September 5, 2024 • 15 mins
In this episode of "What's Up with Winn Electric," host Saul Lewis sits down with Tara Coomer, owner of Coomer & Co. Interior Design, to delve into the world of interior and lighting design. Tara shares her journey from a theater major to becoming a full-service design firm owner and discusses her passion for lighting design.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of lighting design, from selecting fixtures to the importance of understanding a client's needs. Tara emphasizes the impact of lighting on a home's ambiance and functionality, offering practical tips for incorporating lighting trends and creating layered lighting effects.
Whether you're a design enthusiast or planning a home renovation, this episode provides expert advice on achieving a harmonious and stylish lighting design tailored to your unique space.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Music.
(00:11):
Hey, and welcome back to another episode of What's Up with Winn Electric.
I am Saul Lewis, your host of What's Up with Winn Electric with Fallen Green
Winn Electric. And today we're joined with Tara Kohler.
First off, let's start off with a little bit about you. Could you tell us a
little bit about what got you into the design industry?
Sure. I've owned Winn Winn Kohler since 2013. We're a full service design firm here.
(00:36):
I went to WKU and got a bachelor's degree into year design. And that's where
it kind of started as far as my love for interior design.
It really started at a young age. And from there, it just led to the interest in it.
And then realizing how much more involved it was in the construction aspect
of things is what I really fell in love with and kind of prompted me to continue in that path.
(00:58):
Did you think you always wanted to get into design or was that something that
just kind of went along as you got through school?
I started school and I was a theater major. And then I was a meteorology major.
And then I took some time off to figure out what I really wanted to do.
Again, I've always loved anything art related. And I was like,
you know what, I'm going to just go for it and started that program, fell in love with it.
(01:22):
And then, yeah, from that point on, I knew that's what I wanted to do.
Maybe you can tell us a little bit about your expertise in lighting design in particular.
Yeah, I mean, we obviously learn a little about a lot of different things in
school, one being lighting. But really, I don't feel like we got into the nitty
gritty of things until I started actually being hands on and doing it with my work.
(01:47):
And within that, you just kind of realize how important it is.
We do everything from pick the fixtures to do the walkers with the electrician
and kind of know where every outlet is, where every lighting is going to go,
what height, the type of, you know, Kelvin the bulb is going to be.
So we really get into that, all those intricate layers of it.
(02:08):
But I didn't really learn that per se until I got to be more hands-on.
And so experience-based. Right.
I just heard you mention even helping to pick out where exactly your plugs and
switches are going to go.
So when you go into a job, even if somebody asks you to just get involved with
lighting, you're actually looking at the whole entire job.
(02:31):
The whole entire electrical aspect of things. I mean, we ask questions like,
do you plan on having holiday lights to know if we need to put outlets in your soffit?
We know what you're going to be using that exact room for so that we make sure
the lighting is programmed so that it's good for watching movies versus, you know, cooking.
(02:51):
Obviously, they're two different rooms, but the lighting is going to be different per space. Yeah.
I mean, I don't think from my side, I've been, you and I have worked together
on a number of jobs that, you know, sometimes when somebody comes to you for help.
It takes a lot of questions to get to the point to where you actually know how
to figure out what will work for them in that particular space.
(03:15):
Right. And it's very different with every client because everyone kind of lives
in their space differently.
Someone may be, you know, really big chef in the kitchen and someone else,
it may be very important to have a game.
So how we approach a job is very specific to each client.
I know, you know, when I when I go to job sites myself, again,
(03:35):
from my side of it, I'm actually pretty quick to tell people that I am not a designer because,
you know, you and I just had a conversation before we went on air here about
how little I truly understand the different colors. Right.
And so I tell people a lot of times if they start asking me about that aspect
of stuff, I'm like, you might want to contact. Right. Yeah. Yeah.
(03:58):
I mean, it definitely has a huge impact on the project overall,
not just, you know, the colors that are going to be in the room,
but it's really I can't emphasize enough how important it is to know like what
that space is being used for.
Obviously, there's kind of a base layer of overall lighting,
but the details of things is really based on on that. Yeah, well,
(04:19):
so that actually leads me into my next question.
