As a serial mover, I know what makes a new place instantly feel like home. It’s not the artwork, books, or my favorite duvet, although they help. It’s the lighting. I need light. Lots of it. All of the time and in different intensities. From all directions. Overhead, floor, desk lamps: these are the tools I use to turn a humble studio apartment into My Place.

Trust me, nothing updates a standard white apartment more than changing the stock, boring overheads.

Unsurprisingly, I’ve amassed a lovely collection of lamps and lights. But I still like to update my collection. Like when I rearrange furniture, or when the seasons change…

So where do I go to find my luminescent treasures? Some big box names may have sprung to mind, but where do you think those stock overheads come from? Exactly.

No, for my personalized sunshine, I head to a genuine lighting store.

One of the most inspirational shops, in my opinion, is Lighting by Erik. Found in Dormont, it’s easy to get to the store from anywhere in town. Their selection of chandeliers is incredible. From crystal teardrops to ceramic roses to brass graphics, there is a fixture for every style and taste from traditional to contemporary to baroque. There are even lights where, because the bulbs are hidden, the light itself seems to come from within the fixture. Absolutely stunning! They also have a wide selection of table and floor lamps that will knock your socks off.

A prominent fixture in the ‘Burgh is Cardello Lighting. With many locations, there’s probably a store just around the corner from you. Cardello Lighting has a beautiful collection of lamps, but the draw is their unmatched track lighting selection. If you’re thinking that track lights are decidedly un-sexy, think again. For rooms or spaces that need to serve double duty, track lights are the true workhorse. And it’s come a long way from its industrial origins.

But maybe you’re looking for something unique to give as a gift or to make a statement in your pad. I recommend checking out Typhoon Lighting in Regent Square. The fixtures are gorgeous with amazing curves and colors. Think less a lighting fixture and more jewelry for your home. Plus, they offer an entire collection of restored lighting for purchase and they have an on-site repair shop. So that wonderful pair of heirloom sconces does not have to just sit in storage.

So find yourself a new source of light and see how it can become your new source of inspiration.

Photo: living room lighting by Cardello (top); restored chandelier by Typhoo