Franklite celebrated a very prestigious milestone in 2023, its 50th year in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-quality decorative lighting. Over the years Franklite has manufactured exquisite products for the retail, commercial and hospitality markets including bespoke project designs.
The passion for lighting has been within the Lissauer family for three generations. Taking his father’s passed down knowledge and many years of experience owning a number of lighting shops in various provinces of South Africa Frank Lissauer decided to relocate to the United Kingdom and establish Franklite in 1973.
Growing and developing the business over the years took dedication and countless hours of hard work by Frank Lissauer but these responsibilities were eventually shared when his son, Mark Lissauer joined the business in 1999.
The family owned business has achieved significant milestones over the 50 years which include moving to a much larger purpose built factory in 1990 after quickly outgrowing the previous premises, an in-house laboratory which holds state-of-the-art lighting technology which very few other lighting manufacturers within the UK possess, an expansive warehouse and assembly area where products and parts undergo stringent quality control and finally an exquisite showroom.
Franklite’s first ever catalogue included the Delft range as one of its first products. The traditional ‘flemish’ style design has made these fittings classic and timeless. 50 years later this popular range is still available in the current Catalogue 26. Many iterations have followed over the years, like the Halle and Mondrian which continue to follow the ‘flemish’ design style.
2021 was the year Franklite received recognition for winning two awards within the hospitality industry – Best in Tech and Best Retail Decorative Lighting Manufacturer.
Franklite has a story to tell. They are far more than just a lighting manufacturer; they are creators, visionaries and craftspeople who continue to pride themselves on their manufacturing and service excellence. At the heart of Franklite is a highly-skilled team who understand the importance of good product design that will stand the test of time, both technically and aesthetically.
Over the next 50 years the hope is that Franklite continues to grow and remain a renowned family business whilst maintaining the core principle which Franklite was founded - to offer products that balance optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics.
About Franklite Limited
Founded in 1973, award winning Franklite is one of the leading innovators in high-quality decorative lighting. Working with clients, architects, lighting consultants, interior designers, M & E consultants and distributors for the residential, hospitality and commercial markets throughout the UK, Europe, Middle and Far East. Franklite has a story to tell. They are far more than just a lighting manufacturer; they are creators, visionaries and craftspeople who continue to pride themselves on their manufacturing methods and excellent service. This includes offering products that balance optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics and have successfully supplied exceptional luminaires to palaces, embassies, hotels, private residences and multi-residential projects. Franklite remains at the forefront of the lighting industry with incredible in-house technology which includes the Rigo Near-Field Goniophotometer and highly-skilled design and technical teams who continue to develop signature products. Our LED plates and most recently award winning tuneable light engines are manufactured in-house and compatible with many of our luminaires.
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Forbes & Lomax is excited to announce its range of Invisible Lightswitch® and dimmer plates are now made from 100% recycled Perspex.
The Greencast® sheets of Perspex are created from the waste and scrap material of manufacturers and fabricators, which would ordinarily end up in landfill.
By sourcing this sustainable material, Forbes & Lomax is helping ensure it is doing its part to reduce its impact on the environment.
With offices in London, New York and LA, Forbes & Lomax switches, dimmers and sockets are sold worldwide.
All plates are handcrafted and assembled at the Forbes & Lomax workshop in Battersea.
Find out more about sustainability at Forbes & Lomax here.
About Forbes & Lomax
Forbes & Lomax has been producing elegant, innovative light switches and sockets for over thirty-five years. Renowned for launching The Invisible Lightswitch®, it has always approached lighting control from an aesthetic point of view. The Forbes & Lomax collection comprises nine carefully chosen finishes, which are suitable for traditional and contemporary interiors, making it the brand of choice for many top interior designers, architects and decorators. The range includes push buttons and dolly switches for integrating with intelligent lighting control and home automation systems. It also offers a bespoke engraving service. Visit the showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
This spring, Forbes & Lomax launches its new Multiway Dimmer Switch. The dimmer switch allows you to dim a light from up to three locations, without the need for additional packs. Multiway Dimmer Switches can be retrofitted with ease.
Use in a bedroom to dim your lights from the doorway or from bedside the bed, illuminate a landing from the bottom of a staircase or light up a large room with several entrances.
These are just some examples of the benefits of installing a Multiway Dimmer Switch.
Forbes & Lomax specialises in designer light switches and sockets for both traditional and contemporary settings. All plates are handcrafted in the UK and assembled at the Forbes & Lomax workshop in South West London.
