Turn on to the new generation of light fittings
The filament lightbulb takes centre stage as lighting goes au naturel
You should never underestimate the importance of good lighting. Get it right and it will instantly bring your home to life with atmosphere and warmth. The trick to getting it right with lighting is to be creative.
Approach your lighting scheme as you would soft accessories such as rugs cushion and throws by layering up floor, wall and table lights and you will be able to control the level of lighting to suit various uses of the room – whether reading, working or relaxing.
The possibilities have never been more wide ranging as this season’s design trends give lights a starring role.
Big and bold fixtures that could be considered functional artwork are one of the top trends for 2016.
‘There was a definite preoccupation with statement lighting at all the interior trade shows,’ says Siobhán Lamb who owns lifestyle store April And The Bear – aprilandthebear.com.
‘Sculptural angular lights and fixtures made of warmer metals like brass were everywhere. Basically lighting has become the new focal point of a room.’
If you think the trend is only suitable for gigantic spaces with 20m high ceilings, think again says Siobhan.
It’s a look you can easily employ in any home. For instance you could hang a dramatic piece like a glass bauble light cluster low over your neat dinner table and you will have added instant drama and interest to your dining area.’
And it seems there’s no letting up in the industrial trend. Fresh from scouting the next must-have homewares in Stockholm is Helle Moyna of Nordic Elements who says the bare bulb is still going strong.
‘The Edison filament bulbs are very popular and add a lovely glow as some of the bulbs come with a variety of shades like amber, smoke or coloured glass,’ she says.
‘The bulb works well with metals like brass which is very trendy at the moment.’
‘A clever way to add ambient light is to hang a low pendant in a corner by a bedside table or in a bathroom either by the vanity unit or bath, if the bath is placed in a corner.
‘This gives a much more interesting feel than a wall or table light,’ Helle adds.
One of her recent finds is Swedish brand Rubn. Its range of beautiful lights are designed to cross the industrial lines with a more elegant look giving them a timeless feel instead of that of a fleeting trend.
Siobhán also points out that this year’s lighting schemes incorporate plenty of mixed raw materials such as cement and zinc for a more laid-back look.
If you like the aesthetic and feel of softer natural materials, traditional craft from around the world is also being celebrated this year and Habitat has reworked traditional rattan with a series of oversized pieces showing the versatility of this understated material.
There is an element of the fantastical about these designs and their unexpected proportions demonstrate the material’s versatility.
Speaking of craftsmanship, it’s a good year for hand-blown glass, too. Check out Rothschild and
Bicker’s (rothschildbickers.com) stunning and unique glass lighting.
Founded by Dubliner Victoria Rothschild and Mark Bickers, the studio handmakes everything to order using traditional glassblowing skills.
The duo’s bespoke designs are already a favourite among stylish hotels and hip restaurants across Britain and they have a beautiful colourful collection of glass pendants available to order online for the domestic market.