A beginner’s guide to illuminating your home

Sponsored post by Gail Newland

All too often, lighting is seen as merely an interior design afterthought. However, with a little creative thinking, lights can dramatically enhance the look of homes. If you’re new to property design and you want to make the very most of the illuminations now available, take a look at these simple but effective suggestions.

Maximise natural light


Firstly, bear in mind that it’s not just artificial lights that can help to boost the appeal of your property. Sunlight can also play a major role in this. By allowing solar rays to stream into your rooms, you can give them a more spacious, airy and open feel. With this in mind, it’s important to select suitable window dressings. One great way to ensure you make the most of the natural light on offer is to take advantage of the sunscreen roller blinds available from window furnishing specialists like The Blinds Company. These products filter natural light to keep rooms bright while also reducing heat and glare, and stopping harmful UV rays from entering your home.

Full height sheer curtains provide light, texture and interest to this bedroom space in Bondi by C+M Studio. Photography by Caroline McCredie
{Full height sheer curtains provide light, texture and interest to this bedroom space in Bondi by C+M Studio. Photography by Caroline McCredie}


Cover the three bases


When it comes to choosing illuminations for your rooms, it’s important to cover the three fundamental bases of background, accent and task lights. Background lights, like ceiling lanterns or wall sconces, bathe spaces in brightness. Meanwhile, accent products cast light in particular directions and they can be used to highlight certain objects or features. Table lights with opaque shades and in-cabinet LEDs are good examples. Last but by no means least, task lights help people to perform activities like cooking, shaving and reading. Kitchen spotlights and angle poised desk lamps fall into this category.
By including examples of all three types of light in your rooms, you can ensure you have adaptable solutions that not only look great, but are also highly practical.


Multiple light sources in the bright living space of Albert Park residence by Beatrix Rowe Interior Design
{Multiple light sources in the bright living space of Albert Park residence by Beatrix Rowe Interior Design}


Use mirrors


It’s important to be savvy in your selection of mirrors too. These reflective objects can help you to make the most of the light available in your rooms. Small or dark areas may benefit from floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and large, decorative versions can make the perfect addition to lounges.
As well as bouncing light around your rooms, these products create the illusion of extra space.

Reflective surfaces spread light and colour through the space in the Wolesley residence by McKimm.
{Reflective surfaces spread light and colour through the space in the Wolesley residence by McKimm}


Create a warm glow with a real fire


It’s worth considering going back to basics with real fires too. Open fires and stoves create a warm glow, giving your rooms a cosy look and feel. You can also harness the beauty of real fire by adding candles to the different parts of your home. Whether you fancy a relaxing soak in the bath or you’re planning a romantic meal for two, candlelight could provide the ideal backdrop.


Limited edition yummy Peach Bellini 'Passion' candle from Glasshouse Fragrances
{Limited edition yummy Peach Bellini Passion candle from Glasshouse Fragrances}



I hope you all enjoyed these few quick tips from our contributor Gail Newland. Thanks Gail! Let me know what you think Happy
On a side note, why not put that candlelight to good use and celebrate Earth Hour on the 28th March (tomorrow)!

xo Romona


Bookmark and Share


blog comments powered by Disqus