The RHS Chelsea Flower show is a hub of horticultural inspiration and exploration. From garden trees to indoor blooms, brightly coloured orchids to the most practical weed pullers and greenhouses galore…there is a great deal to enjoy. We’re always on the look out for interior and exterior ideas (whether we realise it or not!) and Chelsea is THE go-to spot for flexing our creative muscles. Much like our fellow exhibitors, we were not only desperate to show off our own display, but very much ready to get nosy and inspect everyone else’s.

Here are our top spots we are sure everyone will be tapping into post-show…

Everywhere! This vibrant towering bloom definitely had its moment throughout the week. Stunning ambers and rich pinks were a highlight. We expect that many visitors have gone home to plant some seeds. Don’t you think they would look lovely on a curtain fabric, perhaps like our very own wheatfield?

Image Via Ideal Home 

Are you as in love with black framed windows as we are? Silver Gilt winners LG also used crittall-look frames, and you’ll have noticed we did too! We made ours from scratch in the warehouse and received many a compliment and request. This look is perfect for French doors and windows for an inside-outside feel, as well as indoors to break up rooms whilst maintaining light and the illusion of open space.

These floral thrones were jaw-droppingly pretty. Okay, maybe not the most practical… but utterly beautiful. Part of the RHS Young Florist of the Year exhibition, these creations were made by a range of talented young people with a plethora of whimsical arrangements. We love how this can be translated into functional uses, such as inspiration for vertical gardens to save space in urban areas, as well as fantastic wedding event inspiration for arches and arbours.

Inside the show and out we enjoyed several botanical murals, whether draped over nearby buildings or as a wallpaper backdrop within stands. We love the idea of these supersized prints on cushions and fabrics. We’ve seen a few homeware brands creating similar wallpapers already, so expect to see this a lot more.

To combine two looks, we also spotted lots of velvets. There were many velvet clad cocktail chairs, bar stools and cushions – we even used bespoke blue velvet poufs in our own stand. This isn’t a new look by any means but it is certainly here to stay.

We can’t wait to see how all these translate into interior (and exterior) trends throughout the year. To see even more of the beautiful gardens and exhibitors, you can follow the RHS Instagram for continued updates.

Whilst we take down the stand at Chelsea, we want to thank everyone who came to say hello and bought an item or two, as well as the dedicated bunch who took home one of our heavy brochures (we ran out very quickly and had to keep topping up!) What a wonderful week it was, made even better by receiving a 4 star trade stand award. Already looking forward to next time…

Take any photos of our stand at Chelsea? Please do send in any snaps to press@jim-lawrence.co.uk or tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. See you next year!

Chelsea is not just about pretty flowers (though that is a perk!) For us it is about the effort everyone has put into their displays, the quality and quantity of artisan design and the atmosphere and bubbling excitement that brews as the event unfurls.

We’ve been working tooth and nail for the past few months to bring you our latest event stand creation. This stand beats anything we have showed at an event before, boasting four rooms to display the finest selection of Jim Lawrence lights and accessories. We opted for a slick black frame with burnt cladding to make an impact when it comes to first impressions. The glass doors give a glimpse of the bulbs glowing inside, aimed at enticing in the crowd! Naturally, an RHS stand would not be complete without luscious garden greens to liven up the metallic and wooden structure. We hope you love the design as much as we are proud of it.

As you might have seen, we took the stand to the Badminton Horse Trials earlier in the month and won their Highly Commended award for our display! What a wonderful way to kick off the season and a testament to the hard work of our team.

We are thrilled to be showing alongside a number of sculptors, furnishers and high profile brands such as Chesney’s, Parks London and our favourite Wallgarden.co. It’s always an adventure exploring the grounds and gardens, so I’m sure we’ll discover many new companies to enjoy. The first ‘Chelsea Late’ experience will also take place on Friday 25 May, with visitors invited into Ranelagh Gardens between 8pm and 10pm for an exclusive evening of music, entertainment, demonstrations and much more. There’s going to be a lot to see!

Let us not forget that RHS is a royal affair, with prestigious awards bestowed for design, display and photography. Last year our Bulkhead light was shortlisted for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden Product of The Year! We have had such an enjoyable and rewarding experience at Chelsea for the past four years and it was a true honour to be recognised in this way. With a few new products under our belt this time round we hope to create a similar buzz for customers old and new.

We’ll be at Pavillion 254 Tuesday 22nd – Saturday 26th May and can’t wait to see you all there. Tickets are almost all gone, so be sure to book yours (if you haven’t already) and don’t miss out! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for regular updates and of course a lot of gorgeous photos.

