You're Lighting Could Be So Much Better | 10 Most Common Design Mistakes

This is a favorite for me - LIGHTING! Design Sessions members know the drill and are constantly surprised by the tremendous transformation that lighting alone can make in your home. Believe me when I say I understand that you're probably focused on your furniture, paint color, accessories, etc. and so these lighting tips might be the thing you never knew you needed in your home! When you know how to choose the right lighting for your home, all of your hard design work will actually pay off.
✨ Leave me a comment - how many lights are in your living room?? ✨
|| D E S I G N C O N S U L T A T I O N ||
+ Schedule Your 1:1 Design Consultation with Me: bit.ly/RRconsult
|| W H A T A R E T H E D E S I G N S E S S I O N S ? ||
Watch this to answer all of your questions: bit.ly/3jUzNlU
The Design Sessions were created to help you make your home beautiful. It doesn't matter if you're just getting started or are well on your way to becoming an expert, the Design Sessions will give you everything you need to decorate and design your home with confidence. Once you join, you will have access to over 100+ hours of in-depth training sessions, access to monthly Live Q&As to address your design challenges, and join a community of like-minded people!
Sign up for the Design Sessions here: bit.ly/rrds23
|| D E S I G N S E S S I O N S A P P ||
+ IOS: apple.co/3zDRsGY
+ Android: bit.ly/3z7qjee
|| W H A T I S Y O U R D E S I G N S T Y L E ? ||+ Take the New Design Style Quiz: bit.ly/rrstylequiz24
|| F O L L O W M E ||
+ Instagram: bit.ly/2prycLJ
+ Subscribe to My Channel: bit.ly/1HQxHwB
|| A M A Z O N S T O R E F R O N T ||
+ Shop My Amazon Storefront: amzn.to/3SZiq3s
|| C O N T A C T ||
For any questions or inquiries, email [e-mail]
|| E Q U I P M E N T ||
+ Cameras: Nikon z6
+ Lens: Sigma 24-70mm 1:2.8
+ Lights: Fiilex p360
+ Microphone: Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 bit.ly/3xukBT9
+ Tripod: Sachter Ace bit.ly/3XFN42Y
____________________________________________________________________
Videography: Matthew Moran
Editor: Dorian Tucker
Creative Producer: Angela Johnson
Royalty-free music by Epidemic Sound

[@sherrydick8330]

Using the Design Sessions lighting principals, I put together a lighting plan for my electrician, in my new home. At the end of the project he said "you are the first homeowner who knew what she wanted for lighting and where each light went. It made my job so much easier. Most homeowners have never even thought about the location of can lights". So, there you go! My training worked! Thank you.

[@karenleague8860]

Agree, it sounds better. Sometimes it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. I'm still calling my bedroom the master bedroom and noticing with TV shows it is now the primary bedroom.

[@thesirtaco]

This is Linda from 18:00 time stamp. Thanks for using my home! I’m the one with the 2nd chandelier dangling over nothing. We actually built the house. No former pool table or dining table. We replaced two ceiling fans with the chandeliers. I’ll think about capping off one. I could definitely use the chandelier in a guest bedroom. I’ve enjoyed this series so much!

[@taylormcdowell4145]

I would love to see a video with the photos that people send in after they’ve taken Rebecca’s advice!

[@briannab5296]

Yes!

[@tashiloira]

I was literally just about to write the same thing lol

[@camis.1347]

Me too!

[@janicecarolyn9834]

Rebecca, kudos to you for your keen ability to be honest with people while still being diplomatic and getting your point across. I have always struggled holding back when I see obvious decor mistakes. I am an Interior Decorator and have a friend who regularly asks me for my opinion on her decorating style. She makes decorating mistakes but is reluctant to accept any response other than that it looks great…… She used table lamps in her master bedroom that were way too undersized and artwork over her bed that was much too small. When I told her, she was offended. It isn’t always easy providing decor advice, especially when the person is reluctant to hear it. By far, one of the most difficult parts of being in this business is telling your client that they have made decor mistakes but you have managed to do it with such finesse. Thank you for your candour, I find it refreshing. :)

[@poyoyo6856]

My Alexa heard you when you said Alexa and she said, sure what do you want me to do? 😂😂😂

[@MaryBarranti]

In the middle of the video, I took a snapshot of a silver Stiffel lamp I picked up at an estate sale a few years ago. I used google lens and found the identical one, used, excellent shape on eBay. When it arrives, I'll have matching lamps in the living room! Thanks, Rebecca!

