See the light in winter
IF DARK winter nights get you down you’ll be glad to know it’s just another month before the winter solstice on December 22 – the darkest day – with days slowly getting longer afterwards. But darkish nights will be with us until March so it’s worth thinking about how you can make your home a little bit cosier and lighter right now.
Claire Hornby, head of Creative at Barker & Stonehouse, suggests using chunky-knit throws for winter interiors and adds: “When it comes to accessories, build the look with atmospheric lighting in the form of lanterns and candles.
“Thoughtful finishing touches such as these are perfect for introducing warmth and ambience into your home.”
Peter Bowles, founder and MD of British lighting manufacturers Original BTC, suggests using dramatically proportioned lights to create impact, whether they’re lit or not. But he adds: “While scale is one way to make a statement, it’s not always feasible to fit a grandly proportioned pendant in lower-ceilinged rooms, so it’s worth exploring alternative approaches with your lighting scheme.”
Colour is one solution, he suggests, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms: “Often referred to as jewellery for the home, the right light fittings can complete or transform your interior scheme. Just like jewellery, a flash of brass, copper or gold can lift your room, bringing a touch of opulence.”
And if you’re going for pendant lighting over dining tables or kitchen islands, he says: “Three is the magic number.”