Blog posts of '2018' 'November'

Floor lamps these days are a designer’s best friend; they are sleek, modern, unique and energy efficient. As such, it’s little wonder that homeowners and interior decorators can’t wait to get their hands on floor lamps when designing the room of their dreams.

The only thing is, given the large number of styles to choose from, it’s easy to buy something that doesn’t really suit your home and many buyers struggle to determine what it is they should be looking for in a floor lamp to get their perfect match.

Well, that’s what we are here for.

Here are our 3 top tips on choosing the perfect floor lamp for your home:

First, decide on the purpose of your floor lamp

The purpose of your floor lamp is going to have a massive impact on the design, type and wattage of the lamp that you choose. For example, if you are simply looking for a floor lamp that is aesthetically pleasing and casts a warm glow over your room, then an upward facing lamp with a warm orange/yellow glow and a low wattage is going to be best for providing the ambience you are looking for.

However, if you are looking for a more practical floor lamp for reading, then you are going to want to get a lamp that casts a good light and that is flexible for movement into the best reading positions.

The eye level rule

The height of your floor lamp is essential in where it fits in and you should always measure a space and consider the eye level rule before investing in your floor lamp.

If your lamp is going to be located in a passage way or a kitchen or somewhere that people are going to be standing, then it can be a taller lamp; simply measure from the floor to an average adults eye level and the bottom of the lamp shade or lamp should meet up with it.

A small floor lamp in a room with high ceilings is going to get lost, so it’s important to consider the height, size and space where you are putting your lamp.

Make a statement

One of our favourite things about modern floor lamps is that there are so many options for signature lights that make a statement; from hanging lights over the kitchen table to sculptural masterpieces that will simply be the centre of attention to your room.

Remember your décor

It’s always important to keep the rest of your house décor in mind when you are buying a floor lamp. This ensures that your floor lamp will stand out but not clash.

If you live in an old country manor, for example, then you probably shouldn’t invest in a modern, sleek floor lamp that wouldn’t look out of place in a city centre deluxe apartment. If you have a minimalistic, modern household with black marble tops and straight geometric lines, then it’s worth looking into something more slick and stylish.

These are just some of the aspects to keep in mind when you are looking for the perfect floor lamp. We’ve got an exquisite selection of floor lamps to suit any household, simply have a look at our range and contact us if you’d like to know any more about these and our other stylish lights.

London is one of the most popular cities to live in in the world, and given what’s on offer, that should hardly come as a surprise. It’s no secret that the city has a massive amount of attractions for people to come to live and work in it for.

So, if you’re thinking about relocating to London, we’ve put together 10 reasons why you will absolutely love living in this spectacular city.

1. Work opportunities

London is the world’s epicentre of business and it is home to thousands of global companies and brands that make working in the city truly exciting.  From Dove and Barclays to Lipton and Sky there is no end to the opportunities that lie in wait for those that are looking for a new venture.

In fact, London was recently voted as the world’s most desired place to work, according to the Boston Consulting Group. The city beat competitors such as New York and Paris to claim this coveted titles.

2. Great earning potential

We often hear the tales of how hard it is to survive in a big city and London is notorious for its high prices, especially when it comes to property. Sure, it’s not the cheapest city to live in, but there is also the potential for massive earnings at some of the world’s most coveted workplaces.

The high prices in London are, more often than not, put off by the higher salaries that the city’s residents earn so that’s something to keep in mind.

3. Shopping

If there’s one thing that there really is no shortage of in London, it is world-class shopping. We’re not just talking about shopping centres or malls here either – of which there are hundreds to choose from – but also the weekend and seasonal markets, high-end department stores like Harrods, unique boutique shops and affordable second-hand stores.

No matter what your style is or what your budget is capped at, there is a shopping experience in London for you.

4. A melting pot of cultures

One of our favourite things about London is how multicultural it is. There are over 300 languages spoken in London alone and you’ll find everything from China Town and Little Korea to British Pubs and Senegalese neighbourhoods.

5. A neighbourhood for everyone’s needs

There is a plethora of different neighbourhoods to choose from within London’s bounds. From Wimbledon to Camden and Notting Hill to Croydon, there’s something for everyone. You can find a laid-back hippie neighbourhood, a high-class celebrity-filled street and places for families – all you have to do is do your research and you’ll find something to fit in with your lifestyle and budget.

