Introducing our new client KES Lighting & Home: Illuminate Your Home Inside and Out

Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools in a home," says James Kendall, Operations Director at KES Lighting & Home.

"The right lighting can completely transform a space, enhance key features and create the perfect atmosphere, whether you’re cooking dinner, relaxing in the living room or enjoying a peaceful garden setting.”

Lighting for Every Room in the Home

Kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, James believes that lighting should be as functional as it is beautiful. "Think of your kitchen lighting as a three-layer approach," he says. 

"First, there's ambient lighting which is your main source of light that sets the overall mood of the kitchen. This might include recessed spotlights or a flush-mount ceiling fixture, giving the space a comfortable, well-lit feel. Next comes task lighting, which focuses on functionality. Think under-cabinet lights that make food prep and cooking easier and more enjoyable. And finally, accent lighting is where your kitchen’s personality really shines. Pendant lights over the island or subtle LED strips in open shelving can add that extra layer of charm and character to bring the whole space to life. By layering these lighting types, your kitchen becomes both a practical and inviting space, perfect for cooking, dining and entertaining."

Living Room

Moving to the living room, James stresses the importance of balancing practicality with style. "So often, people rely solely on a central ceiling light to light up the whole room," he says. "This can leave certain areas feeling a little flat or too dim. Instead, try layering different light sources, like table lamps, floor lamps and wall sconces. This creates depth and warmth and lets you adjust the lighting to suit the mood, whether you're hosting guests or just winding down at the end of the day.”

Bathroom

Lighting in the bathroom often gets overlooked, but it can make a huge difference to how the space feels and functions throughout the day. James recommends opting for dimmable lighting to help create a soothing, spa-like atmosphere, particularly in the evenings when you want to relax and unwind. “Being able to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day really transforms the space,” he says. “Cooler white light is great in the morning when you need to feel alert, while warmer tones in the evening help signal to your body that it's time to slow down.”

Smart lighting is also becoming more popular in bathrooms, offering flexibility with colour temperature and brightness at the touch of a button. James also highlights the importance of choosing lighting that’s safe as well as stylish: “Bathrooms are split into zones that determine what level of IP (Ingress Protection) rating you need. Anything close to a sink or basin should be at least IP44 rated to deal with steam and splashes, while lighting in the shower or above the bath needs a higher level of protection.”

Outdoor Lighting: Beauty Meets Durability

KES Lighting & Home doesn’t stop at interior spaces, its collection of outdoor lighting solutions is equally impressive. From elegant lantern-style wall lights to sleek modern pendants and spike lights, these fixtures are designed to withstand the elements while adding beauty and curb appeal to any home’s exterior.

James advises, “Outdoor spaces should feel like an extension of your home. They need to be just as comfortable and inviting as the inside, whether you’re spending time in the garden or hosting a barbecue. I recommend choosing warm white lighting over cool-toned options, which can be a bit harsh. Bollard lights along pathways, subtle wall lights on fencing and dramatic uplighting for trees, create a warm, welcoming glow will enhance your outdoor setting and really make the most of your garden.  And just as indoor lighting benefits from layering, the same principle applies outdoors. Combine task lighting such as overhead pendants in covered seating areas, with ambient lighting such as lanterns or subtle uplights, to craft a beautiful outdoor space that’s a pleasure to be in.”