The Light Inspiration
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CREATIVE Colour Combinations
Brought to you by:
from The L
ighting Ex
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DESIGNER LIGHTING Without The Price Tag
perts!
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TWO ROOMS Contrasting Styles
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FR EE
Spring 2017
Spring
into action & refresh your home
Spring, the time for renewal both in nature and in your home. A time to prepare for a refreshed space, in the same way that the cold of winter kills off vegetation and spring brings it blooming back to life. Colour bursts into action across the countryside and in our gardens. For many it does the same from the paint pot and the brush. What will be your colour combination for the season?
Lighting
“We love and we love bringing it to you�
The Light Bright colours, deep blues, forest greens, oh the choice is huge and can sometimes be a little daunting but with a little gentle guidance we are sure that we can edge you in the right direction. Sit back with a coffee, flip through the great images and articles that will inspire your latest project. Enjoy, get in touch if you have articles you would like to see in future editions, any feedback or suggestions.
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Contents PAGE 16
SAVOUR The Experience PAGE 20
MAGICAL Minerals
PAGE 26
A PENCHANT For Pendants
PAGE 32
MID CENTURY Modern Style PAGE 14
BESPOKE Beauty
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This issue
“Light up you r home fresh d with esign ideas”
Subtle geometric shapes for a classic British bedroom
Top Tip A DRAMATIC HERITAGE Using a slightly darker paint colour in a bedroom can add a sense of drama. We love colours from Heritage paint colour ranges. Punctuate this with great accent lighting of wall lights, table and floor lamps to provide pockets of light. A bedside table lamp needs a good spill of light especially if you are one who enjoys a good book to ease you off into the land of dreams.
The Light TOP TIP
Keep bedding simple to match any scheme. Don’t confine yourself to a set of colours you can only use in one room
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The Look : e l i F e l y t S m e h o o T r d e B h s i t i r B e g a it r e h ral
s l l t a u w e n e h p t e n o • De urs g n i l g colo panel h n i t h x g t u i p l a e F d t • ad d n e c c a to eous details ing g d r l o d a e n b • G ditio l a r t a u r • T ple ne m i S •
There is nothing cleaner and fresher than simple white cotton bedding.
Wake up in classic style with a traditional alarm clock. Banish that mobile phone to downstairs!
Great Idea
Use a dado rail to create depth and interest on your walls by creating faux panelling.
hting
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The Colours
Designer Lighting without the designer price tags! If you are considering investing in a new light, you may want to consider a designer range, could you, or more importantly should you, pay top dollar for it? What is good design? It’s hard to put your finger on what makes good design. We all know it when we see it good design can be achingly beautiful, be it of effortless simplicity or intricate ingenuity that appeals to you - we do know what we like. We are extremely selective about the items we crave and are willing to give room to in our precious homes. They are after all, an investment. Most ‘top designers’ ask a premium for their designs, they may have the same functionality as one without a “label”, they simply cost more.
Functionality must be a key considera fitting. Materials have been chosen in whilst adding to the pleasing aesthetic detail that we truly love. This level of d that you simply pass by, to one that ca Nordic designers, they could have cut Every little detail is perfectly placed an
Lighting a room is as much an art as it the overall light output is only half the room. For many, the reason a light fitti Choosing light fittings or any home ac whilst others would rather walk over h design choices. If you worry about ma named Strap is one of our top choices
Good light fittings are a case in point; there are many price points from high-end designer lighting to the mass produced and cheap paper lampshades. Your budget may not allow you to stretch to a designer brand fortunately that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for boring bland design. Elegant functionality is still achievable on a budget. The Lighting Company has a perfectly delightful range of Nordic Lights which are beautifully designed with those little style elements that can easily fool you into thinking this is expensive stuff, yet it’s not! They are design icons at affordable price points. The aptly named Strap Light is one such design that epitomises designer style. Every detail has been considered and it’s easy to see, the eye-pleasing Strap is sure to be an iconic mainstay for hospitality interiors and in the discerning home. The design of the light emulates understated & relaxed style, with precise detailing. Once the design is honed and tweaked to perfection, the dimensions are considered. After all, one size does not fit all; our homes come in all shapes and sizes. One setting may suit one large statement light, whilst others demand a row of small pendants, for example, these would be ideal over breakfast bars or counter tops in a bar or cafe. We are delighted with this collection of curated Nordic gems. If you are a fan of beautiful things at affordable prices, this lighting may be perfect for your home.
