{"id":2211,"date":"2019-07-05T11:15:49","date_gmt":"2019-07-05T11:15:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2211"},"modified":"2021-05-10T16:18:02","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T15:18:02","slug":"illuminating-homes-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/07\/illuminating-homes-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Illuminating Homes; Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Tips and Tricks to Light your Home.<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>In this blog we will unlock the secrets to creating your perfect, happy home! We&#8217;ll obviously look at the different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\">types of lighting<\/a>, but more importantly how you can express your own personality and style.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not news that we connect our happiness with home. It\u2019s where we retreat to rest and relax at the end of a busy workday. Where we spend time with family and friends. We will look at choosing the right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-room-c2#sort7\">lighting for every room<\/a> that will not only enlighten your home, but also your heart!<\/p>\n<p>When you analyse it, our homes are the setting for a many momentous life occasions and human emotions. It\u2019s this complexity that we see becoming the backbone of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/shop-by-interior-trend-c4\">interior trends<\/a>, naturally evolving over the coming years.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re coming to realise that perfection is not all it\u2019s cracked up to be. We\u2019re quite happy to upcycle an old sideboard, passed down through the family as to fondly re-imagine the essence of days past.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>So, how can you achieve the home interior that\u2019s YOU?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2230\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Main-Image.png\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Main-Image.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Main-Image-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Main-Image-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s been suggested that we have as big an emotional connection to our homes as we do with our pets and close friends.<\/p>\n<p>We can feel adrift when we\u2019re kept away from it for long periods of time \u2013 even at the end of a luxury holiday, you can\u2019t beat the feeling of sitting on your own sofa, drinking from your favourite mug.<\/p>\n<p>So, throw out the rule book, and follow your instinct!<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Self-Expression<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The art to self-expression is simple; it\u2019s about driving a personal vision to an external form.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s all about exploration, stopping the inherent knee-jerk reaction to situations and instead, choosing to learn from them. As we learn to challenge ourselves, we can begin to grow and encompass new experiences.<\/p>\n<p>Rooms to use this in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All throughout the home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6><strong>How to incorporate self-expression into your interior design:<\/strong><\/h6>\n<ol>\n<li>Take your time\n<ul>\n<li>Something that initially appeals to you may only appeal to your comfort zone<\/li>\n<li>Think about your home\u2019s personality (how you WANT it to be, not how it currently is); is this choice an accurate reflection?<\/li>\n<li>Does it deliver the functionality that you crave?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t fall for pre-suggested colour and design trends\n<ul>\n<li>The tones that all work together is perfect for someone who wants a carbon-copy look straight from a magazine; you\u2019re reading this, so that is NOT you!!<\/li>\n<li>Interior design trends are great for creating a cohesive look in your home, but they rarely talk about YOU as they are too demonstrative of their own evolution<\/li>\n<li>Mixing and matching has it\u2019s benefits and can work, as long as you love all of the elements individually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Shock yourself\n<ul>\n<li>Whilst it\u2019s great to include visual cues of high points of your unfolding journey, perhaps try an alternative to the standard prints-on-the-wall look, such as;\n<ul>\n<li>Silhouettes of family and friends<\/li>\n<li>Pop-art style artwork<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t stick to one colour or pattern, master your own layering techniques<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Add collections\n<ul>\n<li>What you choose to collect speaks volumes about you. If they are decorative items, put them on display somewhere!<\/li>\n<li>Collect pieces that epitomise your travels \u2013 they don\u2019t need to appeal to anyone else as long as they represent a snapshot in time for you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/ceiling-lights-c73\/membrane-unusual-3-light-smokey-glass-ceiling-pendant-p18084\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2219\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Self-Expression-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lighitngndlights.co.uk MEMBRANE - Unusual 3 Light Smokey Glass Ceiling Pendant\" width=\"800\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Self-Expression-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Self-Expression-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Self-Expression-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Self-Expression-1-819x1024.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Comfort<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The art to comfort is creating a safe haven, free from discomfort. It\u2019s also alleviation of the feeling of unease and distress, infinitely nurturing.<\/p>\n<p>Comfort provides the nesting quality that we all crave in our homes. This is what all of us covet and picture in our mind\u2019s eye when we\u2019re having a challenging day or feel tired.