With winter in full swing, we tend to focus more on the inside of our homes rather than the outside. We spend time lighting scented candles, pulling out blankets, hanging wreaths and cranking up the heating. The days spent gardening whittle down, wooden furniture is hauled into sheds and the days of barbecues are long forgotten. Though Autumn and Winter may bring some challenges (particularly for remote period homes) these can be tackled with clever interior and exterior choices.

We’ve spoken a lot about the importance of your home exterior from a tidy, practical point of view in our conduit blog, but what about when you are simply looking for a stylish visual update? A beautiful and cleverly positioned outdoor light is exactly what you need to prepare your home for the longer, darker nights. We’ve picked 5 key areas in which you can refresh your exterior with a lantern, pendant, flush or wall light to add an instant a wow factor to your property.

Your porch and front door is the first thing yourself and your guests will notice when arriving, particularly if it is well lit and inviting on a dark winter night! A large statement lantern like our Hackney Chain Mounted Lantern is an classic design for defining the entry to your home.

If you are looking for something a little more dainty, why not try our Holborn Outdoor Flush Fitting Light for a pretty indoor-outdoor feel? Individually hand made glass shades will bring a touch of luxury to your entrance whilst the flush is perfect for those who need to save space.

If you do not have a porch, then we suggest brightening either side of your front door with two wall lights. The Matt Black Finsbury Lanterns are a slick, sophisticated way to light up your home. Inviting a touch of modernity with the contemporary design but with a nod to our Great British heritage with retro vintage-look bulbs, the Finsbury is a perfect marrying of eras. We love this 1950’s home refurb from customer Sian.

In addition, downlighters are a stylish solution for darker doorways. Match the finish to your house name or number for the complete collection of picture perfect door furniture.

Whether you need to light up an alley way beside your home or simply want to illuminate the darker corners of your home that face the garden, we have several solutions to suit your needs. Our Corner Mounted Stable Light is a go-to choice. Also available with a flat mounting fitting, its beautifully simplistic design with a long neck and simple glass shade will give a rural, countryside charm to your outdoor space.

The Doncaster LED Light is suited to the smallest of spaces, but with no shortage of design detail. With an overall depth of just 5.4cm it will sit neatly in even the narrowest of spaces that you need to brighten up. Paired with our conduit kit, the Doncaster is ideal for running along outdoor walls and passageways.

We love the Peacock Lantern, and know you do too. You can’t ask for much more in an outdoor lantern. Hand made in solid brass with a decorative peacock emblem and a beautiful mirror in the back, the mirror reflects the light of the bulb when in use and the beauty of the garden when it’s not. Perfect for parties in the summer, and pretty reflecting a snow-capped garden in winter.

Customer Emmy’s home style lends itself to winter, don’t you think? Whether inside or out, beautiful beams and cosy nooks need showing off. The shapely Boathouse lights are dainty enough in size but powerful enough to light up the exit your garden or patio when dusk draws in.

This is where we like to get industrial. Whether a shed, garage, workshop or barn, we trust our industrial-inspired favourites will suit your needs. The Bulkhead Outdoor Light was designed with Jim’s family farm in mind. He wanted to create a stylish and practical outdoor light that would also conceal ugly exterior wires at the farm. With its robust and vintage-inspired styling, it will be sure to weather any storm.

Taking influence from the nautical lighting of days gone by, the Ships light can be bought either ceiling or wall mounted in its petite size, making either style incredibly versatile for your range of outbuilding locations.

To browse all of our outdoor lighting, click here. Now you’ve got the exterior lighting inspiration, take a look at our lighting guide for period properties for our indoor lighting solutions.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @JimLawrenceMade and tag us in your home updates – we love seeing our products in their new home

We are thrilled to bring you our latest and greatest Jim Lawrence brochure. Open the cover and you will find extra large statement pendants, timeless neutral shades, vintage-inspired brass bathroom pieces and a selection of luxurious new velvets.

