Dear Debbie: I鈥檝e been researching the topic of lighting as we are making plans to build an extension onto our traditional home. There are so many more choices than I imagined with modern technology that I would like to incorporate one or two signature pieces. Where would you put the emphasis?
Deidre
Your placement and choices for lighting in your new addition will enhance this area in many ways. You鈥檒l want to make sure that there is ambient light to brighten the rooms, functional or task lighting for reading and working, and decorative lighting that sets up your personal taste.
Over the ages, chandeliers and pendants, sculpted lamps and lampshades festooned with silks and finery have defined an historic period and its penchant for a certain decorative style. There has been an awesome array of designs and shapes formed with materials from basic wood to fine metals. With the advent of LED lighting, trends have taken another leap in design. Modern lighting is imaginative and stylish and meshes beautifully with the traditional landscape.
Think of a special lighting piece as a work of art and give it the space it deserves to stand out and be noticed. I have chosen some examples that underscore artistic workmanship. The CrackBowl pendant lights designed by Korean designers Kwon Jae Min feature unique materials such as coconut shells. It can be hung on its own or as a group to form a unique chandelier. The intricate carving plays with the light source.
Sconces are a practical way to add light without taking up floor space. Their position on the wall allows them to be a central feature, especially if they are formulated with an artist鈥檚 touch. Imagine the warm golden light that radiates from the Wall Sconce Ray by Shimale Light Art. This hand-painted coloured glass sconce is made with quality raw materials and energy-efficient LED lights.
Neon tubing is another innovative avenue. I鈥檝e seen these tubes draped like a string of pearls hanging on the wall. I鈥檝e also seen them, and this is quite a wild look, wrapped as bizarre lifelike figures or sweeping paths travelling along the ceiling. Modern lighting is defined as having clean, geometric lines. Pieces can stand alone as a single wand to be leaned up against the wall or running up a wall for a minimalist effect. They can be developed into all forms of rectangles or trapezoids. They are generally coupled with lights that are perfectly shaped circles or ovals that punctuate the ends. Industrial or factory design rose in popularity in loft spaces as a return to basics and large scale schemes. Taking it to the next level, idlights.com has fashioned an oversized chandelier that is bold but softened with a mixture of Edison style bulbs. The sockets have an oil rubbed bronze finish. The two-inch recessed frame gives it strength.
When you choose your feature light, be sure to investigate the amount and colour of light that the LED or other bulbs throw off. See if you can take it for a trial run. I know you will discover an exciting piece that will become a star attraction in your home.
Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email decorating questions to [email protected]. Follow Debbie at instagram.com/debbie_travis, facebook.com/thedebbietravis, debbietravis.com