<\/p>\n<p>Rooms to use this in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Living rooms<\/li>\n<li>Bedrooms<\/li>\n<li>Dining rooms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6><strong>How to incorporate comfort into your interior design:<\/strong><\/h6>\n<ol>\n<li>Choose where to use it\n<ul>\n<li>Only use it where it counts<\/li>\n<li>Think about where you relax; these are the only areas you need to focus on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Think about more than just furniture\n<ul>\n<li>Flooring is one that\u2019s often overlooked; there\u2019s no denying that rugs and carpets are more comfortable underfoot<\/li>\n<li>Textiles is another \u2013 what feels more comfortable to you; hessian or velvet? Cotton or fleece?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Things that we find most comfortable will last for much longer in our homes, so it\u2019s worth pushing the boat out and making that investment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/ceiling-shades-c8\/eos-feather-shade-large-white-65cm-dia-p12115\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2220\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Comfort.jpg\" alt=\"VITA COPENHAGEN EOS - Feather Shade Large White 65Cm Dia\" width=\"784\" height=\"783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Comfort.jpg 784w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Comfort-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Comfort-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Comfort-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Comfort-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Relaxation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Relaxation is a state that we all crave from time to time, where both our minds and bodies are free from tension, stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n<p>Creating this vibe in our home is not always an easy one. The only way that you can achieve this, is to actively seek out things that make you relax, and this is totally unique to you.<\/p>\n<p>Rooms to use this in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Living rooms<\/li>\n<li>Bedrooms<\/li>\n<li>Snugs\/Conservatories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6><strong>How to incorporate relaxation into your interior design:<\/strong><\/h6>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/dimmable-with-suitable-bulbs-t39#sort7\">Choose lights that you can dim<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>lights will boost your mood but if they are too bright, they will act as a stimulant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Choose colours that relax you\n<ul>\n<li>neutral is not always best!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Choose soothing visuals\n<ul>\n<li>such as nature patterns or textures<\/li>\n<li>Wood furniture or flooring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Try keeping fresh flowers in the house\n<ul>\n<li>if you\u2019re not green fingered, consider realistic faux flowers and a room spray<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Aromatherapy is greatly underrated\n<ul>\n<li>using all senses will help your mind understand the tranquil scene straight away<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Ban devices!\n<ul>\n<li>Nothing is less relaxing than being within arm\u2019s reach of the rest of the world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/ceiling-lights-c73\/ritz-ceiling-pendant-purple-glass-and-black-p21110\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2222\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Relaxation.jpg\" alt=\"Lighting and Lights RITZ Ceiling Pendant Purple Glass and Black\" width=\"668\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Relaxation.jpg 668w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Relaxation-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 668px) 100vw, 668px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Productive<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Whilst it would be lovely to picture this calm, relaxed, comfortable vibe in our homes, we\u2019d soon be in a mound of chaos if we didn\u2019t maintain the chores!<\/p>\n<p>Creating a mood that is conducive to being constructive doesn\u2019t simply apply to work. It also applies to the tasks that make our homes and lives run efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>Rooms to use this in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Home office\/studies<\/li>\n<li>Kitchens<\/li>\n<li>Utility rooms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How to incorporate productiveness into your interior design:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Create good light levels\n<ul>\n<li>Ensure that there is a light to hand to illuminate each task you need to undertake<\/li>\n<li>Make sure you have a plan to banish shadows! Nothing is worse than a well-lit kitchen where the chopping board ends up in the dark<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that you have a light to hand where you need it\n<ul>\n<li>Use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/ceiling-lights-c73#sort7\">main, overhead light<\/a> with other lamps and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/wall-lights-c9#sort7\">wall lights<\/a> to create a balance of ambient and task lighting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that you have ample storage and that items you regularly use are easy to locate<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/ceiling-lights-c73\/mib-slim-adjustable-ceiling-pendant-white-spotlight-p12831\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/M-Mib-7-77673001_2.jpg\" alt=\"Lighting and Lights UK MIB - Slim Adjustable Ceiling Pendant White Spotlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/M-Mib-7-77673001_2.jpg 1772w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/M-Mib-7-77673001_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/M-Mib-7-77673001_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/M-Mib-7-77673001_2-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Inviting<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Being inviting is about creating a welcome to all, with the unspoken promise of an enjoyable and comfortable occasion. This can be anything from the smell of home baking, to a wonderful display of contemporary art &#8211; it&#8217;s a snapshot of commitment to the experience to come.