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Home
Spotlight On
Beautiful Homes
Meet The Team
Behind the Name
Our Showrooms
Visit Jim Lawrence Website
Made By Us
  • Home
  • Spotlight On
  • Beautiful Homes
  • Meet The Team
  • Behind the Name
  • Our Showrooms
  • Visit Jim Lawrence Website
  • Made By Us
Jim Lawrence Blog - Jim Lawrence Blog
Spotlight On

Spotlight On | Sara & Dan of The CONTENTed Nest

Stylist, art director and author, Sara Bird is highly skilled in the world of interiors with a keen emphasis on sustainability. A flair for storytelling woven through her work, Sara has styled many beautiful photoshoots for all your favourite home magazines. Teamed with award-winning interiors photographer Dan Duchar, they make up two halves of The CONTENTed Nest. We caught up with Sara and Dan to find out how two professionals approach the styling of a real home, and how best to embrace the ethos of thoughtful decorating.

Sara and Dan, welcome to the Style Journal. Can you tell us a bit about how you both got into the world of interiors?

S: I was always interested in interiors, even as a child, and went on to study architecture at University. It was always the designers who thought about the whole home and not just walls who I was drawn to. William Morris and the Arts & Crafts were a massive influence on me, not just for their artisan and authentic approach, but their designs were very much about how they would be used on a human level. During my early career I managed to secure work experience at Homes & Gardens, and then a position in the press and marketing team at Sanderson and Morris & Co, which meant I was introduced to the world of styling and interior shoots.

D: I started out as a food photographer, and I’d gone into a magazine to show my portfolio. They really liked my lighting and asked if I would be interested in applying that style to interiors. They made it very clear it was a different discipline. I changed direction, did tests, and put together a new portfolio and went from there. I loved it.

Where did the concept for The CONTENTed Nest come from and how long have you been working together?

S: We’ve been working together for over six years now creating photographic stories and campaigns for makers and brands. We realised pretty early on we had the same vision for crafting images, but for us it is also the behind-the-scenes narrative and detail which we love to incorporate whether it is the about a setting, a skill, a style or vision. Sharing what makes a person or company ’tick’ through an image is very rewarding and we’ve got to know many amazing creatives along the way.

You touch on the concept of ‘slower styling’ in your book Home For The Soul, what does it mean to curate a more mindful living space?

S: Interiors will always have trends and new looks, but curating a home is very different to repeat redecoration. Living somewhere gives us the chance to gradually create our own style, make it unique and bespoke to how we live and how we feel when we are at home. Slower styling allows us the time to curate this look, to blend what we inherit with gradually gathered finds and new buys, so everything sits comfortably together in our own individual style.

In the past few years there has been a real shift in attitudes towards more sustainable practice like this. How can we all implement these positive and conscious changes in the everyday home?

D: I’ve always adopted things early both with new technology and practises but as with most things it’s so easy to cast off old things without a thought. Far better to invest in something over time.

S: It is true about small changes making the biggest difference. Switching to refills and reusables, recycling, and revamping, learning to re-love rather than remove, or if one is buying then purchase for longevity. For myself I’ve really started to think about how best I can re-use something.

When you are styling a beautiful scene for a magazine or brand there is a particular shot in mind. In the age of Instagram many people are viewing their own homes in this way too. How can you apply careful curation to an area of the home without it looking too staged?

S: The trick with styling, particularly home styling, is that it has to feel like someone could live or be there, like someone has just left the scene. There will always be a place for certain formal styling but for the home it’s the imperfections which make the shot.

Lighting is everything. Do you have a formula you stick to when it comes to illuminating a space? 

D: I’m a firm believer in not forcing light into a room. If you’ve not got a light bright airy home, go with a darker moodier colour to create a far more atmospheric and interesting home. For shoots, I always light things to make them feel as natural as possible.

S: Lighting a room has many subtleties and layers to getting it right. I always consider how a room might be used, what atmosphere I want to create and how flexible the lighting needs to be. Ambient lighting works best if it is dimmable. I like to use task lighting and decorative lighting to create zones in a room. Accent lighting needs to be really considered and used in measured manner to illuminate just the right amount of distinctive decorative elements or spaces.


The latest edition to your book series Retreats For The Soul came out this year, why do you think it’s so important that we explore spaces other than our own homes? Can we make our own homes feel like a luxury retreat?

