Today's lighting trend is sophisticated, functional By Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa Accent lighting throughout the home is very popular right now, according to Matthew Hochstadt, owner of Lights on Nine in Manalapan. Home lighting has never been more exciting than it is today. With so many choices available in home illumination, deciding on the right look for your home can be a challenge. Consulting with experts in lighting design can make a dramatic difference. "The current trend in lighting is more sophisticated, yet serves a dual purpose," explains Marilyn Rieman, a lighting designer for Capitol Lighting, a family-owned lighting retailer store with 10 showrooms throughout New Jersey and Florida. "With the new construction of so many spacious, impressive homes, creating a lighting scheme design that is as functional as it is beautiful is an absolute must." Palladian windows, the huge window on the second story of a foyer or entryway, call for a light source that looks as good from outside the home as it does indoors. Generally, chandeliers are used to illuminate this area, though today's chandeliers are far more colorful than they were in the past. Replacing yesterday's structural metal, which was typically basic brass, are finishes such as bronze, pewter, satin nickel, brushed nickel and silver. The unadorned crystal is now complemented with flowers and fruits in either muted or bold tones, and the designs are ornate and aesthetically pleasing. Larger rooms in these new homes often call for task lighting, sources of illumination to light a specific area in order to accomplish the work at hand, such as the lights above the bathroom mirror. Here, too, the look has gone adventurous, in vivid tones to replace the old standard of white. Gone are the days of a single, central florescent light source for the kitchen. Colorful kitchen pendant lighting for islands and peninsulas, counter illumination, and recessed down lights above the sink and stove are all popular additions to the light scheme now. Bedroom illumination remains classic, with night table lamps being the predominate source of light. But the lamps themselves have changed from subdued to elegant with plenty of sparkling crystal, and elaborate shades that are fringed, beaded, and alive with color. "Accent lighting throughout the home has never been more popular," says Matthew Hochstadt, owner of Lights on Nine, The Galleria Mall on Route 9 north in Manalapan. "The look is retro, with art nouveau design in today's breathtaking colors." Light from wall sconces makes a room warm and inviting, and table lamps in unusual colors and designs add interest to any room. Small accent pieces with halogen lighting can add fun and fashion to even the most neutral room. For a touch of nostalgia with a new a chandelier, consider adding a medallion - a modern, lightweight version of the heavy plaster ceiling medallions used years ago that are paintable and extremely attractive. With summer just around the corner, the season demands outdoor illumination. Landscape, walkway lights, and post lights all add subtle beauty and drama to your property. Patio and deck lights are essential to set the mood for warm weather entertaining, and are highly practical in dark yards where good illumination for the safety of your guests is a top priority. The most important consideration when it comes to home lighting is whether or not your choices appeal to you and suit your lifestyle. From traditional to art nouveau, the options, styles, and colors in lighting today are endless, providing an attractive solution to any home illumination quandary. (top) You can find this hand-cut Spanish chandelier at Lights on Nine in Manalapan. (bottom) Contemporary lighting styles fit well in any modern home.