Light Up Your Life

Lighting from Porta Romana for home in Horsham

Lighting can create or decrease a feeling of space. Your lighting can either make or break the overall effect of your space.

When choosing lighting we can look at 4 main categories:-

Lights for visibility
Lights for pleasure
Task lighting
Design lighting

A bespoke lighting scheme for a chapel

Before you rush out to the shops to buy your lights, ask yourself the following questions:-

• which room do I need to light?

• who is it used by and how often?
• what activities take place?
  
• age of people who use the room?
  
• is it used mainly by day or by night?
  
• are there any interesting features I wish to highlight?
  
• what overall effect do I want to achieve?
  
• how much can I spend?
  

Design Tip : If you have a small room try to light it in at least 3 corners, as dark corners reduce the perception of space. This also works in reverse if you have a large room.

Problem Solved!

I am always being asked about different aspects of the renovation and interior design of a house, and thought I would share with you a couple of questions I have recently been asked. If you have any of your own, please add them, and I will do my best to answer.

Question : I really fancy having a white kitchen and neutral walls, but my husband thinks it will look bland and boring. What would you suggest?

Answer : A sudden splash of colour can make all the difference. It does not have to be much. How about a red-glass splashback behind the hob, or for something a little more adventurous – a red-glass breakfast bar. It will really bring the kitchen to life.


Question : We are thinking of laying oak flooring in our kitchen, but friends say it is not a good idea?

Answer : Wooden floors are very popular and add a sense of warmth to a room. They are easy to maintain and clean, and can be used in most rooms. However heavy traffic can cause scratches and dents and excess moisture can damage it. If using wooden flooring in a kitchen, care should be taken in laundry areas and around sinks. Any spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent water soaking in and warping the floor.

Question : I would like to reuse my existing granite worktops in my new kitchen, but the kitchen company is not keen – why is this?

Answer : I would imagine the kitchen company is concerned about damage to the existing granite on removal. It may be possible to re-use the granite, although it is very much dependent on the removal, fabrication and installation being possible and successful. It would need to be checked by a professional stone mason. The fabricators would need to conduct a site survey and would probably ask you to sign a disclaimer in case of damage to the granite.

Question : Should I have curtains or blinds in my kitchen?

Answer : This is something I am asked a lot. And to be honest it is down to personal opinion. The most popular choice for window treatments in the kitchen is blinds. Venetian blinds are easiest to clean and they come in a huge range of colours, from brushed aluminium to wood effect to vibrant red. You can also get perforated, hammered and metallic finishes. If you want something a little more decorative a roman blind is perfect and can sit either inside the window recess or outside.

Please add more questions......