Ask The Experts
Ask the Expert: Meredith Ellis
We spoke to Texas-based interior designer, Meredith Ellis, about how lighting guides her design process and how it can be used to tie a space together.
Illuminate Your Home with Meredith Ellis
Texas-based interior designer, Meredith Ellis, is known for the soulful homes she designs through expert layering of pattern, texture and colour. Meredith is also the founder and owner of JAMES, a to-the-trade showroom with locations in Dallas, Houston and NYC.
We spoke to Meredith about how lighting guides her design process and how it can be used to tie a space together.
Where do you start when choosing lighting for a scheme?
Though I plan for lighting early in the design process, I typically select the actual pieces towards the end of scheming. Once I’ve selected all the fabrics and furniture, I then decide the appropriate lamp or lamps to adorn the space, as I now have a better idea of what the room requires, whether I am looking to add more punch of colour or design or opting for something quieter, like a solid.
How important is lighting when designing a room?
Lighting is important in every space. Aesthetically, it’s the period of a sentence. The finishing touches that make a room special. Functionally, it’s an important factor to provide adequate light for many different purposes, like a reading chair, or an Entry Hall where you want to provide a warm welcome to evening guests.
What are your favourite lighting pieces from our collection, and how have you used them in your own schemes?
I love all your bone lamps, specifically the Karni Mata Bone Inlay lamps. It’s a whimsical version of a classic column lamp. I’m also a huge fan of all the fabric lampshades and have probably used every one of them. My current favourite is the cream and blue flower pleated silk shade!
Something you’ve learned about lighting during your career as an interior designer.
Lighting from lamps is essential to make a room feel beautiful and complete. Thinking about where you will be placing lamps early in the planning stages of construction or remodelling is just as important as where you place your furniture. It ensures you have floor outlets or plugs in those essential spaces.
What are your top tips when it comes to choosing the right lamp base or shade for a room?
Ready to illuminate your home? Shop our Penny Morrison Lighting Collection today.
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