Transform your space with the perfect lighting design for your sloped or vaulted ceiling. Whether it’s a show-stopping pendant or cleverly-positioned spotlights, there are plenty ways to highlight this unique architectural feature whilst providing ample visibility.

PENDANTS

Elevate the room with a statement pendant light and let your vaulted ceilings take centre stage. No matter the preferred style of your room, we have designed and made a multitude of lighting options to adequately light your sloped ceiling in typical JL fashion. Choose from handblown glass shades if you wish to reflect light back into the room rather than providing a visual stop, or sturdy metal designs in a range of colours that fill the height with a striking silhouette.

CEILING HOOK

With our customary attention to detail, we have designed this ingenious little ceiling hook so that you can position your pendant in the perfect spot, no matter where the ceiling rose and wiring are situated. To complete the look and help you with your repositioning, we offer additional braided cable lengths on many of our pendants – simply call our helpful sales team for more information.

SPOTLIGHTS

Say goodbye to dark corners and hello to focused illumination: spot and track lighting not only adds a modern touch but also ensures a well-lit space. A popular choice for sloped ceilings, a spotlight fixed in two’s or three’s is a great way to ensure perfect symmetry whilst lifting those hard-to-reach areas in the rafters.

WALL LIGHTS

You can still weave wall sconces into your scheme. Wall lighting will not flood the room with light, but depending on placement can highlight certain zones with clever washes of light upwards to open the area. Wall lights are perfect for supplementing the pendants or spotlighting use to light your higher ceiling so that the rest of the room is considered too.

HOW TO FIT YOUR LIGHTING 

Fitting hanging pendant lights from a sloped ceiling is generally not an issue as the pendants will hang straight regardless of the angle of the ceiling rose or track. If you have a high ceiling, you may need to extend the length of the cables to account for this, and in some cases – if your sloped ceiling is particularly steep, or if you want them to hang at the apex of your ceiling (where the slopes meet at the top) – you may need to make adjustments to the ceiling fitting to account for the slope. If possible, we recommend fitting the lights 3ft away from a wall to minimise any harsh shadows.

CHOOSING BULBS

It is important to consider how you are going to change the bulbs if you have a pendant hanging from a high vaulted ceiling as it will become very expensive if you need to hire a scaffold tower every time a bulb requires changing. Firstly, we’d recommend you invest in LED bulbs as they have a very long life – usually around 25,000 hours – so will not need changing often.

A light that can be accessed by a ladder will make changing the bulbs a lot easier, as would be one that could be reached by the upper floors if you have a galleried landing. If your light will be totally out of reach, another option is to consider installing a specialist winch or hoist. There are a number winches on the market which will enable you to lower your light fittings to the desired level for maintenance to be carried out in total safety. Most are fairly compact and can be easily fitted between joists.

STYLED BY YOU

We would love to see how you translate these ideas into your own home, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. For a wealth of home décor and interior inspiration, view our Pinterest page. To view all our lighting and homeware visit our website.

Documenting the renovation of her beautiful 17th Century West Midlands barn on Instagram, Rosie of @thegrade2barn has consistently styled Jim Lawrence lighting throughout. We’ve always admired her home from afar, so what better time than Christmas to cross the cosy threshold and delve into the details to find out more about this statement country home.

Welcome to the Style Journal, Rosie. Firstly, please can you tell us a little about yourself and where you live?

I’m Rosie, I live deep in the countryside on the Cheshire/Shropshire border in a 17th Century, grade 2 listed barn conversion. I’ve previously worked in finance but currently spend most of my time renovating my home.

How did you find yourself in the world of interiors?

I’ve always had a passion for interiors. Even as a child I would constantly move furniture around in my bedroom, looking to create cosy corners.

Can you tell us about the history of the property?

The bones of the barn date back to the 17th century and were part of a farmstead belonging to a local Manor House which is assumed to be the most haunted property in the area! Our barn in particular was intended to be two separate properties, hence having the two staircases and two separate second floor areas. Unfortunately the original developer ran out of funds and the barn was left as one. We began transforming the barn just over two years ago and I guess you could say it’s a work in progress, constantly evolving!

Were there any surprises uncovered when renovations began?

On viewing the barn, we knew we would have to update all the bathrooms and kitchen. However, we didn’t expect to have to replace an underfloor ground source heating system and install a separate manifold upstairs, including all new radiators..! We also had to take up all the original limestone flooring throughout the barn, as it had been very poorly installed, lifting and cracking in many areas, past the point of repair. We also replaced both staircases.

In hindsight, I underestimated how tricky this property would be to decorate. Many of our room proportions are on the large side and both north and south facing. Resulting in a paint colour looking amazing in one half of the room and not so great on the opposite side.

We think you have done a fantastic job. The colour palette of your home is quite neutral and earthy, how much are you influenced by the natural materials and rural setting?