IN THIS ISSUE: + The art of good design - Nordic + Nordic Naturals Style File + Something + Creative Colour Combinations
Like moths to the proverbial flame, we are drawn to exciting designs but are always mindful of providing you with excellent value. In keeping with the ethos of our brand, we provide a the best choice and great designs at low prices.
Ideal for relaxed living rooms, kitchens fun, on trend - what’s not to love? At t firm favourite with hotel, restaurant an price makes multiple groupings of pen times are quick too and volume purch one large or 1,000 small lights for a pr
Next, we have Vita Copenhagen’s deli flight of fancy! It’s the dreamy, whimsi this light. Atmospheric, soft shadowy d
The whole concept here is the one sha lamp, floor lamp or with a ceiling susp own unique look the choice is limitless are super easy to put together.
t is a science. The position and e story in a beautifully designed tting is chosen is the style. ccessory can be a joy to some, hot coals than debate interior aking the wrong choice the aptly s.
This is sure to be a huge winner for the young at heart, fun and flirty, this is a love match for your bedroom. If you are a fan of bolder colours why not use a colour changing bulb. We’d suggest perhaps one you can remote control such as the Wiz range, cheaper than it’s contemporary the Philips Hue and (dare I say) easier to use. Adding a delicate tint of colour or a colour sequence softly drifting from one shade to the next is mesmerising. This next design is simple, cleverly designed “Blow” which incorporates the latest light emitting diode (LED) technology. Energy saving lights is the short description but if you love to know more about LED’s you’ll find more information on our helpful Blog. The initial drawings shown, draw attention to the designers concept. The shape speaks for itself but the finish should be reflective, the bulb is integrated and the light is allowed to spill from the top of the fitting creating patterns on the surface of the ceiling above.
s, bedrooms and hallways, it’s these prices, it’s likely to be a nd cafe stylists where style and ndant lights achievable. Delivery hases can be catered for, if it’s roject, this is a perfect pick.
ightfully delicate EOS, a real ical quality that appealed with diffused light; it’s oh so calming.
ade can be used on a table pension so you can create your s. They come flat packed but
I guess the ultimate reason we’ve selected the Nordic styled ranges to show you it’s not about paying more, it’s about paying more attention. Good lighting is designed with people in mind.
The Light
Think like a designer
ation when designing a light order to be durable and robust c of the light, however it’s the detail changes it from a light atches your eye. With all our corners, but they just don’t. nd considered.
The Lighting
The Colours Top Tips • Use low hanging pendants over your dining table to focus light on the table and bring an intimate feel • Ensure you have general lighting from ceiling spotlights or recessed down lights and that they are dimmable
Simple N with the supporte structure
The Look
A natural striped rug adds warmth and texture to the otherwise clean and minimal look.
Think like a designer
A washed solid wood dining table will last you for years, if you have the space a larger than standard table with place settings for up to 10 will add to your entertaining space.
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Nordic style dining chairs ermoplastic formed seat ed by light wood legs and ed metalwork.
: e l i F e l y t S Th e S L A R U T A N C I D R NO g n i v i l n a l p n l e a p r u O t a • n , s l l a w e t i r o o • Wh l f d e l i t n o s g u r e m o r h c n r e d • Mo s e c n a s t h g i appli l n w o d d e s s e c o • Re t s t n a d n e with p dining areas t h g i l h hig
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hether you are a nature lover or not, most of us will enjoy nothing more than sitting outside. It may be for a welcome drink after a long walk or playing sports, a barbecue with friends and family or simply to relax at the end of a busy day. There is always something to catch the eye, a plant gently rippling in a breeze, a fluffy white cloud strolling across the sky or perhaps twinkling lights on the horizon. Many of us are lucky enough to have our own outside space to enjoy, but with the weather we receive, we are sometimes unable to use it as often as we would like. It is a real treat and is sure to add a luxurious effect to welcome nature into your home. Pantone® have confirmed that ‘Greenery’ will be the most sought after colour for this year and this beautiful mid-green hue is perfect as a backdrop to help turn a room into a natural haven. You don’t have to be a green fingered gardener to be able to utilise this look – you can choose the extent that you change the room. Utilising two or three of our great top tips below may be enough, or you may wish to use them all!! Whatever you choose, you’re sure to breathe a breath of fresh air into your chosen room.
