Masters Home Improvement

From chic chandeliers to industrial-style lamps, it’s easy to be dazzled by the latest lights currently on the market.

With so many options available, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to styles, sizes and prices.

Glamour time

Ultra-modern pendant lights are high on the style stakes. Made of various materials, such as metal, glass and acrylic, these sculptural works provide dramatic illumination. Swathed in rich floral and strong geometric fabrics, oversized drum shades add sheer elegance to a room.

Chandeliers, meanwhile, are enjoying a strong resurgence – both classic crystal and modern takes on the classic design are equally popular.

Nature calling

Natural materials, such as textured earthy fabrics and natural timber, have been popping up on the design radar. The elements work impeccably with pendant lights and floor lights; their curvaceous shapes and organic tones pay homage to the pared-back Scandinavian style.

Natural style pendant lights look just as good above a kitchen bench or a sumptuous timber-based bed.

Industrial chic

The more industrial-style look draws inspiration from classic New York warehouse lofts. This type of lighting signals a utilitarian look – a sturdy metal base and angled joints in a matt-black finish sum up the style.

Ideal as a desk lamp or floor light, these industrial works look fantastic in home offices or above a dining table.

Outdoor lighting

Australian’s penchant for living, dining and relaxing outside doesn’t end after dusk. Sturdy and stylish, the latest outdoor wall and garden lights are perfect for al fresco meals and cooking on the barbie, while solar lighting provides excellent illumination for pathways and driveways.

Rechargeable lights are now affordable and decorative. Some look like glowing candles and are just as beautiful on an outdoor dining table or scattered around the courtyard.

Energy saving

Energy saving is undoubtedly the buzzword in the lighting industry, and Australians have embraced this new direction.

The traditional incandescent bulb is quickly being replaced with modern options – mainly compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that use around 80 per cent less electricity and last around eight times longer.

Futuristic vision

Still quite a new concept, LED lighting is starting to revolutionise the lighting scene.  

Standing for Light Emitting Diode, this type of lighting has started to hit the market as ultra efficient, ultra long life replacement globes.  

In the near future lighting designers will start creating works of wonder using LED bulbs as integral parts of the fitting.  At the moment the manufacturing side is keeping the price high but watch this space – LED is undoubtedly the way of the future.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.