Give Your Home A Cozy Lived In Feel With Erin Napier's Simple Lighting Tip

HGTV star Erin Napier heavily considers how an interior should feel when renovating. She has a history of transforming homes into welcoming spaces that act as an extension of those who live there. Big and small elements of the home can help to establish personality, including color choices or the inclusion of personal memorabilia. One of the intelligent ways that Napier sets spaces apart is with lighting, which should never be overlooked when designing a home. She believes that lighting should include variation rather than being too similar throughout an entire residence. 

When choosing the perfect lighting for your space, Napier recommends utilizing different types of light fixtures. "It should be a mashup of a lot of different collected things, styles, and eras," she told Southern Living. Experimenting with different lighting decorations will add visual interest and ultimately make the space feel homey and engaging. Plus, it will create a bit of distinction between each room, thus highlighting the function of each individual space. Napier encourages homeowners to be playful when it comes to lighting, as too much matching could create an unpleasant, frigid feeling. She embraces homes that include unique personal touches that tell a story, thus leaving a lasting impression that creates warmth.

Types of lighting can range from vintage to modern, minimalist, or highly decorative. This can be in the form of eclectic chandeliers, artistic pendants, or chic oversized bulbs. You can even revamp your lighting fixtures in creative ways that are DIY-friendly and exclusive to your home. 

Lighting has the ability to make or break the feeling inside an interior. When picking out lighting for a home, many make the mistake of focusing solely on brightness. However, the fixture in which the light sits may be even more important. You'll want to pick features that do not obstruct the light but rather enhance its best features through the right choice of color, texture, and shape. Make sure to consider lighting on every level rather than designating it only for overhead installations. 

Don't be afraid to mix contrasting styles, like adding a vivid lamp in a room that includes intuitive LED lights. Lampshades are a great way to establish your design of choice, as they can be easily updated with new tones or embellished with different kinds of decorative trim. Much like how each family has its own identity, lighting trends this year will feel distinct to add more dimension. Of course, lighting fixtures that serve multiple purposes will be a home run: brightening the room and establishing ambiance at the same time. 

Maximalism will inspire and inform lighting trends in 2026. Oversized bulbs and statement lamps are expected to illuminate rooms while also incorporating architectural tone. They evoke luxury without overwhelming the room, as they can provide a pleasing balance when paired with corresponding elements. While once thought of as a feature reserved for children's rooms, colorful lighting is on trend for 2026 as homeowners are finding creative ways to tastefully and intelligently incorporate more hues into living spaces.