The Poetry of Light

Light fixtures were rarely visible in our experience of Japan, but in this case, the fixture was the size of a person!

Light is the universal language of welcome. In homes across the world, light does more than chase away shadows. It opens doors, invites conversation, and creates spaces where everyone feels seen. Imagine the soft, flickering glow of a Moroccan lantern casting intricate patterns on a courtyard wall, or the golden sun filtering through Japanese shoji screens, painting the room in gentle stripes. Picture the bright, open windows of a Scandinavian living room, where even the deepest winter day is met with warmth and cheer. Every culture has its own way of celebrating light, but the message is always the same: here, you belong.

We believe inclusive design begins with intention. Just as a melting pot gathers flavors from every corner of the globe, a truly welcoming home gathers light from every angle—natural and artificial, direct and diffused. We design with an eye for how light shapes mood, fosters connection, and ensures that every person who walks through the door feels at ease.

Light is more than a practical necessity; it’s a storyteller. It highlights the textures of a handwoven rug, the grain of reclaimed wood, the curve of a favorite chair. It transforms a simple space into a sanctuary, a gathering spot, a place for laughter and quiet conversation. When we consider how light moves through a home, we’re not just thinking about brightness. We’re thinking about how to make every corner feel inviting, every room a place where people can be themselves.

As we recently celebrated independence and the spirit of togetherness, let’s explore how light can be a quiet act of inclusion. Thoughtful lighting choices like adjustable fixtures, dimmer switches, or layered ambient and task lighting, allow us to adapt our spaces to the needs of our guests. A cozy nook with a reading lamp offers refuge for someone who needs a moment of calm. A sunlit breakfast table invites everyone to linger over coffee and conversation. Even the simplest gesture- opening a curtain to let in the morning light, can make a world of difference.

Nearly invisible light in a large scale space creates a glow and pattern on the tall walls.

Light also connects us to the natural world, reminding us of the rhythms of the day and the seasons. In the Pacific Northwest, where the light shifts with the weather and the time of year, we have a special opportunity to design homes that embrace these changes. Large windows that frame the trees, skylights that invite the sky inside, and outdoor lighting that extends the day. All of these elements help us feel grounded and connected, no matter the season.

Ultimately, light is a gift we can share with everyone who enters our homes. It’s a way of saying, “You are welcome here.” We’re passionate about creating spaces that celebrate this spirit of inclusion, where every person, every story, and every moment is illuminated with care.

This July, let’s shine a little brighter, together.

Our Passion. Your Paradise.


Read more about lighting in design:

Rachel Waldron

Waldron Designs was founded by Rachel Waldron (that’s me!). in 2013.

I am so happy designing that it is not unusual to catch me in a giggle as I rev up to do my work. I think of my designs the way that I think of my children- each is unique and has their own personality. It is my job to nurture them and help them grow, not define them.

I got my bachelor's degree in interior design from Washington State University - a CIDA-accredited school - in 2005, immediately moved into a leadership position and have continued designing with passion.

I received my MBA in Marketing in 2012 and launched Waldron Designs in 2013. When I am not designing, you will find me enjoying my precious time with my husband and two spectacular children.

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A Design Melting Pot