Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1502329
12 | Architecture & Design L ighting is an essential component to a successful design scheme, especially in winter when the days are shorter and we spend more time indoors than usual. Everything including lighting needs to have a purpose, it also needs to look good. You can influence your homes atmosphere just by how you position the lighting and the kind of fixtures you use. Lighting design should change from room to room to reflect the feel and function of the space. Before, lighting used to be just a simple functional component in the home but with today's trends, more light fixtures are becoming a centre piece and a work of art complimenting the character and the design of the home. LARGE FIXTURES There will be elegant and extravagant light fittings for every style, from contemporary to cottage style feels, don't be afraid to go bold with ceiling lights; larger spaces can take more daring pieces. Large pendant light fixtures can be used over the kitchen island, over the dining table, in a central corridor or even a wide, high staircase. The result of larger fixture trends is the result of more open floor plans with less walls and more shared space. RETRO AND INDUSTRIAL Retro and Industrial styles are coming back but in more refined forms with sleek black pendant lights for a sophisticated look. Industrial lighting has always been about rustic finishes, neutral colours and an emphasis on metal. The retro and industrial lighting we know is the warehouse style lamps. In today's living, we now can find a more modern, simple, sleek industrial style light fixtures that will suit any room in our homes with a variety of colours available. Black and brass finishes are dominating the market at this moment. The darkness of the black with the metallic shine of the brass creates sophisticated and show stopping fixtures. STRIKING TABLE AND FLOOR LAMPS Striking table and floor lamps are also a lighting trend; since minimal fixtures are being used in all the areas of the home, a more decorative, bold and striking structural floor and table lamps are acting as both a light source and a piece of art in whatever room they are in. TRACK LIGHTING Track lighting is also in trend, since it has a wide range of efficiency; serving as a downlight, spotlight or accent light. It is very flexible giving the lIghtIng trends