What are some of your favorite lighting design projects and inspiration for those?
That's a tough one. We really, we try to stay away from too many specific trends
because we want our clients to have a really classic foam that's never going to be out of style.
(04:41):
So I tell people all the time to stick within, you know, if they want a certain
light to be a little bit funky, maybe offset it with a traditional line.
Line, like if it has a funky texture, then the line seems to be traditional.
Or if it has a funky shape, maybe the texture is traditional. So...
As far as my favorite, I mean, there's too many to name. We have so many different
(05:06):
noses with different aspects to them that it would be hard.
Well, you probably wouldn't want to hurt somebody's feelings by pointing out.
I think we'll keep those to ourselves.
If you had any tips or quick ideas that you might could throw out to customers
or just anyone listening that might be helpful for them incorporating lighting design.
(05:31):
Trends into their own spaces i know you just said that you try not
to get too much sure onto specific trends but
if somebody doesn't want to try to update something a little
more you know maybe you could give them
a little insight on a few little things i would say some things that are kind
of overlooked that pack a big punch are like under cabinet lighting it's an
(05:53):
easy addition and it gives a really high design look toe kick lighting is another
one people underestimate you We do that a lot with like nightlight and hallways,
even stair light,
you know, something that has kind of an overall glow throughout the house at night.
I feel like, too, you don't have to flip on a switch, the high end look,
but it's also super functional.
(06:14):
I would say another kind of trend, if you will, is, you know, bookcase lights.
Emphasize what's on your bookcase and picture light
that you may want to put over a really nice piece of
art that you've acquired however those two
things are trendy but you can do them with more classic light
those are trendy things to do but the
(06:36):
lights you use could be a black light right right
yeah one of the things you mentioned there
was under counter light which thankfully
fully is growing in popularity but i
know when i started in lighting you know 17 years ago there
was very few homes that really had under counter lighting and
(06:56):
if it was if there was a home that had under counter lighting it was like a
big deal it seemed like and that's not that long ago well i'm 50 now so saying
17 years ago doesn't seem that long yeah i would definitely say that something
that was only incorporated into higher echelon houses but with the internet
and pinterest and pictures circulating,
I think people are more aware of certain things now.
(07:18):
And so we are definitely getting asked to do that more often.
But it's definitely one of the check marks on our list for a nice house always.
Can you tell me a little bit about your views on different color temperatures
and different areas and different spaces? Sure.
It's a very particular thing. It's very specific to individuals.
(07:42):
Individuals however myself i like the
entire house to be at 3 000k i know
even in closets well they could be brighter but to me i still like the warmth
so i'll be the same and maybe the water tree up really yeah i know everybody
everybody has their own even in laundry room i know i'm a white girl i know oh.
(08:07):
I know. I know. Now, in even some areas, I would go, for me personally,
to $27,000. I don't in my home, but I stick around that $3,000.
But much cooler than that, I feel, starts to get very commercial.
Commercial well sure i mean i just
i guess you know again personal opinion for me
(08:28):
i do tend to like the 4k in
which of course to those who may not know 4 000k is a white color if they see
in a commercial setting i tend to like that in garages or sure sure you blogger
room you know And I think 4K is definitely proven to be better for task lighting.
(08:52):
No, I don't disagree. And I think, too, our eyes all perceive light differently.
That is a total personal preference. Have I had clients that have requested,
I mean, I'll take them to an electric sometimes and show them the different colors.
And if they are more attracted to that in spaces where they want to be able
to see their clothes a little better, but in the main living spaces,
(09:15):
I will very much recommend put a $3,000 in there.
We've actually seen at the store a little bit more push to the wider color temperature
in residential settings.
I fight it hard for. i will argue
i will let some things go with clients but that
(09:36):
is one thing i will tell them it will it just it distorts
how the paint is perceived white was
to distort how your fabric look
your tile your countertop and generally
speaking i just i don't want to feel like i'm in a doctor's office when i am
posting up to watch a show that's one of the things that i specifically will
(09:57):
tell people is if you have okay you know it was really big i don't know how
it is now but it was really big a few years ago this would be more question for you i guess but.
