Take a Twist on a Lampshade

Written By Frances Healy

We all know the importance of creating practical and ambient levels of lighting in our homes and choosing a lampshade may seem like an easy task but there are three things which need consideration when making a decision – the décor of your room, the style of the lamp and what the purpose is – bright light or mood light.

Lampshades are a fabulous way of introducing a pop of bright colour into an otherwise understated room - the cylindrical “Kentika” ceiling shades have been given the coloured shade treatment and bring a new dimension to the neutral paint colours on the ceiling and walls. I’ve taken the same approach with the Salperton wall light in silver and colourful rectangular box shade, bringing life to the space.

While you don’t need to worry too much about matching with existing colours and materials in the way you would with curtains and carpets, pattern and colour will help to co-ordinate your lighting with the whole scheme adding depth and interest, think outside the box, cream and simple have a place, but there is more fun to be had!

The simple antique metal lamp base is brought to life with this oval shade finished in one of the many available “Ikat” fabrics, which is set off by the orange walls.

Simple bases can be enhanced with colourful, patterned or unusual shaped shades - small patterns can upgrade the character of a simple base.

The plain simple glass base dressed with a printed decorative paper card shade picks out the subtle colour from the curtains behind.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match your bases and shades and enquire about bespoke options, with an abundance of gorgeous fabrics to choose from why just play safe, when you can have something far more beautiful and unique!

Frances
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Cylindrical “Kentika” ceiling shades by Stéphane Davidts

Antique lamp base with Turnell & Gigon fabric shade

Salperton wall light by Porta Romana

Paper lampshade by Rosi de Ruig

Interior Design Director Frances Healy

Frances Healy
Interior Design Director
Frances Healy Interiors Ltd

About the Author: Frances Healy, Interior Design Director, Frances Healy Interiors Ltd

Frances has spent her entire career working in premium luxury residential properties across the whole of the UK and also into mainland Europe, the United States and Caribbean. Having completed Art School, Frances joined Charles Hammond Ltd on Sloane Street in London where she carried out her apprenticeship working as a junior member of one of the Design Teams. Her experience in classic period houses and riverside apartments during the 1980’s and 90’s within London and the luxurious country estates of the home counties, gave her a training, knowledge and address book, which is still with her today.

Returning to her home in the South West 20 years ago, Frances now heads up her own Interior Design business where she can still be found in prestige properties in the exquisite seaside towns of Salcombe, Fowey, St Mawes and Rock or high on the moors of Bodmin and Dartmoor still working her magic, still loving her trade and making many, many old and new clients very, very, happy.

Frances lives in the Southern Tamar valley right on the border between Devon and Cornwall with her husband and their beloved spaniel Barney. Weekends will be spent boating, walking the beaches (come rain or shine) or pottering in her greenhouse.

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