Statement lighting is not a new notion, but lighting brands are taking the desire for unique lighting to new heights. With this in mind, we wanted to stay in keeping with our most popular designs whilst bringing our customers something brand new and beautiful. Our hallway pendants are high quality, show stopping lights that are made to wow you and your guests when you enter the room.

These striking, extra large pendant lights with their individually handmade spherical glass have good looks that may be familiar to you – they are the larger siblings to our eye-catching Fulbourn, Holborn and Ava range.

The fluted, tapered glass of our beautiful Ava Pendant Light shines sevenfold on this inspired light, which hangs from a single large ceiling fixture in antiqued brass. This individually hand made, seven light multi-pendant will look magnificent hanging down a stairwell in a grand hallway or landing.

Both made from natural brass, these new globe pendants are treated with a lightly antiqued finish and will add character as well as quality for those looking to make an impact with their lighting. Decide on a fluted Greenwich or plain hand crafted glass with the Richmond for whichever best compliments your interior. Which one will you choose?

To shop all of our new products, browse here.  For more interior inspiration and Jim Lawrence updates follow @JimLawrenceMade on Instagram.

To get inspired with lighting ideas for your home visit our exciting new pop-up store which will be appearing throughout the UK this summer at some of our favourite country events.

Badminton Horse Trials: 2nd-6th May
Stand 259 Beaufort Way (just opposite the members enclosure)
This spring we are delighted to be opening our new look pop-up store for the first time at Badminton Horse Trials. Internationally renowned as one of the world’s leading 3-day events it’s one of our absolute favourite shows. This stunning country event is jam packed with lovely shopping opportunities so it’s a great chance to don your wellies, grab the dog and come for a real country inspired shopping trip and day out. To find out more about the weekend visit www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show: 22nd-26th May
254 Pavilion Way
An event like no other, RHS Chelsea Flower Show is always the most colourful week in London. From show stopping garden designs, to delicious shopping for the home and garden, it’s the perfect place to get inspired this spring. We have been lucky enough to be awarded a 5 star gold award for our trade stand design for the last three years, and are keeping everything crossed the sun shines on our exciting new pop-up shop when the judges come round at Chelsea. To find out more about ticket information for this event and how you can see our new store in the heart of London this spring visithttps://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

Hold the date !
We are also appearing at the following shows this autumn, details to follow shortly …
Burghley Horse Trials: 29th August- 2nd September
Goodwood Revival : 7-9th September

If you don’t manage to catch us at the shows don’t forget our beautiful Suffolk showroom and workshop, featuring over 5000 designs from our range, is open 6 days a week.

We came across the luxurious and refined Lympstone Manor Hotel through Meraki Design Studio, who have featured our lights throughout this beautiful contemporary country house hotel. Chef and hotel Patron Michael Caines holds two Michelin stars, and was keen for guests and diners at the Lympstone to experience the exceptional in every way.

“When creating and designing a hotel and restaurant, lighting is a key part of the ingredients.” says Michael. “Not only do you need to think about the practicality and its uses when it comes to the bedrooms, and the zoning of those rooms, but also how you set the ambiance of the restaurant too. At Lympstone Manor, we needed to create a cosy and comfortable environment for guests when dining, but also light appropriately so that they can read menus and also have the right atmosphere and mood.”

The beautiful hotel features 3 restaurants and 21 guestrooms boasting panoramic views of the Exe estuary and surrounding Devonshire hills. We spoke to Meraki’s designer Maria about transforming Michael’s vision into a reality, and ways in which you can bring a touch of hotel glamour into your own home.

Spring cleaning is not just about taking out a mop and duster. At a time of year where our outside spaces are changing and growing is also an opportunity for our interiors to blossom too. Rather fitting for the season, pink and green are two big colours that make an impact alone or paired. They can be used in their softer pastel forms, or pack a punch with darker tones.

When it comes to houses, first impressions do matter! A deep green shade like this one pops against white for a clean cut, sophisticated look that is still playful. Painting your front door for Spring will lift up the entrance to your home, and lets be honest, who doesn’t want to be proud of the space they’re stepping in and out of every day? Combining a new colour with matching quality door furniture like our Matt Black range will instantly transform the exterior of your home. Add some fresh foliage of your choosing and you’re set for the sunny season ahead.

Our Holborn’s are suspended effortlessly in this modern pastel kitchen. We love seeing what our classic designs bring to more contemporary spaces. Blush pink is a delicate update for a space that is normally reserved for black or white. House plants add a touch of green for a natural feel.