I take inspiration from the never-ending countryside surrounding the barn, bringing the soft neutrals indoors. I believe you can’t really go wrong, replicating the soft earthy colours of nature, amongst a property that is dominated by lots of natural oak beams.

Where else do you seek ideas for the home?

Magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, hotels and even Rightmove!

You have chosen many Jim Lawrence lights throughout the barn, what does good lighting mean to you?

Lighting can make or break a design and is therefore a really important finishing touch. I love your products, as there are so many to choose from, accommodating awkward spaces and low ceilings. I love great craftsmanship and classic designs.

Other than introducing bigger changes such as lighting and perhaps paint colour, what have you found is the most effective ways to transform a room?

I love to transform a space with good quality classic pieces of furniture and layering accessories, using colour and texture.

Like many of your followers, we have enjoyed watching the amazing evolution of lightening your darker wooden beams. Does the prospect of trial and error put you off any of these processes or are you confident in taking the plunge when it comes to any decorative ‘hacks’?

Ah thank you, I’m never confident taking on new interior hacks, such as lightening the beams! However, I do love a challenge and getting creative. I’ve always carried out my own painting and decorating, learning new skills along the way.

Do you have any magical tips up your sleeve for taking care of an older listed building?

Just to be sympathetic to your property and work with its historic features, not against. Embrace the quirks, even if it goes against your usual style of interior decorating and styling. Oh and wearing thermals are key too!

We are huge dog lovers at JL and always like to see your two gorgeous dogs featured. Do they ever play a part in how you have designed the house?

Yes, we needed practical flooring to accommodate our cockapoos and general country lifestyle. We chose solid oak and stone flooring with our girls in mind. A rustic feel, nothing too polished or shiny was always the brief.

We are slipping into the cooler, cosier months now, how are you ensuring every corner is comfortable and inviting for the season?

As we’ve worked through each area of the barn, I’ve introduced as much additional sources of heat as possible. The Aga was a must, underfloor heating, mini stoves…. not to mention cosy throws, rugs, and candles.

Do you have any major interior aspirations for 2024?

To introduce more colour into the barn to compliment the exposed red brick work. I have some new colour schemes waiting in the wings that I can’t wait to get started on.

A few quick-fire questions…

What’s the staple homeware piece that everyone needs?

A good quality classic sofa. Nothing spells home like timeless upholstery.

Which is your favourite room of the house?

Favourite room in the house has to be the kitchen. A modern country design, with warm neutrals. I never tire of this space, an absolute joy to work in. It was so worth the investment.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

My favourite Jim Lawrence lighting, that’s a tricky one…. I have so many and love them all! If I had to make a choice, the Mia Pendant Lights. Understated, delicate, classic design with a big impact.

Follow Rosie on Instagram (@thegrade2barn) to see more of her beautiful home. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE @GRADE2BARN LOOK

Mia Pendant Light in Antiqued Brass, Abercrombie Table Lamp, Mia Bathroom Wall Light in Nickel, Club Wall Light in Antiqued Brass

We have designed and manufactured new fluted and fine fluted versions of some of our bestselling lighting designs. With vintage-inspired fittings and two options of handblown glass shades, these new lights combine the best of modern design with traditional metal and glasswork techniques; marrying old and new in perfect harmony.

Now made with two variations of fluted glass, the new arrivals include wall lighting, pendants and flush-mounted ceiling lights to suit any kitchen, dining room, bedroom or hallway.

CLIFTON COLLECTION
Featuring a daintier version of the bestselling Walcot shade, our brand-new Clifton lights are a perfect choice for those that admire the artistry of handblown glass.⁠ Choose from pendants, classic wall lights, or plug-ins options to achieve the Jim Lawrence look straight from the box without the worry of internal wiring,

MORSTON COLLECTION
The popular Morston range now includes two elegant matching four-arm pendants. With a choice of clear or fluted glass shades, this new take on traditional oil lamps is understated for the modern home but with a classic look that will not date.

CHALFORD COLLECTION
Made with a handblown dome shaped glass shade and statement chain, the Chalford lights are designed as a nod to the bell jars that were originally hung in the vestibules and entrance halls of Georgian homes. ⁠Now featuring fluted and fine fluted adaptations of its original shape, these new additions bring a more ornamental look to this well-loved light.

SHOTLEY COLLECTIONS
Now including two variations of fluted glass, the Shotley Collection features wall lighting, pendants and flush-mounted ceiling lights to suit any kitchen, dining room, bedroom or hallway.

MANUFACTURING IN ENGLAND

We have been working with Suffolk Glass for many years now, developing our stunning range of glass pendants, ceiling lights and lampshades using their traditional glassblowing and manipulation techniques. With a shared vision to create beautiful products with customers at the heart of what we do, when the opportunity arose to acquire the business this year it felt like a natural step for our businesses to join forces. ⁠

Putting beauty on par with practicality is a fine skill, but one which the team have honed over many years and appear to achieve effortlessly when it comes to our glass shades.