Prices starting from £54.63 + VAT
In the realm of home design, lighting is often an overlooked aspect, even in the most modern builds. Frequently, we encounter new developments with subpar lighting layouts, featuring an excessive number of uniformly dispersed downlights in open-plan spaces and just a few ceiling lights in bedrooms, if you're lucky. But fret not, even if you're faced with less-than-ideal lighting arrangements, there are solutions that can transform your living space into a designer haven. Whether you're renovating your home or residing in a new build, LED lighting can be the key to an aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior environment. In this article, we'll explore how LED lighting can help busy professionals, enhance the ambiance and functionality of their homes.
Statistics show: A well-illuminated room can make it appear more spacious and inviting. According to a survey by the American Lighting Association, 76% of homeowners believe that lighting can significantly impact the mood and ambiance of a room.
Example: Hiring an interior designer to create a lighting plan tailored to your space can yield exceptional results. This approach ensures the perfect illumination and a variety of lighting options that complement your new layout, transforming your space into a haven of style and functionality.
Statistics show: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lighting can be up to 80% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting.
Example: Concealing LED tape in channels routed within your joinery can instantly elevate the room's design. Selecting the right LED colour temperature and positioning them to highlight specific elements is crucial. The colour and location of LEDs within the channels depend on what you intend to showcase. For example, horizontal placement is ideal for adjustable shelving, with LEDs positioned about 20 mm from the front.
Statistics show: LED lighting inside kitchen cabinets can improve energy efficiency. A report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that LED lighting consumes significantly less energy, making it a greener choice.
Example: Enhancing your kitchen's lighting layout with LED options is not only energy-efficient but also visually appealing. Consider LED lighting inside your cabinets for a seamless and chic look. To add a touch of luxury to your kitchen, incorporate LEDs into skirting boards surrounding kitchen islands, provided you have one.
Statistics show: Adequate lighting can accentuate the beauty of your artwork. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that proper lighting significantly enhances the perceived aesthetic value of art pieces.
Example: Picture lights, whether integrated into joinery or mounted above artworks, can instantly elevate the room's atmosphere. When planning your picture lighting, measure your artwork meticulously, considering the length of the picture light in relation to the art frame. A good rule of thumb is to choose a picture light that's about half the width of the picture for portrait paintings and between a third and a half for landscape pieces. Explore high-quality picture lights from renowned brands like Chelsom and Visual Comfort.
Statistics show: Well-lit wardrobes make selecting outfits easier and more enjoyable. According to a survey by Houzz, 68% of homeowners prefer a walk-in closet with integrated lighting.
Example: Adding concealed LED lights inside your wardrobe, positioned vertically, not only illuminates your clothing and accessories but also exudes a classy and design-led aesthetic. For those looking to retrofit lighting, battery-operated LED options can be placed on the sides of the wardrobe carcass for practicality.
Example: Phos, one of our favourite LED suppliers, offers a wide array of tapes, channels, and drivers, making them the perfect choice for your renovation project. With their selection of LED solutions, you can transform your home into a stylish and well-lit space, all while reducing energy consumption.
Incorporating LED lighting into your home design is not only an aesthetically pleasing choice but also a smart and energy-efficient one. So, whether you're renovating or living in a new build, these LED lighting solutions can enhance your space's style, ambiance, and functionality. Don't underestimate the transformative power of well-planned lighting. It's the key to creating a designer look that caters to the needs and tastes of busy professionals like you.
About Katie Malik Design Studio
Established in 2014, we are a multi award-winning Cambridge based interior design studio. We work globally, specialising in luxurious private residential interiors. We create exceptional designs, taking a holistic approach to the way spaces will be used and enjoyed. Through detailed visual package, attention to the smallest details paired with the professionalism & toughness to handle large projects from start to finish, we turn an otherwise overwhelming process into an exciting and deeply satisfying experience.
The Ambassador Wall Light is an exclusive design collaboration between the artisans at Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard and Focus SB’s in-house technical engineers and finishing experts, offering a striking addition to the British premium electrical manufacturer’s extensive suite of hospitality products.
Complemented by three metal finish options comprising Jordan bronze, satin and antique brass this industry-first collaboration from Focus SB in partnership with Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard offers luxury interior designers unique handcrafted bedside lighting pieces in attractive clear, smoked and reeded glass shade options.
The glass shade details of each Ambassador Wall Light are cut by hand using traditional techniques (a ruler and glass knife) and bonded by hand at Gwyn’s Chesterfield studio. Edges are arrised (smoothed) by hand. The long thin rectangular glass shades are complemented by an attractive Tubular Gold Flex LED filament dimmable lamp.
