Lighting Tips for the House & Garden with Sally Storey, Creative Director of John Cullen Lighting
SALLY STOREY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF JOHN CULLEN LIGHTING, IS PASSIONATE ABOUT LIGHTING AND HERE SHE SHARES WITH US A FEW VIEWS ON WHY GETTING YOUR LIGHTING DESIGN RIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT IN BOTH YOUR HOUSE AND GARDEN.
- How did you enter the world of lighting?
I have always loved natural light filtering through trees or reflecting in the water. As an architecture student, I wrote my thesis on lighting and I suppose by discovering more about its power, I became passionate about it even more. I met John Cullen as a second-year architecture student and was asked to design his showroom. John Cullen’s philosophy was that the product should disappear whilst the effect was key, but to achieve this one should never see the light source. With the latest technology this glare control is fundamental to the John Cullen Lighting brand.
- How does the lighting differ with interior and exterior spaces?
I apply the same principles of layered lighting but the techniques are different. Being able to combine a variety of different layers of light builds up the mood both internally and externally. Creating an even light whether inside or out is never the right approach. It is key to provide accents as this is where you create the drama whether you are lighting the centre of a coffee or dining table with a narrow beam of light or a sculpture at the end of a pergola.
- How important is decorative lighting in an outdoor space?
Using decorative lighting in the outdoor space is a innovative concept and definitely a new trend. It acts like a sculpture in the space and will always look best when combined with other architectural effects such as using Kew spiked spotlights or Hampton floodlights to softly light the surrounding area including planting and trees. When used in combination it is more powerful. The decorative effect would act as the hero but with architectural effects to complete the scheme. The combination provides the best effects whether inside or out.
Vesanto pendant by Cameron Design House
- What your favourite piece from Cameron Design House
Vesanto is my absolute favourite as I love its architectural shape. It is like a piece of sculpture that could almost sit on a plinth by itself either inside or out. It is very much the central focus of any space.
Kasvaa pendant by Cameron Design House
- What is the most important element to consider when lighting a garden?
Key when lighting a garden is to create a focus to draw the eye out and then build around that to add focus by providing soft infill lighting. What is really important in a small garden is to treat it like a room and in a larger garden, rather than light everything you need to pick out the key elements and just light them. A little light goes a long way at night and in the country particularly, you need less lighting than you might think.
- What is the biggest challenge when lighting a garden?
The most flexible solution in a garden is to use spiked lights but when the garden grows and changes across the seasons, the challenge is to reposition them to ensure you keep the best effects.
- What is your dream project?
A project with limitless project where one can explore the dream!
- What is next for John Cullen Lighting
Working more closely decorative manufacturers, such as Cameron Design House, to incorporate the key piece in a scheme to add the extra impact in the garden by combining the two forms of lighting. We will also be showcasing Cameron Design House's new Inari chandelier at our Kings Road showroom this Summer.
Visit www.johncullenlighting.com for more inspirational lighting tips and projects
Inari chandelier by Cameron Design House
Cameron Design House's Inari chandelier and Kasvaa pendant will be on display at the John Cullen Lighting showroom on the Kings Road this Summer - book an appointment here to discover the pieces in person.
