Designing Light for Open-Plan Living Modern open-plan spaces demand more from lighting than any other interior layout. Without walls to define rooms, light becomes the tool that creates structure, atmosphere, and flow. Pendant lighting plays a central role — not as decoration alone, but as a way of shaping space. In contemporary open-plan homes, pendants …
From Power Symbol to Personal Expression The chandelier has always been more than a light fitting. Long before it entered ordinary homes, it hovered above monarchs, clergy, and courts as a declaration of authority. To stand beneath a chandelier was to stand beneath power itself. Over centuries, that meaning has shifted. What began as an …
Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing a Pendant Pendant lights sit at eye level, shape the atmosphere of a room, and often become its visual centre. Get them right and a space feels considered and calm. Get them wrong and even a beautiful room can feel awkward. This guide covers the fundamentals – size, …
A Practical Guide to Getting Scale, Light & Style Right Your kitchen island is more than a work surface. It’s where meals begin, conversations gather, and the room finds its centre. The pendant lights above it need to do more than look good – they must work beautifully in daily life. Choosing the right pendant …
Understanding Light Beyond Brightness Light is never just light. In lighting design, it is filtered, softened, directed, coloured, and framed by the objects that hold it. Long before electric bulbs existed, artisans understood that the craft of a lamp or lantern determined not only how a space was illuminated, but how it felt. Across cultures, …
The Heritage and Appeal of Traditional Design Traditional interior design draws inspiration from 18th and 19th-century European decor, celebrating symmetry, refinement, and classic detail. Rooted in history, this style reflects elegance and formality, yet it remains versatile enough to adapt to modern living. With its timeless sense of balance and harmony, traditional interiors create a …
The Charm and Origins of French Country Design French Country interior design is inspired by the homes of rural Provence, combining rustic simplicity with refined elegance. Rooted in the French countryside, this style balances practicality with beauty, creating interiors that feel warm, inviting, and timeless. Its appeal lies in the effortless mix of weathered materials, …
Origins and Influence of Art Deco Design Art Deco emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, first gaining prominence in Paris before becoming a global design movement. It symbolised progress, luxury, and modernity, influenced by the Machine Age, Cubism, and ancient civilisations such as Egypt. Art Deco interiors are bold, glamorous, and highly stylised, combining strong …
Origins and Influence of Shabby Chic Design Shabby Chic design first rose to popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, blending vintage elegance with lived-in comfort. The style is rooted in the use of repurposed furniture, distressed finishes, and soft, romantic details. Inspired by English country cottages, French antiques, and rustic farmhouse aesthetics, Shabby Chic strikes …