The key to getting this design looking great is by starting with the colour that we all associate with the great outdoors; Green. How much green you use is again down to personal taste – if you don’t want to splash it all over the walls, you could look to introduce green and nature inspired artwork for a hint of the colour. Using the colour to accent the room with ornaments and soft furnishings will also work really well.
Creativ Colou Combinat
Texture is a great way to evoke the outdoor vibe also – how many natural things are completely smooth to the touch? Not any that I can think of… Wood, rope and natural prints or patterns add a dimension to a room that no colour could ever achieve alone. You can also mix these textures up as they are often jumbled together on the outside and will still work indoors. When we are thinking of the outdoors, we remember it fondly, slightly romantically perhaps, on a sunny day where we had fun. Days at the beach with the family, a fun walk through the woods… It is rarely however, walking in the pouring rain with squelching shoes! The sun plays a huge part in our enjoyment and affinity with being outside and a way that you can bring this into your scheme is with warm colours and shiny metallic accents.
*IMAGES USED COURTESY OF PANTONE®
There is no better way to do this than with your lighting – after all, where does the light outside come from? Layering the lighting with lights at all levels will evoke sunlight filtering through the leaves – it balances the room and looks stunning.
Bringing plants and flowers into your room will really set the scene. Without it, the look is really hinting at the outside rather than inviting it in. If you really don’t fancy pots of soil everywhere (possibly not advisable if you have children or pets!) you could always consider the faux plants and flowers.
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There are some new ones available that look totally realistic – they even feel real! If you have limited floor space, you could consider placing some faux plants into wicker hanging baskets which you can hang around the room and against uninteresting walls. Trailing plants can look particularly effective used in these.
Mirrors are another good idea to use and along with bouncing light around the room, they can also help to make a room feel bigger. A mirror on the wall opposite the main window in a room can really help bring a sense of the outdoors into a room. You can also use any of the colours in this view to add more accent colour if you feel you need to. Another great use of mirrors, is placing mirrors behind table lamps. When the curtains are drawn and the lights go on, the mirrors stream the light into the room, mimicking windows on a summers day. Teamed with nature inspired ceramic table lamps, or ones with green hues, this really is a stunning effect that’s well worth a try. The outdoors is an evolving feat of nature; a footprint in time. You don’t have to achieve this look in a TV makeover style at breakneck speed! Instead, take your time… stroll through as if on a leisurely walk and add to the look only when something takes your breath away. It will ensure that you will love your room for a long time to come.
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ospitality venues that want a piece of the lucrative wedding market, or restaurants simply wishing to separate themselves from the crowd by providing a special dining experience, are searching for new ways to be different. Our Bespoke Lights division recently worked with a well known Hotel group, who were working with an interior design consultancy in order to light a unique space in one of their hotels. It was such a success that it’s planned to be replicated in another of their properties. The challenge was to develop covered courtyard into a dining space. They decided to use trees to enliven up the space which helped to develop this into an intimate dining space. Using trees in the space helped bring a more cosy feel however it also limited the quality of natural light to the dining space. Using beautiful wall lights and bespoke made vintage cage multi pendants to be hung within the trees, the area has been gently but effectively lit for their customers.
TY LI A R IT NE SP R O O H C
We particularly like the different heights that these cage pendants are installed in the trees giving depth to the design and added interest. I am sure you agree it is a stunning look. If you need a bespoke fitting for your project, we can help. Get in touch!
PORTICO Hand made in solid brass with antique finish. Glazed in all 4 sides to allow the maximum amount of light to escape into your room. Perfect for showcasing a vintage filament bulb. Available in 2 sizes to add rustic charm to any setting.
ALEXANDER A simple yet beautiful pendant design with a slimline tubular cage to house a vintage bulb. Great on it’s own or in groups hung at varying heights.
