In Conversation with Emma Harrison

When designing a room for entertaining, what do people most often misunderstand about lighting - and how would you approach it differently?

I usually start by thinking about how space will be used, and where any guests would naturally gather. Often, you’ll find that the challenge isn't the lack of light, but how it's diffused throughout the room. 

A beautifully furnished room can feel surprisingly flat after dark when everything is lit at a similar level and equally, relying on one dominant light source can leave parts of the room feeling disconnected.

The direction and distribution of light are just as important as its brightness. A table lamp creates a comfortable pool of light around seating, while a wall light can intentionally draw attention to architectural details or surrounding materials.

You don't need every corner of a room to be lit equally. The contrast between brighter and softer areas creates depth and invites a more intimate atmosphere. It's also worth considering colour temperature across the scheme. I generally recommend around 2700K for an inviting, warmer ambience, keeping it consistent across fittings so the overall scheme feels cohesive.

How do materials, textures and shades influence the quality of light, and when would you choose a fitting that diffuses light over one that directs it?

It’s no surprise that the material of a decorative fitting influences how the light is diffused, reflected or directed, throughout the space, which in turn affects how it’s translated across the room. 

Alabaster, for example, has a natural translucency that allows light to pass through the stone, revealing subtle variations and creating a soft, diffused glow. Its thickness and natural mottled texture also influence how evenly the light is distributed.

I think a lot of people also don’t realise that with fabric shades, the lining is just as important as the outer material. For instance, both our Gold and Prosecco linings act as ‘black-out’ linings as they prevent light from passing through the shade, and direct it vertically instead. This differs from our Champagne and White linings as these allow light to pass through the fabric shade, as well as up and down. 

In general though, if you wanted to create a warmer appearance, our Champagne and Gold linings would work really well as they’ll diffuse the light with a slightly warmer colour tone. Our white lining allows for a brighter effect, as there’s no colour difference made from the lining itself. It’s these smaller choices and attention to detail that make a noticeable difference to how a fitting performs within a room.

How do you balance a statement fitting above a dining table with the practical demands of lighting faces, food and the wider room?

A generously proportioned pendant can create a strong focal point above a dining table, helping to define the area, particularly in an open-plan space.

But scale isn't the only consideration. I always start by looking at the fitting from a seated position. The depth of the shade and how the bulb is shielded can make a real difference to comfort, particularly when guests are looking towards one another across the table.

Light distribution matters here too. For example, a longer table may benefit from an elongated pendant or multiple light sources to achieve more even coverage, rather than concentrating all the light in one area. Where standard dimensions don't quite suit the space, I often get asked for a bespoke configuration or customised drop height. 

I also think that the pendant shouldn't have to do all the work. Wall lights or table lamps can provide a softer backdrop, keeping the dining table as the focus without leaving the rest of the room in darkness.

As the evening moves from guests arriving to dinner and after-dinner drinks, how can lighting help the atmosphere evolve? 

I often take inspiration from hospitality interiors, where lighting is designed to adapt to different stages of the evening, as it's an approach that works just as well at home.

I think about how guests move through a space. A table lamp on an entrance console creates a welcoming first impression, while the dining area becomes the focus during dinner. Later, softer lighting, like wall and floor lamps around seating areas can make the room feel more relaxed.

Being able to control different light sources independently is particularly valuable. Separate circuits or preset lighting scenes make it easier to adjust the atmosphere without changing every fitting individually. It’s with this in mind that all our lights are designed to be mains dimmable, giving greater flexibility when paired with compatible bulbs and controls.

Portable lighting is useful too. A small lamp on a drinks table or sideboard can introduce light exactly where it's needed, without changing the wider scheme.

With Christmas approaching, which lighting changes can make the biggest difference without rewiring and how can people judge what their room actually needs?

Just as before, I'd always start by considering how each space will be used. Even things like extending a dining table or introducing extra seating can change how the existing lighting works with the space, and sometimes things can feel off-kilter. A pendant that's perfectly positioned for everyday use, for example, might not provide the same coverage when the table is extended, or furniture has been repositioned. 

Christmas trees, candles and seasonal decorations introduce their own points of light, so reducing the surrounding lighting can help maintain balance and allow those details to stand out. 

If you're making a change, I'd choose something that works beyond Christmas. An additional table or floor lamp can bring light to a darker corner, while a well-positioned wall light can add depth and definition throughout the year. 

I'd also recommend reviewing the room after dark, especially from the positions where guests will actually be sat. It's the best way to identify unwanted glare, assess how different fittings work together and make any final adjustments that bring the scheme together.