Though our range of products is constantly developing, the ethos of great British Craftmanship sits proudly at the heart of everything we make – including this brochure! We were lucky to locate gorgeous west country location in which to shoot this project, and our design team have been working tirelessly to produce the pages you see before you. Bursting with brand new ideas for every room and interior style, we can’t wait to see our ideas translated into your homes.

A lucky selection of you will have already received a copy in the post – we just couldn’t wait to show you. If you haven’t already received one, and want to sign up, click here to request one and we will pop it in the post for you shortly. Do let us know what you think, and don’t hesitate to call up our knowledgeable customer service team on 01473 826929 if you have any queries about our products and services.

The Ufford Crown epitomises what it is to be a successful country pub. What more do you need in an interior than sumptuous blue hues, antiqued brass accessories to reflect the period building and dark wood for a cosy feel? Well, delicious food is another thing, and they’ve got that covered too. Located in nearby Ufford in Suffolk and designed by the excellent Jojo Humes Brown, we knew we had to delve a little deeper.

Max and Polly Durrant reopened the doors of the Ufford Crown in April 2011 with accomplished chefs Will Hardiman and James Wilding. With a focus on seasonal produce from local suppliers it has quickly become a go-to gem in the community. The Ufford Crown offers a spacious restaurant full to the brim with all your favourite Jim Lawrence lights, a snug bar area and a stylish lounge which is perfect for private parties.

We love the dramatic feel of the décor. Hints of a New York Industrial look are filtered throughout in the exposed brick, painted panelling and quilted leather booths. The layered pendant lighting creates intimate pools and pockets of light for diners and drinkers alike. Jojo’s designs always exude a thoughtful but understated glamour, and she’s a dab hand at cleverly lit spaces. Our most popular pendant for its versatility and handy size, the Barbican is a perfect fit for a two person setting. They enhance the space rather than impose on it – a key balance in lighting.

Homely touches like a wool carpet, bookshelves and decorative convex mirrors make the space feel warm despite its size, with the window shutters adding to the soft light for that sought after cosy modern country feel. A delightful spot to tuck into a hot pie or roast on a Sunday, or a lighter lunch of fresh sandwiches including Norfolk cheddar or Ketley steak.

Our low hanging Exeter Pendants light up each booth – celebrating the high ceiling with a longer cable but making the seating feel private with a low glow. The Glass topped Lovell’s line the bar, the outer glass shade mirroring the shape of the Exeter but allowing the antiqued brass inner to breathe without looking clunky in a row or taking over the space. Can you see the detailed tiling underneath the table? The Ufford is full of beautiful visual surprises like this. Fancy a visit to see for yourself? Make a reservation here.

 To find out more about Jojo and her extensive portfolio, take a look at her website and follow her on Instagram.

Situated in pretty Woodbridge lies The Turk’s Head. You can find it just tucked back from a residential country lane encased with beautifully sculpted gardens and framed by a woven fence. With an extensive gin and wine collection, a host of local ales and a fine seasonal menu (that we can vouch for) it’s definitely a spot on the Suffolk map that you want to visit.

Owner Jemima ran an interior design practice for ten years, specialising in lighting design, so working on the pub was a joy rather than a job. The original 17th century building had small dark rooms with low ceilings, so her aim was to make them light and bright to emphasise the space.

“All the finishes, fixtures and fittings needed to be very hard wearing as this is a very busy commercial space,” said Jemima. “Lighting was the linchpin to getting this right. Jim Lawrence fittings are design classics and beautifully made as well as doing their job extremely well. They fitted perfectly into our scheme of a traditional but elegant country pub with a fabulous restaurant. Also as we are a pub that focuses on using local produce it was wonderful to use a local lighting company.”

Penned as Leeds Castle’s best kept secret, the privately owned medieval manor house in Kent opens its doors for booking for the first time in its history in 2018. Battel Hall is tastefully refurbished with a gently modernised period elegance, featuring five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, three reception rooms and a large dining area. Designer Francesca Rowan Plowden shared her delicious design updates with us, featuring many Jim Lawrence fittings and accessories. Naturally we were thrilled to see our products in such prestigious company, and jumped at the chance to share the images with you too.

