GO WITH THE GLOW
Here are some bright ideas to lighten the darker days and longer nights of autumn
That’s it – summer is over, done and dusted. Now, the cold snap begins and the nights start drawing in. But it’s not all doom and gloom – far from it, actually. This season will bring brighter, bolder lighting schemes that are more than enough to lighten any gloomy evenings – or days for that matter.
MAKE A STATEMENT
I said lighting would be big and bold this season, and boy did I mean it – think large statement lampshades overhanging the perfectly laid dining table or a quirky piece that has become an emphasised example of your home’s overall style direction.
Lighting is no longer a purely functional homeware accessory, instead think of it as a piece of art complementing the rest of your home’s theme.
GO INDUSTRIAL
Blacks, greys, whites… the cool and contrasting colour palette is well and truly back. Over the colder months this trend will be warmed up with large chunky knits and oversized textures, as well as the odd pop of colour with an inky midnight blue or a characterful mustard yellow.
Amongst this scene will be matt black lighting, fittings and fixtures, as well as sleek retro black floor lamps, low hanging globe lighting and simple lamp pendants.
However, could it be that this season the industrial trend has met its beautiful match? Stunning concrete lampshades that are often teamed with a high-shine contrasting detailing such as faux silver or gold are wowing the interiors world. It may sound a little odd, but trust me concrete shades look fabulous.
STRIPPED BACK
Exposed bulbs have been everywhere over the last year or so. They’ve been placed into open geometric shapes typically in shiny brass. Yet over the following months you should be prepared for a shakeup, with a shift across to exposed bulbs in a more simple presentation – think lowhanging line ups of three, only made distinctive by their coloured cords or oversized bulb shapes.
IN FOCUS
That feature wall, dark corner or perfectly placed (and oh-so-ontrend) statement piece of furniture – all these places are perfect choices for creating a focus with lighting.
You should also think about your functional spaces – your dining table or kitchen countertop are both natural places for a line-up of exposed lighting, while a reading chair or desk is made all the cosier with a bow floor lamp.
GO BIG OR GO HOME
Perhaps not for everyone, yet certainly in-keeping with the artistic direction this season, are feature feather lamps. Think bold statement colours teamed with outlandish metals and designs, and you’re halfway there.
Perfect for a relaxing lounge or even a master bedroom – these feathered beauties will add interest wherever they are placed.
SHIP AHOY
The time for a quick trip to the beach may be over, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t be inspired by the seas in our own home. This season will see a growing emergence of nautical designs, typically worked in by way of a simple pendant light.
Fisherman-inspired pendant lamps are packed with character and suit different settings and interior themes, while a searchlight inspired piece will work fabulous as a floor lamp.
The warmth and the sunshine may feel further and further away, but inside we’re being kept toasty with plenty of light, bright and breezy lighting trends.
When teamed with the deep, dramatic hues that usually roll in along with the winter, you’ll find plenty to smile about as the evenings draw in.