How to light up your home this winter

I haven't really talked much about lighting here previously, however today I feel compelled to do so. Maybe it's because of more dark hours in the day and the need to turn lights on more frequently. Gosh at my latest count, I totted up 11 light fittings in my living room, so true to my word I do exercise my mantra that lighting is not only an integral part of your home's design and decor but that you can never have enough. Oh, and I just have to share with you a most fabulous lighting maker / supplier today, not only are their products gorgeous but they are lovely people too :) More of them in a mo...

Lighting - the whys, whats & wherefores

Nothing makes or breaks a scheme the way lighting can. It is absolutely vital for creating the right mood of course, for offering practical solutions so you can get on with your day-to-day life.

The most important rule of lighting?

Use different types of lighting to create your overall look

It’s all about using a combination of different lighting that vary in intensity to accommodate all the activities that occur day & night

The big mistake?

Expecting one type of lighting to do it all

Each lighting type meets a particular need. By layering these you can create atmosphere & mood in your space and highlight key aspects of your room’s design

Chandelier Murano, Eicholtz - why have just 1 when you could have 5!

There are three main layers of lighting to think about:

1. AMBIENT (mood)

the base layer of lighting that provides the overall illumination to your space
it should add a comfortable level of brightness without creating glare

2. ACCENT (directional)

highlights key features in your room design, such as artwork or architectural elements
acts like a spotlight to help bring forward key features in your space
shouldn’t cast a harsh light, instead works without drawing too much attention

3. TASK

adds brightness to areas of a room where daily activities are performed 
should be bright enough to prevent eye strain but not so powerful that it creates shadows or glare 

What to consider when choosing lighting

• What do I use this space for? i.e. cooking, reading, sleeping or socialising 
• What is on display in each room? Are there any features i.e. a painting or fireplace?
• How much natural light does this room get & where is it coming from? South-facing room - sunlight comes in directly through the windows North-facing - tends to only receive indirect light
• What time of day do you use this space most? Morning, all day etc?

Note:

• Kitchens & workspaces tend to need more task lighting
• A combination of ambient & accent lighting in a living room will help make your space feel cosy & relaxed 

Lesson over! I hope you found that interesting & inspiring...?

Before I go, let me tell you about Pooky.

Pooky is all about beautiful, decorative lighting. Lights that look thought they cost a fortune but don't (yay!). They have a lovely range of lights and if you sign up to their newsletter you'll get 20% of your first order, woohoo!

Yellow :) 

Happy light filled dark cosy evenings at home this weekend to you all. Did someone say weekend?! Yippee :) x

www.homerestyler.co.uk