Take a tour around your home and the one thing you’ll find in every room is lighting. Be it the kitchen, the bedroom, a study or your living room, whatever the function of the space, at some point it will need to be lit. Not only is good lighting a necessity, but well-chosen designs can change the look and feel of a scheme at the flick of a switch. And in the same way that investing in the right handbag can make a simple outfit look a million dollars, beautiful lighting is an easy way to give any interior a boost.
Even in the spring and summer months, there will be north-facing areas that feel gloomy without proper lighting, and according to Lauren Quelch-Woolls, head of product at Neptune, a variety of sources that can be fine-tuned independently give a room the ability to transform from day to night all year round. ‘All our ceiling lights are compatible with dimmer switches, which are a necessity,’ she notes, ‘and our new table lamps have dimmers too, so the light can be adjusted to your preference or requirements.’
Good lighting is just as important in the brighter summer months as it is during winter, says design journalist Claudia Baillie, not least because a beautifully shaped or textured lamp brings both style and light to a room.
As well as offering such functionality, Neptune’s spring/summer 2024 lighting collection is crafted from a palette of natural materials including raffia and rattan, as well as shapely ceramics in glossy and textural finishes guaranteed to add richness and character to a space. ‘We were heavily inspired by the coast, but instead of obvious references, we wanted to create an organic collection that feels soothing and elemental,’ continues Lauren. ‘Scalloping is key, and we translated this trend in our own way, ensuring that our designs remain timeless rather than overly decorative.’
The Marina pendant, she says, is a highlight, as are the woven rattan Athena lamps and the new ribbed glass Malton lighting collection. The Caspian table lamp (available from May) is one of Lauren’s favourite designs. ‘The glaze is a beautiful deep green, and the uneven surface adds real movement.’
The coastal theme continues outside with the solid brass Emerson wall light with ribbed glass shade, which has recently been rated for exterior use. ‘The great thing is that the lights can all be styled in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens alike,’ says Lauren. ‘The pieces are incredibly versatile, and we can’t wait to see how people use them.’