As the days get shorter and the weather outside gets colder, it’s easy to let your mood drop a little. But with a bit of clever lighting, you can warm up any room, and turn your home into the soul-soothing space you deserve.
I spend a lot of time thinking about light when I’m designing a room. Most rooms are used for more than one thing, so a great lighting scheme needs to be able to transform the space. At the very least, I’ll consider three lighting states: a general wash, task, and accent lighting.
General Wash
A general wash is pretty much as it sounds and is your main light. Downlighters are great for this, but positioning is key. You don’t want them directly overhead, or you’ll get some pretty unflattering shadows. Try placing them around the edges of the room; you’ll avoid looking tired and have beautiful arcs of light across your walls.
Don’t be afraid to use statement lights for your wash though. A beautiful piece is like a work of art and, let’s face it, we all need a bit of luxury to warm our souls.
This six-light pendant will definitely create impact, and it features a remote control, so you can change lighting colour and intensity to suit your mood.
If you want to take it up a notch, glass and crystal fittings will give you a bit of opulent glamour. And if you love entertaining, they’re great talking points for your guests. Have a look at the gorgeous Amur bar pendant. I think it’d look stunning above any dining table.
And if you don’t have a high ceiling, try a flush fitting like the Margo. It features a diffuser to give you a gentle glow.
Task Lighting
Of course task lighting needs to be functional, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have character. Follow your heart when it comes to choosing a desk lamp and you’ll be able to work in the glow of something you love.
This quirky, industrial inspired lamp will add a bit of romance to your reading, and it’s bang on trend.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is the forgiver of sins. Done properly and, not only does it flatter a room, but it can be pretty complimentary to the people in it too.
I recommend a subtle combination of floor and table lamps, so you can position a soft, ambient glow wherever you need it.
Salone’s classic five-armed chrome lamp lets you direct light onto you’re your room’s favourite features, or you can simply position the arms above your favourite chair while you read.
Now, I love tactile textures, I use them a lot, and this simple, velvet shade, with its cute tripod legs, is right up my street. It’s even got diamantes for that touch of glamour.
Now, when it comes to table lamps, sometimes all you need is a little uplight, either to light a corner, or beneath a plant to create dramatic leaf shadows. This cute touch lamp is perfect for the job.
And when it comes to accent lighting, the glow of a real fire and the flicker of candlelight should never be underestimated. Once I’ve drawn my curtains, I love to light a cluster of candles to mark the end of the day and the start of a cosy, relaxing evening in my lovely warm home
I hope you’ve enjoyed my blog and gained some inspiration for lighting up your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment and, remember, always choose lighting that makes you feel good.
Have a wonderful Winter.
Jen Morrisey Interiors www.jenmorriseyinteriors.co.uk