House style

IF YOU’RE LOST IN A SEA OF LIGHTING OPTIONS, DESIGN GURU MINNIE KEMP IS HERE TO LIGHT THE WAY Draw a simple scale plan of the room and highlight areas you need to brighten up

The number one rule in design is motive. Without one, you may find yourself lost at sea without a paddle. So, before investing in lamps and light fittings, get to know the room you’re designing and sort out which functions and activities will take place there.

To start, draw a simple scale plan of the room: include key features (windows, doors and a rough furniture layout) and highlight areas you need to brighten up, noting the types of lighting you think will be most useful. Next, think through your options with a critical eye. For example, an LED lamp looks great in terms of efficiency, but it won’t glow as beautifully as a standard bulb (if you have the budget, artist Niamh Barry creates high-concept chandeliers in bronze and glass that diffuse the LED light so it’s warmer).

When it comes to fixtures, think about the way each type casts light. As a rule of thumb, I avoid using spotlights whenever possible – especially in living rooms, libraries and bedrooms as these spaces are meant to be warm and inviting. Instead, stick to low level lighting with table lamps, standing lights and picture wall lights. Kinkatou Studio has the best ceramic table lamps, with funky and bright pleated shades perfect for brightening up any room.

Don’t forget placement, either. Many people rely on a single central light fitting in bathrooms, for example, but overhead lighting alone can cast shadows (frustrating when trying to apply make-up or shaving). Andrew Martin creates fantastic wall mounted lights in antique burnished brass and alabaster that are perfect for this space (the design is called Melange). Oh, and placement also applies to your switches – I highly recommend a 5 AMP plug socket. You can plug in all your standing and table lamps and have them all connected to one switch at the door – this will save so much time going round the room turning lamps off individually.

Rounding it out, consider ambience and mood, especially in your living room. If in doubt, make your room sensual by lighting a simple candle – House of Touran has an Adam and Eve handmade candelabra made by Chahref Design Studio that is to die for and, I quote, ‘a perfect symbol for love, made out of love’. If that doesn’t make your eyes light up, nothing will!