Established by founder and Director Jeff Fuller in 2013 The Light Yard was rebranded in 2020 to underscore the company’s artisanal offering with Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard producing light fittings for numerous commercial and residential projects in the UK, Europe and North America. Introduced to Raymond Blanc OBE at the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard was invited to provide the lighting design including bespoke interior and exterior pieces for his botanical-themed Chelsea pop up restaurant Jardin Blanc in 2021.
Offering superior solutions for exceptional project design and finish continuity detail, the Ambassador Wall Light sees Focus SB leading its industry in the design and manufacture of striking luxury hospitality products.
Interior designers who visited Decorex stand A74 would have been able to view the beautifully handcrafted Ambassador Wall Light from this exquisite new lighting collection featuring a smoked shade, lamp with spiral LED filament by Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard, paired with a quality metal plate finished in-house in Jordan bronze by Focus SB; and the company's debut of its exceptional design-first flat screwless range with distinctive square corners in solid brass, RENAISSANCE.
View information and an Ambassador Wall Light inspiration image gallery in the Design Collaborations section at Focus SB’s website.
About Focus SB Ltd
Established for over 40 years in East Sussex, Focus SB’s award winning in-house manufacturing and metal finishing expertise presents designers with a comprehensive collection of switches, sockets and components complemented by bespoke project services. Quality faceplate styles made from the finest solid brass and durable stainless steel offer striking solutions for high-end hospitality, prime residential, heritage and commercial interiors. Working closely with design consultants, control system companies and fire and security specialists, Focus SB’s unrivalled ability to match metal finishes across its collection, coupled with custom finish options, sees the company’s products specified for world class projects internationally.
LiGHT – the only trade show in the UK dedicated to lighting specification - will build on the success of its first year in 2022 by enhancing its offering to attract the wider design community.
A common misconception is that trade shows dedicated to lighting specification are just for lighting designers. This, put simply, just isn’t the case...
Lighting is one of the first things that should be considered when working on a project – whether you’re a client, developer, architect, interior designer, or lighting designer. The importance of working with the right tools and having the right knowledge to produce the best light – and in turn the best environment for the end user – is undeniable. So many times, lighting is an afterthought on a project, when it should be at the forefront of everybody’s minds.
Well, ask yourself these questions...
1. Do you work on commercial and / or high-end residential projects? 2. Do the projects you work on feature lighting in some capacity? 3. Would you like to understand more about the effects of good and bad lighting on design schemes and the end user? 4. Would you like to broaden your knowledge on the built environment? 5. Would you like to make new connections within the industry?
If you answered YES to even just one of these questions, then LiGHT 23 is the event for you and with FREE visitor registration, what’s to lose?
LiGHT 23 will feature 100s of high-end lighting brands all under one roof – perfect for residential and commercial projects large and small. From sourcing IP-rated products that can bring a stunning bathroom or garden design scheme to life; to statement decorative pieces for a restaurant or bar project; or perhaps you’re working on a big hotel project and need a company that can fulfil a large order... Maybe you need something more bespoke? With lighting brands from all over the world on show, we guarantee, there will be a product at LiGHT 23 that fits the brief.
Not only that, LiGHT 23 will once again host the highly regarded talks programme [d]arc thoughts, featuring experts from across the world of design, editors from speciality design magazines including arc, darc, ICON, and OnOffice, while covering topics that affect all areas of the industry, such as sustainability & circular design; designing for a global client; designing for healthy office spaces; and designing for small & large spaces, to name just a few... Watch this space for a full talks programme announcement coming very soon!
The show’s association partners will also support the talks programme with speakers from the likes of Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID); NLA; Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP); Society of Light and Lighting (SLL); and the International Assocation of Lighting Design (IALD).
Also new for this year is darc space, a dedicated area for decorative lighting brands to shine. darc space will provide lighting and interior designers and specifiers looking for their next stunning light feature a one-stop-shop of decorative lighting brands to choose from.
About LiGHT 23
The LiGHT exhibition is held over two days at the Business Design Centre. The show highlights include the [d]arc thoughts talks programme, with a stream of guests keen to learn more about the hot topics from interior design, architecture and lighting. The event features a bespoke decorative lighting hub showcasing a range of brands, as well as an exclusive designers lounge. LiGHT 23, Business Design Centre, 21 - 22 November 2023
Sans Souci, leading designer and producer of glass and lighting installations, has unveiled its latest portfolio with an ambitious new direction for the brand. The new design concept is focused on finding the beauty and innovation between contrasting perspectives, which was the inspiration behind an impressive 15 new collections that will be launched as part of the 2023 Milan Design Week.
