In the ever-evolving world of interior design, lighting is the unsung hero that can truly transform a space. As we navigate through the realm of contemporary aesthetics, three prominent trends have risen to the forefront, capturing the essence of elegance and timelessness: alabaster, brass and bronze tones, and opal glass globes.
Alabaster, with its ethereal translucence, has become a focal point in lighting design. Its soft, diffused glow imbues spaces with a sense of warmth and serenity, making it an ideal choice for creating inviting atmospheres in hospitality settings. Paired with the richness of brass and bronze tones, this trend exudes opulence and sophistication. These metallic hues, whether in fixtures or accents, add a touch of luxury while maintaining an air of approachability.
Opal glass globes, reminiscent of vintage charm, offer a contemporary take on nostalgic lighting. Their milky, diffused glow softens the ambiance and creates an aura of understated elegance. These globes seamlessly complement a variety of interior styles, from minimalist to traditional, making them a versatile choice for any space.
The convergence of these trends has resulted in lighting fixtures that blend classic elements with modern sensibilities. Their ability to transcend transient fads and maintain relevance in changing times speaks to their enduring appeal. Whether you’re looking to infuse your space with an air of sophistication or seeking a harmonious balance between old and new, these lighting trends—alabaster, brass and bronze tones, and opal glass globes—offer a captivating journey into the world of design possibilities, allowing you to curate an ambiance that resonates with both the past and the present.
Bathroom lighting does differ from lights that we use in every other room in the home. The reason for this is that the electrical components need to be protected from splashes and steam.
IP rating is a system which allows us to easily identify the level of protection the electrical components within our lighting has against solid particles and water.
Summarised with 2 figures, the first relates to dust or solid particles and dust. The second figure relates to the water and steam protection.
The below chart summarises the IP ratings.
Therefore, bathroom lights should be a minimum of IP44 rated to be used safely in bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms.
Bathroom zones are a way of segmenting the likelihood that water could enter the electrics of a light.
Bathroom zone 0 would be an area where special submersible lights were used. The rest of the bathroom falls under IP44.
Bathroom zones one and two are areas where splashes are likely to occur.
Please visit our specification guide for any more information regarding bathroom lighting, or get in touch with our Sales Office to discuss any project requirements.
Neon signs have become a huge interior design and social media trend recently and there are no signs of this slowing down any time soon. R&S Robertson are pleased to offer a bespoke service allowing limitless possibilities. The below top tips have been compiled to help you design and specify the perfect neon light for your project. Visit our specification guide for more information.
Historically, neon lighting consisted of brightly glowing, electrified glass tubes or bulbs that contained rarefied neon or other gases.
Our neon lights are made using high quality LED neon flex which costs considerably less than glass neon. Neon LED flex is lightweight, easily portable, highly durable, and due to its flexible nature can be manipulated to virtually any shape. Neon LED flex is also more eco-friendly when compared to the traditional methods.
Due to the highly custom nature of the product the first step in specification would be to have a concept idea ready to submit to our Sales Office. This can range from simply text in a standard font, a shape, an emoji or your company logo – the possibilities are limitless.
Our neon signs can be produced in any size you wish however we may need to split into multiple custom lengths for more economical costs and shipping. Our Sales Office will be able to advise this prior to ordering.
Our LED neon is available in 18 different colours – please see our specification guide for more information. Something to consider is not only the colour you want the neon to be when illuminated, but also when there is no power. Many of our LED neon flex appear white when switched off so it is important to note this when designing your bespoke item.
Our signs can be produced with rectangular, cut-around or cut-to-letter acrylic backboards.
If you would like any assistance with specifying a bespoke neon sign please get in touch with our Sales Office who will be happy to help.
Changing your lampshade is the perfect way to update an interior design space on a budget. R&S Robertson are pleased to offer a bespoke service allowing limitless possibilities. The below top tips have been compiled to help you design and specify the perfect partner for your contract lighting. Make sure you check out our specification guide for more information.
Lampshades can be round, square, straight sided, tapered, oval, rectangular or semi-circular. When picking the shape of a lampshade it is important to consider the base you are pairing it with. These could geometrically complement for example a cylindrical table lamp with a drum or empire shade. Or matching square shades with fittings that have square bases. Alternatively, you can mix and match shapes – the choice is yours.
The size of the lampshade is equally important when considering the design. Each style of lamp will benefit from different designs, however for standard contract table lamps we would recommend the lampshade bases be 300-350mm wide and the height around half that of the lamp base. Alternatively, floor lamps would benefit from a shade width of around 400-450mm
Lampshades can be made in virtually any colour and from a range of fabrics. These include but are not limited to chintz, silks, velvets, linens, leathers, papers and cords. When choosing a fabric it is important to consider the existing textures and colour palette in the space whether the goal be to complement or contrast finishes. Each material can be applied in various ways to produce shades which are plain, pleated, patterned, or to have rolled or self/contrasted edges, allowing secondary interior colours to be pulled into the design.
A white shade lining is used as standard, however if you were looking for a more luxurious appeal for a statement piece you can select from gold, copper or silver linings. You can also add diffusers, crystal droplets or fringes to your lampshades to further elevate the design.
If you would like any assistance with specifying new lampshades please get in touch with our Sales Office who will be happy to help.