To do like a warm color accent wall. You may do your three walls in gray and
do one in like a burnt orange or something.
And I'm like, if you're doing a 4K in that, everything's going to look gray. Yeah, it's true.
(10:18):
And we do less and less of the light statement walls anymore.
I'm like, we're going to do it. Let's do the whole room.
But it still will alter how your app perceives color.
I mean, light is literally, you know, color is the perception of how you see
that with certain light.
So, yeah, it's a personal preference.
I personally don't like to mix color temperatures in a house unless it is in
(10:42):
designated areas where gas is very important and it is behind a door.
In an open common area, I want to all see the same.
I've heard designers say, and it may have even come from you,
that lighting is the jewelry of the home. Totally.
Yeah. Well, good quote. I've 100% said that. And it's so true.
(11:04):
It's really a power player in any new construction remodel in your home in general
and an easy way to upgrade a house. But it can also make or break a house.
But it is one of the things that, like, obviously you have to have.
But it's where form and function both meet. And there's so many different styles.
So, yeah, it's the jewelry, the jewelry of the house. Okay, so do you have,
(11:29):
in talking about that being the jewelry of the house, do you have some,
any specific current trends?
As far as trends go, I think there's going to be a continual uptick in mixing metals.
So I don't, I mean, some lights in general have mixed metals on them specifically,
but with that, if you have, you know, a gold lamp in a room,
(11:50):
it doesn't mean your chandelier has to be gold.
Again, going back to temperature, I wouldn't want to see like chrome and gold personally together.
But mixed metals, I feel like give a really lived in look with fixtures. I like that.
I think another kind of thing we're seeing that's really interesting is the play upscale.
It used to be like big room, big light. And I feel like it's starting to come
(12:14):
back around that like there's like smaller and more artisan dainty lights you're seeing.
And some even were not necessarily centering to the room. So we may be offsetting
it to center it to a certain area in the room we want to highlight.
Also, if they like funky textures, your concrete, your plaster are a big thing
right now. I think that's going to evolve.
(12:36):
A lot of natural woven materials, really kind of elemental.
Well, again, that's one of the nice things about hiring a designer is to help
you along in those things.
Do you have any final thoughts or insights you'd like to share with the audience
about design in general? I think obviously hiring a designer is very helpful.
(12:58):
And even if I'm not who you hire, I say find one that works really well with
you and your vision because building a home or redoing a home is a very big investment.
And I tell everyone an interior designer's insurance and those decision making
process. process, but as far as if they were to go pick a light,
I would say stick with your gut.
Don't go with things that are too trendy because you think they're popular right now.
(13:23):
That's how you date a house. If you pick something that you truly love,
there will be a commonality there, like a thread woven throughout all the things
that you love, and you won't have to worry about things matching,
so all kind of have the same vibe or spirit about it.
You mentioned so much. Again, I'm going to go go back and say.
Helping someone to lay out the switches and the plugs in their home.
(13:46):
You're not somebody that's just going in there to help them figure out what
fabric they're going to put on.
No, no, it's a lot more complex.
I think that people realize we we really think about all aspects of living in a space.
And to kind of reiterate, going back to like things to remember when you are
working on electrical or lighting, I would say make sure you have plugs for lamp.
(14:08):
And one of the best things that
you can do is to have different layers of light that is
going to not only create a high-end look but give
you a lot of multi-purpose lighting a living room
in my opinion should have lamp it should
have you know some sort of recessed or overall pan lighting
if you will and then also an overhead
(14:29):
light and you know those can all be used for different things
you in the middle of the day may want a lot of light in
there and want the cans and the overhead headlight on and at night
you may want to dim those down and just have your lamps on to make
it feel a little bit more relaxing and you know cozy so i
think that would be something really important is to to really
incorporate all different layers of lighting i just
(14:51):
want to take a minute to tell you that first off we have worked together on
a number of different projects and i've always appreciated your insight like
i said with school we learn a little about a lot of things so i rely We rely
on the expert like you all in your field. Like, I don't know all the answers with lighting.
I'll give you a call. I'll give whoever a call and ask questions like,
(15:12):
hey, I'm wondering about this light.
