INTERIOR INSPIRATION
BY KATE KINGSTON
Kate Kingston , Managing Director of Kingston Shaw , an award winning interior design company with offices on the Wirral , London and Dubai , shares with us the latest trends for creating the perfect home .
LET ’ S BE CRYSTAL CLEAR - A GUIDE TO CHANDELIERS
Who doesn ’ t love a sparkly , reflective hanging piece of decorative glass ? I for one have had a hidden passion for all things chandelier but I have never used them in an obvious , let ' s put it in the middle of the room kind of way . Throughout the centuries , the chandelier has gained a reputation as probably the most popular decorative object . Since its beginnings , it was a symbol of triumph and social standing . The name itself was a synonym for luxury , power , and class .
3 . Over a Bed Side Table
Nothing more glamorous than having a chandelier in a bedroom so why not have two over the bedsides and double the glamour ?
The word ‘ chandelier ’ originates from the French word ‘ chandelle ’ meaning candle . The earliest chandeliers were of simple design : two wooden beams forming a cross , with spikes at the end to retain candles made of animal fat .
It was the expense of good quality candles made chandeliers exclusive luxury items from their conception . They were first used in Europe at the end of the 9th century by the Church and soon afterwards in castles and royal palaces .
In the 18th century , the evolution of the chandelier continued . Some of the most exclusive were the ones made from Venetian Murano glass . Developments in glass manufacturing meant that lead crystal was able to be produced relatively cheaply , leading to the expansion in popularity of the crystal chandelier .
Lead crystal was more brilliant and transparent and more easily shaped , since it was softer than Venetian glass . Impressive all-crystal chandeliers with magnificent forms started to appear announcing the golden age of the chandelier . This is the period when innovator Daniel Swarovski started producing cut stones for ornate crystal chandeliers .
4 . Outside
How beautiful to bring your crystal in to the garden , just make sure that it has the right fittings and is installed by a professional !
Here are my tips for these precious opulent vessels of light :
Some of my favourites to purchase now :
1 . Over a bath
A more romantic and indulgent site for a crystal light source there never was , just ensure that it is a light fixture that can be installed in a bathroom , no one likes a shock !
2 . Over the Kitchen Island
There are extractor fans that look like chandeliers but an off set glass structure can add a note of whimsy and elegance to a kitchen .
KARTEL BLOOM LIGHT BUSTER AND PUNCH HERO
NEXT FLORA LIGHT
SWEETPEA AND WILLOW
wirrallife . com 51