The elegant touches that turn a home into a palace

Yorkshire Post - 23rd April 2008 - Life & Style Section: Homes

Interiors

"You dont need to spend a fortune to give your home a touch of glamour. Just choose some key peices that work with that youve already got for interiors fit for a star", says Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall

In my last column, I discussed creating a lavish look starting with the use of silks and pasmenterie. This week I consider how to complete the finish with occasional furniture and lighting.

Obviously, your large items (beds, sofas, etc) will be your statement pieces however, your occasional furniture (side tables or small book cases) will subtly enhance the luxurious statement.

Review all items in your room and ensure that they fit with the theme you are aiming to create whether this is a totally traditional room or the juxtaposition of new and antique pieces for an eclectic modern feel. Executed carefully, the latter will work well in both a modern or traditional environment.

Stick to quality pieces and ensure that there are links between your furniture, either in colour and tone or elements of design, so the overall look is complementary. It is better to include a few well chosen favourite pieces and add to them over the years, than to fill a room with choices that compromise your design because they were cheaper or you already owned them. Be ruthless with occasional furniture, remove items if they do not fit in with the scheme and either store for use in a future project or sell them for someone else to enjoy.

Andrew Martin’s Essential Collection includes some incredible pieces such as the Winston Side Table (£295) or the Geometric Square Table Lamp (£595) which are truly pieces of contemporary art! In contrast, Iain James of Nottingham handcraft beautiful cabinetry in more traditional designs that are sure to be future heirlooms. A particular favourite is their Revolving Drum Table, which acts as both side table and miniature home library (£1,100). For a retro twist consider John Reeves’ Lacquer tables from Osborne & Little made from sustainable source American walnut with glorious funky coloured tops from £345.

Lighting is always critical as it both creates and changes the ambience of a room. Your choice of lighting should enhance the feel of glamour and decadence in your room. To complete a luxurious look, consider lighting as a form of interior sculpture and spend money to effectively acquire an additional piece of art.

These days, ceiling lights must be aesthetically pleasing and not just practical as they should be making a “wow” statement, rather than merely providing functional light. Nothing sets the heart racing more than a beautiful antique chandelier, especially when placed in a modern environment as a challenging contrast. Retailers, such as Designers Guild, and Interior Designers are now able to offer restored antique chandeliers or even to customise antique chandelier frames to include crystals that are specific to your requirements (creating a different look for the chandelier and altering the light patterns cast). Prices can start from as little as £200 depending on size and style.

Table or reading lamps create pools of light (or simply help you to read a book!). They avoid the use of harsh overhead lighting to ensure that your atmosphere remains calm and muted. Porta Romana’s Bronzed Man Lamp (from £773) and William Yeoward’s Alfie Lamp (from £1,250) would not look out of place in a modern art gallery: whilst Artemis Design have a wonderful range of lamps including items by American designer Barbara Barry, such as the Socialite Table Lamp in Soft Silver, that are truly individual (from £210).

Creating a luxurious finish is a serious business, but a classic design will stand the test of time. Therefore, it should always be considered a longer term investment to create a thing of beauty for you to enjoy.

Jamie Hempsall is a leading Interior Designer. See more of his work at www.jamiehempsall.com or to visit his showroom contact him on 01777 248463.