[@camis.1347]

Yay!!! Great idea. @MaryBarranti

[@theladyofletters]

Good lighting is so hard to find. When I see a kitchen where the lights are over the walkway......the hairs on the back of my neck go up. LOL! I also need to give you some credit. Because of you/ this video, I am going to finally take the plastic off of the shades in my living room. The mom in me says no, but Rebecca's voice says, "It's time, do it! " So, thank you! Hugs from San Antonio!

[@karenmontgomery5274]

I think the concept that most people forget is that lighting has to be layered. Some rooms have several functions and there are times that you need direct light, other indirect. So just 1 kind of lighting doesn’t have a mood that fills a room with the beautiful multi layered , of course dimmable, ambience. Usually I use 3 different kinds to be used together or separately. And may I say.. light bulb buying ain’t for the weak these days. You almost need a electrical engineering degree to sort thru the color,led,kelvin and on and on!! The light bulb aisle wears my tail out!

[@stephaniegrieser1020]

I have loved your series pointing out changes you would make to people's homes from pictures sent in! All your projects are great but for the average person to learn what they can do on a very limited budget is SO appreciated! Thank you!

[@marcelladominguez8787]

Thank you Rebecca. I was tickled by your comment on my IKEA paper pendant. I will definitely adjust the height. Love ya!

[@patriciaharing2500]

I really like this series of mistakes because of this I am getting rid of a couch in my living room to start.

[@rebertarhiddlehoover7844]

I only found your channel about 2 weeks ago and can't get enough. I've been trying to watch all your previous videos and current too. You are changing my world. I'm limited in what I can do as my husband and I live with our son, plus we're physically limited as well. But I can't wait for Christmas this year, I had a haul yesterday at Hobby Lobby a d plan to use lots of your ideas, i.e. deer and symmetry. Thank you for this amazing channel and I've already talked to my husband and told him I was going to subscribe to your design channel. Can't wait!❤❤❤

[@rebeccarobeson1]

So happy to hear your story Roberta… I am delighted you’ve found us 🙌🏻. Cheers to Christmas 2023 … I’m currently filming 8 videos for you and I’m hopeful you live this years theme as much as I do 🙏🏻 Anyway, I’m happy to welcome you , your husband and son to my channel 🥰 RR

[@rebertarhiddlehoover7844]

Thank you so much!

[@pageremick5504]

Great point on everything lighting! Including keeping them clean! As a Designer, I was constantly explaining to people about what shades were for. A too small shade or the lamp too low and you look onto a bare bulb. Too high and you look up into a bare bulb. Whether on an end table or a nightstand, measure where the shade should be so you don't scorch your eyeballs! Shades are there to protect your vision and diffuse the light whether you are seated or lying down. Also, chandeliers that are too high kinda look like UFO's that haven't decided to land yet. Chandeliers over a table need to be low enough to 'connect visually' to the furniture piece below it: as Rebecca says about 33 inches over the item below. Otherwise, they kind of hover in the ether .... not very attractive (like art that is hung too high).

[@marysmith861]

UFO'S... LOL.

[@janicebone6191]

​@@marysmith8617:51

[@nothingpersonal878]

Well, I feel stupid now 😂. I’ve been debating on how tall I need some lamps to be on my end tables. DUH. Thanks for this! Now the size of the shade will be my new dilemma 😂. I think I’m still allergic to lamps, even though the boys have been long gone…

[@staceykersting705]

EZ clean for lamp shades...use a lint roller. Works perfectly! Now u can comfortably ditch the plastic cover. Just a tip for those like me(extremely limited budget): A couple of the mismatched lamps look as if same color shades and possibly stacking a few books under the shorter of the 2 lamps wd be a massive improvement w/o replacing both lamps.

[@rt3box6tx74]

Nice. Now I won't have to take them to the garage to blow off the dust with the air compressor.

[@rebeccarobeson1]

Great advice Stacey. Appreciate your kind thoughts 🙏🏻 RR

[@honestreviewsonly1915]

I vacuum my shades with the upholstery attachment and they come out great.