The new collections are the culmination an important creative journey for Sans Souci, which has experienced significant growth globally in recent years. Some of the most exciting new designs are collaborations with respected designers Karim Rashid and William Sawaya.
William Sawaya’s BRANCHY collection is sleek and artistic, inspired by the natural world. Long crystal tubes in sandblasted, clear and metallic finishes are fitted together with metal bindings. Each component has a LED light source running through it, allowing the installation to produce a different ambience depending on how you choose to light your interior.
Karim Rashid’s exquisite CHIN CHIN collection plays with your perceptions. Flawless installations are formed of crystal components shaped into golden drinks glasses suspended from glass rings, finished with gradient nanocoating. The effect is a perfect paradox – the glasses look full, but they are empty, they hang upside down, but nothing spills. This design is both opulent and contemporary, creating a dramatic focal point for your interior.
Each of the new collections builds on Sans Souci’s central design concept – finding harmony in contrasting ideas and aesthetics. This is the brand’s response to the most pressing questions the interior design industry is facing. It is focused on embracing the contrasts and equilibrium between different perspectives. The space between luxury and responsibility to the planet, between craftsmanship and sophisticated technologies, between classical design and contemporary ideas.
Martin Chab, Founder and CEO of Sans Souci commented: “Our new direction and collections are testament to our commitment to design and innovation. They show that we are not afraid to combine diverse elements and ideas to create truly captivating pieces. We’re delighted to launch our 15 collections in Milan at one of the biggest design celebrations in the calendar – Fuorisalone and Euroluce. It will be exciting to get feedback from our partners and the wider industry, but this is just the beginning as we continue to grow our brand and portfolio.”
Sans Souci’s exhibition ‘The Harmony of Contrast’ will be showing this April at 2023 Design Week in Milan. One of the highlights will be HARK, an immersive exhibit showcasing Sans Souci’s bold designs and cutting-edge lighting technologies. The multimedia piece features exquisite crystal cuboids that respond to the audio around them, emitting different ambience depending on the tone of sound. A design experience for all your senses as it shows the contrasts between cool and warm, darkness and light, silence and sound.
The exhibition ‘The Harmony of Contrast’ is part of Fuorisalone and will be displayed at gallery Mimmo Scognamiglio Artecontemporanea, Via Goito 7, Milan, from 17 to 23 April. Sans Souci’s new portfolio of collections will be showing at Euroluce at Fiera Rho, Milan, P11.250, from 18 to 23 April. Find out more about Sans Souci’s collections and projects at www.sanssoucilighting.com
About Sans Souci
Sans Souci is a leading designer and producer of quality interior and architectural installations. Design and innovation are at the heart of its vision, offering clients a range of studio collections as well as a bespoke design service to create the perfect piece for each interior. Sans Souci manages the entire creative and production process from its headquarters in Bohemia, the world-famous glassmaking region, ensuring quality and sustainability at each step. Its unique art and lighting designs are installed in luxury interiors around the world, from iconic hotels such as Claridges and Burj Al Arab to private residences and designer retail spaces.
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Homeplay is proud to be one of only a handful of integrators in the UK to have been selected, trained and authorised to install Lutron’s brand-new premium Palladiom Wire-Free Shading System.
Designed with groundbreaking technology and whisper-quiet performance, they are installed without fascia, pocket, recess or wires, making them the perfect choice for a minimalist aesthetic.
Available as a wired or wire-free, battery-operated system these shades look beautiful from every angle, Palladiom shades are created for the most sophisticated homes.
The aluminum brackets are meticulously hand-finished and available in a variety of finishes that blend seamlessly into any architectural style.
Enhance your space with a shading solution that showcases what's beyond the window pane. Occupying no more than 3 1/4" of vertical space, a single Palladiom shade can cover a 12 x 12 foot window - highlighting expansive views while delivering daylight control at scale.
The Palladiom Wire-Free Shading System runs on Active Energy Optimization, a battery management architecture designed to optimize the efficiency of traditional alkaline batteries to extend battery lifetime to an industry-leading three to five years with fewer batteries.
