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sharp unforgiving edges or warm up dull corners in what can sometimes initially feel like a featureless new build.


Smoothly dimmable


The dimmable versatility of the new LEDS is fast becoming one of their most well regarded fea- tures. With a tiny hand-held remote control, a smart phone (or even a universal tv remote), the ambience can be changed instantly without any- one even having to get up. Lights change smoothly and softly fading on or off, in an unob- trusive manner. As well as making everything look good,


some specialist dimmers save energy and increase the life of lamps too, so they are


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friendlier to the environment and to a domestic developers’ long-term budget. Dimming by 10 per cent will save 10 per cent on an energy bill, and the lamp will last twice as long. Dimming by 50 per cent saves 40 per cent electricity and increases the life of a lamp by 20 times. Lighting each and every room with different


With such a blank canvas, there really are endless ways to either play up the modernity of your new build or add a sense of aged character and cosiness


layers and levels gives more flexibility for differ- ent activities in the same room. By installing the latest dimmer technology that can have up to 10 pre-programmable scene settings in their new build, developers can create a home that almost seems to intuitively reflects their routines. So the cooking experience can segway into din- ing lighting seamlessly in open plan living areas, for example. Dimming the lights is the way to achieve cosy, romantic effects from the living room to the mas- ter bedroom. At the touch of a button, you can transform your living room in to a snuggly cin- ema room, or upgrade your bedroom to a romantic haven with flattering mood lighting.


Floating elements/ ] selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk


furniture If uber modern is the way a developer is leaning, light can be used behind shelves, headboards or in false ceiling to give structure and interest to an otherwise flat surface. By doing so, furniture can be made to appear to be floating in space – quite futuristic looking. This effect can add a stunning focal point to a room, providing a soft wash of light over of the floor, and therefore softening hard angles and surfaces. This type of lighting, takes up no floor space so is ideal in today’s smaller footprint properties.


Lighting niches


Lighting in purpose-made niches adds an extra dimension to a space, and provides depth, tex- ture and drama in otherwise bland spaces. The narrowest beam can create a dramatic pool of light to illuminate single objects in an alcove space or over a dining table. They can be lit from below or above, and will create a platform to highlight an object, plant or furniture if big enough. They are often used in bathrooms, behind the toilet or either side of the sink.


Lighting in stairs


Low level LED floor washers are practical for night lighting consuming minimal electricity, with- out risk of overheating, so are an understated way to light stairs. They can be very compact and either square, round or drop shaped. Warm white is best suited for low level lighting to render true floor colours when lit. With such a blank canvas there really are


endless ways to either play up the modernity of your new build or add a sense of aged char- acter and cosiness, but as mentioned at the beginning of the article, it needn’t be so daunt- ing. It should be invigorating, empowering even. It is a creative opportunity to create an unified harmonious marriage of contradictions, where even a hammered metal lamp with a dis- tressed finish looks enhanced next to a glossy white modern table with sleek modern chairs. The juxtaposition and contrast of old and new within the same new build or even the same room, can actually create an environment that’s respectful of the old while at the same time allowing the new to speak for itself and thus enhance and enrich the entire design statement.


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