[@zbetsaida]

@@rebeccarobeson1 Please fix the title of your video: *Your* Lighting is BAD! (It's currently You're) Grammatical mistakes happen even when we know better, I know. Much love!

[@tracywatts1459]

I put my white lamp shades through the dishwasher all the time. My current shades have been done at least 3 times . Bottom rack by themselves of coarse . I do ball caps the same then dry them over the back of a pot the same circumference as the hat.

[@Violetentity]

17:44 Small changes really gave that dining room the WOW factor

[@EEN63]

So many great tips and easy fixes! My favorite lighting detail is the old dimmer! It makes such a difference and allows various moods with a tiny touch of the dimmer! Plus, unless I’m reading or working on a specific task, I feel more relaxed in lower lighting. It can go from cozy to dramatic to full on sunshine! I love options to suit my mood or the task at hand! ❤

[@CH-yv3ft]

Your cute commentary is really making me laugh out loud. It has been so stressful in the news this week. I did not know how much tension was inside of me. Your humor is so healing to me. It is releasing the emotions that I have pent up in forms of healing tears. Thank you.

[@MelanieHall-kv6op]

I adore specific topics-on different design choices. Would love even more, if you could talk about not just the major topic i.e. lighting, but add extra tips on peoples rooms. for instance in Carols‘s room. She had a big round grey vent smack dab in the middle of her ceiling. I would’ve suggested she take that down and spray paint it white so that you’re not focussing on the middle of her ceiling. Kelly’s painted forest Green too An extra tip might be eliminate all the blankets and pillows. It looked like a camp out with sleeping bags everywhere she would be way better served with coordinating pillows and different throw blankets. I do adore your show. I’m learning so much when I look at these rooms about what to do and what not to do you give fabulous commentary.

[@bobbiemcdaniel1272]

My favorite day of the week is Thursday at 2:00 pm CST! ❤ Thank you Rebecca! Love your style! 😊

[@debrahouston2884]

This video literally "illuminates" the IMPACT cleaned, proper lighting (types, styles, placement, DIMMER-controls [YEEES!]) make in a room! As a designer myself, enjoy your work.

[@sharisimonehampton5434]

Wow! This was interesting to me. Kind of a, 'I see the light!' moment. Lol. Thank you. Appreciated and very much needed information. 😉👍♥️

[@ashmeyer21]

You hit the nail on the head with this video about lightning gone wrong. I've been at a stuck point for such a long time trying to figure out how to properly light rooms without can lights in them.This is just the video I needed to get me down the right path to fixing those problem areas in my home 😊

[@lindabirkes-lance8915]

I bought a house in February and the first thing I did was buy all new Daylight Light Bulbs. It was so yellow and dark when I walked in, I couldn't even see how dirty and ugly the floors were. I have been living in the house without making changes just to get a sense of what I like and don't like, what I want to emphasize and what I don't want to emphasize. I have considered several colors of paint, but the living room doesn't have enough light to make it comfortable, even with my lamps. A couple of weeks ago I decided I really love a color, SW Colonnade Gray, but to give me enough light I just need to have my electrician put some canned lights in the ceiling. THANK YOU for talking about placement of canned lights to highlight important areas. I hadn't thought about it, but now I want to put a light above my corner fireplace. It has a big open triangle hole above it that I have decided to block by hanging a large mirrored shadowbox there. I use the shadowbox for displaying some small sculpture pieces and with a light above, it will highlight the antique shadowbox and my artwork.

[@donnapecoraro3126]

i’m sorry but electricians charge 165$ to come in the door in ny. changing a ceiling fan not including the fixture was $650. i know you said depending on location but licensed electricians are very costly.

[@buffy4321]

$650 was what an electrician wanted to move an outlet 3 ft at my house. I declined and came up with my own solution.

[@vaderladyl]

In my area is super expensive as well.

[@libertadd6728]

​@@buffy4321y en Europa un ingeniero electrico cobra en un mes 1600 €

[@ladyluck5248]

I don’t know where you live but as an electrician I’d say that’s a LOT. Do they have to go into a high rise condo? That costs more due to the time and inconvenience factor but $650 is high.

[@DeeCM58]

I totally understand but there are handy men that know how to do it. I use a retired electrician in my community and he charges reasonable.

