This Little Light of Mine

Lighting is of course an essential practical component of the home, however it can be a great way of giving a home a stamp of personality. Not only can interesting and stylish lighting set the tone for its surrounding space but it can be used to create a functional statement as well. There are so many choices when it comes to lighting, perhaps too many choices, and often people tend to stick to what know, avoiding designs that are out of their comfort zone, as we can’t guarantee that a new, unknown light will work in our space. But choosing a daring or just different piece of lighting can define a room, giving it a new sense of style, even if you’re not changing anything else. Here are some beautiful pendant designs to get you thinking.

A dining table is a great place to add some interesting lighting; a simple table and chairs can be transformed with a beautiful pendant. This Onn Pendant by Arturo Alvarez from Heal’s has the perfect subtle dramatic touch, the mesh material feels almost shimmery; two over a dining table would create a beautiful, elegant effect.

Onn Pendant by Arturo Alvarez at Heal’s

If you like a more industrial look, but don’t want to use the typical style of lighting, try this chevron rattan shade that’s been finished in a steel grey colour. It has a simple, rustic feel that’s perfect for an easy-going, relaxed interior.

Grey Chevron Rattan Shade from Cox & Cox

For a more traditional use of wicker, this pendant from Graham & Green would make the perfect central bedroom shade. The shade doesn’t feel too heavy because of the spacing between the weaving. Opt for a softer bulb to create a relaxing atmosphere in the evening.

Wicker Pendant Light from Graham & Green

There’s something rather intriguing about these lightbulb shaped wire pendants from Oka; they’ve got a playful edge but still feel quite elegant and not as clunky as you might suspect. They’re available in three different sizes, and would make really distinctive bedside lights, either by hanging a cluster of different sizes or just a singular one; ideal for a guest bedroom where you can show off some unexpected style.

Jordaan Hanging Lamp from Oka

The shape of this Grace Pendant from Heal’s is absolutely stunning; the shell-like curves are really delicate but confident. The curves have almost a retro effect, but the asymmetric shape gives the pendant a modern twist. This would look great in a bathroom, porch or a few over a kitchen island. They are shown here is a bronze glass stain but also come in a lovely smoky shade.

Grace Pendant Light from Heal’s

For a really contemporary design, Tom Dixon always has a few intriguing pieces. This pendant from the designer has a futuristic element to it; the shine on the chrome finish mixed together with the shape makes it feel like it’s just a floating form of liquid metal. It’s an unusual design but would add a spark of personality to a room. If you want a chic, modern looking living room a few of these pendants would make a lovely addition; or you could try contrasting the sharpness of the pendant against some softer materials like velvet.

Top Silver Pendant Light from Tom Dixon

These pendant lights designed by Lee Broom at The Conran Shop lie somewhere between contemporary and antique. Their shape and design feels unexpected and modern, but there is a classic Art Deco quality to the pendants as well that makes them feel unique.

Crescent Pendant Light Mini by Lee Broom from The Conran Shop

This pendant from Trouva has a lovely retro feel to it; it comes in black and white, but this copper finish is quite special. There is a sort of seventies charm to the light, but without it feeling over the top. It was make a great accompaniment hanging just above an armchair for a little reading corner.

Bell Pendant Light by The Forest & Co from Trouva

Finally, really give a bedroom or living room some flair with these Japanese style lanterns from Rockett St George. They look beautiful as a pair, giving a sweet personality to a room; a great additional touch to a light and airy bedroom.

Traditional Japanese Lantern Ceiling Lights from Rockett St George

Lighting is a great way to get creative in your home, adding in new ideas and styles as fun finishing touches and statement pieces; so why not head a little bit out of your comfort zone and see where it takes you.

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March Hares (and rabbits!)

Until I started thinking about this blog, I had no idea quite how popular hares had become.  See below a wonderful selection of whimsical designs.  This is a modern rustic look in fresh, leafy greens and warm, earthy tones.

 

 Jane Churchill March Hare Wallpaper in red £42 roll

 Dashing Red March Hares give playful touch to a country scheme.  Particularly suitable in a kitchen, study, nursery or cloakroom.  Several other colours available.

I have just come across an interesting website called Peony & Sage.  They sell a great selection of fabrics and accessories in pastels and florals, including this fabulous Hare print.

Their Fudge Hare Cushion is beautifully handmade, piped and finished with covered buttons.  Available with or without a feather pad.  £39.95-£49.95

 

 Also from Peony & Sage, these lovely lavender filled bunnies have matching gingham and button collars and come in a variety of colours.  Would make great alternative Easter gift.  £9.95 each

 

For a nature loving child’s bedroom these Drum Shades in Mini Hares are just perfect.  They are available in large and small sizes and in a great selection of colours.  They are made by Lolly and Boo and you need to contact Louise at this website if you would like to order one.

I recently came across a great website called Thornback & Peel.  They sell a wonderful selection of intricate screen printed pieces for the home. These include cushions, deck chairs, aprons and lampshades and I just love this cream cotton cushion with chocolate brown rabbits and green cabbages.  Their designs are inspired by artistic traditions from Mrs Beeton’s household management to Mr McGregor’s garden. 

 

Rabbit and Cabbage on Cotton Cushion 45x45cm £60

Then, flicking through Country Living Magazine I noticed a picture of the chair below, and read that Thornback & Peel have recently collaborated with ‘the design lab’ at Sofa.com.  A small, exclusive range of their fabrics is available to order on all sofa.com products. I think this chair is fabulous and would sit perfectly in a corner of the kitchen.

Alderney Armchair in Grey/Green Rabbit and Cabbage £840

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge News website

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Stylish Lighting

This article first appeared on www.cambridge-news.co.uk

Really good lighting is crucial in all homes and once you’ve worked out what you need, there is still the tricky question of which fittings to buy. There is a bewildering range of light fittings on the market and unfortunately, an awful lot of them are, well, awful.

In order to avoid mistakes, I think it helps enormously to decide what style of fitting you prefer and then to find a small number of suppliers (two or three, but one is fine if they can provide for all your needs) and stick to them. We’ve put together a selection of different types of fittings from some of our favourite suppliers to show you what we mean.

Jim Lawrence design and manufacture some of the best light fittings around. They are fairly traditional, although with careful selection, some of their fittings work well in more contemporary homes. Here are some of their products we’d use for classic or country projects.

  

  

By contrast, more contemporary interiors normally require much simpler light fittings and I particularly like the fittings from Astro Lighting. If your own style is more for clean lines and unfussy design, these types of fittings are likely to work in your home and fit with the rest of your furnishings.

      

  
For glamorous, statement light fittings, I love these from Ochre. Made from a range of materials including glass, metals, coconut, horn strips and horsehair, they are works of art in their own right and will add more than a touch of style to any interior.

      

  

For really elegant light fittings, my first port of call would be Heathfield and Co. Their fittings work with a range of interior styles because they are classic and well designed. They also make bespoke lampshades for their lights which means you can get just the colour and fabric to fit your scheme.

  

  

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