I can't find this, you know, specs on this. How many wattages is it?
Et cetera, et cetera. So we rely heavily on you all too.
Tara, thank you so much for joining us today.
Hopefully we can do this again about some other topics along the way. Sounds great.
Thank you. Hey, guys. Guys, thank you again for joining us for another episode of What's Up?
(15:35):
Music.
Music.
(00:11):
Hey, and welcome back to another episode of What's Up with Winn Electric.
I am Saul Lewis, your host of What's Up with Winn Electric with Fallen Green
Winn Electric. And today we're joined with Tara Kohler.
First off, let's start off with a little bit about you. Could you tell us a
little bit about what got you into the design industry?
Sure. I've owned Winn Winn Kohler since 2013. We're a full service design firm here.
(00:36):
I went to WKU and got a bachelor's degree into year design. And that's where
it kind of started as far as my love for interior design.
It really started at a young age. And from there, it just led to the interest in it.
And then realizing how much more involved it was in the construction aspect
of things is what I really fell in love with and kind of prompted me to continue in that path.
(00:58):
Did you think you always wanted to get into design or was that something that
just kind of went along as you got through school?
I started school and I was a theater major. And then I was a meteorology major.
And then I took some time off to figure out what I really wanted to do.
Again, I've always loved anything art related. And I was like,
you know what, I'm going to just go for it and started that program, fell in love with it.
(01:22):
And then, yeah, from that point on, I knew that's what I wanted to do.
Maybe you can tell us a little bit about your expertise in lighting design in particular.
Yeah, I mean, we obviously learn a little about a lot of different things in
school, one being lighting. But really, I don't feel like we got into the nitty
gritty of things until I started actually being hands on and doing it with my work.
(01:47):
And within that, you just kind of realize how important it is.
We do everything from pick the fixtures to do the walkers with the electrician
and kind of know where every outlet is, where every lighting is going to go,
what height, the type of, you know, Kelvin the bulb is going to be.
So we really get into that, all those intricate layers of it.
(02:08):
But I didn't really learn that per se until I got to be more hands-on.
And so experience-based. Right.
I just heard you mention even helping to pick out where exactly your plugs and
switches are going to go.
So when you go into a job, even if somebody asks you to just get involved with
lighting, you're actually looking at the whole entire job.
(02:31):
The whole entire electrical aspect of things. I mean, we ask questions like,
do you plan on having holiday lights to know if we need to put outlets in your soffit?
We know what you're going to be using that exact room for so that we make sure
the lighting is programmed so that it's good for watching movies versus, you know, cooking.
(02:51):
Obviously, they're two different rooms, but the lighting is going to be different per space. Yeah.
I mean, I don't think from my side, I've been, you and I have worked together
on a number of jobs that, you know, sometimes when somebody comes to you for help.
It takes a lot of questions to get to the point to where you actually know how
to figure out what will work for them in that particular space.
(03:15):
Right. And it's very different with every client because everyone kind of lives
in their space differently.
Someone may be, you know, really big chef in the kitchen and someone else,
it may be very important to have a game.
So how we approach a job is very specific to each client.
I know, you know, when I when I go to job sites myself, again,
(03:35):
from my side of it, I'm actually pretty quick to tell people that I am not a designer because,
you know, you and I just had a conversation before we went on air here about
how little I truly understand the different colors. Right.
And so I tell people a lot of times if they start asking me about that aspect
of stuff, I'm like, you might want to contact. Right. Yeah. Yeah.
(03:58):
I mean, it definitely has a huge impact on the project overall,
not just, you know, the colors that are going to be in the room,
but it's really I can't emphasize enough how important it is to know like what
that space is being used for.
Obviously, there's kind of a base layer of overall lighting,
but the details of things is really based on on that. Yeah, well,
(04:19):
so that actually leads me into my next question.
What are some of your favorite lighting design projects and inspiration for those?
That's a tough one. We really, we try to stay away from too many specific trends
because we want our clients to have a really classic foam that's never going to be out of style.
(04:41):
So I tell people all the time to stick within, you know, if they want a certain
light to be a little bit funky, maybe offset it with a traditional line.
