STYLING Kate Nixon | PHOTOGRAPHY Maree Homer
When it comes to interiors, lighting plays a bigger role than you might think, writes Kate Nixon.
A powerful decorating tool, lighting has an innate ability to affect mood; get it wrong, and it can impact the overall success of an interior. A layered approach is key, combining overhead, accent and task lighting to create flexible solutions and ambience appropriate to the time of day and task at hand. Perimeter lighting in the form of decorative wall sconces or architectural style fittings along the edge of the ceiling or recessed into pelmets creates a gentle wash of light on walls, curtains and art, drawing the eye out and expanding the space. Sculptural pendants centre a room and define key areas such as the dining table, kitchen island bench, bedside tables or a statement bath. Table and floor lamps next to seating create conversation corners or quiet reading nooks – have fun with the shades and remember to hide the seams!
A table lamp is not just a source of illumination. It can form a sculptural element too, with both the base and shade adding shape and texture to a living room tableau. Wall sculpture by Tracey Deep.
About Space
Extensive range of decorative and architectural fixtures.
The Montauk Lighting Co
A line-up of the who’s who in lighting from the US.
Fanuli
Italian lighting with purpose and pedigree.
Articolo Lighting
Australian designed and made, internationally recognised lighting design studio.
In Good Company
A huge range of designer lines, including the lovely Workstead collection.
Est Lighting
Fabulous options to suit every space
Lighting has an innate ability to affect mood
PHOTOGRAPHY Maree Homer
STYLING Kate Nixon
Fresh ideas & easy updates
Lovely lighting options for ceilings, walls and brightening dark corners.
1 Mirela jute pendant light, Domayne; domayne.com.au
2 Aura wall sconce by Barbara Barry, The Montauk Lighting Co; montauklightingco.com
3 Glaze floor lamp, Casa by Kate Nixon; katenixon.com
4 Foscarini ‘Birdie’ floor lamp by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba, Space; spacefurniture.com.au
5 Mika table lamp, McMullin & Co; mcmullinandco.com
Kate Nixon for Australian House & Garden