If you’re looking for a luxurious escape to the countryside – look no further. Whether celebrating a wedding, reunion or an anniversary Battel Hall provides the perfect setting, with the added benefits of the castle estate nearby. It’s a step back in time with a romantic, eclectic twist that we are desperate to enjoy first hand. Just look at these beautiful walls and headboard combined with the soft glow of our Hanson wall light. The latest private owner, a 1930’s American Heiress named Lady Baillie, had a love for birds, which is echoed throughout this room in the Lewis & Wood Dove wallpaper. It has an almost fairy tale feel – a perfect escape to dream the night away.

The oak panelled dining room seats up to 14 people, conjuring the images of royal feasts and banquets of times gone by. Our Scalloped Wall Lights are not only a nod to the art deco era of Lady Baillie, but they create a soft and mellow atmosphere: just what you need alongside candle light, an open fire and the gentle clinking of glass and cutlery. Antiqued Brass is a strong and stylish material to sit against the oak – a material which originally came from the castle itself.

Ideal for angling as a bedside reading light, the Single Curtis Spotlights sit beautifully in this colourful space. We love the symmetry combined with loud patterns and colour clashes. Farrow & Ball’s Book Room Red creates a dramatic backdrop for our Antiqued Brass finish, and a perfect palette to pop with peacock blue.

The Wisteria Suite brings a touch of modernity, its namesake the stunning sprawl of purple flowers that climbs all over Battel Hall. Spot our Stratford Towel Ring? A perfect example of how to incorporate nickel into your bathroom with style.

Clockwise from left: Hanson Wall Light in Antiqued Brass, Priory Door Lock in Antiqued Brass, Stratford Towel Ring in Nickel, Bromley Backplate with Reeded Door Handle in Antiqued Brass, Curtis Spotlight in Antiqued Brass, Scallop Wall Light in Antiqued Brass.

A thoughtfully designed interior that is respectful of its heritage – something we truly appreciate! For a closer look and a stay at Battel Hall, visit the Leeds Castle website. You can also follow designer Francesca Rowan Plowden on Instagram to see more of her work.

Hi, my names Millie I’m 14 and I enjoy designing and drawing and do a lot of art in my spare time. I also do cheer leading which I attend every week. I enjoy coming up with new creative ideas to show my family! I take Art, DT, Sociology and History at School.

When I had my first tour about 6 months ago I was very nervous as I haven’t been to a place like this before! I was a bit scared to come at first as I didn’t know my way round the building, but I easily managed to fit in and all the workers are lovely.

Many of us dream of living by the ocean, and if you haven’t, you will now. Even a quick flick through Relaxed Coastal Style by Stylist Sally Denning has us lusting after driftwood accessories, flowing linen curtains framing a sea view and worn wooden panelled shacks. After delving deeper into the beautiful homes that Sally explores in her book, it has us positively besotted with beachside living.

‘Country coastal’ is an interior style close to our hearts with the stretched out, pretty beaches of the Suffolk and Norfolk coasts a stones throw away. We love the laid back feel of the coastal homes that Sally explores, with the owners using locally sourced materials and beach-combed finds to kit out their rooms. These elements bring in on-trend style and an appreciative nod to the landscape around them…

A key motif throughout the book is the use of wood. Wooden beams, wooden panelling, rattan furniture, woven baskets and driftwood accessorised into homeware. Think brightly coloured beach huts to washed out window shutters. Even if you don’t live in an authentic wooden panelled house, there are many ways you can incorporate this look into your interior décor, such as faux-wood wallpaper, cleverly painted cupboard doors and preloved furniture. You can boost your external and internal vintage look by adding antiqued brass lighting and accessories like this modern rustic Isle of Sheppey beach hut.

Butler Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Barbican Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Edgeware Spotlight in Antiqued Brass

Beige, stone and sandy tones come naturally to coastal homes. You might as well incorporate it into the design! There is so much fabric inspiration here, even where you least expect it. Linen curtains and upholstered chairs, textured rope and cream crochet. Even netting. These textures add layers and depth by taking inspiration from the external surroundings – a key step in coastal style. Why not try our range of soft linens as shades or cushions to bring in some texture rich natural tones?

