Picking the right light?

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Lighting is often the last part of a project that a client thinks about, however I am always designing to maximise the natural light. Lighting really has a functional and a ambient purpose and so it is worth consulting a lighting expert when designing your home. Picking the right lighting feature is dependant on function and personal tastes. Here are some tips to follow:

  1. Pulling the design together. Sometimes the lighting is simple and understated and sometimes it is the key to pull the design together. Working with colour, shape and size a light is a chance to draw attention.

  2. Frame a space - a lighting feature can frame a space, like a dining room or a reading nook.

  3. Lights can be invisible - but still create drama. Track lighting or LED under a bench or staircase and can really set a mood in the evenings.

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4. Colour and materials - are really a chance to show off your style, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.

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Narrow spaces can be delightful sanctuaries

If you have a Victorian style home with that narrow hallway or your home is on a smaller lot of land you know all about narrow spaces. There are many ways to use these spaces well and create a special space in your home. Here are my top ideas.

  1. Squeeze in more storage - we can never get enough storage space and that shelving unit can be any dimension and still be very useful.

  2. Use of side gardens - often the blind side of the house gets little attention but we forget that we often look onto these spaces. Creating a lush green haven can really make a view go from dull and boring to wow and beautiful.

  3. Working from the edge of a space to edge can provide just enough space for a power room especially when you can build on your lands boundary and push the wall out a metre or so.

    4. Built in furniture can really free up a space. It is a great way to provide more seating an a cosy atmosphere.

  4. The use of mirrors can amplify a space. It reflects the light and makes a space feel bigger.

  5. Light is another trick to make a space feel bigger. If you don’t have windows, skylights are another great idea