I need some advice. I’m working on a modern-style home with floor-to-ceiling windows, wood ceilings, and concrete floors. It’s about 3500 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. I’d love to use Ketra lighting in the main living areas to highlight artwork, but after discussing with a lighting designer and dealer, the cost is overwhelming—about $90K for fixtures and $30K for switches, not including labor or shades. That’s way over budget, and I’m aiming for half that cost.
Are there hybrid systems or alternatives? I’ve heard of Soraa and Philips Hue but don’t know much about their practical use. I’m fine with traditional switches if needed, but I want to avoid the cool, ashy dim LED effect and make my art look vibrant. I also prefer smaller fixtures, like 2” or 3” ones, over larger 5” trims. Any recommendations?
Ansel said:
Are you mainly looking for dim-to-warm lighting with good color rendering, or something more like Ketra with tunable white and circadian features?
Dim-to-warm with great color rendering would work for me. Ideally, something adjustable that avoids that cold LED dimming effect while making my art pop.
@Nico
It sounds like they’re pushing you toward the high-end options like Ketra with a HomeWorks system. Soraa is excellent for color accuracy, especially for artwork, but warm dimming options are limited. Hue is a good product, but it feels more like a mass-market option in this case.
You might want to explore Visual Comfort Element downlights. They have 2” and 3” options with dim-to-warm features and work with standard dimmers. You could also try some fixtures at home first before committing to a whole system—live with them for a bit and see if they meet your needs.
Have you mentioned your budget concerns to your dealer? Have they suggested Rania, which is cheaper than Ketra but still tunable white? Maybe mix Ketra in main spaces with simpler options elsewhere?
Shan said:
Have you mentioned your budget concerns to your dealer? Have they suggested Rania, which is cheaper than Ketra but still tunable white? Maybe mix Ketra in main spaces with simpler options elsewhere?
I’ve brought up the budget, but they keep pushing full integration, saying I’ll regret not doing it. Right now, they’ve spec’d Ketra in main areas and Rania in secondary rooms. I’m considering using Rania in important spaces and something simpler elsewhere. Can Rania work with RA3, or is it limited to HomeWorks?
@Nico
Most dimming systems age poorly, and you may struggle to find compatible replacements in the future. Think about how this will hold up over 5–10 years.
Tristan said: @Nico
Most dimming systems age poorly, and you may struggle to find compatible replacements in the future. Think about how this will hold up over 5–10 years.
That’s a great point. I’m also worried about system updates making it obsolete.
@Nico
Rania only works with HomeWorks, not RA3. You could opt for a panel-free QS system, which looks similar to RA3 but supports Rania. If you need further advice, feel free to message me.
Shan said: @Nico
Rania only works with HomeWorks, not RA3. You could opt for a panel-free QS system, which looks similar to RA3 but supports Rania. If you need further advice, feel free to message me.
Thanks! Do you think a hybrid approach would work? For example, using warm-dim LEDs with traditional switches in some areas and Rania or other higher-end options in key spaces?
@Nico
That’s absolutely possible. Just avoid mixing different lighting types in the same room. It’s a great way to save money while focusing on the spaces that matter most.
If you’re considering Ketra, you’re likely already looking at HomeWorks. If full integration isn’t important to you, RA3 might be enough for what you need. Look into the Elco Koto line for a more affordable option.
@Bay
We’re discussing HomeWorks because of Ketra, but I’m wondering if RA3 with Rania in select spaces and simpler fixtures elsewhere could work. Is Caseta worth considering, or is it too basic?
Nico said: @Bay
We’re discussing HomeWorks because of Ketra, but I’m wondering if RA3 with Rania in select spaces and simpler fixtures elsewhere could work. Is Caseta worth considering, or is it too basic?
Caseta isn’t suitable for a house your size, and it doesn’t offer fixtures. If you’re interested in warm dimming, there are high-quality fixtures in the $300–$400 range.
Nico said: @Shan
Thanks for the info! Any thoughts on Visual Comfort fixtures?
Visual Comfort is great, but I’d also recommend DMF for its flexibility. For secondary spaces, something like Lotus might work—it’s affordable and has adjustable options.