing the right scale is about more than a fixture’s dimensions. Two chandeliers can be the exact same size but have completely different visual weights depending on their shape, materials, and construction.
We consider ceiling heights, room dimensions, and furniture placement to select lighting fixtures that feel balanced and intentional within a space. At Tran + Thomas Design Studio, we work with a wide range of lighting manufacturers and vendors, giving us access to an extensive selection of sizes, styles, finishes, and configurations. This allows us to thoughtfully curate, source, and procure decorative lighting fixtures tailored to each client’s home and overall design vision. Some of the brands we work with include:
Accord Lighting
Arteriors
Bethel International
Bobo Intriguing Objects
Bradburn Gallery Home
Bramble
Cerno
CFC
Chelsea House
Christopher Guy
Classic Home
Currey & Company
Cyan Design
Dovetail
Eichholtz
Elan
Elk Home
Emissary Home & Garden
Eurofase
Four Hands
Gabby
Global Views
Graypants
Hammerton
Hemera Lighting
Hinkley Lighting
Howard Elliott
Hubbardton Forge
Hudson Valley Lighting
Interlude Home
Jamie Young
John-Richard
Louis Poulsen
Made Goods
Mercana
Mr. Brown Home
NOIR
Nuevo
Pablo Lighting
Palecek
Phillips Collection
Ralph Lauren
Regina Andrew Detroit
Robert Abbey
Solaria
Stilnovo
Surya
Tech Lighting
The Natural Light
Theodore Alexander
Troy Lighting
Visual Comfort & Co.
Wildwood
Worlds Away
The Jewelry of Your Home: Lighting That Makes a Statement
While functional lighting is essential, decorative lighting brings personality and character to a home. We often describe decorative fixtures as the jewelry of a space, adding the finishing details that bring a room together.
From sculptural chandeliers to elegant sconces, decorative lighting introduces shape, texture, and visual interest. A statement chandelier can define a dining room, while pendants can anchor a kitchen island or add character to a bathroom.
Selecting the right finish and style is equally important. Brass, bronze, polished nickel, glass, and other materials can each create a different feeling within a space. Rather than matching every finish exactly, we consider how lighting complements cabinetry hardware, plumbing fixtures, furnishings, and architectural details to create a cohesive design.
Beautiful Lighting Is Just the Beginning—We Handle the Rest
At Tran + Thomas, our services extend beyond selecting the perfect lighting fixtures. We manage the sourcing, procurement, and delivery of decorative lighting as part of our residential design packages. From coordinating with manufacturers to managing orders and delivery timelines, our team handles the details so our clients don’t have to.
With access to an extensive network of lighting manufacturers, we help clients navigate countless options while avoiding costly ordering mistakes, incorrect specifications, and unnecessary delays. Our goal is to save our clients time, simplify decision-making, and provide peace of mind knowing their lighting selections are being professionally managed from start to finish.
Stay tune for our upcoming blog about architectural lighting!
About Tran + Thomas
Built on the foundation of a 30-year, family-owned Interior Design business, Jill Tran and Carmen Thomas opened Tran + Thomas Design Studio in 2011 bringing a combined 36 years of experience to their projects. They work on both residential and commercial projects across several styles. Interested in their services? Call (913) 268-9595 or schedule a consultation below.