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst an inviting interior may be interpreted in many different ways, there are some commonalities that you can adopt that ensure both you and guests feel at home as soon as you set foot in the hallway.<\/p>\n<p>Rooms to use this in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All throughout the home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6><strong>How to incorporate a welcoming invitation into your interior design:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p>Create conversation:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Have a conversation starting feature in plain sight from the front door<\/li>\n<li>Let in light, or if there are no windows, use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/table-lamps-c12#sort7\">table lamp<\/a> and a mirror<\/li>\n<li>Place furniture in a way that ensures people can face each other<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that everyday &#8216;clutter&#8217; is tidied away; that said, evidence that the house is &#8216;lived in&#8217; will actually be more welcoming than a clinical space<\/li>\n<li>Balance the room with the largest piece of furniture facing the focal point in the room<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that every seat has somewhere to place a drink, ensuring that basic needs are met will ensure that there are no awkward moments where someone is unsure what to do<\/li>\n<li>Keep your home at a comfortable temperature<\/li>\n<li>Maintain the pathways around your home and ensure that they are easy to navigate<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/wall-lights-c9\/jeeves-black-felt-bowler-hat-wall-light-with-gold-anodized-interior-p18027\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2226\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/JW-at-MO14_edit.jpg\" alt=\"Lighting and Lights UK JEEVES - Black Felt Bowler Hat Wall Light with Gold Anodized Interior\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/JW-at-MO14_edit.jpg 2382w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/JW-at-MO14_edit-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/JW-at-MO14_edit-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Togetherness<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Spending time with family and friends is what makes us human. The relationships that we build all stem from the time that we spend together, so it is a natural connection that happiness stems from affection and contentment.<\/p>\n<p>Rooms to use this in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All sharing spaces, including:\n<ul>\n<li>Living Room<\/li>\n<li>Dining Room<\/li>\n<li>Kitchen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6><strong>How to incorporate successful sharing spaces into your interior design:<\/strong><\/h6>\n<ol>\n<li>Ensure that in all areas of the home that are shared spaces, that there are enough seats for all the people living in the home. If you have space for any more, an additional 2 or 3 will be beneficial<\/li>\n<li>When guests come over, ensure that you have enough seats for all &#8211; no one will mind if the furniture doesn&#8217;t match!<\/li>\n<li>Encourage a set time each day where you all spend some time in each other&#8217;s company<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t stop the conversation! Whilst everyone&#8217;s having fun, don&#8217;t bring focus to the lateness of the hour by suddenly turning the lights on. Pop them on before dusk sets in, so that there is a gradual, subtle change from day to evening. If you have<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/dimmable-with-suitable-bulbs-t39\"> dimmable lights or lamps<\/a> to help control the ambience, all the better!<\/li>\n<li>Choose your furniture and colour scheme with all\u00a0 of the residents in mind; keep it age and gender neutral.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/lighting-by-type-c1\/ceiling-lights-c73\/strap-36-modern-ceiling-pendant-black-p12889\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2227\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Togetherness.jpg\" alt=\"Lighting and Lights UK STRAP 36 - Modern Ceiling Pendant Black\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Togetherness.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Togetherness-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>So, get thinking about the home you want! For more inspiration, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/new-products\">browse our latest light additions here!<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unlock the secret to your very own happy home! It\u2019s not news that we connect our happiness with our homes. It\u2019s where we retreat to rest and restore at the end of a busy workday, where we spend time with family and friends and where we feel at our most relaxed. <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/07\/illuminating-homes-part-1\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2232,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,5],"tags":[402,399,400,401],"class_list":["post-2211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-create-a-lighting-plan-for-your-home","category-decision-making-process","tag-creating-a-mood-with-lighting","tag-lighting-with-love","tag-love-lighting","tag-mood-lighting"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2211"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2211\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3565,"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2211\/revisions\/3565"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lightingandlights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}