6. Transport

There’s absolutely no need to own a car in London; the tubes, buses, taxis and other well kept public transport options make it easy to get around London on your own.

7. You’ll always have something to do

The thing about London is that there is always something on, whether it’s sports events such as Wimbledon or the Lion King playing at West End – there is always lots of options for those that like to keep busy.

8. Food, food, glorious food

London is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and many of the globe’s most renowned chefs choose to settle here. From Middle Eastern kebab shops and British fish and chips to fast food chains and fancy gastro dining, there’s not much more than a foodie could ask for in this city.

9. Designers dream

If you’ve got an eye for detail and live for fashion then there simply isn’t a better place to settle than London. Top designers from all over the globe chose to create their base in the city and this doesn’t just refer to clothes, but to interior designers, architects and lighting designers such as our own Christopher Wray too.

A light becomes more than a simple light when it’s placed in the right place and illuminates exactly what you need it to.

Lighting at your boutique hotel will have a massive effect on the overall atmosphere and feeling of your place and will enhance the experience for your guests. You want to create a space that gives guests a special feeling when they enter; you want it to be warm, unique and inviting and that stays away from a cold, sterile feel.

Here is how you can use lighting in creative ways in your boutique hotel to make it all the more magical for your guests.

1.        Use more than one kind of lighting fixture in your rooms

Guests come to your property for different reasons and have different agendas while they are there – they could be on a business trip and will be reading documents and papers into the early morning or simply having a romantic weekend away with their significant other.

You need to cater to the different needs of your guests that will be staying in the room. Ensure that you have overhead lighting fixtures that can brighten up the whole room, but also provide lamps and other lighting that allow guests to customise their experience and dim where needed.

2.        Light up the nooks and crannies

Many hotel owners make the mistake of overlooking the dark corners and small spaces in their establishment and fail to light them properly. Not only will lighting up these areas make the space look bigger and brighter, but it also ensures that guests won’t trip over in any dark places they might not see.

3.        Natural lighting does wonder

While it’s great to use lighting fixtures and lamps to give your property that extra edge of sophistication, don’t overlook the importance that natural light plays in creating a welcoming environment.

Try and use large windows and overhead glass panels to create a bright environment, particularly in places like the lounge or dining room where people gather to socialise.

4.        Signature lighting

There are most likely parts of your hotel that you particularly love and would love to give a little more attention to. You can use lighting techniques such as up-lighting to highlight the details that you really want your guests to marvel at.

This could be something as large as a spiral staircase or a wonderful piece of art that you are particularly fond of. Use signature lighting to help your favourite bits to pop out to guests when they enter.

5.        A focal point

Not every hotel needs one or can pull it off, but getting a unique and awe-inspiring chandelier or lamp is sure to catch your guests’ attention. Take some time to browse the different kinds of styles and finishes until you find something that will create the most perfect focal point in your space.

Nothing quite heralds the arrival of the festive season like the switching on of London’s famous Christmas lights. London is a remarkable place to be year-round, but there’s something incredibly magical about the annual Christmas light period.

Little light bulbs glowing, Michael Buble songs blaring throughout the city’s speakers and the warmth of festivity that spread throughout simply cannot be beaten.

Whether you're attending the switching on of the lights themselves, shopping around town for Christmas gifts, or you are just out and about with your friends – it’s well worth the effort to stop and take some time to check out these wondrous lights.

Here’s our guide to some of the city’s hotspots for Christmas lights; where to see them and when they are getting switched on.

Seven Dials Christmas Lights

On Thursday the 15th of November 2018 the Seven Dials Christmas lights will be turned on. Take your time and stroll along the quaint cobbled streets, have a look at the variety of different shops and stop to enjoy a meal at the menagerie of world-class restaurants whilst marvelling at the incredible Christmas light display.

The switch-on itself will take place at 6.30 in the evening and simply shouldn’t be missed. From 5 pm until 9 pm the roads are closed and the area is traffic-free too, which makes the experience all the more awe-inspiring, as well as safe for the little ones.

Traditional Christmas gifts will be on display and come with some really great discounts; you can pick up some free mulled wine, complimentary food or simply enjoy the entertainment provided by the wonderful choir that really amplifies the Christmas cheer.

There’s also a ton of free workshops and classes to take part in too.

