Why a Lighting Plan is Essential for Your Renovation – And When to Do It

Lighting is one of the most powerful yet overlooked elements of interior design. It has the ability to transform a space, enhance functionality, and create atmosphere. Yet, in many renovations, lighting is treated as an afterthought—leading to missed opportunities and costly mistakes.

A well-thought-out lighting plan ensures that every area of your home is lit in a way that enhances both practicality and aesthetics. However, this should only be done after your space planning is finalised. In this blog, we’ll explain why a lighting plan is essential, when to create one, and how it can elevate your renovation.

What is a Lighting Plan?

A lighting plan is a detailed layout that specifies:

• Types of lighting (ambient, task, accent, decorative)

• Placement of fixtures (ceiling, wall, floor lighting)

• Switching & control systems (dimmers, smart lighting, circuits)

• Bulb types & colour temperatures (warm, cool, daylight)

This plan aligns with your space planning, ensuring that lighting enhances the way you’ll actually use the space.

Why a Lighting Plan is Essential for Renovations

Enhances Functionality & Usability

Each room has different lighting needs:
- Kitchens need bright task lighting for food prep.
- Living rooms benefit from layered lighting for flexibility.
- Bedrooms require softer, mood-enhancing lighting.

Without a plan, you risk poor positioning—leading to shadows, glare, or insufficient light in key areas.

Creates Atmosphere & Ambiance

Lighting dramatically impacts mood and aesthetics. With the right plan, you can:
- Make a small room feel larger.
- Add warmth to North-facing spaces.
- Highlight architectural features with accent lighting.

Getting this wrong can result in a space that feels flat, harsh, or uninviting.

Ensures Smart Wiring Decisions (Avoiding Costly Mistakes!)

If you leave lighting decisions until later, you may need to reopen walls and ceilings to run extra wiring—leading to delays and extra costs. A lighting plan ensures:
- Sockets & switches are in the right places.
- Wiring is planned upfront, avoiding expensive rework.
- Futureproofing for smart home integration.

Stops You Overpaying Your Electrician

Many homeowners request electrical quotes too early—before finalising space planning and lighting details. This often leads to inflated costs because:
- Electricians pad estimates to cover unknowns.
- Additional charges arise later for repositioning lights.
- You might pay for unnecessary fittings due to a lack of planning.

By finalising your space planning and creating a detailed lighting plan first, your electrician can quote accurately and fairly, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

How Studio Five Can Help

At Studio Five, we take a holistic approach to renovation planning—ensuring that lighting and design work together seamlessly.

We create tailored lighting plans that enhance both function and aesthetics. We collaborate with electricians & contractors to implement the design efficiently. We ensure your lighting works in harmony with your furniture, finishes, and layout. We help you get accurate quotes from electricians, so you don’t overpay for unnecessary work.