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Choosing the Right Lighting for Every Space
Lighting plays a big role in how we experience a space, whether that is a cozy bedroom, a moody cocktail bar, or a zen spin studio. Think about the feeling you get in each of these spaces. Beyond offering illumination, lighting shapes the atmosphere, highlights key features, and ties together every design element. At Interiors by Madeline, we believe lighting design shouldn’t be an afterthought. It's one of the most important steps when crafting a space that feels both beautiful and functional. Working with a designer ensures every detail is considered: from drawing a full lighting plan tailored to your space, to placing switches where they make sense, to selecting the right scale, style, and finish for every fixture. Choosing lighting can feel overwhelming, but with expert guidance, it becomes an opportunity to transform your space and add a layer of personality. Keep reading to get an insight into my guide to selecting lighting thoughtfully, room by room. Layered Lighting: The Foundation of Great Design A well-designed space uses layered lighting to create depth. There are three essential layers: Ambient lighting: The primary light source that fills a room (such as ceiling-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, or recessed lighting). Task lighting: Focused lighting designed for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working (think under-cabinet lighting, table lamps, or sconces). Accent lighting: Decorative lighting that highlights architectural details, artwork, or styled areas, adding character (think wall-mounted picture lights, hallway sconces, or floor lamps). When you layer your lighting, it gives you control over the mood and functionality of your space, allowing it to shift from bright and energizing to soft and cozy as needed. Scaling Your Fixtures for Balance When choosing lighting, scale matters just as much as style. Fixtures that are too small can feel insignificant, while oversized pieces can overwhelm the room. Here are a few general guidelines for some common areas at home: Dining Rooms: Center the chandelier above the table, aiming for a fixture about half to two-thirds the width of the table. Kitchen Island: Hang pendants 30–36 inches above an island. Choose fixtures that feel substantial but leave enough space between each pendant and surrounding surfaces. For most standard islands, you’ll need 2-3 pendants. Entryways: In spaces with high ceilings, opt for larger or more dramatic fixtures. For standard height ceilings, a stylish flush mount or semi-flush mount works best. Every selection should feel intentional, fitting the scale of the room’s proportions, including ceiling height, room size, and furniture placement. When you work with us (link to contact page), we put together a reflective ceiling plan that shows the scale of the fixture and locations based on millwork and furniture layout. Keep scrolling to see what a reflective ceiling plan from Interiors by Madeline looks like. Here we show where the light fixtures are located, the type of fixtures, and which switches will operate each fixture. Room-by-Room Lighting Guide Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of the home and requires lighting that supports both functionality and style. Here are three types of lighting you should be thinking about when renovating a kitchen space: Ambient lighting: Recessed lights or flush mounts provide overall brightness. Task lighting: Pendant lights over the island and under-cabinet lighting are essential for prep work; plus, pendants add a personalized touch to the kitchen. Accent lighting: Interior cabinet lighting on cabinets with glass doors or sconces can be another area to keep things from looking cookie-cutter. Maddie’s Tip: Choose finishes that complement your kitchen hardware and fixtures for a cohesive look. I generally try to have 1-2 dominant metal finishes. Bathroom Lighting in the bathroom should combine practicality and luxury. Task lighting: Place sconces at eye level beside or just above mirrors to avoid harsh shadows. Ambient lighting: Install overhead lights to evenly brighten the space. Accent lighting: Consider a small chandelier or elegant pendant above a freestanding tub. Or add under-cabinet lighting to your vanity for a spa-like feel. Maddie’s Tip: Proper placement in bathrooms is key for both beauty and functionality, especially when it comes to using the mirror when you’re getting ready. You don’t want to get into your car and realize you didn’t blend your makeup in properly! Bedroom Soft, layered lighting creates a restful retreat. Ambient lighting: A simple flush mount (or semi-flush) or pendant overhead sets the foundation. Task lighting: Wall-mounted sconces or bedside table lamps are ideal for reading or for when you want the lighting to be a little softer. Accent lighting: Picture lights or small decorative lamps add a warm, inviting glow. Maddie’s Tip: I love using dimmers when I can. The bedroom is a perfect spot for this. Living Room The living room is a multi-purpose space. It’s where we spend our time entertaining, lounging, working, or catching the latest sports game. Ambient lighting: Overhead fixtures provide general brightness. (Tip: add dimmer here!) Task lighting: Floor or table lamps beside seating areas or reading nooks add functionality. Accent lighting: Wall sconces, picture lights, or lighting inside built-ins give character and depth to the space, and highlight the beautiful decor or art you’ve curated for your home. Maddie’s Tip: Create different lighting zones to ensure the space adapts to your daily needs. Final Thoughts Lighting isn't just about function; it’s the jewelry of your home. Done well, it elevates every space, enhances the flow, and invites you to experience your interiors in a whole new way.When you collaborate with a design expert, we ensure every detail from fixture scale and placement to finishes and switch locations is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle and aesthetic vision. Still feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices? At Interiors by Madeline, we offer full-service design, including guiding you step by step through lighting decisions as part of our interior design process. Whether you're building from the ground up, renovating, or refreshing a space, we're here to help you bring your vision to light. I’d love to chat and start your personalized design journey!
