Lighting is, of course, everywhere and I find myself, like a firefly, instinctively drawn to it. I have only to see a photograph of an interior and the first thing my eye falls upon is the lighting design.
Lighting is essential to the spaces we live in and is one of the most important elements when designing a space. Get it right and a room can come to life, create atmosphere, functionality and style.
One example of lighting I have been drawn to is by the successful British designer Tom Dixon. I adore his best-selling mirror ball lamps, which he has recently confessed as being a sort of fail in design. His intention was for the lamp to be inconspicuous because of its simple shape and that the mirrored surface would be invisible as it would reflect its surroundings. It had the opposite effect, of course, and it beams out at like a beautiful bright star as shown in these photos below.
I love how these lamps steal the show and become the focal point in the space.
I am fascinated by the array of designs out there and their diversity in form and, how they can have such an impact on a design scheme. I am attracted to the decorative element of lamp design and the impact it has on our spaces in conjunction with how light is received to the space. It can be so diverse. Great interiors can really shine, (pardon the pun), when choosing the correct lamp and the planning of lighting has been thought through thoroughly.
Lamp Spotting, as I like to call it, has become a bit of an addiction, and I am happy to say that I don’t mind being called a “Lamp Spotter”. I am sure there are others, such as myself, who engage themselves in the wonderful world of lighting design when they are out and about. They are, after all, much more interesting than trains don’t you think?
Inevitably, I am known to take a photo or two. As you will see from the photos below.
Photographed last year at the Sleep Event in London where they had some fantastic lighting such as this beautiful feathered pendant which creates a soft dreamy glow to the space.
Ever so simple, but completely apt for this barn style restaurant. I captured these at the weekend at our local garden centre.
Another photograph I took whilst at Sleep. “King Edison lamps” A small baroque chandelier sits inside a huge glass bulb.
I was drawn to this geometric shaped pendant whilst out on a friend’s birthday in London, I spotted through an office window.
I must confess that I didn’t take this particular photograph. My husband took it for me whilst attending The Legal Business Awards evening at The Grosvenor House Hotel this year. He knows how much I love lighting and sent me a photo of this amazing chandelier of which there are several. There is no denying how much they add to the grandeur and decadence of the hotel.
Lastly, I’ll leave you with a photo I took at the V&A. Its called the V&A Rotunda Chandelier which was created in 2001 by Chichuly and is part of a series. It is a real eye catcher with its richly coloured blown glass chandelier form. I adore how this chandelier plays with light, shadow and movement.
So when your next out and about, browsing through a magazine or the drinking in images of gorgeous interiors on the web, have a look for yourself and see how amazing lighting design can be. You never know, you may end up a “Lamp Spotter” like me ;)
2 Comments
As a fellow lamp spotter, I can happily say, I adore the one with a chandelier that is inside the glass bulb.
A wonderful blog and I look forward to more of your posts.
Its good to know there are other lamp spotters out there ;) I love the King Edison (chandelier lamp) too!
Thank you for your lovely words x