Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the look and feel of a room. It affects the mood, comfort and safety. In interior design lighting and other elements such as colour, line and texture, create a cohesive and visually appealing space.

Lighting can affect how colours and textures are perceived; they can appear more vibrant or muted depending on how you display the lights therefore creating a specific atmosphere and evoking a different emotion. A bold navy toned interior with darker furniture accents will create a cosy yet moody atmosphere if you were to have down casted wall lights lit in the evening. However, during the day, with the natural sunlight seeping through, it can be a sophisticated and strong room. Soft and airy tones such as warm browns, sage greens, terracotta reds will create a balance of intensity in your home paired with table lamps and corner floor lamps glowing an orangey hue – a lighter relaxing atmosphere.

Types of lighting:

Ambient: Provides an overall illumination to a room through layering a mixture of lights such as floor and table lamps, wall lights, chandeliers and pendants. All of these combined make a beautiful level of light to set the mood for peace.

Task: Focuses light on specific areas where tasks are performed like a cosy reading nook in the corner, kitchen countertop or above the dining table. These lights don’t need to be harsh however they need to provide more illumination for clarity. These can be through floor lamps, pendants or spotlights.

Accent: Highlights details, objects or areas within the room to enhance their presence and importance in the space. These elements could be a collection of artwork, architectural features like archways, old wooden beams, high ceilings or a fireplace. It adds depth and a visual interest to your home.

Gone are the days of the big light…

Whilst there is an array of artificial light sources, it is important to balance them with natural light. Sunlight can brighten and illuminate a space independently after strategic placements. This can be achieved through skylights, reflective surface and light-coloured walls. Pale colours and materials can make a room seem larger yet inviting paired with decorative mirrors to bounce light into darker corners. Natural light will flow and move around the room as the day passes, forming organic shapes of light and colour across your furniture. When the sun starts to set and the shapes slowly disappear, you can continue the ambience as you switch on your layers of artificial lighting and settle into the evening bliss. Especially during the summery days.

Lights can be more than functional, as we enter a more creative and playful phase in interior. Place your lighting sculpture in your hallway or above your favourite console table as a focal point for your guests to form a vibrant and energetic aesthetic. It’s like adding an accessory to your home, doubles as artwork and reflects your personality.

When styling your interior throughout your home, be sure to layer your lighting in a style that suits you to create a well-balanced and visually appealing atmosphere. Form a warm peaceful ambience that makes you excited to return home and relax on the sofa after a long day.