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Embracing Change: Big Life Updates from Maddie
Wow, life has been a whirlwind lately! Between balancing our growing design firm, Interiors by Madeline, taking on incredible new interior design projects, and expanding our talented team, things have been busier than ever. On top of that, I recently welcomed 2 babies into my life 8 months ago (yes, twins!), which has added an entirely new layer of excitement and challenge. As if that wasn’t enough, we also made a big move to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, two years ago, but now, another move is on the horizon… We're Moving Back to Cleveland! After some serious reflection and planning, we've decided to move back to Cleveland. While this wasn’t an easy decision, it’s the right one for both our family and our business. Here's what led us to our decision… Proximity to Our Interior Design Projects One of the biggest factors behind this decision is the nature of our design projects. The majority of our clients and construction sites are based in Cleveland and the surrounding areas, which makes being present for key phases of each project much more efficient. While I’ll still be traveling back to Steamboat Springs for ongoing projects, being closer to our core client base just makes sense for our design firm. Plus the community of Clevland is something I have never experienced before: welcoming, energetic, entrepreneurial, and creative! Whether we're working on a residential design, a hospitality project, or a commercial space, being on-site allows us to ensure every design element aligns perfectly with our clients’ vision. Our approach starts with taking time to get to know our client during the onboarding phase. The connection is always important for both us and the client before deciding to move forward. Then onto the fun stuff: sketching, space planning, finish, and furniture selections! Each design is unique and artfully planned so that each is unlike any other! Strengthening Our Interior Design Team Additionally, most of our design team is located in Ohio, and having everyone in closer proximity will improve collaboration and streamline project management. While remote work has become more flexible than ever, there's something invaluable about in-person connection in design, throughout all phases, but especially during the construction phase, where quick decisions and hands-on adjustments are crucial. By working closely with contractors, builders, and clients, our team can ensure that every detail, from floor plans to final furniture installations, aligns with the project’s vision. This hands-on approach is key to achieving our goal: crafting spaces that blend function, beauty, and intentional design. Family and Community Support On a personal note, being back in Cleveland also means being closer to my family and friends. With two babies in tow, having that extra support system nearby is a game-changer. Juggling a design firm, client work, and motherhood has been rewarding yet demanding, and I’m incredibly grateful to have a strong network I can rely on during this exciting season of life. Looking Ahead: Finding Our New Studio Space As we transition back to Cleveland, I’ve started exploring some studio spaces. I can’t wait to share more about this journey and invite you along as I design our new creative space! Creating a space that reflects our design philosophy: functional, beautiful, and creating an experience is something I’m truly excited about. Be sure to follow along because I'll be sharing behind-the-scenes updates throughout the process! Our new Cleveland studio will be a space where creativity thrives. From showcasing our latest design concepts to hosting client meetings. The studio will be inviting, organized, and disorganized at times! But heck, I'd be lying if I didn't say their isn't some unexpected chaos when creating these pallets! It will be a space that fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the team, and I am more than excited! Expect to see plenty of natural materials, layered textures, and a palette that reflects our aesthetic! Stay tuned for design tips, project reveals, and insights into how Interiors by Madeline continues to transform spaces through thoughtful, experience-driven design.