STYLED BY YOU

We would love to see how you translate these ideas into your own home, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. For a wealth of home décor and interior inspiration, view our Pinterest page. To view all our lighting and homeware visit our website.

Are you seeking the perfect lighting for your living room? Discover how carefully considered lighting can completely transform your space. Our collection of living room lighting features wall lights, stylish floor lamps and ceiling lights will help you dial up the cosiness and prioritise comfort. When your home is prepared with perfectly balanced lighting and accessories you’ll be ready to hunker down and enjoy the season at its finest.

This beautiful exposed brick room started its life as Jim’s old bull pen at the farm. Now designed as a sitting room or snug, it was vital to layer this rustic space with pools of light from different sources to ensure it radiated comfort and calm. Balancing the traditional and contemporary in a modern rustic interior is important for creating a sphere of cosiness when the night draws in.

LAYER WARM BRASS DETAILS

Combine the old and new for a stylish modern rustic interior. The Single Edgeware Spotlight in Antiqued Brass was designed as a stylish and functional solution to boost the lighting in specific areas of your room, particularly useful in hard-to-reach areas of period homes like these beams. Our Edgeware Spotlight incorporates an elegant brass shade with an exposed braided cable that gives it a cool industrial look.

The Bulkhead Outdoor Light is a handsome, retro-style garden wall light with a robust and practical styling that is reminiscent of shipping and industrial days gone by. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy it indoors too, and we knew it was our first choice to pair with the original exposed bricks. Hand cast in solid, natural brass, this light has a wonderful weighty quality that adds warmth and texture to your walls – bolstering the modern rustic feel.

A hinged design that fits into the floor, this 2 Gang Floor Socket is the dreamy modern rustic detail you might not have thought of. A great solution when you don’t want wires stretching around the room. View all our sockets and find the perfect match for your room in a range of finishes.

CLEAN LINES & SILHOUETTES

A Matt Black or Beeswax finish ensures clean lines and stylish silhouettes, celebrating the traditional use of metalwork in Great British country homes. The Harrington Wall Light is practical and stylish in its simplicity, sitting close to the wall and creating interest with it’s circular detailing. Paired with a Half Shade in Elephant Linen, this light is strong against the bright white walls when framed by beams. A perfect tether between the styling of new and old. Explore our huge range of wall lighting and stylish lampshades to pair them with.

A stylish, contemporary floor lamp with a slim tripod stand, the Adler will bring an understated elegance into your room. This contemporary floor standing lamp is a wonderful choice for dialling up ambience in your dining room or living space when entertaining with family and friends. Discover more of our bestselling floor lamp designs.

The slim architectural lines of our Cromer Console Table helps to balance the warm and cool tones of the room, providing ample space to rest your hot drinks or glasses of wine… See more of our forged iron tables here.

A must have autumn/winter accessory, the Chappel Log Basket is just right for your hearthside firewood. Sturdy and supplied in our durable matt black finish, it’s a staple for homes with wood burners and fireplaces. With the dimmers in place and resting on our soft cushions, the added glow of a real log burner is sure to help you unwind on blustery evenings.

SOFT FURNISHINGS

Soften your space with plush cushions. Our collection of luxury cushion covers come in a range of colours and fabrics, from sumptuous velvets, textured linen, classic cottons and heritage tweeds.

SHOP BY ROOM

We’ve curated a shopping guide to help you find exactly what you need in one easy-to-navigate place. We would love to see how you translate these ideas into your own home this season, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and Facebook. For a wealth of home décor and interior inspiration, view our Pinterest page.

We love an opportunity to celebrate our rural roots in the East of England. Local to us in beautiful Suffolk, Husk in Thorington is a new destination for foodies and interior lovers, offering supper clubs and luxury weekend stays. With menus directly inspired by the immediate landscape and decor made up of reclaimed finds and local manufacturers like us, chefs Joey O’Hare and Katy Taylor have created a hub of local talent that’s not to be missed.

Image by Richard Allenby-Pratt of @thesuffolkproject

Welcome to the style journal, Joey and Katy! We are delighted to delve a little further into Husk. Where did it all begin?

As a couple we planned menus, cooked, and hosted since day one. Running a supper club and hosting guests in a B&B has always been our dream and suits our skillset very well. It’s great fun too! Post-lockdown a Suffolk farmstead with really charming outbuildings became available near Joey’s parents and we had to jump at the chance. It was the ideal site for a foodie, eco retreat with many mature fruit trees, wide and wild views, and a field ripe for a kitchen garden.

Why Suffolk?

