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THE POWERFUL BENEFITS OF AMBIENT LIGHTING

October 31, 2024

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When moving into a new home, especially in the luxury market of Santa Barbara, lighting is often an overlooked yet crucial element, especially when defining your space's atmosphere. Just because your house has efficient recessed lighting or designer fixtures doesn’t mean those stylish visual enhancements are your only option—or even the best one. Many experts agree that harsh overhead lighting often detracts from the cozy, sophisticated vibe that most homeowners desire. So, what should you do instead? Keep reading to discover insights from the internet’s renowned artists, interior designers, and content creators, Josh Jessup and Matt Moss

A furnished luxury living room with lots of white, and ambient light streaming through the windows and glass doors.

The Art of Ambient Lighting

No one captures the beauty and importance of ambient lighting better than the Australian interior design duo, Jessup and Moss, who have made a name for themselves on social media by showcasing how they use the benefits of ambient lighting to create both comfort and style in their home near Melbourne. With millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, they offer the perfect source of inspiration for those looking to enhance their space with intentional, artful illumination.

So, what can ambient lighting really do for Santa Barbara homeowners? Imagine creating a luxurious, inviting atmosphere in your home just like the owners of my stunning listing pictured above on Montecio’s East Valley Road. They didn’t need to do much to achieve the perfect look, as the property naturally embodies indoor-outdoor living with abundant natural light flowing into every room.

A mostly white room with minimal furnishings, and a wall of glass doors open to an ocean view.

What Is Ambient Lighting?

Notice the serene atmosphere created at the 15-acre Ocean View Carpinteria Retreat pictured above simply by opening the sliding glass door? (Or even with it closed!) Ambient lighting can come from natural light, artificial light, or a blend of both. It helps make a space feel warm and inviting rather than cold or clinical.

Consider your lighting as a form of art, not just a functional element. When you move beyond pure utility, it becomes an expression of your personality—that’s what makes a house feel like home; turning your space into a personal sanctuary.

How Ambient Lighting Affects Your Well-Being

Several studies have shown that the intensity of lighting directly affects how we feel. Warm-toned lighting is associated with calmness and relaxation, while cooler tones tend to boost energy and productivity. This makes ambient lighting particularly important in areas of the home where you want to wind down, like the living room or bedroom. By avoiding overly bright or cool-toned lights, particularly in relaxation zones, your home can become a space of serenity, encouraging your mind and body to unwind.

In contrast, a neutral white light with a color temperature between 4000K and 5000K is optimal for home office environments. This range enhances alertness, aids in focus, and provides accurate color visibility, creating an ideal setting for productivity.

6 Steps to Create Your Own Ambient Glow

Getting the benefits of ambient lighting doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your current lighting setup. Here are some simple steps to help you transform your home:

A white luxury bedroom with a rotunda vaulted ceiling and a chandelier for ambient lighting.

Step 1. Ditch the Overhead Lights

Jessup and Moss are vocal about their disdain for what they call “The Big Light” (i.e., harsh overhead lighting). They compare it to the stark lights used in hospitals; functional but far from cozy.

Harsh overhead lighting can cast unflattering shadows and make a room feel less welcoming. Instead, try using softer light sources placed strategically around the space. You could install dimmable ceiling lights or, even better, swap out harsh fixtures for stylish chandeliers or pendant lights that diffuse light more evenly and gently. A well-chosen chandelier, like the one inside the primary bedroom of my Mediterranean Elegance Meets Modern Comfort property pictured above, provides soft illumination and enhances the room’s elegance with a touch of luxury.

Step 2. Focus on Corners and Cozy Spots

Think about where you spend time in each room, whether that’s your favorite reading nook or dining area. Then, strategically place lamps to enhance the comfort and functionality of those spaces. A floor lamp next to a cozy chair or a sleek table lamp by your bedside can make all the difference in creating a soft, welcoming glow.

A luxury living room with lots of rich wood, clerestory windows, and comfy furniture.

Step 3. Choose Lamps That Speak to You

A lamp can be both a functional piece and an expression of your personal style. Jessup encourages homeowners to embrace the uniqueness of lighting options, like the sellers of the Magnificient Marc Whitman Designed Ojai Estate above.

Luxury homeowners should consider investing in statement lamps or fixtures that blend functionality with artistry. For example, sculptural floor lamps or delicate chandeliers can become focal points that enhance your room's lighting and overall aesthetic.

Step 4. Incorporate Natural Light

Ambient lighting doesn’t always have to come from a bulb. Natural light plays a huge role in creating a warm and inviting space. Arrange furniture so that sunlight flows freely through your home, and choose window treatments that let in natural light without compromising privacy. During the day, natural light can act as the perfect ambient glow, complementing your carefully chosen lamps and fixtures.