Black and distressed metals are hot on this years interiors agenda, but the Luxe Metallic trend doesn’t have to be reserved for contemporary or industrial spaces. We’ve collected some of our favourite interiors and exteriors that bring both matt black and tarnished metal to the fore in a way that can be effortlessly translated into your modern country home.

These trends aren’t always built to last, but we think this year’s big look of using a sophisticated metallic colour palette within your home is a timeless classic. Our antiqued brass, forged iron lights and matching accessories help to add a luxurious metallic finish to any room. When looking to the exterior, there’s no need to forsake style for function. Create graphic silhouettes for elegance outside as well as in with a hand finished matt black. Combined, bold black and tarnished gold tones create a touch of luxury to both contemporary and traditional interiors.

It’s easy to understand the enduring appeal of Matt Black door furniture. This hard wearing, durable finish is the perfect choice for creating a timeless and sophisticated look – all you need to make a lasting impression. Your front door is the first thing yourself, your guests and potential buyers might notice. A well lit porch is a good start. Statement outdoor lanterns are an inviting addition and define the entry to your castle. We love the use of a single Boathouse light to brighten up this bold black doorway belonging to @thisoldcottage.

The kitchen is not just a space for food preparation. It’s a meeting place where you and your family cross paths at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes it is where you share coffee with friends, pour a glass of wine after a long day and where the kids sneak into for a midnight snack when they have sleepovers… It’s a room where memories are made. Without a thoughtful approach to the lights these rooms can end up feeling the opposite of how they should – which is inviting, relaxed and looking delicious. It’s a multifunctional space that needs multifunctional lighting.

We love a statement pendant over the island. The Butler Rise and Fall is our go-to show stopper, styled above by Humphrey Munson (photographed by Paul Craig) and matched with brass details. Seemingly small details like door pulls and knobs make a real impact when chosen carefully. Chalky ‘off-blacks’ and grey blue tones also encourages the brass to pop, making the whole room design feel considered and cohesive.

We’ve teamed up with Fawn Interiors Studio to bring you some home decorating tips for the most romantic time of year: Valentines Day. They’ve picked out their top tips for creating a romantic scene in the home.

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and togetherness. Many people also use the occasion to add to their décor and create a romantic space. Whether you’re preparing a cosy dinner for two, spending time with friends, or it’s a night to pamper yourself, Fawn Interiors have come up with a few tips to dress your space that will add romance and cosiness, but in an individual way that won’t cost the earth.

IN BLOOM

Nothing says romance like fresh flowers and the more, the better. But we suggest not just rushing out and buying the first red roses you see…instead choose seasonal blossoms and wilder flowers so that your floral arrangements will seem more thoughtful and personal. (Image: A Quiet Style)

ACCENTS

If you are preparing a romantic dinner at home, here’s where to spend the money and be creative. To accompany your delicious meal we always like to give a twist on the traditional and suggest using pink accents instead of red, for a softer look you can use again. Try using coloured napkins, glasses and/or crockery. If the overall look in this image is a bit too much for you, why not swap the graphic tablecloth for a dark grey linen? Pink and grey are on our radar at the moment, ideal for incorporating smooth shades of colour in otherwise neutral décor. (Image: Style Me Pretty)

ATMOSPHERE

Let’s be honest, Valentine’s is one day of the year. While we want to make an effort and make someone (and ourselves) feel special, we don’t want it to cost us the earth either. How about getting out those Christmas lights which are rapidly gathering dust, and artfully string them around for a romantic, sparkly effect? Soften your room even further with glimmering candlelight. Tall tapered dinner candles layered at different heights bring a decadence to the meal and will make you both glow.

TEXTURES

Just by softening the textures around you, it can help create a romantic space. Adding cushions and blankets will create a cosy, layered environment for after-dinner and these colours are perfect to take you into spring. No need to hide them until next year… soft pinks and greys will gently update your décor for months to come.

HAPPY VALENTINES FROM JIM LAWRENCE

For more gifting inspiration pop over to our gift guide and inspiration for a magical, memorable valentines.

Flicking through February’s Country Homes & Interiors magazine we spotted a glowing recommendation for ‘Tudor Farmhouse‘, a chic country hotel nestled in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. On closer inspection of their beautifully styled rooms (and an eagle eye!) we couldn’t help but notice quite a few Jim Lawrence lights in their midst. Rich wooden panelling, restored beams, impeccable modern country furnishing and the idyllic green landscape is the perfect backdrop for our lighting.

Love locally sourced grub, outdoor adventures and a beautiful room to relax in? Look no further for your next family holiday.