We adore Suffolk and have been visiting Joey’s parents here for years. The quality of local produce makes it a chef’s paradise – the freshest fish from the North Sea, world class dairy from Fen Farm, amazing heritage grains and pulses from Hodmedods – the list goes on!

Tell us about your recently opened luxury stays, and your intention for these beautiful suites.

We hope to offer guests the ultimate ‘slow weekend’ with a real chance to switch off, eat well, and connect with nature. There’s a natural cold water swimming pool with exceptional views over fallow farmland, and an eco sauna to warm up afterwards. Guests can book into a supper club for a four-course seasonal supper, or help themselves to organic wines, local ales, and delicious snacks from ‘The Pantry’.

We are thrilled that you have chosen Jim Lawrence for the rooms, are all the furnishings sourced locally?

Yes. We have been pretty meticulous about decorating the rooms with antique or second-hand furniture sourced locally, and where we’ve purchased new items we’ve sourced beautiful pieces from local makers such as Jim Lawrence for lighting, Soendergaard Design for tableware and ceramics, and Loggique for organic soaps for the rooms.

Your food looks fantastic and is made with a genuine ‘farm to table’ ethos. What can guests expect when they join you for supper?

Guests sit around an enormous oak table crafted from a 350-year-old oak tree which fell in a storm here on the farm; the beauty of its size made only from a single stave and its natural wavey edge is a real talking point. At each supper club guests are greeted with a seasonal sour or spritz crafted with house made cordials and schnapps.

We grow much of the organic veg ourselves in the kitchen garden, and all the eggs come from Katy’s growing flock of geese, ducks, chickens, and quails! We are blessed with many mature fruit trees so guests can expect lots of creative dishes involving quince, damsons, apples, gooseberries and more.

As we tip toe toward the winter months, where are the best places to seek foraged finds at this time of year?

The orchard fruits are nearing their end, though we still have a healthy crop of Bramley apples to get through – we’ve been making Bramley sorbet to serve with local Apple Brandy as a digestif. And the hedgerows are bursting with bright rosehips which we will be simmering into cordials for our welcome cocktails.

What advice do you have for the novice cook who might want to liven up a few meals with a homegrown or handpicked ingredient?

Don’t miss the wild garlic season in Spring! It’s a great one if you are new to foraging as you can’t really get mixed up with anything else and its flavour is astounding. Try a simple pesto.

Do you have any favourite ways to add a similarly seasonal touch to your décor?

What a great question – yes! At Husk we love ‘bringing the outside in’ both in our guest rooms and in the dining room. In late summer we decorated the table with posies of wildflowers from the meadow, and now we’re creating more autumnal bouquets with Christmas Box, holly and rosehips. We fire up the log burner in the dining room too for an extra hygge vibe.

A magical space like yours certainly helps, but are there any fail-safes to boost a relaxed atmosphere at the dining table?

Well, a welcome cocktail certainly helps! Keep the lighting gentle and use tea lights on the table to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Forage flowers or greenery from your garden rather than buy in flowers for the table, this enhances a connection with nature and at Husk it goes hand in hand with our local, seasonal menus and ethos. And fine tune a cracking playlist! We’ve been working hard on our ever-evolving supper club playlist of singer-songwriter classics.

What plans do you have for husk going forward?

Continue to serve our loyal locals at the supper club, and welcome guests from further afield as well now that we have the rooms open for weekend stays. Cooking classes are launching this Autumn too so please watch this space.

Finally, a few quick-fire questions… Three words to summarise how you want your guests to feel when they arrive.

Welcomed, relaxed, and hungry!

Three words for when they leave.

Content, merry, and replete (though never too full!)

What’s the staple item that every kitchen needs?

A great chef’s knife.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

The Lamarsh Wall Light – it’s so elegant and contemporary, and it hangs really beautifully against the old exposed brick walls within the dining room. We love the gentle up and down light it offers the space.

DISCOVER MORE

Follow Husk on Instagram (@huskthorington) for plenty of enticing food photography and behind-the-scenes shots of the homestead. Visit www.huskthorington.co.uk to book your supper club or stay. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

Make an elegant statement with every detail in your space. Our hand-finished curtain poles add a touch of class to any room, and we like to think of the humble curtain finial as the cherry on top. Both functional and ornamental, here our our best-selling curtain finials to add the finishing touch to your decor.

Crafted at Jim Lawrence, these finials form part of our popular collection of curtain pole accessories, including centre and recessed brackets, rings and curtains to personalise your look.

Our Button Finial in Antiqued Brass. This dainty finial is a subtle addition to any room, adding sophisticated warm tones to your window furniture. Mix or match with the details in the wider room for a cohesive, considered look throughout. Customer image from @mwbespokeinteriors.

