Light up your home

Posted on December 3, 2018 | Information, Property

As we move from autumn into winter, it can feel as if we’re stuck in a permanent state of gloom. With evening closing in before many of us have made it home at the end of a working day, our homes can feel cold and unwelcoming. This is where good lighting design comes into play. If you take a creative approach to lighting, you can transform the look and feel of your home, creating a warm and comfortable haven that’s perfect for living, working and entertaining.

Layer lighting by choosing a variety of sources
You’ll need a mix of general, task and mood lighting that will vary from room to room. You’re likely to want task lights when you’re preparing a meal, washing up and cleaning, but you’ll probably want to tone it down when you’re relaxing in front of the TV or enjoying a romantic dinner – or a relaxing bath.

So, mix and match unobtrusive LED ceiling spots with stylish pendants plus table and standard lamps – and candles – that can be positioned for low-level impact. Introducing a new light fitting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to change or define a look in your home, so don’t be afraid of experimenting.

Make a statement with a stylish pendant
If you’re choosing a pendant light, opt for a statement piece that will create a big impact for a relatively low investment. Retro-style, 60s-inspired designs are on trend this season and look particularly good in modern homes, as do bold, boutique statement pieces that are perfect for creating a sophisticated look. If you’re looking for something a bit different, industrial-style pendants are always a good shout for above-worktop installation and are always in vogue.

Dimmers will allow you to fine-tune light levels, but it’s still best to include multiple lighting options in every room so you can create exactly the mood you need at the flick of a switch.

Illuminate your personal style
Lights don’t just provide illumination, they add depth and texture to your interior design scheme. You can pick lighting options to suit your decorative preferences. Whether you favour contemporary, vintage, romantic or the downright quirky, there’s a lighting solution for every setting and every budget. A pretty string of fairy lights can provide a twinkle of comfort – and these love heart lights prove they’re not just for Christmas.

Table lamps and floor lamps offer the most versatile options as they can be moved around as often as you like to create the right kind of ambience in every room. Bedside lamps are essential – touch lamps are designed to work with dimmable bulbs and make the perfect bedside companion.

Give everyone a warm welcome – automatically
New tech is enabling a fresh approach to lighting design. If, like us, you hate being the first one in on a dark evening, you could consider investing in Hive to improve your homecoming. You can link your smartphone to an in-home device that will switch lights on for you in advance of your arrival – or simply use timer plugs on lamps to create a welcoming glow when darkness falls.