MIXED MATERIALS
Why is lighting so important?
It’s such a brilliant way of injecting colour or personality into any room at minimal cost. Whether it’s a set of pendants in a hallway or a classic reading lamp in the study, using lighting to update a space and set the mood is easy and can be an affordable option.
The big new trend
We’re seeing far more mixing of materials, such as combinations of metal with wood or ceramic for a softer take on decorative lighting for example. Our beautiful new Bend table lamp has a geometric wooden frame with a brushed metal shade, while our Freja pendant combines coloured glass and metal in varied proportions for a modern take on a traditional spotlight.
Personal favourite
At the moment I love the new collection of oversized floor lamps by upcoming brand Norr 11 (above) with the oxidised anthracite finish being my favourite. The rawness of the aluminium combined with its vast scale feels really fresh and on-trend – and for something so stunning it’s not as outrageously expensive as you’d expect.
My lighting at home
I live in a modern new-build flat in New Cross, south east London, with my boyfriend. The flat is minimal with solid wooden floors, a clean Scandinavian-style colour palette and lots of natural light, thanks to its high ceilings. Using our well-travelled classic Anglepoise table lamp in place of spotlights and drawing on my hoards of cushions and throws, we’ve made the place feel like home.
My childhood home
Leicestershire is where I grew up in a large family home where my parents and brother still live. It’s a fantastic living space with a great garden and large kitchen. With so many children running around, my parents always invested in sturdy classic furniture and lighting, and taught me to ‘buy once and buy well’, a mantra that has stuck with me and I always think of whenever I’m sourcing new products.
Elena’s top tips 1
The colour tone of a bulb can change the ambience of a room, so always test your new paint shade with and without a light on to see how it changes.
People think LED gives out a harsh light so look out for tinted LED bulbs that emit a warmer glow.
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