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HOT ON HOSPITALITY
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hen you are looking for inspiration for building or renovating your hospitality location then look no further, we are here to help!
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We have a proven track record of working with Hotels, Pub Chains, Boutique Hotels, Restaurants, Clubs, Bars,
We simply love the images of the distillery and think that they can give you some on trend ideas for your latest refresh of your hospitality space. Teaming deep blues and emerald greens along with warm copper metals is certainly a winner. We also love the shapes of their distinctive decanters (shown left) which could inspire a mouth blown glass look for some of our lighting solutions. Over the page we have some ideas for great ways to incorporate and create this look and feel in this your installation. Sipsmith Gin is all about savouring the experience, whether it is drinking their product or the whole package of their distillery tours. The way their interior decor reflects their brand; a modern feel to a traditional craft. Why not book a tour of their distillery and perhaps sample some of their distinctive gin whilst you are there!
* All images courtesy of Sipsmith London & Lucie Eleanor Photography
SIPSMITH Gin
Savour the experience
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here is no doubt that Gin is one of the most popular drinks of the moment, making a resurgence in the industry. Sipsmith set up London’s first traditional copper distillery since 1820, bringing uncompromising quality and character back to the city where the drink first earned its name.
: e l i F e l y t S e h T N I G H T I M S P I S d n a d e l c g y n c i e k r a m k • A o o l d e m i a l c e n r i d e v i l s l t e n e a it f rial pend e t h s t u d o n h • I per to ec t o p p o c r e p in p o c y r e l l i t s i d stills
A CLEAN AND NATURAL LOOK WITH USE OF NATURAL MATERIALS
The Look
Translucent bottle green recycled glass behind the bar, with backlit lighting and concealed plants to add interest.
Eclectic bar stools, mixed styles and colours. Mixing both colour and material with wooden and metal based chairs.
Reclaimed floorboard / railway sleeper bar. Full of character for that lived in look, even in a new build!
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The Colours
Top Tips
• Don’t be afraid to mix colours and styles this can result in a really eclectic style and feel very relaxed • Mixing modern and traditional materials to generate a broader appeal
INSTALLED As predicted in our January 2016 TRENDBoard Minerals is a key look for the coming season
SHARED SOCIAL S P A C E
Magical Minerals
TY LI A R IT NE SP R O O H C
IMAGES COURTESY OF ANTHOLOGY
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Back in January 2016, we predicted the use of these long-revered materials throughout our homes and hospitality settings. Patting ourselves on the back, this is yet another success story and last year saw a rise in the use of designs and products utilising natural mineral effects as we see Anthology launching a range of wall coverings named ‘Definition’. Described as “creative thinking for walls”, they provide a striking look with a rich texture for all settings. 2017 sees the stage set, ready for this trend to continue to impact our interiors in epic proportions.
Steeped in history, yet using modern colours with ethereal textures and shapes, these are starting to emulate creativity in our interior designs by adding a timeless interest.
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Casting our minds back to around 30,000 years ago, evidence supports that we formed an affinity with these mystical, beautiful and natural mineral formations. Throughout the ages, our ancestors have associated various minerals and crystals with healing and magic along with its decorative properties. Different minerals were favoured for different ailments and for promoting health benefits, such as moonstone which was worn by brides to ensure fertility through to amethyst which was worn to prevent hangovers.
If you are looking for a contemporary style that will not date, this could well be the one for you! There are literally thousands of minerals for you to choose from, including some of our precious and coveted gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Each mineral is unique and will offer a variety of colours, lustres and density. The natural chemical process leaves a ‘streak’ which is where the substance turns slightly powdery, before being swirled into the molten liquid which adds to the three-dimensional optical illusion.
For the hospitality industry this amazing range of wallcoverings can create a magnificent, striking feature wall that has a level of opulence to match it’s natural beauty. Perfect for restaurants and hotels looking to provide a unique experience for their guests and a wonderful story to send customers away to share with their friends.
One of the materials that we have used to great effect in our home interiors is marble. This renowned material offers the texture and beauty of minerals, teamed with the hardwearing metamorphic rock which offers unparalleled practicality and opulence. As an expensive material, this was associated with the extremely wealthy. Recent years have seen progress made with regards to emulating the look on more modern materials, allowing us all to get the luxury look in our home. The pendant lights shown are both manufactured from metal but have a realistic marbled style finish applied, giving the illusion of real marble.
