Present2Sell - Devon Today Feb 2008
Lighting the Way
Clever use of lighting is an effective way to improve our interiors. This is especially so when preparing our homes for sale at this time of the year, when the evenings are still dark, so ensure your house number can be easily seen at night and that the path to the front door is well lit - if not, invest in some solar powered lamps to edge it.
Lighting should always relate to the use of the space so for maximum flexibility have light sources at varying heights and intensities, choosing modern low-energy light bulbs that cast a warm yellow light, in preference to the cooler fluorescents. Use table and standard lampshades to underline your interior style - black or chocolate coloured silk for drama - natural, textured material such as sisal for a cooler, contemporary look.
Lighting is a quick and easy way to create a focal point. For example, to draw the eye to a pretty armchair on a plain landing, just place a standard lamp with a downlight behind it. This distracts from the lack of interest and provides viewers with a visual holding point while the transition is made into a new room.
Consider not only where the light falls, or how it's reflected, but also how it creates shadows. So, as well as placing attractive and reflective objects within the light fall, it's just as useful to enliven a quiet corner by uplighting, for example, the foliage of a large plant to create dramatic shadows.