These beautifully reflective, Clear Glass Ball Finials are a perfect companion for our antiqued brass curtain poles. These handblown glass balls are a wonderful match for an array of glass lighting styles so you can mirror their weightless, light-catching quality.

Our best-selling forged iron Cannonball Curtain Finials are a timeless classic. A familiar style that suits all manner of homes, a cannonball finial in matt black provides a smart, uniform finish to your interior. Choose from a range of our finishes to get the look you love. Customer image from @kathgrovescurtainsandcushions.

Inspired by traditional wrought iron styles, this robust yet delicate-looking Crook’s Curtain Finial is a wonderful choice for more rustic period homes. Pick from a variety of colours to best dress your window.

Shown above in our traditional beeswax finish, this Button Finial creates a clean, slimline look for those who enjoy pared back, simple design which lets your curtains do the talking. We make this finial in seven different finishes to suit all manner of home styles. Customer image from @kikiandbow.

MADE BY US

All Jim Lawrence products are made using traditional metal working techniques that have been handed down through the generations and are hand finished to the highest standards at our Suffolk workshops. Once fitted inside the pole, the curtain finials are fixed in place with a tiny grub screw that is located at each end at the back of the pole.

STYLED BY YOU

We would love to see how you translate these ideas into your own home, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. For a wealth of home décor and interior inspiration, view our Pinterest page. To view all our lighting and homeware visit our website.

The season where we seek comfort and embrace warmth in our homes is here. Choosing high-quality materials to enhance the space we live in feels more important than ever as we maximise the places we call home with items that transcend trends and answer the call for longevity and sustainability. In the name of quiet, laid-back luxury, we’ve curated a cosy autumnal look with a handful of long-standing Jim Lawrence classics that embody our ethos for great British craftmanship and timeless design.

A blend of rustic favourites and new, refined contemporary designs, creates a relaxed, lived-in look perfect for a transitional season. Layered lighting, rich satins and brass accents harnesses the power of warm tones and textures whilst prioritising a clean look that doesn’t feel cluttered.

“Autumn is a time to hunker down and feel cosy,” says Jim Lawrence co-founder and Director Sheena Lawrence. “Dialling up the ambience with different light sources is key for this calm feeling, and we felt that a colour palette of olive greens and warmer russets creates a modern, rustic look that is sympathetic to the season.”

LAYERED LIGHTING

Layering a space with pools of light from different sources ensures the area radiates comfort and calm. Balancing the traditional and contemporary in a modern rustic interior is important for creating a sphere of cosiness when the autumnal nights draw in.

Classic wall lights offer a gentler illumination than bold, directional contemporary lighting. Think of these wall lights as supplementary, helping to create additional layers of light in alcoves, nooks and to frame areas like fireplaces and seating areas with soft pools of light. They can also exist to serve a statement. Our Sussex Wall Light has been a Jim Lawrence staple for years. We were inspired by the floral motifs of Regency décor which we have tweaked to produce a more pared down, modern version for your walls. It has been fashioned from forged iron and hand painted in our subtle Old Gold finish for a luxurious look that makes it perfect for creating a feature in a period room or bringing a vintage look to a modern setting.

A central pendant can create a statement in a room where scale is carefully considered. No matter the size, however,  glass pendants reflect the light, bouncing the brightness back into the room rather than providing a visual stop. With this in mind, we chose to feature the latest addition to the Jim Lawrence collection: the Fluted Walcot Pendant. ⁠This new design features a fluted adaptation of its original shape; the sweetly scalloped edge bringing an ornamental look to this well-loved light.⁠

ENHANCING THE HOME

No coffee table is complete without a Samworth Oil Lamp. At a time to think about hunkering down and nesting, the Samworth is a go-to accessory for an autumnal and winter interior. For us, the Samworth is synonymous with the autumnal and winter months, bringing with it an old timey charm and the prettiest flickering flame.⁠ Light one of our natural beeswax candles in our Penfold Hurricane Lamp to enjoy more enchanting candlelight on these longer evenings.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

There’s nothing quite like returning home at dusk to be greeted by a warm glow pouring from the windows.⁠ Further illuminating the house and garden with a Jim Lawrence outdoor light is a sure way to make this welcome home even warmer.⁠ Dainty lights like our Clipper and Harbour Wall Lights are perfect for bringing a nautical-inspired, vintage touch to porches, pathways and outbuildings.

DISOVER MORE

We would love to see how you translate these ideas into your own home this season, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. For a wealth of home décor and interior inspiration, view our Pinterest page. To view all our lighting and homeware visit our website.

Set alongside the River Gavenny, the 17th century Little Mill boasts a unique interior with a charming vintage appeal. The Welsh Mountain views and wild swimming spots on the doorstep are enough to entice you, but the rustic walls, a folky colour palette, and antique furniture are bewitching in their own right. Unpretentious in its approach, the Little Mill embodies cosy cottage styling in its most authentic sense. Unique in its simplicity, the house is dressed with traditional wool blankets and bedside candles, whilst colourful door frames and flooring adds a playful edge to whitewashed walls. We caught up with host Hayley to find out more about this historic Welsh hideaway.