Line, like if it has a funky texture, then the line seems to be traditional.
Or if it has a funky shape, maybe the texture is traditional. So...
As far as my favorite, I mean, there's too many to name. We have so many different
(05:06):
noses with different aspects to them that it would be hard.
Well, you probably wouldn't want to hurt somebody's feelings by pointing out.
I think we'll keep those to ourselves.
If you had any tips or quick ideas that you might could throw out to customers
or just anyone listening that might be helpful for them incorporating lighting design.
(05:31):
Trends into their own spaces i know you just said that you try not
to get too much sure onto specific trends but
if somebody doesn't want to try to update something a little
more you know maybe you could give them
a little insight on a few little things i would say some things that are kind
of overlooked that pack a big punch are like under cabinet lighting it's an
(05:53):
easy addition and it gives a really high design look toe kick lighting is another
one people underestimate you We do that a lot with like nightlight and hallways,
even stair light,
you know, something that has kind of an overall glow throughout the house at night.
I feel like, too, you don't have to flip on a switch, the high end look,
but it's also super functional.
(06:14):
I would say another kind of trend, if you will, is, you know, bookcase lights.
Emphasize what's on your bookcase and picture light
that you may want to put over a really nice piece of
art that you've acquired however those two
things are trendy but you can do them with more classic light
those are trendy things to do but the
(06:36):
lights you use could be a black light right right
yeah one of the things you mentioned there
was under counter light which thankfully
fully is growing in popularity but i
know when i started in lighting you know 17 years ago there
was very few homes that really had under counter lighting and
(06:56):
if it was if there was a home that had under counter lighting it was like a
big deal it seemed like and that's not that long ago well i'm 50 now so saying
17 years ago doesn't seem that long yeah i would definitely say that something
that was only incorporated into higher echelon houses but with the internet
and pinterest and pictures circulating,
I think people are more aware of certain things now.
(07:18):
And so we are definitely getting asked to do that more often.
But it's definitely one of the check marks on our list for a nice house always.
Can you tell me a little bit about your views on different color temperatures
and different areas and different spaces? Sure.
It's a very particular thing. It's very specific to individuals.
(07:42):
Individuals however myself i like the
entire house to be at 3 000k i know
even in closets well they could be brighter but to me i still like the warmth
so i'll be the same and maybe the water tree up really yeah i know everybody
everybody has their own even in laundry room i know i'm a white girl i know oh.
(08:07):
I know. I know. Now, in even some areas, I would go, for me personally,
to $27,000. I don't in my home, but I stick around that $3,000.
But much cooler than that, I feel, starts to get very commercial.
Commercial well sure i mean i just
i guess you know again personal opinion for me
(08:28):
i do tend to like the 4k in
which of course to those who may not know 4 000k is a white color if they see
in a commercial setting i tend to like that in garages or sure sure you blogger
room you know And I think 4K is definitely proven to be better for task lighting.
(08:52):
No, I don't disagree. And I think, too, our eyes all perceive light differently.
That is a total personal preference. Have I had clients that have requested,
I mean, I'll take them to an electric sometimes and show them the different colors.
And if they are more attracted to that in spaces where they want to be able
to see their clothes a little better, but in the main living spaces,
(09:15):
I will very much recommend put a $3,000 in there.
We've actually seen at the store a little bit more push to the wider color temperature
in residential settings.
I fight it hard for. i will argue
i will let some things go with clients but that
(09:36):
is one thing i will tell them it will it just it distorts
how the paint is perceived white was
to distort how your fabric look
your tile your countertop and generally
speaking i just i don't want to feel like i'm in a doctor's office when i am
posting up to watch a show that's one of the things that i specifically will
(09:57):
tell people is if you have okay you know it was really big i don't know how
it is now but it was really big a few years ago this would be more question for you i guess but.
To do like a warm color accent wall. You may do your three walls in gray and
do one in like a burnt orange or something.
And I'm like, if you're doing a 4K in that, everything's going to look gray. Yeah, it's true.
(10:18):
And we do less and less of the light statement walls anymore.
I'm like, we're going to do it. Let's do the whole room.
But it still will alter how your app perceives color.