S: For me it is more about having the luxury of a retreat rather than a luxury retreat. Busy lives, extreme stresses, everyday worries can build and manifest and to be able to leave these to one side for a moment is a great comfort. Having this escape place, or retreat, is a simple way to find your own place to just ‘be’ in your own terms and fill the time doing whatever you want to do, even if it’s nothing!

 

Your lovely books are bursting with inspiration for your readers, but do you have a personal go-to source for when you need to ignite that creative spark?

S: The books have been a pleasure to work on with Dan. As content creators we have a shared interest in looking around and behind the scenes of historical properties or places of special interest advocating artisan making methods and traditional techniques. These aspects of the work are what inspires me the most.

D: We often seek inspiration from history – I love the National Trust and visiting their properties for ideas.

Finally, a few quickfire questions…

What is your top tip for making a house a home?

D: Take your time to decorate.

S: And don’t worry about what anyone else thinks about your decisions. It is your place to style it to create your happy place.

What has been your favourite project to date?

S: I’m enormously proud of the books and meeting the people behind the homes, gardens, and retreats. Work wise and shoots in general, I think my favourite part is always working with the people behind the brand and designs. Understanding what makes them tick and how they feel about something they have created just lights up a project and packs it with meaning. I’m a softie for a good old story, be that how something came about or how it was made.

We must ask…what’s your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

S: Can I stretch this to products!! I’m obsessed with your door furniture, the locks in particular which I think must come from the crossover to my architectural study days. They are beautiful but oh so functional and designed to be touched and used. If I had to drill down to just one item, it would be the rim lock with the mews handle. It’s stunning.

What are you most excited for in 2023?

S: 2023 so far has seen us launch our new book Retreats for the Soul, which has been very exciting. It’s published worldwide and hearing such lovely feedback from home and abroad has been humbling and really satisfying.  We also have shoots in the pipeline with favourite brands of old and new partnerships in the making and to work with these design teams always is a highlight.

To explore Sara’s styling work follow Sara on Instagram at @sara_bird_stylist, and discover the beautiful escapes uncovered by @thecontentednest, captured beautifully by @danduchars. All the CONTENTed nest books are published by Ryland Peters & Small available in all good book shops. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us at @jimlawrencemade. Browse our website to see all our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

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Welcome to the Jim Lawrence Style Journal.

We are a British interiors company creating beautiful lighting, ironwork and home furnishings from our Suffolk workshop.

This is where we share ideas that we love, show sneak peeks behind the scenes of our brand and offer a unique insight into classic design.