To accentuate the minimalist aesthetic of the Palladiom Shading System, Lutron has created the inventive Palladiom Bottom Rail. The design uses a groundbreaking method of clamping onto the fabric – regardless of the fabric thickness – to ensure that the hembar will always sit perfectly flat and perpendicular to the fabric plane. The subtle curve along the hembar face matches the roll diameter at the top of the shade. When the shade is fully open, the hembar disappears into the negative space behind the shade itself.
About Homeplay
Discover sound you can feel, home cinema that transports you to another world and lighting that brings living spaces to life. We are Homeplay. Experts in beautiful home technology. Simple stylish systems, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of your home.
If you’d like to feature your news or stories with SBID, get in touch to find out more.
At Helen Green Design we believe that beautiful lighting is an integral part of every well curated interior. Every room lends itself to a different lighting style, shape and design and therefore choosing the perfect fixture can be a daunting task.
To achieve a harmonious and considered scheme, it is important to keep lighting throughout the property consistent and connected to each other. This can be achieved by either by specifying similar finishes (aged brass, blown glass, crystal) or a particular style (modern, art deco, traditional). It is possible to mix and match for a more eclectic look, however it is challenging to ensure there is no disconnect between the spaces.
We like to source lighting from a range of suppliers who offer a variety of fixtures suitable for different areas. Here are our simple tips on how to select the perfect light for every room.
The entrance hall is an opportunity to make an impact in your home. The lighting in an entrance hall is likely to be one of the first things seen when entering the house so it is important to ensure it encapsulates the identity of the property.
It is an opportunity to make the most of the architectural features and utilise high ceilings or stairwells. An oversized, statement light can span across several floors or a centrepiece light can create an elegant, welcoming lobby area above the entrance table.
As the centre of every home, it is crucial that the light fitting chosen for this space does not compete with the rest of the furniture in the room and complements and relates to the design scheme. It doesn’t mean it cannot be striking. The key is to consider the proportions and materials as well as balance textures, colours and patterns used in the room.
It is important to carefully consider the position of the light. Most commonly it is placed in the centre of the room, above the main seating area or by the fireplace. It should not obstruct the view if located near a large window and not to hang too low to allow people to walk underneath it.
The main function purpose is to provide light above the dining table or island. It is good practice to follow the shape of the furniture item directly below the light fixture. For example, a round light for square or round tables and oval or oblong for rectangular or elliptical tables.
An interesting choice of lighting is using clusters of smaller pendants either in regular rows or staggered for dramatic effect.
When the dining area is connected to the kitchen, it is effective to use lights from the same family for a cohesive design.
Being sanctuaries of peace and rest, bedrooms are one of the most important rooms. As strong lighting is not necessarily required, light fittings perform a decorative role and can determine the feeling of ambience in the space.
Simple pendant lights above bedside tables are not only very functional as they leave the surface of the table clean but also are an excellent way to accentuate the main elevation of the room.
Alternatively, a small chandelier can bring elegance and interest to the bedroom scheme making it feel more like a hotel suite.
The clean lines and usually very light tones of natural stone finishes, sanitaryware and mirrors in a bathroom create a fantastic background and opportunity to showcase more sculptural lighting pieces.
From large, elaborate chandeliers above the bath to clusters of interesting pendants, they can transform a simple bathroom into a luxury spa.
It is also important to ensure all lights chose for bathrooms have suitable IP rating.
About Helen Green Design
Helen Green Design is proud to be one of Britain’s most respected luxury interior design practices. Over the past 19 years, the team has developed an invaluable reputation for creating elegant, sophisticated, and timeless interiors for our international private clients. The portfolio includes prestigious developments, luxury penthouses, townhouses, boutique hotels and country estates, with recognition for our work in Super – Prime London. Founded by the late Helen Green in 2002, the studio creates luxurious, yet liveable, residences and strives to deliver exceptionally high, personalised levels of service – values which lie at the very heart of our business.
If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more.
Great lighting design is one of the most important elements in any interior. In addition to enhancing functionality, illumination can also transform mood, ambiance and the perception of space. For optimum results, a project’s lighting plan should be implemented right at the beginning of the creative process. The best lighting designs maximise the amount of natural daylight available, then enhance this with complementary forms of artificial light. Task, ambient, mood, feature and architectural lighting all have an important role to play. The right type can enrich the colour, character and tone of any room. It can also accentuate physical features such as heights and recesses.
“There are three key facets to consider when planning lighting within a room design,” explains our director Mark Taylor. “The size of the room; the nature of the light and how it hits the room; and the existing shapes and ceiling heights.” The client’s personal preferences and their budget must also be taken into consideration. “Lighting can form a very expensive part of any room, sometimes more than the cost of furnishings and joinery,” Mark confirms. “So, it’s vital to establish a realistic budget from the outset.”