The key to getting this look right is a balance. Too little and the impact is lost, yet too much and you may feel like you’re in an underground cave.
Mixing some other materials will add wonders to a room and we would recommend introducing some more natural wonders, such as warm metallic colours which will work with the historical feeling yet assist with sparkling the light around the room.
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particularly good to match with the mineral look.
Getting this subtle style right can prove tricky for some. These natural feeling materials can feel somewhat cold so consider adding warm metals to the scheme add little touches of sumptuous warmth without breaking the overall look. Golds and coppers are
Another key consideration is to get your lighting right. Layers of light along with levels of light all contribute to showcasing your new design. If your lighting is all overhead and bright, it may create a museum feel and the details in the corner may get lost. If the room is not bright enough, we could end up back in the underground cave again!
Consider a dimmer switch with your main light, so that you can alter the ambience easily depending on the task in hand. Add table lamps to pull in the corners of the room, or floor lamps if space allows. If a whole feature wall is too much for your taste, you could consider a piece of artwork which can be highlighted by a picture light – a very under utilised and effective way of adding ambient light to any space.
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IMAGES COURTESY OF ANTHOLOGY
Classical Chic
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comfy wingback armchair for settling into to read the latest edition of INTO The Light Magazine, a good book, watch your favourite period drama or simply to relax. Gently styled with a pair of well plumped cushions to add support and style whilst you are at your resting perch. A well placed table lamp, with adjustable height shade to ensure you get just the right amount of light to provide ample illumination to your latest gripping novel. A calming colour palette with matching silk shades. A dimmer switch for your main light ensures perfect ambience every time, whilst allowing for accent lighting to illuminate key areas of your room
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Your hard wearing but luxurious real wood flooring compliments your overall decor along with a vintage distressed table that can house your completed copies of previously read thrillers and treasured pictures of your nearest and dearest.
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pace to socialise with your closest friends, cracking open the beers to celebrate another iday rolling around or any other special occasion! Light from 3 different sizes of amazing weathered zinc FRACTURE industrial pendants that would look equally at home in your local bar or restaurant as in your home.
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The “fracture� relates the cracked surface of the shade which allows a just little light to escape like e seeping of molten gold from a rnace. Beneath the shade crafted ges to house the light bulbs. perfect place to house vintage ament bulbs.
everal plates of tapas sit urging to e picked at between conversations n your ironwork coffee table which as a unique wooden top bringing me further natural texture to the om.
ently painted walls bound a ntrasting exposed brickwork wall at brings a distinctly urban feel to e area.
natural rug on your laminate floor nd light blue sofas bring a softness what could feel an otherwise verly bold part of the home.
Industrial Contrast
A Particular Penchant for Pendants
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The targeted light that these ceiling pendants provide has become extremely popular in kitchens and over dining tables, as they concentrate the light where it’s needed, which adds a subtle yet effective focal point to the room. Available to hang as low or as high as most ceilings require, you can also set the effect that’s perfect for you. Simple perfection! Or so you thought… The one drawback about these lights is that they generally only utilise one bulb. Whilst this is great for all the aforementioned reasons, one bulb is rarely sufficient to light an entire room – especially when the light is funnelled downwards through a solid sided pendant. So, along with all good things, evolution has worked its magic on this design and bought us a new breed of pendant lights – Cluster lights! Bringing all the traits that we love about Hanging ceiling pendants closer our favourite pendants whilst providing to the ceiling will offer out a wider more light, these are multiple ceiling light, most suitable when this is the main pendants utilised in rows, eclectic light in the room. The closer they are to the bunches, on ceiling bars or spread surface below, the more focused the light will out using ceiling hooks for a be on the below surface, ideal for task lighting dramatic effect. and intimate ambience. Initially made for the hospitality and A great way to have both of these effects with contract applications, there are now ease is with a rise and fall ceiling pendant – a range of designs which also look this is simply perfect for the modern day great used in a home setting. Offering multi-functional dining room table! out more light, these will become the main light of the room whilst providing a Top Tips larger visual impact. Whilst you are looking for your perfect pendant, consider how much light you need to give out and if it is to be the only light, you could consider a transparent sided ceiling pendant which will allow the light to filter through the pendant sides for a wider spread of light. Whatever style you are looking for, there will be a variety to tempt and inspire you – from Shabby Chic to Industrial, MidCentury to Moroccan, Traditional Elegance to Minimalist; they’re all there for you – just waiting to be found! Over the page, we have gathered our favourite ceiling pendant clusters for your perusal.