jimlawrencemade

Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home
Designed to bring both style and function to areas Designed to bring both style and function to areas that need task lighting, our range of articulated designs are easily adjustable with a simple tweak of their elegant arm, providing focused light right where you need it.⁠
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Our kitchen wall lights come in a range of painted colours, brass, copper tones, and cool metallic finishes to suit every style of home. To explore the full extent of our collection, tap this image of our Articulated Club Wall Light styled by @jessicamjmurray.
Introducing our new Hundon bathroom light. ⁠ ⁠ Introducing our new Hundon bathroom light. ⁠
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The hand-blown opal glass shade is made by our partners at Suffolk Glass, and rests on an antiqued brass bracket with a curved plate. Designed to enhance the glow and even distribution of light, this art deco look creates a tranquil setting, perfect for achieving an intimate and relaxing ambience in the bathroom. ⁠
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Tap the images via the link in our bio to shop the look.⁠
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Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled pati Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled patina is perfect for emphasising the warm glow of candlelight, a crackling fire and the soft pools of light cast by table and floor lamps, adding to a feeling of warmth and sanctuary.⁠
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We love working with this honest natural metal because it is a living finish, elevating any room, complementing building materials and pairing with all colours so that though trends may come and go, the timeless quality of brass endures.⁠
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“Autumn is a time to hunker down and embrace a sense of comfort,” says Sheena Lawrence, Co-Founder and Director at Jim Lawrence. “Creating that cosy, calming atmosphere is all about layering light using a blend of wall lights, lamps, and candlelight to soften the room as the evenings draw in.”⁠
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Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks with this sentiment at their heart 🍂⁠
Whether signalling a vacant room to the travel wea Whether signalling a vacant room to the travel weary, used to communicate between ships, or to signal railroad operations, lanterns have always been a symbol of connection: sending a message of comfort in the form of light across the night.⁠
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Perfectly placed in houses that lean into a more period style, this traditional look still triumphs today, like our Bonham lantern in this beautiful character property, a former Grocer's in Lewes, shot by @claire.waddell for @inigo.house. ⁠
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To get the look or explore our full collection of lanterns, tap this image via the link in our bio.
Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled pati Our signature antiqued brass with its rumbled patina is perfect for emphasising the warm glow of candlelight, a crackling fire and the soft pools of light cast by table and floor lamps, adding to a feeling of warmth and sanctuary.⁠
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We love working with this honest natural metal because it is a living finish, elevating any room, complementing building materials and pairing with all colours so that though trends may come and go, the timeless quality of brass endures.⁠
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"Autumn is a time to hunker down and embrace a sense of comfort,” says Sheena Lawrence, Co-Founder and Director at Jim Lawrence. “Creating that cosy, calming atmosphere is all about layering light using a blend of wall lights, lamps, and candlelight to soften the room as the evenings draw in."⁠
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Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks with this sentiment at their heart 🍂⁠
Transform your doorways into a feature you can adm Transform your doorways into a feature you can admire up close with our vast collection of interior and exterior door furniture. Made from solid brass or forged iron, each piece is crafted by expert hands, ensuring that you can feel the quality when they are held in yours.⁠
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Tap the link in our bio to explore all of our door handles and accessories 🚪⁠
Make a wreath with us! Book a spot on our wreath m Make a wreath with us! Book a spot on our wreath making workshop on Thursday 11th December and join us at the Jim Lawrence Walcot Street showroom in Bath.⁠
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Led by florist Jade from Cottontail Flowers, you will design and decorate your own luxurious wreath to take home.⁠
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Places are £85 per person and includes:⁠
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-Delicious refreshments of mince pies and prosecco.⁠
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces.⁠
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day.⁠
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Tap the tickets button via the link in our bio to buy your ticket today 🍃
We love plug-in lights because they offer one of t We love plug-in lights because they offer one of the easiest and most effective ways to instantly add layers of light to any room. ⁠
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Whether you're creating a cosy atmosphere for a dinner party in the kitchen or brightening up a study or craft room, plug-ins are a simple, stylish solution. They're especially ideal for spaces without built-in wiring - like lofts, landings, and dim corners - or for renters and students who can’t make permanent changes but still need that extra bit of light.⁠
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Tap this image of our Clay Carrick via the link in our bio to shop plug-ins for every room of the house.
Based in Huon Valley, Tasmania, @eliskasharp is a Based in Huon Valley, Tasmania, @eliskasharp is a creative photographer capturing beautiful places, including the four walls of her own home, 'Glenlossie'. ⁠
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We were delighted to spot some of our favourite pieces styled throughout Eliska’s property, each one captured with her discerning eye and thoughtful composition. Both in our signature antiqued brass, the Hurricane Candle Sconce and the popular Carrick plug-in bring further warmth to these lovely layered spaces.⁠
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Made with English craftsmanship, but perfectly at home in interiors of all kinds around the world, our designs can be adapted for many needs. Please do get in touch with us directly with any enquiries. Discover more at jim-lawrence.co.uk.
Autumn is the season for gathering. With the eveni Autumn is the season for gathering. With the evenings drawing in, it’s a time to savour shared meals over the slow burn of candlelight and to soak up the comfort of good company.

Nowhere in the home captures the spirit of the season more than the dining table, and considered tablescaping and lighting design makes these moments even more memorable. With foraged foliage, gently rustic linens, and the warm patina of antiqued brass, you can infuse the beauty of autumn into the everyday.

Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🍂
Autumn is the season for gathering. With the eveni Autumn is the season for gathering. With the evenings drawing in, it’s a time to savour shared meals over the slow burn of candlelight and to soak up the comfort of good company.⁠
⁠
Nowhere in the home captures the spirit of the season more than the dining table, and considered tablescaping and lighting design makes these moments even more memorable. With foraged foliage, gently rustic linens, and the warm patina of antiqued brass, you can infuse the beauty of autumn into the everyday.⁠
⁠
Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🍂⁠
Book a spot on our first wreath making workshop on Book a spot on our first wreath making workshop on Sunday 7th December and join us at the Jim Lawrence Suffolk showroom in Hadleigh. 

Led by florist Amy from The Flower Shop at Kersey Mill, you will design and decorate your own luxurious wreath to take home.

Places are £85 per person for a group of up to 12 people and includes:

-Delicious refreshments of mince pies and prosecco.
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces.
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day.