[@lindahill1199]

I really enjoy these videos so much on how to fix our mistakes by using pictures. I so wish I had canned lighting in my own home. Everytime I want to bring this house into the modern century it takes a Zillion dollars because of all the other projects you have to do to get to that point. You are a Gem Rebecca 💎 I learn so much from you.

[@cissithor]

Loving these series!!!!🎉

[@djenkins853]

Love these videos. Please do a before and after video of your recommendations.

[@mariongould4173]

I am taking your advice. Somethings I did correct others not. Thank you

[@robinbirdj743]

Great advice. I’d skip can lights though for many old homes. They’re very modern and plastic looking or painted white, so the feeling one wants to create is important to consider.

[@poyoyo6856]

This beautiful lady is super funny 😅

[@cynthiag3065]

OMG, another great video! I have to change all of my light fixtures.😂 I know when I start learning from your design sessions, I’ll want to change my furniture too. I’m so excited about this adventure.😘

[@toscaemmanuel8433]

Another informative episode.Totally enjoyed.😊

[@joywafzig8546]

Thank u for featuring our bedroom! But it's not from ann maree. 🙂It's from me Joy Wafzig. Thanks for ur compliment Rebecca!🥰 Have to remove the plastics of our bedside table lamps as soon as we arrive in our house on our next vacation. 🤣🤣And by the way, i've learned the symmetry when it comes to interior designing from you. Thank u so much Rebecca!

[@krismatson2137]

Great tips! Our house does not have any ceiling light fixtures at all in the living room and family room so I use a lot of lamps. Something to think about! I am hoping you'll do a video on corner fireplaces and furniture placement. I believe you mentioned it awhile back?

[@maggievalois300]

Ha! Ha! Rebecca I just stopped this video so I could go and clean my Chandeliers. Something I had been putting off. Thanks all done now. I'm not a fan of can lights or we call them recessed lights or task lights. They don't have a spreading light just straight down. Adding more lamps to the darker corners of my living room does the trick. Love this video series you are doing.

[@timetraveler3n1]

You illuminate the decorating and design process. Much appreciated!

[@denisejordan8648]

Such great advice on lighting. I love all the fixtures you have hung in your clients home. See you soon.

[@benniececiliamattox7426]

I counted the can lights in my house and I am shocked! I have 6 in my bedroom and 20 in my open living-dining-kitchen area! My architect must have been on steroids! But the worst part is the switches. I have so many light switches on every wall. I want anyone who is building a new home to study their electrical blueprints and make sure there are not unnecessary switches. I’m just saying! I don’t really need to have 2 switches for every set of lights! I’m glad you did this video because lighting is most important when designing a house or new space.

[@laurab8450]

Great information! Omg, Rebecca, you are SO right about contractor's & lighting! My hubby is a contractor & he would not stagger the can lights in my porch room - straight down the middle, lol!

[@carolpipher4839]

🌾 ~Loved this Rebecca! Very educational!👍 🍂🍁🐿

[@ann-louisep7573]

Great info! I love this series ❤

[@freedomofreligion3248]

You are such a genius.

[@Arcenia13]

Impressive knowledge Rebecca!! Thanks for sharing!

[@buffy4321]

I have a two story home and it's a major/expensive undertaking to have an electrician install canned lights on the first floor. Can I hang faux beams and put can lights in them? I value your opinion and love your videos.

[@staceykersting705]

Cool idea! I'm in a cheap apartment. Was wondering how to fake it. lol

[@camis.1347]

@buffy4321 Get an estimate first to see how luch. Also, ask if they will cut you a deal on installing them if you do them all at once. Sometimes they will.

[@susandavis9650]

There are some great shallow sealed canned lights that are easier to install in the ceiling. Check our Lowe's or Home Depot for nice options. They do not get hot nor do they take up ceiling space for two story homes. When we refinished our kitchen cabinets we had to audition the light color spectrum that worked the best washing down the cabinets....it makes a difference. Over the island we did a grid cluster for optimum brightness on the black counter....options and trial and error.