Step 5. Add Smart Bulbs for Extra Control

Smart lighting has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, offering endless customization options. By installing smart bulbs, you can adjust the color, intensity, and timing of your lights directly from your phone. This allows homeowners to have complete control in creating the mood of the room, whether they need task lighting for work or a soft glow for winding down in the evening. The key is being able to switch between different lighting depending on the time of day and your mood.

Step 6. Layer Your Lighting

The lighting duo suggests layering different types of lighting to create depth and interest in a room. While ambient lighting sets the mood for relaxation, task lighting is necessary for functional spaces like kitchens, home offices, or reading areas. Accent lighting, such as wall sconces or under-cabinet lighting, can highlight architectural features or artwork, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Jessup and Moss often employ the "rule of threes" to balance their lighting setups, combining tall floor lamps, mid-height table lamps, and smaller accent lights to create a cohesive look.

The living room of a Hacienda-style Spanish Colonial estate with rib-vaulted and coffered ceiling and three arched French doors to the gardens.

Ambient Lighting in the Luxury Market

Luxury homes are defined by their attention to detail, and ambient lighting helps showcase those elements—whether it’s custom cabinetry, artwork, or distinctive architectural features—while fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere. That makes ambient lighting crucial for high-end homes like the Prancing Horse Estate above. It’s not just about creating a comfortable atmosphere—it’s about making a statement.

Many high-end buyers expect beautifully curated homes from top to bottom, and lighting is key to how potential buyers perceive your property. Paying close attention to how you light your home when it comes time to sell can enhance its overall aesthetic and elevate the buyer’s experience, ensuring your property stands out in a competitive market.

Ambient lighting is essential for luxury homes in Santa Barbara, where every detail matters. As a top real estate agent with numerous accolades, I invite you to explore my exceptional listings and imagine how you can embrace the art and benefits of ambient lighting in your new home. For a complimentary consultation, whether buying or selling, call me at (805) 886-9378 or at Cristal@Montecito-Estate.

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Client Reviews

“It was an emotional experience selling our mother’s home in Montecito that we all loved so much but Cristal made the process easier on our whole family by guiding us through the transaction every step of the way. She knows the market so well and everything she recommended was on point including the asking price, painting, and staging the home, which looked beautiful and helped the buyer envision her new home. We sold it the first day it hit the market with an offer above asking! Cristal did an incredible job communicating with us and the buyer to ensure that the transaction would run smoothly. We highly recommend using Cristal, she was a pleasure to work with! ”

- J & A

“Cristal is a pleasure to work with! Her knowledge of the local real estate market coupled with her amazing listening skills resulted in her showing us an array of homes that were all excellent choices. Her low-pressure patient attitude made us feel extremely comfortable with the whole process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

- M.F.

“Cristal Clarke is #1 in her field - and you don't become #1 by luck. Cristal works harder, and longer, and with more charm and patience than any real estate agent I have ever worked with in the past; her calendar has no weekend, her days have no clocks, her only concern is selling your property as soon as possible and for the best price on the market. Am I a fan? You bet!”

- P.B.

“We have used Cristal now several times and cannot express how grateful we are for her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the entire home-buying process. Cristal is knowledgeable, patient and attentive. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and she consistently went above and beyond to provide us with all the information and resources we needed to make informed decisions. Cristal is a skillful negotiator and advocate. She can navigate complex negotiations with professionalism and grace and felt like a true partner to us in the home-buying process. Cristal has a genuine passion for real estate and a deep commitment to her clients' satisfaction. I cannot speak highly enough of Cristal and her exceptional service. She is a true expert in her field and her dedication to excellence, combined with unwavering support is the reason we choose to work with her for all our real estate buying needs.”

- T.C.

“Cristal is a top-notch realtor who sold my home before it ever went on the market. I had two competing offers that enabled me to get top dollar for my home. Not only is Cristal superb but her team is extraordinary. I cannot say enough about Cristal and her team. They are simply phenomenal, the consummate professionals, who took care of every possible detail, making the sale and transition period, smooth from our end. They are also lovely, caring people, who knew all the right professionals, to get the job done. Thank you, everyone!”

- D.R.

“I could list lots of cool adjectives to describe Cristal. All good by the way. But, that is not why I or anyone should hire Cristal. My reason for hiring her, which proved to be correct, is very simple. She got the job done. And, she does it time and time again and with zero issues. And, that is why she is one of the top agents in the country. End of subject. ”

- M.A.

“Working with Cristal was a complete pleasure. Cristal was extremely patient with us as we evaluated nearly 2 dozen homes over a span of 2 years. Her knowledge of the market is unmatched. Cristal provided us with exceptional counsel as we evaluated opportunities and negotiated pricing. The closing process was handled thoroughly and efficiently. We could not be happier with our purchase and even more happy to now call Cristal our friend.”

- D.K.

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

- Johan and Paula van den Berg

“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch