All About Lighting with Interior Designer Jennifer Boyd | Debra Dobbs Podcast Episode 3

Lighting has the power to completely transform a home—enhancing its warmth, style, and even the way people feel in a space. In this episode of the Debra Dobbs Podcast, Debra sits down with Jennifer Boyd of The Band of Insiders, one of Chicago’s top interior designers, to discuss how lighting can make a home more inviting, functional, and visually appealing.

From Kelvin temperatures to circadian lighting, Jennifer shares expert insights on how to create the perfect ambiance. She also highlights a common mistake—mismatched lighting—which can disrupt the flow of a space.

“Sometimes I walk by homes in Chicago, and I just want to stick a Post-it on the door that says, ‘Change your light bulbs!’” Jennifer jokes, pointing out how lighting plays a crucial role in the overall atmosphere of a home.

Watch the full episode here:

The Basics: Choosing the Right Light Temperature

Over the past decade, homeowners have transitioned from incandescent bulbs to LED lighting, which offers greater efficiency and flexibility. However, not all LED bulbs are the same, and one of the biggest mistakes people make is mixing different Kelvin temperatures, which creates an inconsistent look throughout the home.

“The higher the Kelvin temperature, the bluer the light,” Jennifer explains. “That cold, sterile lighting found in some public restrooms? That’s high-Kelvin lighting—5,000K or more. For a home, designers typically aim for a warm, inviting range between 2700K and 3000K.”

Here’s a quick guide to Kelvin temperature and where it works best:

  • 2700K-3000K: Warm, cozy lighting—ideal for living spaces and bedrooms.
  • 4000K-5000K: Brighter, cooler lighting—best for kitchens and workspaces.
  • 5000K+: Harsh daylight lighting—suited for hospitals and commercial spaces, but not recommended for homes.

Guide To Light Temperatures in Kelvin | Interior Design | Lighting

Lighting & Well-Being: More Than Just Aesthetics

Lighting influences more than just aesthetics—it also plays a role in mood, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Research shows that light exposure affects the body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep cycles and energy levels.

“Our bodies naturally respond to changes in light throughout the day,” Jennifer explains. “Bright, cool-toned light in the morning helps wake us up, while warm, dim lighting in the evening signals it’s time to wind down.”

PRO TIP – AUTOMATE IT!: Smart lighting systems, such as Philips Hue, allow homeowners to automate this transition by adjusting brightness and warmth throughout the day. These lighting solutions can help improve sleep quality, boost productivity, and create a more relaxing environment in the evenings.

Layering Light: The Secret to a Well-Lit Home

A well-designed lighting plan goes beyond simply choosing the right bulbs. Layering different types of lighting ensures that each space serves its intended function while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere.

Jennifer highlights the three key types of lighting every home should have:

  • Task Lighting: Focused lighting for activities such as cooking, reading, or working (e.g., under-cabinet lighting in a kitchen).
  • Ambient Lighting: General illumination that sets the overall mood of a space (e.g., chandeliers, ceiling fixtures).
  • Mood Lighting: Soft, warm lighting that enhances relaxation (e.g., dimmable lamps, sconces).

Each room may require a different approach. While kitchen lighting should prioritize task lighting, a bedroom benefits from softer, mood-enhancing lighting to promote relaxation.

Final Thoughts: The Easiest Way to Improve Home Lighting

One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance a home’s lighting is to ensure consistency in Kelvin temperatures across all light sources.

“It’s such a small change, but it makes a big difference,” Jennifer emphasizes. “When all the lighting in a space has the same Kelvin temperature, the home feels more harmonious and inviting.”

For those looking for a more advanced upgrade, smart lighting systems can be programmed to adjust brightness and color temperature throughout the day, aligning with natural sleep cycles and enhancing overall well-being.

PRO TIP: Matching the Kelvin temperature across all light sources—ceiling lights, lamps, and recessed fixtures—helps create a cohesive, well-balanced lighting scheme.

What’s Next? Share Your Questions!

Have questions about buying or selling a home in Chicago, navigating homeownership, or enhancing your space with expert interior design tips? Reach out to Debra!

Stay tuned for more insights from Debra Dobbs and her guests, and don’t forget to subscribe! Follow the podcast on Youtube or Spotify.