We can’t stress enough how important lighting is, and what it can do to transform a space.

Today, we would like to give you a few tips on how to decorate with pendants. They are one of those components that us designers use to highlight, illuminate, create separation between rooms…it is a tool we use time and time again. Over kitchen islands, dining tables, coffee tables in the centre of the room, everywhere in fact!

We have major issues with lighting – the incorrect kind!  Just ask any of my old digsmates from our London Town days! I couldn’t cope with the laboratory-like lighting in our lounge. It was so harsh and sterile, and really created an uninviting environment to hang out in. The same can be said for lighting too dim; if you wanting to create a romantic atmosphere, that’s what candles are for! Carina is so obsessed with creating the perfect “ambiance” that she spends hours switching different lights on and off in her house. So yes, lighting is something we are intrinsically aware off!

One of our pet peeves is kitchen lighting, it is often so neglected when it comes to cool lighting. Any kitchen with an island looks amazing with a central pendant or row of them because it draws attention to the whole area. If you fancy giving your kitchen a quick update then do nothing more than adding a pendant, you will be amazed at how transformative it is. Pendants are not just for contemporary homes. If your home is more classical, take it one step further and go down the chandelier-ish route. Here at StylEAST we are big fans of the industrial pendant look, those juxtaposed against slick kitchen cabinetry really pops!

pendants above a kitchen island create interest and define the space
pendants above a kitchen island create interest and define the space (the piglet is cute too!)

The same goes for dining tables : Stick a pendant above and that area immediately becomes more distinct and a feature. Dimmers are crucial here so you can set the mood! (and disguise unappetising food in the shadows!) We love using pendants over bedside pedestals. They really frame a bed and make a feature out of it, and if you have a nice ceiling height in your room, it really enhances it.

pendants grouped over a dining table
pendants grouped over a dining table

Pendants don’t just have to go in  the centre of rooms. Over a console in the corner works equally as well as you can highlight and illuminate whatever is on it. Over a conversational area as well – the possibilities are endless! Pendants also look fabulous in a double volume area, as it really defines the space. Here you can have some fun and do a cluster, or else go large  and do something really dramatic. In  an open plan area, pendants can be your biggest tool in breaking up a space and defining different areas.

a pendant over a console table creates interest
a pendant over a console table creates interest – image courtesy of SOATA

There are so many pendants available out there. play with texture, it accentuates the feature and again, adds some interest to your space. It’s not all about glass, crystal and metal. Think beads, turned timber, leather thongs and ceramics. Willowlamp is a proudly South African company that designs and makes gorgeous pendant light fittings made from bath plugs chains! They very high up on our covet list here at Styleast HQ!

Willowlamp lights - these are made from bath plug chains
Willowlamp lights – these are made from bath plug chains

So there you are – decorating with pendants, game changers they are!

B+C

PS. Some more inspiring pictures below!

a country styled kitchen with pendant lights
a country styled kitchen with pendant lights
pendants over bed pedestals - image courtesy of site
pendants over bed pedestals – image courtesy of Site Interiors
pendants made from timber discs
pendants made from timber discs