I've been told that lighting makes or breaks a room but I don't know how to go about creating the right lighting. What do you suggest?
Advice from Liz:
Lighting is crucial to a room and in order to get that extra 'wow' factor lighting has to be right. Variety is key but you don't want to end up like Blackpool illumination, downlights positioned in different directions are good but not always an option.
Use uplighters concealed in attractive vases or pots - these will add a dramatic cast of light over a wall and can look good lighting up a plant. Table lamps add atmosphere but think about the lightbulbs you buy, it makes a difference between 40w and 60w - the latter is brighter. You can also buy metal plates that fit over the shade to make all the light cast down. Floor lamps are good too as they add height to a room and are great for reading.
If the room is only use in the evening you may want a more cosy feel and therefore softer lighting is more appropriate, so having a dimmer switch would give you that added flexibilty.