[@ogutierrez7271]

Plastic on the shades, definitely I've done that years ago. Now I am getting alot better and following your designs. :)

[@newlifetolive7917]

I live in a rental and none of the lighting fixtures are centered. My bedroom light is actually off center about 3 feet. 🙃👍

[@di4085]

I'm assuming that you are referring to ceiling lights. Could you install like sconces on the wall or some table lamps? Personally I hate overhead lights and use Christmas lights in the evening.

[@lindaleal997]

Great Tips! Can you do a video about yourself? I’m so curious like what’s your favorite perfume your favorite wine what’s your favorite vacation spot? What do you like to do when you’re not working? Just curious 🩷

[@tracyanderson8595]

Rebecca, I absolutely love your content. I found you years ago looking for Christmas content and I have been with you ever since. I just want to know when you are coming out with your clothing line. I absolutely love your style especially the blouses. You need to come out with a blouse/shirt line (really you should). I could see Rebecca Robeson clothing in stores across the country, your fans would definitely support you. Just sayin (in my Rebecca voice).

[@user-uk5jn3dv6r]

Thank you so much Ms Robeson

[@marysmith861]

Thank you, Rebecca for another great tutorial.

[@judyellen4412]

Great tips, Rebecca!

[@s.b.6571]

You are AMAZING!

[@rosalieduffy882]

Great content as usual. I've also learned a lot more in-depth info from the Design Session on lighting. I recommend it to everyone.

[@MyCozyNestwRebecca]

You advise is ALWAYS THE GREATEST!!!! I saw the gold Thimbs Up on your Desk and I said hey Dumbie hit the THUMBS UP!!! TFS. Hugs-Rebecca 💙

[@Massielistika]

Thank you Rebecca!!

[@sherriehetzel6679]

Your light over your bed is the most gorgeous light ever

[@briannab5296]

It is beautiful .. but in terms of Feng shui all those sharp points are daggers of bad energy.

[@MHand623]

I love your 10 most common mistakes series. I am learning so much by watching your videos. I am going to apply some of your advice to my new home. It won't happen overnight, but you got me doing a lot of research because I want it to look perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@rebeccarobeson1]

It’s my pleasure @MHand623… I applaud you for taking notes and applying what you are learning over time! That’s the key my friend. My own home is an ever evolving project. Do what you can when you can. May I be so bold as to suggest you consider looking into The Design Sessions? There is a link below the video that will introduce you to a digital resource library I call ‘The Design Sessions’ thousands of people … all over the world, have found it to be a valuable resource when it comes to designing and renovating your home. It’s honestly the nicest thing I can do for you 🤗 I hope you’ll consider it. Meanwhile, thank you for watching this video and taking your precious time to leave a comment 👍🏻 🥰 RR

[@MHand623]

@rebeccarobeson1 I will look into the Design Sessions since I will be able to learn more about decorating. I love the way that you design every home you touch to include your own.

[@katewarnebold59]

Great job! Can you do a video on fireplace mantels. I've seen them too big and too high for a room or too small.

[@Julianforourfamily]

Great vid and info Rebecca!

[@oqstudio]

Great tips, I need to get ideas for goodlooking grow light for my large plant collection, that I am going to bring inside for the winter in a small space. Thank you!

[@giseliapereira5914]

Awesome tips! 🇨🇦❤️

[@greydovegardens7688]

I purchased a Mediterranean style home. The previous owner replaced all the wrought iron fixtures with Hollywood glam fixtures - very expensive. The problems were: The fixtures although beautiful did not match the style of the house and clashed, and the crystal in the kitchen particularly over the island was a disaster. I was cleaning them every single day. Beautiful but not practical. Every fixture got replaced and the ones I replaced sold on FB. The previous owner actually saw the ads and reached out to me. I felt so badly she found out that I got rid of the lights she spent a fortune on.

[@pricedesign8805]

Thank you for the many great tips!

[@shamilahyder5086]

Wow , amazing as usual

[@CC-kr3mr]

Has anyone told you lately that you are FABULOUS beyond measure!? ❤️

[@Drezzedtokill]

Thank you for alllll these TIPS REBECCA YOUR AMAZING

[@kellylarson3020]

Excellent advice as always, Rebecca. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 💞

[@cjhoward409]

My pet peeve is going into someone’s home or even a restaurant where they have mismatched light bulbs. Ugh ! Palesee. That costs next to nothing to make them all match. 😬😊

[@JaymeeKay]

❤❤❤❤❤Every time I watch you, I learn!❤❤❤❤❤❤ sitting here thinking, yeah, I should clean my mess up! Lol. Why I needed to be told that...idk. ❤❤❤ I adore you.