Natural Isabelle Linen Candle Shade, Putty Killoween Linen Candle Shade, Cushion Cover in Galway Linen

A coastal existence isn’t all sunshine and ice cream. Weather-beaten porch railings, rain and rust-stained tin rooves or fading paint and aged metal furniture make up a great deal of this book. Their existence is proof of their steadfast manufacturing, but evidence that living by the ocean can be tough and wearing. This is what we love about this book – the honesty. Sure, your interior can be as glamourous as you like, but it takes a certain kind of person to embrace an old property and make it their own in often remote and exposed locations. It requires great deal of hard work, but the character of such a place is an ongoing enjoyment for those who live there. To complete the look, add in other worn materials such as our Antiqued Brass or Polished light and handle fittings – a go to match for this faded look.

Erith Polished Cupboard Pull in Polished, Pendant Lampholder in Matt Black with Dark Brown Braided Cable, Norfolk Drawer Pull in Polished

We’ve cheated a bit here, because this is Sally’s own home (not featured in the book) which is too delicious to leave out. Decorating with the display items in a home can make or break a room. As is evident throughout the homes here, balance is the key. The Instagram hashtag #aquietstyle sums up the softness needed to pull off this look. It is immaculately considered, but executed in an understated manner. It is, in short, relaxed. Or rather it makes you feel relaxed. Using ancient bottles, hand-picked shells and wave-worn washed up glass might sound like clutter to some, but it’s these cherished finds that bring in personality and make a house into a home. For a shell you haven’t had to wash the salt out of, try our beautiful Scallop Wall Lights to bring a soft coastal vibe into your interior.

Scallop Wall Light in Antiqued Brass, Schoolhouse Drawer Pull in Polished, Chandler Hook Rack in Clay

Want to see more? Of course you do. You can order Relaxed Coastal Style, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, through Waterstones or Amazon. For a wealth of interior and exterior inspiration follow Sally’s Instagram @Blackshorestyle. See more by the talented photographer Benjamin Edwards. A special thank you to Sally for featuring our lighting and for supplying the images. Follow our Relaxed Coastal Style Pinterest board for more laid back décor ideas.

Belonging to Suffolk’s prestigious group Stuart Inns, The Old Crown Girton is their first pub located away from the county. Situated in nearby Cambridge, this beautifully styled bar and restaurant stays in keeping with their well-known sophisticated design. With a little more quirk and a little more colour, we knew we had to explore this venue which features many of our lights.

Country homes by their nature are often rather unique and need a thoughtful approach to lighting in order to match their individual character. That’s just how we like them.

What do you do when there’s no space for that statement pendant, or when you can’t find a light slim enough for that awkward alcove? Read on to find out in our helpful guide to lighting older homes.

Some older country homes can feel quite gloomy if your ceilings are low and your windows small. If you have beams too, this trio of features can contribute to a darker room. Whilst a dimmed space is cosy and snug in the winter, sometimes you want to bring in the sunshine! Here are some tips for when a candle just won’t do.

The key is to find a healthy balance. You don’t want to ‘over light’ an area and make it feel artificial. Where it might be difficult to install overhead lighting, wall lights are a fool proof go-to. Otherwise, a mixture of table and floor lamps with dimmers are ideal for altering the atmosphere according to the setting, for example in a living or dining room. We suggest pendants in these spaces too, to bring another layer of light when necessary, and for adding a main point of interest to your home décor.

In bedrooms, to retain the warm atmosphere try using low level outlets such as picture lights like our Abercombie, reading lamps or wall sconces for a softer look.

Spotlights are ideal for boosting the darker corners of a room. Tracked Spotlights in a suitable ‘older’ finish for your home and work especially well in areas where extra direct light is needed – particularly in kitchens, for example.

With Spring in full swing and Summer on the doorstep, we wanted to celebrate with a competition! We receive so many beautiful shots of our customers homes, and wanted to give one of you the opportunity to dress yours up with something new…