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A particular style of lighting that we have seen continue to rise in popularity throughout recent years, is the ceiling pendant. The unrivalled success attributes to the vast array of styles, shapes and materials which help to ensure that there is a perfect pendant for everyone.
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Add a splash of colour to a room with this NIRO pendant.
The transparent droplets mix colours to create an even more interesting look.
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Available in both black, white and red and in a 3 light bar (shown), single pendant and we all light to help complete your look. You can even create a custom look by shortening each of the cables to different lengths.
Top Tip Your stairwell probably has the highest ceiling space in your home. Make the most of it with a statement multi pendant. We absolutely love this stunning Aurelia fitting with it’s different sized shades in different shades of copper
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The simplicity of cut glass works great in a kitchen or dining area.
This simple yet elegant 3 light pendant hangs it’s shades at 3 different heights for extra depth and texture.
Top Tip Linear multi pendants are not just for lighting snooker or pool tables (although they area great for that if you have one!), They are great above a kitchen island, dining table or hospitality counter area for extra light.
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Part of our Designer, British Made, Original BTC WALTER Pendant (pictured left) oozes crafted quality. It’s retro satin copper styling compliment it’s understated opal glass shade. Ideal if the budget fits.
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We love the Ideal styling of this 3 light EMERY pendant bar in weathered brass (also available in palladian bronze)
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The glass diffusers add a level of quality and soften the light, hiding any unsightly bulbs.
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For a Great Deal and a similar look choose the Vintage Collection GLASSE (pictured far right), a slightly different look with it’s cork and satin nickel finish complete with tubular clear glass shade. Compliment with a decorative tube bulb to complete the look. A great deal at just £66!
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he DYNAMO 3 light in eathered brass offers a similar ok but at a much more cost ffective pricing.
ALL PRICING LISTED CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING, SUBJECT TO CHANGE
The Ideal industrial ceiling pendant the TITAN Size 3 Pendant. Amazing British Craftsmanship from Original BTC (pictured far left), a classic shape and style offering a warm reflected light into your room. For a Great Deal and a similar look choose the VIDA industrial pendant from The Lighting Collection (pictured immediately left).
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Both are available in other finishes to match your room.
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Mid Century Modern
The one style that looks so simple and easy to recreate is ‘Mid-Century Modern’, yet the lovely on trend style can be the most difficult to get right. Why, oh why does it look so good in the magazines, yet in real life it just looks bland? If this is the look you’ve chosen; you’re in luck. This month we are going all out Mid Century Modern, giving you the know-how, and styling tricks that will make your Mid-Century makeover the envy of your friends. We’ll guide you step by step through the Mid-Century maze, giving you the colour pallet, materials, patterns, practical solutions to storage and the all-important finishing touches with our Mid-Century Modern ‘styling masterclass’. Mid Century Modern ‘styling master class’, if you will!
What is Mid Century Modern?
The short answer is that it’s an interior design style that draws inspiration from the 1940’s through to the 1970’s. The styling is reinvigorated with a modernity that makes it fresh and new. Re-imaged, reinvented, and rejuvenated! If equating this to a person, me, for example, a child of the 60’s - I’d be considered mid-century. Me as a mid-century modern, would be me on a good day! I’d still have same old components but assembled with a little more care and attention to detail than normal. Looking that bit fresher, happier and wearing my trendiest, age appropriate, bib and tucker! Is that why I’m so fond of the mid-century style? I hadn’t meant this article to be therapy, but as I type I think, why did I not think about my look today, hypocrite! I’m a mid-century mess!
