Lighting Expertise...
Published on Monday 7th January 2008
Well a new year and new trends... look out for much more colour coming into our homes and, I’m predicting a new Baroque influence - those familiar with Hotel Costes  in Paris will know what I mean.
It’s time to bring back a more eclectic feel as opposed to the show house formula. Granted there will always be room for the modern classic look with fine fabrics such as silks and cashmeres, but let’s have a little fun too.
Lighting too will be a big feature, with more eco friendly elements being introduced. One such company helping in this quest is John Cullen Lighting . I happen to be working on a project with design director, Sally Storey at the moment and her lighting expertise is truly inspirational.
Here are a few of her top tips on getting the lighting right in your home:
 Before any decisions are made on lighting, consider the uses that will be made of the room.
For example in the kitchen you may need a bright light to prepare food by and to do the homework in with the kids but then you may want a more moodier setting for an intimate dinner in the evening.
Always fit dimmers so that you can change the mood of the room. Having more than one dimmer will allow you to create a variety of lighting effects.
Think of layering lights at different levels. Build up a palette of effects just as the interior designer plays with texture. Be imaginative and use low level uplighters to uplight an archway, a recess or a corner of a room, a staircase or to individually light shelves and niches.
Do not be afraid of combining traditional lighting effects with modern solutions ie chandeliers with downlights etc. The chandelier should always be dimmed separately to a decorative sparkle leaving the discreet downlights to do the work.
Often simple plug in solutions can make such a difference. Use to light up through planting or twigs in dark corners to add interesting patterns to the ceiling.
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