Why I Said No to Downlights (and What That Really Means)

You know how I said no downlights in the new house? That bold little sentence has taken on a life of its own.

Saying no to downlights means saying no to the easy route. No quick, click-in-and-go fittings. No default ceiling grid. What it does mean is a whole lot of thought going into every pendant, every wall sconce, every switch location. It’s meant hours of scrolling, measuring, testing, visualising, second-guessing… and it’s completely consumed me in the best and most exhausting way.

Last night, I was chatting with my son, who’s also an electrician, and we were going over the lighting plan. He laughed and said, “Far out, Mum, this is going to take me a month to wire up. Usually I just chuck in a few downlights and I’m done by lunch. But of course, you had to be difficult!”

But here’s the thing. This house is 8-star energy-rated. That means lighting isn’t just a functional tick-box. It’s a chance to design with real purpose. It’s about mood, atmosphere, energy conservation, and the way you feel when you walk into a space.

I didn’t want the same old thing. I wanted warmth. I wanted thoughtful. I wanted lighting that helped tell the story of the home, not just light it up.

So yes, it’s definitely more work. But it’s also going to be one of the most beautiful, intentional parts of this house. And I absolutely cannot wait to show you more as it comes to life.

Stay tuned!