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Home
Spotlight On
Behind the Design
Beautiful Homes
Meet the Makers
Visit Jim Lawrence Website
  • Home
  • Spotlight On
  • Behind the Design
  • Beautiful Homes
  • Meet the Makers
  • Visit Jim Lawrence Website
Jim Lawrence Blog - Jim Lawrence Blog
Spotlight On

Spotlight On: The Ufford Crown

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.

 

 

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The Turk’s Head Hasketon

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.”

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Work Experience at Jim Lawrence



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.

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Relaxed Coastal Style by Stylist Sally Denning

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


relaxed coastal style sally denning

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



relaxed coastal style sally denning

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.

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12 Days of Christmas, Jim Lawrence Style

Christmas is coming! We all know that the days leading up to Christmas are usually full of rushing and there is hardly enough time to locate the most treasured gifts. We thought we’d get on top of things and bring you 12 Jim Lawrence gifts ideas for the big day.

Give the gift of comfort this Christmas. We believe you can never have enough cushions, so we have styles to cater for the dog lovers, the comfy armchair dwellers and the luxury boudoir sleepers…

Light up your loved one this year with an elegant pendant light. We have a huge range of styles to fit into any interior. Not one for the stocking!

 

Bring some personality into the home with one of our unique fabric shades. Not only do we offer a huge range of colours and textures, we also cater for personal made to order styles. Whatever your loved ones taste we have you covered.

 

Storage solutions like hooks might not seem like the most glamourous gift to give, but they will thank you when there are places to hanging the guests coats when new years eve parties come around.

Another idea for those with an unsightly ‘floordrobe’ (usually teenage family members), the Berwick Clothes Rail is a stylish option for untidy rooms.

 

A perfect treat for those who enjoy crafting. Any of our fabrics can be turned into your choice of home furnishings and would be lovely as a pair of curtains, a blind or to upholster a chair. The perfect way to celebrate our unique British heritage.

 

Our mirrors are hand forged and high quality – an everlasting gift to enhance any space. Top tip: placing a sconce or wall light at eye level on either side of the mirror avoids unwanted shadows and creates the best light for tooth brushing and makeup application!

 

Some of our most popular products fall within the Door Knocker category! Christmas is all about bringing joy, and coming home will be made even better by a stylish welcome such as these.

 

If a pendant isn’t their thing, perhaps a wall light might help to lift their spirits.

Alternatively, for a wonderful treat to go with a family photo try a Picture Light to ensure you’re always looking as sharp as possible.

 

Whether you are after slim dinner candles or thicker chapel styles we have a variation of both. Our candles not only look beautiful; our supplier gives a contribution from each sale to the Charity SPICMA.

SPICMA has been running since 1967 and assists with the building of schools, hospitals and clinics in deprived and war torn areas all over the world. That’s what Christmas is all about.

 

Something to accompany the wreath. A numerical gift to bring a magical touch to the front door all year round.

 

Pretty and functional. Candlelight is essential to festive cheer, but our Samworth Oil Lamp will brighten up the winter nights for months to come. Easy to top up with the 100% natural Cocofire Oil (an extra something to pop in the stocking!)

 

The final touch to a perfect holiday. Christmas won’t be Christmas without a roaring fire to warm your toes by. Our Peyton Fire Dog will be the perfect companion to your mince pies and mulled wine.

Browse our Christmas section on the website for even more ideas. We would love to see any pictures of your Jim Lawrence Christmas! Tag your images on Instagram or Twitter with #JimLawrenceMade or email to press@jim-lawrence.co.uk so we won’t miss out. Still curious? Why not browse our Christmas Pinterest board for extra inspiration.

 

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Behind the Design

Our Back Plates Explained

We know that when it comes to choosing the perfect lighting for your home, you want to get things just right. So we want to make life a little easier by helping you decide which wall light back plate is best suited for your needs.

Wall

Cottage Wall Light

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Jim Lawrence in Melford House

A Boutique Hotel With a Touch of Jim Lawrence.

Since falling in love with The Hadleigh Ram, we often recommend it as the perfect place to lunch to customers who visit our showroom. The family behind this fabulous renovation also own The Swan in Long Melford, so when we were given the chance to have a snoop around there it was an offer we couldn’t refuse!

The Swan offers seperate accommodation, Melford House, which comprises of a beautiful boutique hotel that offers four very unique and fabulous rooms and of course we couldn’t help but notice the Jim Lawrence fittings throughout.

door handle brass

Bromley Handle with Ripley Keyhole Backplate in Antiqued Brass

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The Heritage Copper Collection

It is no surprise that copper is a hugely growing trend with its rich warm tones and classic rustic look, it is perfect this autumn. We are celebrating this with the launch of our stunning new Heritage Copper range. Each solid copper item is hand finished by our craftsmen with antiquing solution to create a soft tarnished finish.

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The ‘Copper Kitchen’ showcases the range with our large curved Leiston Pendant accompanied by soft task lighting with two Single Curtis Spot Lights.

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Jim Lawrence in The Bank

We absolutely love seeing our lights in their new homes, therefore we especially loved when lots of our products were spotted in this beautiful contemporary bar in Clapham. The Bank is set in a stunning Grade II listed building and one of our lovely customers got in touch to let us know that they have many of our lights on display. We found some fantastic images online and we just had to share them with you…

The-Bank-22

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The Art of Good Lighting

ArtOfGoodLightingTop
Most of us enjoy choosing paint colours when we decorate a bedroom – but are you as confident in your lighting decisions?

Here are our top five suggestions for creating the perfect bedroom lighting scheme:

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Welcome to the Jim Lawrence Blog! We are a British interiors company creating beautiful lighting, furniture, ironwork, curtain poles, 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.

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