How did you come to be the custodians of this beautiful property?

We were actually renting the property next to it, when it came up for sale. We had been looking for nearly one and a half years, so it felt like fate.

The Mill has incredible bones, can you tell us about the history of the home?

It is a late 16th century corn mill, sat next to the river Gavenny. I believe it was one of two mills in Abergavenny. At one point it was owned by the local Pen-Y-Fal Psychiatric hospital that loomed on the hill above. It produced flour for the people interned there. After that it was purchased by the NHS, and the local Doctor used to live next door. It fell into disrepair in the early-mid-19th century until it was purchased in the 90’s by two local musicians who began the works of restoring the old building.

Have there been any big surprises on your renovation journey? 

Too many to count! Some good, some bad. I love discovering the history of the building, so I was thrilled when we uncovered the old miller’s handwriting all over the lime plaster walls. We found the old mill stone in the undergrowth in the garden as well. I have no idea how we are going to move it, as it weighs a few tonnes! We have a lot of the old machinery including two large mill wheels and a 17th century staircase still in situ.

Your decor choices are intentional in their gently folky rusticity. Where does this influence stem from, do you have a background in design?

I did not grow up in the countryside or in cottage style homes but have always loved the aesthetic of a rustic country kitchen. I think it stems from my grandma describing her childhood in rural Estonia. It was a very simple aesthetic from her description, with a lot of handmade textiles, wooden furniture, and endless blankets in the winter. She grew up in a mill, so it is rather serendipitous that I have ended up living at one too.

What inspired the colour palette of your painted doors and floors?

As we were working on Little Mill, I went through so many colour changes, but one colour I always knew I wanted was the sorrel green floors upstairs. The colour is very saturated but without being garish and reflects the real natural tone I find in the garden in spring.

You’ve chosen to feature our beeswax ironmongery throughout, how easy have you found it to find new items that are sympathetic to the era of the house?

I love the beeswax finish. It is the right level of industrial and beauty that fits the mill perfectly. Brass finishes felt too showy for the rustic aesthetic. I have spent hours trying to find products to complement the building. Some felt to purposely ‘olde’ and others too new and shiny. I found the Jim Lawrence simple designs and finish worked in harmony with what was already there.

We’re interested in your sourcing secrets as a whole…where is your favourite place to gather antiques and other homely treasures?

I am an auction room addict. I don’t often get to attend them, but I am always looking online.

We love your dedication to ‘slow living’. Not just in terms of the aesthetics of the Mill, but the fact there is a vegetable garden to pluck from, no television, and a focus on enjoying all the nature on your doorstep. What can visitors expect when they book to stay with you?

We really want our guests to relax and step back from the day-to-day stresses when they visit Little Mill. There is a calmness in the space, which guests often remark upon, and the constant sound of the river rushing past can be very hypnotic.

Do you have any advice for others who wish to implement a simpler, more thoughtful approach to decorating their own homes?

Take your time. Don’t feel the need to finish everything in one go. Sit with a patch of colour for a while. Live with a painting in a certain spot, and don’t be afraid to change your mind the next day. Simple handmade items (whether it is furniture or textiles) always bring me so much joy. I have tried to allow Little Mill to breathe and tell its story, without feeling drowned in too much clutter.

What are your plans for the Little Mill going forward?

We are opening up the second half of the Mill in October which is really exciting. It has been a real labour of love and I can’t wait to have her finally open. We will also launch our artist residency in 2024.

Finally, a few quick-fire questions…

Three words to summarise how you want your guests to feel when they step through the front door?

Calm, quiet, informal.

Three words for when they leave.

Nourished, content, settled.

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

Wool blankets and beeswax candles.

Follow the Little Mill on Instagram (@little_mill_abergavenny) for more enticing interior shots and visit littlemillabergavenny.com to book your stay. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE LOOK

Suffolk Latch in Beeswax, Pendant Lampholder, Self-closing Portiere Rod, Beeswax Door Hinge 

You’d be forgiven for stumbling across Dani’s Instagram profile and assuming your eyes were scanning the beaches of South Africa, the vast wildernesses of North America or another far-flung location. But, as her username ‘@the.devon.good.life’ perfectly reveals, the bulk of her beautiful imagery and video content captures life on the Southwest Coast of England. Between renovating a 19th century coastal cottage and pulling on a wetsuit to paddle board with seals, we caught up with Dani to discuss the concept of home and why nature is key to that good life feeling.

Tell us about your move away from city life, what made you take the plunge? 

