Trending with Signature Mike: Light up your life!

Michael Siewert

Date: May 25, 2025

Finding the perfect chandelier can be a difficult task as your choice of lighting should be a focal point of your decor while being functional as well.

I find that my clients are always very forthcoming about the type of light fixtures they want. However, it can be difficult for them to consider the bigger picture, like it’s impact on the rest of the room and how the fixture they desire is not always the perfect fit for the space.  

There is so much to consider when selecting one or more light fixtures.

You first have to consider how many light fixtures will be seen together. With the popular open floor plan, the foyer light can be seen along with the dining room light, which can be seen with the kitchen island pendants, which can be seen with the breakfast light fixture.

All of these fixtures should work well together. You do not want all of them to have a strong personality. When this scenario happens, I tend to go with a simpler and cleaner look with the foyer fixture and the kitchen island pendants, while allowing the dining room and breakfast room fixtures more character. 

Open floor plans means that lighting from other spaces should be taken into account when drawing the “big picture.” Photo by Michael Siewert.

You want to consider the theme of your home. Are you more traditional or modern? Are you coastal or farmhouse? Consider your theme and how your light fixtures can help you achieve this look.

Do not worry about mixing metals. There is already so much metal in a home. From door hardware and hinges, to light fixtures, to cabinet hardware, kitchen appliances and plumbing fixtures, and there are so many metallic finishes available that adding more metal is not going to matter much in the big picture. It is hard to get a solid match on all of this, so I always recommend mixing metals and allowing one to pop from another. 

Consider the light value of your light fixture. Do you need light to illuminate out from the fixture? You might consider a chandelier with arms that will distribute light around the room.

A wider chandelier means wider light coverage. Photo by Michael Siewert.

Do you need light to be concentrated on one area? Maybe consider a light that is more enclosed.

Photo by Michael Siewert.

Maybe you have a tall foyer or staircase and you need to illuminate light at different levels to light up the space above and below.

This cascading chandelier gives the staircase some extra “pop.” Photo by Michael Siewert.

Lighting can really add a great detail to any room. Always consider your options and think of your fixtures as you do with accessories or jewelry that people wear to dress up an outfit.

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The Author

Michael Siewert, aka Signature Mike, is a familiar face in Augusta, Georgia. His store, Signature Interiors and Gifts along with Signature Soles is in the Signature Shops on Furys Ferry Road. The store is busting at the seams with furniture, art, lamps, chandeliers, rugs, home decor and gifts! And next door is shoes and clothing! Mike and his staff work with many clients around the country, from new home construction to redecorating for both interior and exterior, and for both residential and commercial projects! Michael has been the headliner for the Home & Garden Shows in Augusta, Savannah, Orlando and Roanoke, where he shares his design knowledge onstage. There is nothing he likes more than to empower people to make smart design decisions! Catch Signature Mike and his guests at 3:00 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on CBS Channel 12 WRDW on THE SIGNATURE MIKE SHOW for decorating tips and to see what is going on in building and home decor in our area!

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