And the brighter the light the more intense the participants’ emotions became. Both the intensity and the color of the light affected people’s moods.

How Does This Affect Your Next Remodel?

When designing a space lighting needs to be addressed as soon as the space itself and how it will be used are defined.

For example if it’s an office space you are designing “office lighting should encourage alertness and productivity” said Rebecca Hadley manager of Eaton’s SOURCE lighting education center. It also helps to “incorporate controls that allow for changes throughout the day. Ideally you’d have the ability to adjust the intensity of your lighting with a dimmer switch.”

When lighting for a home the purpose of each room comes into play. The kitchen a work space demands brighter high CRI (color accurate) light while the living room calls for more mellow warmer lighting.