Posts

Shedding light on... well, light. Part two.

Image
A traditional chandelier can enhance both period and contemporary rooms. Image  crystalprismworld.com In Part One we looked at how important it is to consider the various functions of your rooms when planning a lighting scheme, as well as how lighting tricks can enhance tricky spaces.   Now we can start to tackle lighting on a room by room basis, and then explore the pros and cons of different light fittings. Lighting needs and opportunities - room by room Hallways and landings Warm lighting will immediately welcome your guests and family. Remember that first impressions count – your hallway sets the mood and lighting scene for the rest of the home. These areas have heavy traffic flow and thus safety considerations.   The lighting shouldn’t be much dimmer or lighter than adjoining rooms; eyes shouldn’t have to adjust.   For safety and versatility, light switches should be placed at both ends of the hall. On stairs the tread of each step should be clearly lit, and the d
Post a Comment
Read more

Shedding light on... well, light. Part one.

Image
Lighting in the Spa at the Gleneagles Hotel.  https://bit.ly/2sj5laC Lighting as part of your interior scheme can sometimes seem an overwhelming decision, and as a result it is often overlooked.   The result can be frustrating when an otherwise great room layout or scheme is poorly lit, rendering some areas unusable at certain times of day, or missing an opportunity to highlight beautiful features.    I am one of those people who find it overwhelming – I know lighting is just as important as the window dressing or the furniture layout, but the abundance of choices seem to complicate my decisions.  I’ve therefore written this post to provide some simple introductory guidance to one of the most important – and exciting – aspects of successful interior design.   In the second part I’ll provide a room by room exploration of lighting considerations, and look at the different types of lighting fixtures. Planning – when to start thinking about lighting in a room or property develo
Post a Comment
Read more

10 countries that will inspire you & boost your interior design skills

Image
Startlingly coloured macaroons at a market in Provence, France. Image © Jenny Humphreys I’ve been fortunate to travel the globe for work and pleasure, to countries as local as France or as unfrequented as Afghanistan.  In each I’ve admired how traditional and contemporary interior design emphasises and encourages local lifestyles. Distinct national styles evolve, and the countries below may inspire your own decorative scheme. Japan The Japanese are masters of design, with incredible attention to detail in their homes. Japanese interiors evoke order, minimalism, zen and miniaturisation, in a mountainous country where only 25% of the land can be built upon to house 130 million people, 90% of whom live in cities. Small is beautiful in the land of the rising sun - think bonsai! These design approaches arise from a formal, ritual-filled society, where high-tech modernity rubs shoulders with ancient tradition.
1 comment
Read more