Kingston Christmas Lights

One of the City’s most prominent light switching is happening on Thursday the 15th of November at Kingston. The traditional Christmas market that opens on the same day makes the event even more memorable.

The whole of the town centre is set to turn into a winter wonderland with a wonderful Christmas spirit. The market stalls are all charmingly set up in small wooden cabins that encapsulate the feeling of the festive season. Get involved in this family-friendly event and enjoy craft workshops, mulled wine and traditional Christmas fare.

Sloan Square, Chelsea Christmas Lights

As you can imagine, the festive season in Chelsea is quite an elaborate affair and the festivities are centred from Sloane Square right across to the Duke of York Square.

At 2 pm on Saturday the 17th of November, the carol singers and other entertainers will start to get the cheer going as the groups of people begin to arrive for the main event. The kiddies can look forward to a Father Christmas and actual reindeer in the Duke of York Square.

The main switching on event takes place at 5 pm in Sloane Square and simply shouldn’t be missed.

Royal Exchange Christmas Lights

The Royal Exchange has created quite a stir around its 25ft Christmas tree and lighting event over the last couple of years and we can look forward to this treat on Wednesday the 21st of November this year.

The luxury shopping centre offers hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies to attendees, along with some excellent carolling and other special entertainments. The event begins at 6 pm with the lights getting switched on at 6:45 pm.

The Shard Christmas Lights

As has become standard over the last few years, The Shard will illuminate the top twenty floors of the building throughout December. The lights will be turned on from the 3rd of December from 4 pm to 1 am every night and they illuminate London’s night skies in a spectacular manner.

Christmas is one of the best times to visit London and get your fill of festive cheer so fill up your cup and head on down to some of the best lighting events throughout the city this year.

Lighting plays an important role in interior design. Not only is lighting practical, in that it can eliminate darkness so you can see, but it can also be used to give a certain mood or look to a room or space.

Knowing how you want to design a space is the first step in determining what sort of lighting the space needs. This is because the way lighting is used in a room can either be subtle or it can make a statement. Both of these lighting types are important in design, both individually and together, for several reasons.

Using a balance of both lighting types is a good idea because subtle and statement lighting offer different things and they can be layered for optimal effect. To understand how they work together, you need to know how they work individually.

Subtle Lighting

Simple yet refined, subtle lighting is the type of lighting you are likely to find away from the centre of the room. It is lighting that blends in with the wall or ceiling it is attached to, or the floor space it is set on. It is lighting that is focussed on emphasising or complementing other aspects in the room, such as furnishings, wall coverings, and even structural components of the house’s design.

Subtle lighting can include sconces, table and floor lamps, and even lights set into bookshelves or other furniture or items.

Our Volume bookshelf and wine rack is shaped like an elegant teardrop and has a light positioned at the tip to illuminate items placed on the shelves or rack. The lighting here is subtle, meant to draw attention to the beautiful craftsmanship of the piece but not overpower the room.

Likewise, our desk lamps—including the modern Datchet with its LED lighting, chrome metal detailing, and VA screen with clock and other features—are intended to illuminate a smaller, specific area to make working in a dark room a thing of the past.

In the end, subtle lighting is all about creating atmosphere in a quiet and background sort of way.

Statement Makers

Statement makers do just that: make statements. That doesn’t mean that they are the only lighting in a room, but they are intended to draw attention and give viewers a sense of awe. Statement makers are about being decorative as much as they are about lighting up a space.

Statement makers are usually central to a room. One of the main places you may see a statement maker—like a chandelier or one or more hanging shades—is suspended or hanging over a dining table. At the top of a staircase is another prominent area one may be positioned.

Hanging shades like Chime, which consists of one, three, five, or six slim glass tubes with partial satin matt finish to hide the light source, can be suspended from the ceiling. Corbel has four differently-sized domes that can also be hung from the ceiling. The domes come in a variety of elegant shades and finishes to best complement the space.

These lighting options are made with the intent to stand out, while also providing a light source.

Combing Subtle and Statement Lighting

As you have probably presumed by now, pairing subtle lighting with a statement maker can result in a well-lit room that looks great. The statement maker grabs attention and the subtle lighting fills out the less noticeable areas to make sure all that needs to be illuminated is.

With careful selection of different lighting options—and with careful placement of lights and furnishings—different moods and looks can be created.