Lighting is often decided at the last minute, when the walls are already finished. That is a pity, because a well-planned lighting scheme is one of the most noticeable improvements in a renovated home.
Three layers of light
- General lighting: even light to move around safely, for example recessed spots or ceiling lights.
- Task lighting: focused light where you work: above the kitchen worktop, at the bathroom mirror, at a desk.
- Atmosphere lighting: wall lights, lamps, LED strips and dimmable light for the evening.
A good plan combines all three in every room, with switches and dimmers in logical places.
What we do
- Lighting plan: we walk through the house with you and draw the positions of lights, switches, dimmers and sockets.
- Wiring and groups: new cables, junction boxes and, where needed, extra groups in the fuse box. See our wiring project.
- Installation: recessed spots, pendant lights, wall lights, LED strips, outdoor lights and smart lighting.
- Finish: after plastering and painting, we fit the final switches, sockets and fittings.
Kitchen and bathroom
In a kitchen, task lighting above the worktop and island makes cooking easier and safer. In a bathroom, the lights must be suitable for damp areas and positioned so the mirror gives an even, shadow-free light.
Older homes
Many pre-war homes in The Hague, for example in the Statenkwartier or Benoordenhout, still have parts of the old electrical installation. Before adding new lighting we check the wiring, earth and groups, and renew them where needed so the installation is safe and future-proof.
Plan it during a renovation
The best time for a lighting plan is during a full renovation, when ceilings and walls are open. Cables disappear neatly and you can put lights exactly where you want them, without visible conduits.
Frequently asked questions
What is a lighting plan?
A drawing of each room showing where lights, switches, dimmers and sockets go, which lights work together and what type of light you get. It helps you avoid dark corners and switches in the wrong place.
Can you add recessed spots to an existing ceiling?
Often yes, depending on the space above the ceiling. In concrete ceilings it is more work; in timber floors or a lowered plasterboard ceiling it is usually straightforward.
Do I need new wiring for new lighting?
Not always, but in older homes the wiring is sometimes outdated or has no earth. We check the installation and advise when it is wise to renew it.
Can you also do garden and facade lighting?
Yes. Outdoor lighting needs weatherproof fittings and cabling, and often a separate switch or a timer.
