Jennifer Sheahan: DIY lighting changes that cost little but give your home a luxury feel

Of everything I changed in my  1890s cottage, the lighting is what I'm proudest of. It doesn't have to cost a lot to make every room feel more expensive than it is

Good lighting does not have to be expensive, says Jennifer Sheahan. Picture: Moya Nolan

Lighting is the design category I bang on about more than any other, because it is too often an afterthought but is the single most impactful change you can make to elevate your interiors. Of everything I changed in my little 1890s cottage, the lighting is still what I'm proudest of. Spending time and brain-power (though not necessarily lots of money) on designing layers and getting the tone right makes each room feel about three times more expensive than it actually was. If I do say so myself.

Many lighting decisions should be made early in a renovation. But what about later, when you’re not renovating? What if you don’t want to rip open your walls, and even if you did, who can get an electrician anyway? The good news is that if you’re staring at your house wanting to make a change, there are plenty of quick fixes you can do in an afternoon, and on a budget too. Here's where to start.