How To: Mix and Match Different Designs
Is your wishlist full of Tom Raffield pieces from varying ranges? The key to curating a home that is harmonious yet individual is combining pieces that you love to gaze upon, that all share a common feature. Whether that's combining a leather flourish in the same room that homes a leather sofa, or ensuring all your lighting features include wooden materials, there is always a method that can help craft a cohesive yet characterful space. Read on to discover how to pick and mix with our wooden lighting designs.
Create Harmony with Character
Mixing different lighting designs from Tom Raffield collections allows for a personal touch while ensuring that your interior remains cohesive. Here are a few beginners tips to achieve harmony with character:
Consistency in aesthetic. Stick to a consistent aesthetic, whether it’s sculptural, contemporary, or industrial. This ensures that even with varied designs, there is a unifying theme.
Consider the space. Consider the size and function of the space. Larger rooms can handle more dramatic contrasts and multiple focal points, while smaller spaces benefit from more subtle pairings. Rooms that have high footfall can also feel easily overwhelmed, so be cautious about how much you are introducing to the space.
A double sculpture feature
Sometimes, more is more, and a space will benefit from having two or more designs that showcase organic form and intricate craftsmanship. When introducing sculptural designs from different ranges, consider the following tips:
Balance in form and scale. Choose pieces that complement each other in size and shape. For example, the fluid curves of the Neap Wall Light can harmonise beautifully with the complex curves of the No. 1 Pendant. The contrast in shapes creates dynamic visual interest while maintaining a balanced aesthetic.
Harness harmony. Even if the shapes differ wildly, ensure the materials and finishes are cohesive. An Arame Wall Light with its sequential bent wood design pairs seamlessly with the natural beating form of the Butterfly Pendant, creating a unified look.
Layers of light. Utilise the different heights and placements of sculptural lights to add depth to your space. Hang the Butterfly Pendant low over a dining table while placing the Urchin Wall Light in an adjacent living area. This not only distinguishes different zones within open plan living but also layers the lighting, adding to the room’s ambiance.
A perfect match
Drum lighting designs, with their clean lines and understated elegance, provide a perfect counterpoint to the more elaborate sculptural pieces. Here’s how to pair them effectively:
Contrast for impact. Use the simplicity of a drum light to highlight the complexity of a sculptural piece. For instance, the Urchin Pendant, with its bold geometric design, can be complemented by the straightforward Kanna Drum Pendant. The contrast draws attention to the uniqueness of the sculptural piece while the drum light offers a grounding presence.
Creative control. Ensure that while the designs differ in character, there’s an underlying link that unifies them all. Both the sculptural Seya Pendant and the Stem Wall Light share a minimalist approach and allowing the natural wood shine, creating a sense of cohesion despite their different forms.
Purposeful placement. Position the sculptural light as a statement piece in a prominent area, such as over the bed or in the center of the living room room. Use the drum light in a supporting role, perhaps as accent lighting in a corner or as a complementary ceiling fixture. This hierarchy ensures that each piece shines in its own right without overwhelming the space.
Posted: 12.07.24
Updated: 16.07.24