Lighting technology has come a long way since the era of candle and firelight. Nowadays, with the magic of changeable LED lights, you can have a well-lit room for reflection by day and a moody space for repose by night. LED string lights tucked discreetly above bookshelves or a ceiling soffit offer choices of color and brightness for virtually any mood or task. A table lamp illuminates a page while dimmable overhead lights light up the room – and both are easy to modify for your focus of the moment.

Think about each area of your home and how you utilize the space. You’ll then be better positioned to know where to place your most integral light sources – whether that’s overhead fixtures, accent lights, ambient lighting or a combination of all three. From there you can choose the light fixtures that are best suited to each individual space, in terms of type of both the light as well as design and bulb choice.

Needing more time for zen? A designated yoga or meditation room can be crafted easily to provide ample space to reconnect. If reading is your idea of zen dedicate a specific spot in your home for a library that encompasses your vision and helps you escape to a place of unparalleled tranquility.

Let’s take the kitchen as an example. Choosing classic layouts, cabinet designs, countertops and colors means that your kitchen will look as great today as it will a decade from now. That doesn’t mean you are limited and can only stay within the confines of your timeless design. It allows you to have a solid foundation with room for exploring adding personal touches and trending elements subtly throughout.

A great way to showcase your personality into your interior design is to introduce your favorite colors through objects and other decorative elements, integrate current trends in lighting design or showcase a new piece of art.

One of the advantages of enlisting a professional designer is the opportunity for true customization, from the overall theme right down to the granular details. A passionate designer will focus their expertise on listening to your vision, interpreting this into materials and options, and creating a fun and memorable experience. Plus, interior designers come armed with a pre-existing network of resources and connections, giving you access to vendors and artisans who create for the luxury market.