By Rob Lessmann founder of concept interior design studio, Design’d Living.
When it comes to changing the interior of your home, you would be right in thinking soft furnishings, paint colours and flooring arethe first key considerations, but as an interior designer, I always recommend to my clients to consider lighting choices if you want to make a change to your home in a holistic way.
As someone who thrives on working in bright light, statement lighting is so important and often completely overlooked. Here are my top tips to consider when upping your lighting game:
Living Room
Creating multiple zones within a living room space is really important, so consider changeable lighting to create the desired ambience. We have all had to adapt to spending more time in our homes over the last few years, therefore spaces must be more multifunctional. Creating zones for work, relaxation and entertainment is hugely important, even if the space is small. It’s crucial to consider all lighting – work light, relaxing light, specific lighting to highlight various features such as artwork, ceiling cornicing and decorative features. It is important to consider if you’re doing a large scale refurbishment, to ensure the correct wiring and positioning. I am a great believer in being able to leave a room with multiple lamps that can be switched off with one flick, not reaching around the floor or wall trying to find a plug to turn off various lighting options. If this is not a possibility, consider smart plugs, which can be switched on and from a tablet or phone.
For living rooms also consider installing a media wall within your living space, as quite often there is a spare wall that can accentuate a room just by making a feature of your TV and media kit. Think LED strip lighting around the shelves, TV and fireplace, as it will create a great ambience on an evening.
Kitchen/Dining Room
Think of LEDspot lightsin the kitchen as your task lighting – you need to be able to see what you’re doing in the kitchen, so LED spotlights are very important, but then enhance the room withmood lighting in other areas which can create a relaxing space where people can unwind. If your kitchen has a large island or a space where socialising usually gathers, consider pendant lights which become a talking point of the room. If you have a kitchen/dining room – install a large pendant over the dining table. You can also install LED strips to highlight areas of the kitchen or walls that look great and set the mood for entertaining through the shadows they create.
Bedroom
Getting your bedroom lighting right is key for ensuring quality sleep and also creating a relaxing ambiance. It is important to be able to dim lights in the bedroom, so start by introducing a dimmer switch, but consider a smart bulb or better still, wall mounted bedside lamps with a dimmer. Consider your bulbs too, as warm bulbs are better in the bedroom than cooler LED lights, which emulate day light and make it harder for the brain to produce melatonin. If your bedroom needs to be multifunctional, consider brighter LED lights in the ceiling and place them in areas where you need light, for instance at a dressing table or in front of a mirror so you can see well while you get ready.
Make sure that all the lighting is able to be switched on and off from three points in the room, either at the side of the bed as there is nothing worse than getting into bed and forgetting to turn the lights off, by the door for when you enter and leave the room, and then we will always make sure that all side lights or floor lights are switched from the main lighting controls.
About Rob Lessmann, MD and founder of luxury interior design studio, Design’d Living
Design consultant Rob Lessmann founded Design’d Living in 2015. The company offers contemporary interior design and consultancy, inspired by modern living.
Design’d Living fuses twenty-first century essentials with timeless original style to create a luxurious comfortable space. The company specialises in high end residential projects and commercial property, including restaurants and office space.
Rob and the team bring a wealth of experience in bespoke interior design, concept design and building renovation, knowing how to work with the space on offer. From simple updates to full house renovations, Design’d Living captures the client’s vision and brings it to life.
Rob comes from a strong design background and has a meticulous eye for detail, previously working for the likes of McLaren Automotive. After completing a business degree, Rob’s entrepreneurial flare began as he completed house renovations and built-up enough revenue to support him in his passion for interiors, design, branding and property.
Rob has a passion for Italian design and furnishings, which can be seen in his portfolio of work and works with leading suppliers throughout Italy as well as creating beautiful bespoke pieces.
Web: https://www.designdliving.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designdliving/