[@jimransford3021]

Thanks for your videos

[@ienasgafer1476]

Oh I just love love your content and I love the way you lay out the design sessions I have been following you tips and tricks and let me tell you I been going to places and noticing when a picture is not. Straight and when the room is lack of space 😂. I got the woven on me . I am 100 precent into staging ❤

[@callie1on1]

Will watch later.. thanks for the video❤❤❤😊

[@rachelbrown4066]

What about an entrance pendant?

[@wildaberrios2610]

I agree with Linda changing her lights fixture from two to One, and lowering g it alittle.

[@CPARROWHEAD]

These were great examples of mistakes, and easy fixes that would make such a difference!

[@mattiesharp6455]

Good points!❤

[@heathermcelroy7171]

This was fantastic! I've been struggling with how to fix our builder lighting, yup 3x3 grid! Now I know I need the drapery spots, art spots, and seating cans combo!

[@paulajames6149]

R, I am surprised you did not make a recommendation for light bulbs. I get contradicting advice. Some say go with a warm white and others recommend daylight bulbs. What do you recommend?

[@CJsellsSoCal]

👏🏼Same colored bulbs!! Such a pet peeve of mine😂🤌🏼I need dimmers but planning to swap all the recessed lighting in the house with smart LEDs👍🏼

[@terrythomas2735]

Thank you for your info

[@user-sp4qx9or8d]

You give so many good tips I try to incorporate into my home. I would so love to see homes that are of bungalow style. I live in a 1925 bungalow which I do love but hard to incorporate some of your ideas from newer builds into a older home. HELP!!! Needing ideas!

[@sfreason4112]

Wow! So true to all.

[@rebeccacrow9616]

Love your videos! This 1 is super! The wicker wall sconces were from ikea.

[@writingtutor7317]

As always you're a wealth of great info! "Just sayin"!!!!! :) I'm going to find an electrician, get some more can lighting, and replace all my bulbs with dimmable LEDs!!! Thanks, Rebecca!

[@lettyhuber1406]

Thank you

[@nancywutzke5392]

Thanks

[@desertlion2005]

Great session. I check off every single recommendation! Thanks for the confirmation. The wannabe designer in me is on point! Yeah me :)

[@Adriana-ou7vq]

Rebecca, you are the best !! I can wait for you to design your own collection decoration book. 👑💕

[@lyndathullen6206]

These videos are soon helpful! Thank you!

[@sherrypeters8508]

So true...

[@abeerjehan7039]

Thank you spreading knowledge may you got your share from universe 🤲

[@dpaschal1234]

I love the look of two floor lamps,but how do you hide all the cords?

[@eleanorrkuntzi6422]

Love you right back.

[@user-ks5xu8iv1j]

Great Video. What color and brightness of bulbs for the home?

[@Sarah-nj6gm]

Hi where will u recommend to purchase lighting fixtures?

[@LULC0759]

15:22 that can’t be the same room. Wow love it and that chandelier looks like something from Europhase!

[@createwithconfidence8094]

I love the series, especially lighting and window covering. I am a retired portrait photographer so I've always known about good lighting. LED lighting changes the whole look of my home, as did the whiter light. I learned 4000 kelvin was good in the laundry room and 3500 was fine in multiple hall ceiling fixtures. Not all spaces had the same temperature. Now there's even more options with smart lighting!

[@cjhoward409]

After my in-laws past away and we were preparing their home to be rented (they lived in a lovely 55+ gated community) we spent a MONTH cleaning everything and repainting because they both smoked and he died 5 years after she did and he never cleaned. He wasn’t a hoarder. It was just dust and smoke everywhere. I removed each light bulb all over the house and washed them. Ugh ! 😮

[@kimk9851]

Hi Rebecca! I'm still working on my remodel that you answered my question about my island light a long time ago on the Live Q & A. I was wondering, do you still like putting a wall light over your curtains on the right and left side to light them up? I have a situation where I can do that and I think it would look nice but I'm wonder if you still like it and which light I should use. Thanks for your awesome videos. You look so pretty!