With a little more planning and care I could have been ‘stylish’ today. I’ve made a note “Dig out my Mary Quant mini dress tomorrow”. (joking!) I don’t have a mini dress. Talking of Mini’s, there too is a mid-century makeover. The Mini an iconic British classic was redesigned by BMW giving a modern look that still retains the elements we all grew to admire. I’ll avoid turning this into a ‘What’s better? Top Gear or the Grand Tour?’ and turn my attention back to what I do when either airs on TV and look for home decor inspiration!
Where do you find inspiration for your home decor project? Google it? You may well get a huge amount of search results - so much so that it can baffle and bemuse. We’ve curated a few well-chosen images to give you the flavour of the designs. The key is to choose furnishings and accessories wisely. Each item large and small must have the design elements of the 60’s and 70’s to pull off a cohesive look, otherwise it could easily look dated and jumbled, a bit like a student’s first flat (not that there’s anything wrong with a first flat!) but if you’re looking for an interior designer standard then pay attention here. Don’t buy on impulse everything that vaguely looks retro it will end up cluttered and cobbled together. Be selective less is most definitely more with this design.
I’ll take you back to my example of the middleaged lady (AKA me!) It’s all about me! We’ll I don’t know you well enough to poke fun at you, so back to me! If I dressed in a mini dress with a floppy hat, big glasses and wore flowers in my hair, I’d look like a throwback; whereas the big hat and a midi dress may look a little more stylish. Come to think of it, I do suit a floppy hat! What I’m suggesting, is simply to edit the elements to best suit your individual style, or the room you’re making over.
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Home styling has never been so high on the agenda as it is now. The design world is in the spotlight with TV shows such as the Great Interior Design challenge, DIY SOS and the like, we are exposed to makeovers as we sit watching from our arm chairs whilst they make it look so simple, so simple that a complete home makeover can be orchestrated in as little as 60 minutes. In truth, it’s not as simple as it looks. Often, we are just too ambitious and throw everything into a design and our home make over is more of a home massacre that we (and our friends) would rather not talk about.
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Top of the list is a wooden iconic piece of furniture. There are plenty of places to search for vintage pieces but as mid-century style has become more desirable there are fewer bargains to be had. If you can’t manage to stretch to original don’t worry there are ways to get the look on a budget, we’ll get to that later.
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If you fail to include great lighting you’ll be kicking yourself later. There is no way a mid-century look melds into a design without statement lighting. I’m not suggesting going crazy here but simple elegant utility styled lighting is the order of the day. Depending on the room you are re-doing of course, most rooms will require a ceiling pendant or hanging lamp, plus table and floor lamp when space is permitting. Lighting is a lesser expensive way to make an impact and there are loads of great lights to choose from.
MID FLO O R CENTURY S MUST HAVE’s H
Floors can be anything as long as it’s pale and flat. By that, I mean don’t have swirly patterned or sculpted carpet for this look. Some people advise to avoid carpet, but there is nothing wrong with a geometric patterned carpet.
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Everything was bright colours, brash an assault of the senses. It’s knocked back a little and the ‘modern’ in mid-century modern stats to play its part here. Pattern is paired back and the colours are subtler to reflect todays calmer, more grounded approach to life.
R E PAT T
A N
We have more things than ever before, phones, tablets and cables in abundance - make a place for them. Too often interior design is ruined by lack of storage. This should never be an afterthought. You could buy a linear, low side board or bookcase – you could even add boxed in elements to hide clutter.
ST
Pick patterns sparingly, a light sprinkle of punchy pattern brings a bit of life into what could be flat and utilitarian without the extra dimension that pattern brings to this interior design. In the 60’s & 70’s (and remember I was there) the pattern was big bold and way over the top. Don’t go there, unless you have a very large room! A big swathe of pattern can boggle your eyes and send you tripping without the need of any hallucinogenic!!
O R AG E
It is a large expense, so you could choose to go for a subtler pattern that you could live with for longer and work in to other designs. It’s so easy to fall for a bold pattern but keep the eye-popping colour for a cushion, vases or artwork that can be changed as time goes on.
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Plus points are the little finishing touches that make sense of the design.
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This + this = that. The plus point is the glue that holds the design together the commonality that pulls the whole thing together. This is where we have to show you. The Mid Century Styling Master class. Lights Camera Action!