I had lived in London for coming up to a decade and whilst I loved it for the most part, the city lifestyle had started to wane just before Covid hit. I’d always grown up in a countryside setting and I was craving space, nature and a slower pace of life. I was also desperate to make a home. With soaring property prices in the city, I’d had years of moving from one rented room to the next. I think city life can cause an element of instability, some people thrive from that kind of challenge, but not me. When the pandemic changed the ways of working, I was suddenly able to do my job remotely and it was a chance to make a completely different lifestyle change that I knew I couldn’t pass up. So began the quest of finding a country cottage to renovate, which had always been a dream of mine to do.

Why Devon? 

Devon has always been a special place for me, it’s where I was born and where my family are from. The thing I love most is just the variety that this one county brings, I feel more than any other. I can start my day hiking the tors on Dartmoor National Park and finish my day with a sunset at one of our many beautiful beaches. There’s so much wildlife and marine life, and because it’s so big there’s always new places to explore. Now I’m here, I realise there are more and more younger people moving here, looking for this way of life, so it’s lovely to be surrounded by such like-minded people.

Working for a travel company and documenting new locations for your Instagram page means you are often on the move! How do you ensure your home is a sanctuary that you always look forward to coming back to? 

As we are mid-renovation that’s an interesting question because sometimes it’s hard to look past the mountain of jobs still to do which can be a bit overwhelming. I’m proud of what we have achieved so far though, doing the majority of work ourselves which does give a real sense of satisfaction at the end of the day. For me, it’s about making my home as light and spacious as possible using neutral colours, and then utilising as much natural texture as possible; woods, limestone, and linens for example, to make it cosy and warm. Nature and exploring new places is soul food for me, so if the inside of my home can remind me of what’s outside beyond it then that gives me a lot of joy.

Do you know much about the history of the cottage?

I believe it dates to around 1890 and over the years has had many alterations. In the last two decades, I understand the previous owner of next door was in some financial difficulty, so kept selling off sections of his house and garden to the previous owners of my cottage. My cottage looks quite small from outside first impressions, so I do enjoy seeing people’s reactions when they come in and the layout is always different to what they expect.

What has been your most unexpected discovery when getting stuck into the DIY side of things?

This is my first proper renovation project and so far, I’m thankful that we haven’t had any disaster discoveries like you see on all the renovation programmes. We managed to reveal what I think has turned out to be a beautiful fireplace which was always a hope of mine. We also paint stripped all our wooden doors and they ended up being so beautifully rustic that they’re now a favourite feature of the house. Over the years, some of the character has been removed so my aim is to really add that back in.

We are here to talk interiors, but what is it about being outside that you find so inspiring? 

For me, the outdoors and creativity go hand in hand now. Shortly after moving to Devon, I picked up my camera and finally felt like I had reason to use it every day so it’s lovely that one passion has completely sparked another. I get so much excitement from exploring somewhere new and seeing places for the first time, but once you move somewhere, there are less and less new places to find. For me, it’s inspiring because whether it’s the change in seasons, or that one sunset is always different to the next, the outdoors can give you a totally different experience, whether somewhere new or old. Time in nature is humbling, it provides me with a mental reset and a perspective on what’s important.

Your interior style appears to focus on pared-back natural materials. Does your love of nature impact the design choices you make?

Oh absolutely! After living in a city, I wanted a lifestyle that meant I had nature on my doorstep. For me, your home absolutely contributes to that lifestyle, and reflects your personality so for me it all goes hand in hand.

Where else do you seek ideas for the home?

Instagram and Pinterest are firm favourites, the ease at which you can consume and save inspiration is something I love. But I also find I get really inspired when I travel, especially places like Canada, the USA, and Europe. I’ve never been to Australia, but I know I would LOVE the interiors over there. That’s where interior coffee table books are also such a favourite of mine as there is often inspiration from all over the world. A couple of my favourites are the Surf Shack series by Nina Freudenberger and Still: The Slow Home by Natalie Walton.

Do you have any advice for those seeking out their first property?

Location is everything. It’s tempting to move for a house, but in my opinion it’s not enough. Loving where you live is so important, and you can change pretty much everything about a house, but not where’s located. If you’re moving to a completely new area like I did, I would really recommend renting before buying. By doing that, you can see what different areas are like at different times of year, how different locations and amenities would impact your lifestyle and in doing so, save yourself a lot of time, stress, and money, by having to move again.

Finally, a few quick-fire questions…

In three words, what does ‘the good life’ mean to you?

Nature, Contentment, Home. Or…work life balance!

Where’s next on the list to visit? 

Hiking in the Italian Dolomites or Norway.

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs? 

A comfy, stylish sofa!

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

It’s got to be the Club Wall Light; I just love them.

