Twilight of the Gods

After the winter solstice – which, whilst bringing us a radiant, golden autumn, also draws the curtain on the intimacy and cosiness of darkness – light regains its significance. Illuminating and lighting up spaces has become one of the most important design elements – both inside and around the house.

The reason for this is actually quite simple: whilst light cannot be touched, it lends rooms their distinctive character, creates an atmosphere like no other stylistic device, and imbues architecture with elegance and a sense of security. Light is – to put it simply – what makes a ‘home’.

Light also unfolds its full and unrivalled effect indoors. However, whilst outdoors it is often the brightness itself that takes centre stage, with indoor lights it is very much the design that tips the balance when choosing a particular model. As a result, indoor lights often take on fantastic forms, inspired by nature, materials or design classics from decades gone by.

Sometimes they are quite understated, placed on a small table or a sideboard to set the mood or provide reading light; at other times, they make a grand entrance with opulent proportions and plenty of glitz and glamour: The choice isn’t always easy, but it’s always important to take the room’s dimensions into account, as these set the tone to some extent for which light fits best where and for what purpose.

During viewings, it becomes clear time and again just how much light can transform a room. Two flats with identical layouts can look completely different. The key factor is whether a single ceiling light illuminates the whole space or whether light from multiple levels works in harmony. If you’re looking to sell or let a property, good lighting often goes further than a renovation. During the darker months of the year, it’s the best value investment you can make to create a good first impression.