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The Colours
An accen adds a to pattern w room. Gr look with
The Look
Storage is everything, noone likes clutter. A classic 70’s sideboard has all the answers to stray paperwork and things that really should be put away.
Mid Century Modern
Choose a neutral sofa, it gives you so much more scope with other areas of your decor. It is an investment purchase so it will also need to survive several home updates.
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nted geometric cushion ouch of colour and without overtaking the reat as a quick change of hout huge cost too!
: e l i F e l y t S e h T Y R U T N E C D I M N R E MOD etric m o e g e l t b • Su rns d d a e d t n t a a p e s i r o s s t e f c o c s A h • t i w e r u t tex ings h e s r i u n r t i n fu r u f n e d o • Wo
TOP KITCHEN LIGHTING UPDATE CHOICES Of the homeowners that choose to change their lighting whilst updating their kitchens. These were the top choices to fit: RECESSED LIGHTS
68%
UNDER CABINET LIGHTS
57%
Kitchen Lighting Tips • Think about layers of light for different uses in your kitchen. Cooking, dining, entertaining, kids doing homework etc. • Be mindful of shadows cast over work surfaces and cooking areas consider under cabinet lighting to help avoid the problem, don’t just rely on recessed spotlights! • If you choose a neutral scheme for cabinets, perk up your design with a colourful pendant or three. It’s such a shame that under 50% of homeowners choose this option for an update, we think that pendants can make the difference between a nice kitchen and a stunning kitchen. • A group of feature pendants can separate an area or add interest • Colour changing LED bulbs can add
PENDANT LIGHTS
a level of control
48%
IN-CABINET LIGHTS
18%
TOP KITCHEN STYLE C
WALL LIGHTS
12%
56%
10%
7%
7%
CONTEMPORARY
TRADITIONAL
COUNTRY
SCANDINAVIAN
4%
ECLECTIC
TOP KITCHEN LAYOUTS
28%
14%
U-SHAPED
L-SHAPED
GALLEY
27%
9%
STAINLESS STEEL IS THE TOP UPGRADED APPLIANCE COLOUR
47%
BLACK: 22% WHITE: 10%
CHOICES
C
Data courtesy of:
4% INDUSTRIAL
UK Kitchen Trends Survey 2017 For more info click to read the report
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32%
TOP CABINET COLOURS
31%
BEST: DESIGNER PE
BEST FOR: MAKING A STATEMENT
Top Tip
The Titan pendant (shown right in matt black) has some subtle industrial styling. We love the warm light that gently spills from its cream inner colour. There a few things better above a kitchen island than a group of identical pendants and these
A classic chandelier can be just perfect above a kitchen island or more traditionally over a kitchen table as a centrepiece.
Perhaps consider a modern styled chandelier to add a different twist?
The Kitchen
BEST FOR: INDUSTRIAL SPOTLIGHTS
Top Tip Not everyone can have recessed spotlights due to access for installation but we prefer these industrial spotlights as the light can be directed just where you need it to avoid the dreaded dark spots and shadows in your culinary heaven!
this
A rise and fall light adds extra flexibility as it can be lowered and raised dependant on how the space below is being used.
BEST: RISE & FALL LIGHT
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AVO U R F R I T U
E
This stunning Provence fitting is available in copper (as pictured), aged brass, rustic old bronze, polished nickel.
O
We
BEST FOR: A
We this BEST: FISHERMANS PENDANT
Available in Antique Brass (pictured), rustic brown and satin silver to perfectly compliment any style of kitchen.
Shortlist
NEUTRAL LOOK BEST: OVER AN ISLAND
Top Tip
Globe pendants are very on trend with a vast range of different styles.
This all new Heath pendant in polished nickel and glass clean stylish looks have positioned it as one of our favourites.
BEST: NEWCOMER
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ENDANT
A classic for the kitchen and one of our most popular products.
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TOP WAYS TO LIGHT A KITCHEN ISLAND Quoizel THEATRE ROW
Quoi
New York CITY LIGHTS Feiss BESO
Feiss URBAN RENEWAL
Quoizel TRILOGY
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izel KENDRA
Feiss HARROW Hinkley MERIDIAN
Feiss URBAN RENEWAL
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