CREATING WARMTH AND SPARKLE

The Latest Lighting Ideas To Elevate Your Space

Julia is an interior designer for the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (22-24 September, ExCeL) sharing her expert tips and ideas to help you create your dream interior.

to a high-end scheme is to illuminate where necessary and if you can incorporate several dimmable circuits, that will provide you with multifunctional, ‘human-centric’ mood-setting opportunities. Use a combination of the following, ideally at different heights, to create a ‘layered’ effect:

1. Task Lighting: This is the practical aspect of lighting, ensuring that specific areas are well-lit for various activities. Task lighting is crucial for functional spaces such as kitchens, offices, and reading areas. Pendant lights, under-cabinet LED strips, and adjustable downlights are popular choices to achieve efficient task lighting and a good level of light.

2. Accent Lighting: To add drama and depth to your space, accent lighting comes into play. This type of lighting draws attention to architectural elements, artwork, or ornamental pieces, creating focal points that elevate the overall aesthetic. Track lighting, wall-mounted fixtures, and fully adjustable downlights are excellent options for accent lighting.

3. Ambient Lighting: Also known as general lighting, ambient lighting sets the overall mood and atmosphere in a room. It provides a soft and comfortable glow that allows you to move around the space effortlessly while creating a welcoming environment. Chandeliers, pendant clusters, and LED downlights are popular choices for ambient lighting.

The Latest in LED Technology

With advancements in technology in recent years, LED lighting has revolutionized the way we illuminate our living spaces, no longer creating the ‘dental surgery’ look! LED lights are not only energy-efficient but also offer homebuildingshow.co.uk/your-media enhanced flexibility and durability. Here are some of the latest LED technology trends worth exploring:

1. Smart Lighting: Embrace the future with smart LED lighting systems that can be controlled remotely through smartphones or voice assistants. Adjust the intensity, colour temperature, and even create customized lighting scenes to match your mood and lifestyle. Smart bulbs and LED striplights can turn your home into a futuristic haven of light and colour. ledspace.co.uk

2. Tunable White LED: No need to be stuck with a static lighting scheme! Tunable white LED technology allows you to adjust the colour temperature of the light from warm to cool, mimicking the natural daylight cycle. Biodynamic lighting is adapted throughout the day to create a healthy circadian rhythm not only producing a great effect but also aiding wellbeing and sleep patterns. zuma.ai

3. Filament LED Bulbs: LED bulbs with filament designs have become a trend for those seeking a touch of nostalgia blended with modern efficiency. The vintage look of filament bulbs adds charm and character to various light fittings, from chandeliers to wall sconces, creating an irresistible blend of old and new. thevintagelightbulbcompany.com

Trending Light Fittings in the UK

1. Articulated Wall Lights: These offer a statement look and can be very useful to bring light to a central position over a table or a reading chair when required and out of the way when not. They look equally at home in an industrial-style, Scandi-inspired or pared-back interior and provide a strong, architectural look. hausofinteriors.com

2. Maximalist Chandeliers: By way of contrast, timeless elegance meets contemporary luxury with crystal chandeliers. These dazzling fixtures not only serve as a stunning centerpiece but also create a mesmerizing play of light, filling the room with a delightful sparkle. Opt for modern interpretations with sleek designs or go for the classic allure of traditional crystal chandeliers to suit your interior style. Always choose one slightly larger than you imagine is required. purewhitelines.com

3. Minimalist LED Strips: Used by top-end designers, embrace the beauty of simplicity of minimalist LED strips that effortlessly blend into your interior while providing subtle yet effective lighting. Install them under cabinets, beneath stair treads, or behind mirrors and shelving to cast an ethereal, concealed lighting effect where the glow of light is visible but the fitting itself isn’t. ledspace.co.uk

4. Oversized Floor Lamps: Oversized floor lamps are commanding attention in luxury living spaces. These sculptural pieces not only provide functional lighting but also double as artistic statements, adding an element of drama and a little joy too. anglepoise.com

For more inspiration on how to illuminate your interior with creativity and confidence, review the online galleries of top residential lighting designers’ websites to see what extraordinary effects can be achieved just with the right light fittings and placement.

To attend the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show for extra advice and inspiration, claim your complimentary tickets at homebuildingshow.co.uk/your-media