I mean, light is literally, you know, color is the perception of how you see
that with certain light.
So, yeah, it's a personal preference.
I personally don't like to mix color temperatures in a house unless it is in
(10:42):
designated areas where gas is very important and it is behind a door.
In an open common area, I want to all see the same.
I've heard designers say, and it may have even come from you,
that lighting is the jewelry of the home. Totally.
Yeah. Well, good quote. I've 100% said that. And it's so true.
(11:04):
It's really a power player in any new construction remodel in your home in general
and an easy way to upgrade a house. But it can also make or break a house.
But it is one of the things that, like, obviously you have to have.
But it's where form and function both meet. And there's so many different styles.
So, yeah, it's the jewelry, the jewelry of the house. Okay, so do you have,
(11:29):
in talking about that being the jewelry of the house, do you have some,
any specific current trends?
As far as trends go, I think there's going to be a continual uptick in mixing metals.
So I don't, I mean, some lights in general have mixed metals on them specifically,
but with that, if you have, you know, a gold lamp in a room,
(11:50):
it doesn't mean your chandelier has to be gold.
Again, going back to temperature, I wouldn't want to see like chrome and gold personally together.
But mixed metals, I feel like give a really lived in look with fixtures. I like that.
I think another kind of thing we're seeing that's really interesting is the play upscale.
It used to be like big room, big light. And I feel like it's starting to come
(12:14):
back around that like there's like smaller and more artisan dainty lights you're seeing.
And some even were not necessarily centering to the room. So we may be offsetting
it to center it to a certain area in the room we want to highlight.
Also, if they like funky textures, your concrete, your plaster are a big thing
right now. I think that's going to evolve.
(12:36):
A lot of natural woven materials, really kind of elemental.
Well, again, that's one of the nice things about hiring a designer is to help
you along in those things.
Do you have any final thoughts or insights you'd like to share with the audience
about design in general? I think obviously hiring a designer is very helpful.
(12:58):
And even if I'm not who you hire, I say find one that works really well with
you and your vision because building a home or redoing a home is a very big investment.
And I tell everyone an interior designer's insurance and those decision making
process. process, but as far as if they were to go pick a light,
I would say stick with your gut.
Don't go with things that are too trendy because you think they're popular right now.
(13:23):
That's how you date a house. If you pick something that you truly love,
there will be a commonality there, like a thread woven throughout all the things
that you love, and you won't have to worry about things matching,
so all kind of have the same vibe or spirit about it.
You mentioned so much. Again, I'm going to go go back and say.
Helping someone to lay out the switches and the plugs in their home.
(13:46):
You're not somebody that's just going in there to help them figure out what
fabric they're going to put on.
No, no, it's a lot more complex.
I think that people realize we we really think about all aspects of living in a space.
And to kind of reiterate, going back to like things to remember when you are
working on electrical or lighting, I would say make sure you have plugs for lamp.
(14:08):
And one of the best things that
you can do is to have different layers of light that is
going to not only create a high-end look but give
you a lot of multi-purpose lighting a living room
in my opinion should have lamp it should
have you know some sort of recessed or overall pan lighting
if you will and then also an overhead
(14:29):
light and you know those can all be used for different things
you in the middle of the day may want a lot of light in
there and want the cans and the overhead headlight on and at night
you may want to dim those down and just have your lamps on to make
it feel a little bit more relaxing and you know cozy so i
think that would be something really important is to to really
incorporate all different layers of lighting i just
(14:51):
want to take a minute to tell you that first off we have worked together on
a number of different projects and i've always appreciated your insight like
i said with school we learn a little about a lot of things so i rely We rely
on the expert like you all in your field. Like, I don't know all the answers with lighting.
I'll give you a call. I'll give whoever a call and ask questions like,
(15:12):
hey, I'm wondering about this light.
I can't find this, you know, specs on this. How many wattages is it?
Et cetera, et cetera. So we rely heavily on you all too.
Tara, thank you so much for joining us today.
Hopefully we can do this again about some other topics along the way. Sounds great.
Thank you. Hey, guys. Guys, thank you again for joining us for another episode of What's Up?
(15:35):
Music.
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com