Follow Dani’s journey on Instagram (@the.devon.good.life) for a feast of beautiful travel and home photography. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

SHOP DANI’S LOOK

The Club Wall Light, The Club Plug-in Wall Light

Neha Shah is the founder of NS Interior Design, a Hertfordshire based studio. Characterised by bright spaces and warm accents, NS Interior Design specialises in a timeless style by offering spatial planning, interior design, and design management services. We’ve loved watching Neha fine tune her design with perfectly placed Jim Lawrence lights and are delighted to welcome her to the Style Journal.

When did you begin your journey into interior design?

I carved my own footsteps in the industry 4 years ago, in 2019. Having worked for other established interior design firms within London for 10 years, I was ready to take the big leap and go it alone.

For us, your styling has a relaxed, comfortable appeal which is elevated by elegant detailing. Can you tell us about your design ethos?

One key design statement I channel is creating interiors that have understated elegance and timeless feel. I naturally gravitate to neutral and calming colour palettes throughout and tastefully injecting subtle colour through items the client could easily change themselves in years to come. It’s key to get the right balance between style and function.

We initially connected over some images of your Little Venice project, a dainty property where maximising on space (particularly in the kitchen area) was key. In your experience, how important is lighting in helping to make the most of smaller areas?

That’s right. With that project in particular, lighting was important especially with regards to creating zones for the client. As I reconfigured the space to a single large open plan area, it was important we catered to each area and get the right balance of decorative lighting as well as practical lighting. Pairing the Edgeware Flush Mount Ceiling Lights with the Thornton Glass pendants is a great example of this.

Other than introducing bigger changes such as lighting and perhaps painting, what are the most effective ways to transform a room?

Once you have considered the fitted elements of your home, the next phase is the furniture and soft furnishings. This will truly complete the transformation of a room. It’s important to first ensure you establish the furniture layout before executing this with your choices. This allows you to ensure items are proportionate to the room.

Our favourite project of yours is your recent Maida Vale holiday home which weaves laid back neutral tones with swathes of warm brass. It is so welcoming and fresh. What are key pieces of styling advice for creating inviting bedroom and living areas like these?

For me personally and as you pointed out, spaces such as these in my opinion should be kept calming and comfortable. The choice of colours you place within a room, be it on the walls or furniture have an impact on how you feel within a space; how you’re able to relax within a space. Really think about the intensity and tone of colour you insert, as well as how much.

How can we all refine our own personal style?

It is so easy to get carried away with looking at inspiration online and say, “I’d like this, this and this in my living room” and assuming it will look amazing and cohesive. It’s important to really sit down and think what truly works, and what works well together based on your preferred aesthetic. Putting a mood board together to assist you will allow you to visually see it all together or always consult with an Interior Designer to assist in this.

You work with a variety of properties, but we know older homes can sometimes present unusual challenges when renovating. What’s the key to perfecting a period project?

I suppose there are two parts to this question if you’re considering a renovation project in its entirety. Structurally, be realistic and always expect more works are required than you imagined. Typically, older properties are built differently internally with weaker structures that may not withstand the renovation. They also usually require rewiring to ensure they are up to current standards.

Visually, I would say try your utmost to retain any period features. These elements provide character and charm to a room and can really elevate what may appear a clinical space to a warm and tastefully designed room. I love the juxtaposition within classic details and contemporary clean lines.

What advice can you give to those passionate about interiors but not quite knowing where to start on their own home re-design? Do you have a go-to for sourcing new ideas and inspiration?

Having an Interior Designer on board is just as important as considering all other trades for your project, whether you’re quite confident in what you’re creating or haven’t a clue where to begin. The first request I always ask of clients is to spend some time on platforms such as Pinterest or Instagram. This steppingstone allows me to visually understand their vision too.

A few quick-fire questions…

What are your top tips for making a house a home?

It is all in the layering; once you’ve considered all the fitted elements, think about the furniture, followed by soft furnishing, artwork, mirrors, decorative lighting and so on.

What’s your favourite room to design?

Usually, a bedroom or lounge. But then I love the kitchens I’ve designed recently!

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

A good quality made bespoke sofa!

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

Tough question and I’m struggling to choose as there’s so many classic timeless pieces in your collection. Can I choose two? For a while I was hoping to use the Barchester and Arlington pendants and so glad I got to in the Maida Vale Holiday Home). They are realty timeless, and I feel in 10 years’ time they will still make the interiors feel fresh.

Follow @ns.interiordesign on Instagram for further images of her beautiful homes. If you’re in need of a design revamp, visit  www.nsinteriordesign.co.uk to browse the portfolio and discover more about Neha’s services. Interior photography featured by Christopher Snook who you can follow @snookphotograph.

To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE @NS.INTERIORDESIGN LOOK

Edgeware Mounted Ceiling Light, Thornton Pendant, Carrick Plug-in Wall Light, Carlisle Three Arm Pendant, Dulwich Wall Light, Putney Wall Light