You can never have enough bedroom inspiration, so here’s a closer look at our Weston pendants bringing a soft lighting to one of the suites within the renovated Cider House. The Weston is a small light that makes a big impact thanks to the solid metal shade. The mahogany sheen of the four-poster and golden colour in the armchairs are mirrored in the brass tones, bringing an inviting warmth to the room.

Accent lighting is what we use to accentuate certain features within the room. Usually this would be to illuminate a piece of art (eg with a picture light) or creating a soft glow above or below cupboards for a softer halo of light than a task light. Using the Weston’s in this way by the bedside avoids using just a harsh angled spotlight and allows the low light to gently pool in areas you need to see. In country homes ceilings are often lower than new builds, so a shorter cable with a smaller shade creates a feature without a reduced chance of banging your head!

In the suite below they have included a Butler pendant which brightens up the room with it’s beautiful golden glow – even by daylight! Again, a pendant with a shorter cable creates the statement you need whilst complimenting the space instead of intruding on it.

Using pendants frees up the bedside tables, creating a clean, clutter-free space for the guests – more space for breakfast in bed!

Pick up Country Home & Interiors latest issue to read the lovely words about what to eat, do and see in this gorgeous location. We’d like to say a huge thank you to owners Colin and Hari for letting us share these interior images. Find out more on their website and succumb to inevitable food envy on their Instagram. Want to find out more about the designers behind the hotel? Influential designers Fawn Interiors have collaborated on a post with us about romantic décor, and you can follow them on Instagram @fawninteriorsstudio for even more inspiring interiors.

GET THE TUDOR FARMHOUSE LOOK:

THE BLETCHLEY BATHROOM COLLECTION

After the launch of our deluxe Bletchley bathroom range, we simply had to create a post about our inspiration behind the collection. At Jim Lawrence we thrive on recreating classic designs and giving them a new lease of life with modern twists.

The warm brass detailing of our new Bletchley range is the perfect choice for an effortless and stylish bathroom update. The vintage appeal and ongoing trend is not lost on us, so we’ve treated the range with lacquered antiqued brass to make sure they stand the test of time physically as much as they do aesthetically.

Bathroom décor can sometimes be a place of untapped beauty. We believe they should exude as much comfort and style as your bedroom so that your bath soaks are spa-like and your morning routines calm and invigorating. Why shouldn’t you feel as pampered in your own home as you can in a swanky hotel? The Bletchley collection is a good place to start.

 THE FINER DETAILS: SOCKETS AND SWITCHES

Start small. You don’t want to spend time revamping your room only to be left with some unsightly sockets and light switches. Our Antiqued Brass Shaving Sockets are a practical but pretty solution to make sure every element of your bathroom is up to scratch!

ATMOSPHERE: SOFT LIGHTING

No one wants to be blinded by spotlights first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night. Soft wall lighting is essential for that lovely hotel feel. We recommend the Cheltenham Wall Light to line your mirror for a warm glow.

Alternatively, as used in Melford House with the Hinton, try placing the light lengthways above for a unique old-timely look.

We love the luxury that pendant lights naturally bring into a space. Thanks to Pinterest there are thousands of gorgeous images of free standing tubs and chandeliers to take our fancy. For a more minimal but nonetheless graceful addition to your bathroom, why not include our Holborn Pendant Light? Suspend above the bath for truly sophisticated styling.

ADDING ACESSORIES: HOLDERS AND HANDLES

Though an eclectic or maximalist feel can work with soft furnishings – we suggest matching accessories in a bathroom setting. Everyone is different, but a consistent style makes us feel a little more relaxed.

The Bletchley Towel Ring, Soap Basket and Loo Roll Holder all have one thing in common: elegance! The period styles are curved and traditional, together creating the vintage look you are after but without any rust staining on your towels and tubs.

COLOUR SCHEME: LIGHT AND DARK

You shouldn’t have to totally redecorate to update a room. With the rise in dark interiors continuing to spike, but traditional white still a popular go-to, we wanted to make sure the Bletchley range would suit any lick of paint. As you can see, it does!

Now all you need to do is light some candles and pop open the bubble bath… See more of our bathroom collections here.

Have you added some of the Bletchley collection into your home? Tag your images on Instagram or Twitter with #JimLawrenceMade or email to press@jim-lawrence.co.uk.so we won’t miss out.

If you want to learn more about the Antiqued Brass finish and how to care for it you can find out more here.

What about adding the other elements of a vintage-style bathroom? We think metro tiles in the shower, reclaimed glass bottles for display and decoration, plus some carefully selected artwork will really inject your own personality into the room. Don’t forget to take a look at our Vintage Bathroom Inspiration Pinterest board where we’ve added in some more interior ideas that we love!