The best lighting isn’t just about function—it’s about feeling. It’s the glow that makes a space feel warm and inviting, the subtle patina that suggests history, the soft pool of light that turns a room from stark to intimate.
Good lighting doesn’t overpower a space. It belongs. It feels like it was always meant to be there.
That philosophy is at the heart of Kevin Billings' work at Dexter & Plaid. Based in Leesburg, VA, Kevin is known for his ability to craft interiors that feel layered, moody, and effortlessly lived in. His approach to lighting is intuitive—it’s not just about illuminating a space, but about creating atmosphere, texture, and depth.
In this Limelight feature, Kevin shares his perspective on how he integrates lighting into his designs, offering insight into the details that make a home feel complete.
Lighting Through the Eyes of Kevin Billings
Lighting is one of the most powerful yet understated tools in interior design. Whether casting a soft glow in a study or serving as a bold focal point in a dining room, the right fixture does more than just provide light—it shapes the mood of the space.
A Rustic Powder Room with Character
Photography Credit Victoria Heer Photography
"This powder room really leans into a rustic aesthetic with the walls being covered in reclaimed wood. So, for the lighting, we didn't want something that competed with all the wood elements and immediately loved the Rhyl sconce for this space. Having the subtle base design and the large fabric shade made for the perfect compliment to this room."
Balancing Tradition with Contrast
Photography Credit Victoria Heer Photography
"Overall this bathroom has many traditional-feeling elements and I always like to introduce an opposing design style to shake things up a little bit. The Reznor sconce is a very classic industrial-feeling light but the detail of the swan neck gives it a nod to the traditional that pairs nicely with the overall room."
Layering Lighting in a Bold Dining Room
Photography Credit Victoria Heer Photography
"This dining room is covered in a large botanical wallpaper so we wanted to keep any additional design elements on the smaller side. The Kent has a smaller footprint but from the side, you see the subtle swan neck and the details of the shade that give it some visual interest without being too loud in the room."
Using Vintage-Inspired Fixtures to Enhance Character
"The idea was to always have a smaller-scale pendant light that was hung off-centered to the table. So, we needed something that could handle that non-traditional approach. The London pendant has the swooping prismatic glass shade and the brass chain that make it feel like a true vintage light so being creative with the way it’s hung feels right."
Ambient Lighting That Adapts to a Space
"The Kent is my go-to for picture lighting because it gives off just enough light that it truly highlights the picture underneath it. It adds real ambient lighting to a room so for a space like an office, we wanted that kind of additional lighting for video calls, gloomy days, or to switch up the mood whenever!"
Through these projects, Kevin demonstrates how lighting is never solely about brightness—it’s about balance. The patina of aged brass, the placement of a sconce, the way a fixture interacts with the textures in a room—all of these choices add up to a space that feels natural, effortless, and lived in.
A well-designed space isn’t just about furniture, colour, or layout. It’s about the interplay of light and texture, warmth and contrast. The right lighting doesn’t demand attention—it quietly enhances, making everything around it feel intentional, grounded, and inviting. Kevin Billings’ work is a masterclass in that philosophy. Through carefully chosen fixtures, subtle vintage influences, and thoughtful placement, he creates spaces that feel as though they’ve evolved over time—rich in character, mood, and atmosphere.
This feature is part of an ongoing series highlighting different designers, aesthetics, and approaches to lighting. Because choosing the right light isn’t just about style—it’s about finding the perfect balance that makes a space feel like home.