Rooms size and shape are next on Mark’s lighting design checklist. “We would assess the shape of the space, where the darker areas are, and how light the room needs to be,” he explains. “We would also consider where we need to avoid glare or reflection, and the colour palette and materials. Lighting can fundamentally change hues and tones.” Mark continues: “We would also take into account energy conservation, and how the lighting will be controlled. Solutions might include remote control smart home lighting systems such as Lutron. More traditional options – such as arc lamps and Anglepoise® lighting – can be both attractive and cost-effective if they are placed correctly and suit the interior’s aesthetic.”
High ceilings were a particular challenge for this multi-functional Marlow kitchen project. Mark and his team incorporated a strip light on the walls, bouncing light off the ceilings to avoid any dark spots. To maintain task lighting, they added LED strips to the wall shelving, to illuminate all the work surfaces.
A room’s primary function usually dictates the type of task lighting required. It can be hidden or directed specifically at certain areas that need to be illuminated. Mark notes: “This type of functional task lighting can still deliver visual design impact via an exposed fitting, either from a ceiling or a wall.”
Feature lighting is about much more than mere functionality. It’s about the shape and style of the fitting, as well as the illumination it provides. It’s an ideal way to make a statement and enhance a specific element of your decor – whether the light in question is off or on.
Then there’s architectural lighting. “There are certain situations where natural light simply is not available,” Mark explains. “To offset this, we could install a large, illuminated panel simulating daylight coming in from a skylight. Or we might use an LED hidden strip to “bounce” light off a ceiling, especially if the ceiling is very tall and spotlights would create dark spaces. That’s what we did in this drawing room, as the client didn’t want too many spotlights. So, we added an LED strip above the tongue and groove panelling.”
Bespoke, layered lighting design schemes use multiple light sources to deliver a combination of functional, ambient and accent lighting. “Depending on a room’s function, we usually look at up lighting, mid-level lighting, and ceiling or task lighting,” Mark explains. “Everything depends on the height of the ceiling, the amount of natural light available, and how the room will be used.”
He continues: “For instance, to light an area with two specific functions – such as a kitchen and TV/entertaining area – you need to adapt the functionality of the lighting for each use, and for different times of the day. In many cases, we use lighting that bridges both areas. For example, we might install wall lights that can be turned on to enhance mood, when task lighting isn’t required.”
This Shaker-style kitchen project incorporated two levels of flooring – and two levels of ceiling. It also featured three distinct areas: the snug, dining space and cooking area. Our lighting design used a combination of floor lights, mid-level lighting, task lighting, LED linear lighting and a window wall to illuminate and harmonise the different elements.
While there is no ‘one size fits all’ with great lighting design, there are some general guidelines that apply, depending on a room’s primary function(s). Obviously, kitchens require practical task lighting so that meals can be prepared safely and easily. Conversely, the rule of thumb with most cloakrooms is to celebrate their relative darkness. Soft lighting – and not too much of it – can minimise the sanitaryware, mitigate small spaces, and create a feeling of calm. For example, this windowless cloakroom is dark, intimate and tranquil. Our lighting design created a sense of movement and fantasy without over-illuminating the space.
Multi-purpose spaces, such as open-plan areas, family rooms and even drawing rooms, are likely to require a lighting design that can accommodate different occasions at different times of the day. In fact, combinations of low level and lamp lighting usually work best.
“As bathrooms have become more luxurious, clients want to create a mood for them, rather than just ‘wash and go’,” Mark reveals. “Sensor lighting is a really great way to make the bathroom an inviting space from the moment you walk in. Soft warm lighting can be used to replicate candlelight. LED strip lighting is also an effective way to highlight a particular design feature.”
Bedroom lighting design also needs to be versatile. Most clients require lamps/task lights for reading in bed and choosing clothes, although the room in general should be calm and sleep-inducing. Mark observes: “A flexible lighting system that gives clear visibility where you want it – but is very forgiving where you don’t – is the key.”
“Not all clients understand the value of lighting design – but it really can make or break a space,” Mark observes. “There’s both a science and an art to great lighting design. And it represents some of the best money spent in terms of creating or renovating loveable living spaces.”
About Mark Taylor Design
Mark Taylor Design is a British manufacturer of superlative bespoke furniture, cabinetry and specialist joinery, working in Central London and the Home Counties.
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