Tap the tickets button via the link in our bio to buy your ticket today 🍃
Our fireside collection is crafted in Suffolk usin Our fireside collection is crafted in Suffolk using traditional ironwork techniques: simple, elegant, and made to last.⁠
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Fire tongs offer a refined way to safely and effortlessly tend your fire, combining modern country style with practical function. The Elmsett & Portland Fire Tongs are crafted from solid steel and finished in durable matt black to match your other Jim Lawrence home accessories.⁠
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Explore our fire place accessories and companion tools by visiting jim-lawrence.co.uk
Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet cor Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet corner of the sofa, having a comfortable nook at home is an autumn–winter essential.⁠
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This season, enjoy the gentle flicker of candlelight as the evenings settle in, curled beneath the comforting weight of a woollen throw.⁠
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No matter how you style your space, a scented candle is the finishing touch that brings it all together. We’ve chosen the Charles Farris Scented Candle in 'Elizabeth' to complete this cosy corner. Its blend of orange blossom, jasmine, bergamot, and mulberries evokes the richness and fruitfulness of the season.⁠
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Shop the full look (and scent) by tapping the Autumn Reflections button in our bio 🍂
As night falls, it's a comfort coming home to an i As night falls, it's a comfort coming home to an inviting glow from the house. With us, you'll find the right outdoor lighting to make that welcome even warmer.⁠
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Handcrafted from antiqued brass with a hand-blown glass shade and industrial-style cage, our bestselling Wall Mounted Ship's Light is inspired by vintage deck lights once found on ocean liners.⁠
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Perfect for porches, gardens, and outbuildings, this timeless design is carefully crafted in our Suffolk workshops. Like all our lights, it's made with an eye for detail and quality that lasts. ⁠
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Explore more outdoor lighting options at jim-lawrence.co.uk.
Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and long Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and longer evenings with rich textures, gentle lighting, and thoughtful details.⁠

We lean to warmer russets within our accessories this season, reaching for Burnt Orange velvet for its depth of colour and richness, and contrasting it with Mole for a soothing soft grey embrace that brings balance.

Paired with the natural softness of wool and relaxed weave of linen, the setting creates a modern rustic look that feels both grounded and inspiring.

From scented beeswax candles, handblown glass vases, and the soothing tones of beeswax and matt black, each piece brings texture and character to the home, inviting you to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the wind-down to winter.

Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🍂
Our bestselling glass domed shades are now availab Our bestselling glass domed shades are now available with Matt Black fittings. ⁠
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Available in two sizes - the Chalford and Walcot - this ceiling light can be hung in a row above an island, or suspended solitarily as a statement piece. Both are supplied with our Fordham Ceiling Rose and a matching flex, and the Chalford with a discreet chain to support the weight of the larger shade.⁠
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Because we like to help you achieve your perfect look, whilst each design comes with a fixed flex length, these can be easily shortened on installation. Should you require a longer drop, our pendant length guide is available on the relevant product pages, offering clear instructions for customising the length to your needs.⁠
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Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to shop each look.⁠
For many years now we have teamed up with @lovatmi For many years now we have teamed up with @lovatmill, based in the Scottish Border town of Hawick and known as the Home of Tweed; where the artisan craftsmen follow in the footsteps of generations of Tweed makers to create beautiful contemporary fabrics.⁠
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Taking inspiration from the rich colours of the surrounding countryside, Lovat Mill design and weave wool of the highest quality. Their fabrics incorporate between five and forty individual colours to produce a range of herringbones and checks that will add subtle reflections of the natural world to your home interior.⁠
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Our throws from Lovat Mill are cosy additions to your beds, sofas, and armchairs, bringing true heritage style to your scheme in a choice of beautiful colours. Discover more at jim-lawrence.co.uk
Such is the popularity of our Carrick wall light t Such is the popularity of our Carrick wall light that we have designed a pendant version to suspend alongside them. This striking three-armed ceiling pendant channels a mid-century look that that is simple enough to suit most spaces, with clean structured lines and a sculptural look. ⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse every iteration of this bestselling design, from plug-ins, pendants, and pull-cords.⁠
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Kitchens hold the rhythm of daily life, and good l Kitchens hold the rhythm of daily life, and good lighting helps to shape how this space feels morning to night. Glass lighting diffuses light in this essential area, creating a bright and open feel which is ideal for busy, multifunctional spaces. Clear, frosted, or textured glass offers a timeless look that complements both classic and contemporary kitchen design while enhancing natural light.⁠
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If you love the look of the Orla pendant (as chosen here by @baile_na_leice) but want to explore more options, tap these images via the link in our bio to browse our full collection of handblown glass pendant lighting.
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