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Birdietown Mini Golf + Lounge: A Design Journey in Lakewood, Ohio
At Interiors By Madeline, we specialize in creating spaces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, spaces that tell a story and create an experience for the end user. Our recent project, Birdietown Mini Golf + Lounge in Lakewood, Ohio, exemplifies this philosophy. This 12,000-square-foot venue combines a restaurant, two bars, and an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, all within a thoughtfully designed environment. Revitalizing a Historic Space Located in the historic Birdtown neighborhood in Lakewood, Birdietown occupies a building that required careful renovation to preserve its architectural integrity. Our design approach focused on blending timeless elements with modern aesthetics, creating a space that honors its history while embracing contemporary design. The result is a venue that feels both timeless and current, offering guests a unique atmosphere that reflects the rich heritage of the area. Designing for Experience Birdietown is more than just a place to eat and play; it's an experience. The design integrates the mini-golf course seamlessly into the space, allowing guests to enjoy the game without disrupting the overall ambiance. Each hole is thoughtfully placed, ensuring that the course complements the lounge areas and dining spaces. This integration creates a cohesive environment where entertainment and relaxation coexist harmoniously. As Cleveland Magazine puts it, “Birdietown is geared toward adults who love good food, good drink, and great design.” So how does it work? “After checking in for their tee times, guests are given height-appropriate putters, pastel-colored golf balls, scorecards, and stubby pencils. Drinks can be grabbed ahead of time at the bar or ordered mid-play from the roving cocktail servers – or "caddies." Each hole is equipped with a drink stand.” Aesthetic Elements The interior design features custom-built furniture, dramatic lighting, and high-end finishes that contribute to a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The use of natural textures and earthy tones adds warmth and depth to the space, making it feel both luxurious and comfortable. One of our favorite parts of the design process was bringing in an assortment of bold, patterned wallpaper, textured fabrics, and gold accents seen in the hardware, lighting, and faucets. The design choices that were made not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the overall experience, encouraging guests to stay a while and explore every corner of the venue. Culinary and Beverage Offerings The culinary experience at Birdietown is crafted by Chef Jill Vedaa, offering a menu that enriches the venue's design and ambiance. The two bars (one upstairs, and one down) provide a selection of beverages that cater to diverse tastes, so everyone can get a drink that suits their taste to go with their meal. The thoughtful integration of dining and entertainment spaces ensures that guests can enjoy a meal, a drink, and a round of mini-golf in a setting that feels cohesive and well-curated. Reflecting on Birdietown's Design Impact Birdietown stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating spaces that offer more than just functionality. By blending historical elements with modern aesthetics, integrating entertainment seamlessly into the environment, and focusing on every detail, we were able to create a venue that offers a unique and engaging experience for all who visit. At Interiors By Madeline, we are proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life and contributing to the vibrant community of Lakewood, Ohio. Check out the renderings that our team put out near the final stages of the design process, before construction of the space started. Our work on Birdietown has garnered attention from several media outlets, highlighting the innovative design and unique concept of the venue. Notably, WEWS News 5 Cleveland featured Birdietown in their segment, emphasizing the establishment's 18-hole mini-golf course alongside its full bar and restaurant. Additionally, WKYC Channel 3 showcased Birdietown in their "Table for Two" segment, highlighting the elevated dining experience and unique mini-golf offerings that set the venue apart in Lakewood. In the article, they noted, “Unlike the lackluster mini-golf courses of our youth, these holes are unique, creative, and challenging. They were designed and built by a Cleveland-based firm to fit seamlessly into the architecture of the space.” These features underscore the successful collaboration between Interiors By Madeline and the Birdietown team, resulting in a space that seamlessly blends design excellence with a unique entertainment experience. A big thank you to our clients, Tim and Erin, for trusting us with your vision. We are incredibly honored to have been a part of this project. Ready to experience Birdietown for yourself? Visit https://birdietowncle.com/ to make a reservation! Designed by Interiors by Madeline Built by _____________ Mini Golf Course by: Shred and Co Photographed by Caitlin Antje
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