The Art of Lighting: A Designer's Perspective

When researching our inaugural lighting collection, I started where I always start, with inspiration courtesy of my favourite (and very likely many of your favourite) designers! It's no secret that lighting is an essential element in interior design. Designers have long recognised its potential to transform a space and with an ever-growing array of lighting selections to choose from, understanding the right fixtures for your own space, from materiality to scale and shape, can be daunting. From ambiance to functionality, lighting can make or break the aesthetic and usability of a room. In this volume of Reveries, we'll explore the various types of lighting, examples of these types from our new collection and how some of our favourite interior designers have been using them to create truly jaw dropping spaces.

Ambient lighting sets the overall mood and atmosphere of a room. If done well, it provides soft, gentle and uniform illumination that fills the space, making it feel warm and inviting. Designers often use ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting to achieve this effect. Below are several examples of ambient lighting including some surprising uses of fixtures!

Task lighting is focused lighting that illuminates specific areas where tasks are performed, such as reading, cooking, working or just getting ready in the morning. Designers use under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, adjustable wall lamps and bathroom sconces to provide targeted illumination.

Accent lighting highlights specific design elements or features in a room, such as artwork, fireplaces, or architectural details. Designers use spotlights, track lighting, or picture lights to draw attention to these areas. If there's one thing we can say with the utmost confidence about our new collection, it's that where spotlights and picture lights are concerned, we've got you covered!

When selecting your fixtures think of the purpose that light will serve but don't get too hung up on the type of fixture. Sometimes using a fixture in an untraditional location or manner can be the unique 'wow' moment your room has been waiting for. We love how Jojo Barr from House Nine Design utilised the Muara outdoor wall light as ambient ceiling lighting in the following kitchen designs. Far more interesting that standard LED down lights!

Pendants are another great example of a fixture that is versatile and depending on the style and placement, can be used as ambient, task or accent lighting. Indoor or out, we've got a fabulous collection of diverse pendant lights to choose from.

We tend not to get too hung up on trends around here, preferring a more traditional approach to profiles, materials and finishes (shocker, I know!) but one trend we've noticed a lot lately that has peaked our interest is layered lighting. Designers are using a combination of lighting types to create a layered lighting effect, adding depth and visual interest to spaces. Some examples include wall-mounted bedside sconces layered with table lamps on the nightstands. It may seem like overkill but it certainly adds interest for the eye with the varying heights and textures.

Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design, and designers continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in this space. By understanding the different types of lighting and their applications, you can craft spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Whether it's ambient, task, accent, natural, or smart lighting, the art of lighting is an essential element in creating a cohesive and well thought out design scheme to any space. With the launch of our inaugural lighting collection, we could not be more excited to bring a new look to the lighting offerings in Australia and can't wait to see how you integrate them into your own homes!

Shop all the lights we've featured in this post!

Reznor Ceiling Light $289.00 Dramatic lighting for lower ceilings and smaller spaces, the Reznor Ceiling Light is a favourite for an entryway, laundry or powder rooms. A versatile design that will engage your eye with its clean lines and vintage flair, it looks great… read more Add to cart	Telal Ceiling Light $739.00 With a sophisticated design, the Telal Ceiling Light offers a contemporary and industrial look for your space. With the same profile as our Darya fixtures, the Telal collection offers an indoor only selection for those that do not require a… read more Add to cart	Evanston Ceiling Adjustable Spotlight $689.00 With its simple, functional design, the Evanston Adjustable Spotlight provides a striking alternative to traditional track or canned lighting. Intended to be ceiling mounted, the cylindrical brass body is industrial in nature and can be rotated in any direction to… read more Add to cart	Gadar Vintage Wall Light $399.00 The Gadar Vintage Wall Light brings together classic form and vintage-inspired detailing to create a piece that feels both functional and full of character. Crafted from solid brass and available in a variety of finishes, Gadar features a fluted glass… read more Add to cart
Tenby Wall Light $419.00 With traditional sophistication, the Tenby Wall Light creates a warm soothing glow when lit. This exquisite stylish wall light balances clean industrial lines with traditional charm to create a beautifully balanced lighting source. This light comes in 5 different finishes… read more Add to cart	Moya Adjustable Cone Wall Light $619.00 With a minimalist, industrial style, the Moya Adjustable Cone Wall Light is a convenient lighting choice that will give a vintage feel to your space. This adjustable wall light is perfect to suit in either side of a bed or… read more Add to cart	Kent Adjustable Spotlight $329.00 The Kent Adjustable Spotlight is a beautifully considered lighting piece that blends function with timeless design. Crafted from solid brass, Kent features a gently curved arm and an adjustable spotlight head, allowing you to direct light exactly where it’s needed.… read more Add to cart	Mono Railway Wall Light IP65 $799.00 Inspired by vintage European railway lighting, The Mono Railway Wall Light has a simple brass arm paired with a striking Holophane glass shade. This wall light is damp rated and ideal for bathroom illumination. … read more Add to cart
Accra Adjustable Spotlight $289.00 With a slim profile, the Accra Adjustable Spotlight was designed for lighting small areas. This industrial spotlight looks great in a row over kitchen worktops or highlight a treasured picture or object. Very versatile, this brass spotlight is fully adjustable,… read more Add to cart	Belfast Picture Light 50.5cm $759.00 The Belfast Picture Light is a modern take on a classic design that adds a unique sophistication to interiors. This vintage picture light casts a welcoming and intriguing illumination that draws attention to specific areas or objects within a room and… read more Add to cart	Dublin Picture Light 50.5cm $669.00 The Dublin Picture Light is a timeless piece designed to highlight and elevate the details within your home. Crafted from solid brass, its streamlined, horizontal form casts a soft, even light — perfect for illuminating artwork, shelving or architectural features.… read more Add to cart	Dublin Picture Light 60.5cm $990.00 The Dublin Picture Light is a timeless piece designed to highlight and elevate the details within your home. Crafted in an antique brass finish, its streamlined, horizontal form casts a soft, even light — perfect for illuminating artwork, shelving or… read more Add to cart
Muara Outdoor Wall Light IP65 $599.00 The Maura Wall Light is where durability meets understated design — a refined take on classic bulkhead lighting. Crafted from solid brass and finished with a protective grille over a frosted glass diffuser, Maura offers both form and function in… read more Add to cart	Rio Pendant $890.00 With a chic, industrial the Rio Pendant combines unique design with minimalist effect to effortlessly accent any space. It features a matching brass ceiling rose with a black, braided cable secured to a brass lamp holder using a cord grip. … read more Add to cart	Bousta Holophane Pendant Light $990.00 The Bousta Holophane Pendant Light strikes a perfect balance between vintage industrial and modern aesthetics. This pendant has a diffuser across the bottom opening and looks fabulous as a solo light above a table or in multiples above a kitchen… read more Add to cart	Mira Nautical Pendant Light IP65 $1,590.00 The Mira Nautical Pendant Light has a distinct maritime feel with its metal shade and nautical-style brass enclosure. It is rated IP65 and can be installed in most bathroom and outdoor locations. It's distinct character makes it a perfect feature… read more Add to cart