Lighting is such a critical part of any home improvement project. Whether it's a kitchen remodel or a brand new home, the lighting plan should be well thought out. In so many cases time and energy is spent on so many aspects, leaving the lighting on the back burner. It shouldn't be. Without proper lighting all the great floors, walls, cabinets and crown moldings could end up looking just average.

I am sure you have all seen the stark contrast between a room that is properly illuminated and one that is not. A properly lit room will bring out all the best features. A crown-molding cove is a wonderful feature in a room but add some lighting in that cove and you can really bring it to life. Dont be afraid to be a little creative. You can add lighting in places that may seem a little unusual but it can add just the right touch. For instance in a bathroom, where there is a fair amount of cabinets, adding toe kick lighting can create a very romantic and soothing atmosphere, great for lounging in that whirlpool.

Bedrooms can benefit from some well thought out lighting ideas. Reading lights are a nice feature. They can be in the form of pull out lights from the wall or small recessed cans over the bed. Control becomes very important in areas like this. The ability to switch the lights on and off from both the doorway and either side of the bed is very convenient. Also keeping the lights on each side of the bed separate allows independent use. This same kind of planning should go into every room of the house. Control is what makes the plan all come together. Be sure that if a room has more than one point of entry and exit, a light can be turned on and off from each location. It can be quit a nuisance to have to back track in a room to turn some lights off.

Sometimes the lighting can actually compliment the dcor in a room. A great product that is quite popular is monorail track lighting. It is a sleek looking low voltage track lighting system. In a contemporary setting it fits in perfectly. It is also flexible and can be bent into different shapes. Ceiling light fixtures come in so many styles and varieties, that you can find one to fit almost any style, theme or dcor.

The most important advice I can give you when you embark on a home improvement project is to give lighting the attention it deserves. It will make for a finished product that will make you happy for years to come.