especially at this time of year. It has been a few weeks since I posted and I am feeling really down on myself about it. Trying not to go there, but I am feeling the effects of S.A.D….Seasonal Affective Disorder…it is a real thing. If you have never heard of it, it has been referred to as winter depression. All I know is it MAKES me feel sad. As the long days of summer melt into fall, I find myself with a sense of foreboding.
I used to love September when I was a kid. It was the month of the start of school, and I loved school. It meant seeing all of my classmates again, having a purpose and a schedule. This year was going to be my year. Evolving into my life of changed circumstances. Embracing a new start. And we all know how the year started out. Covid became the word of not only the year, but most probably the century. The jobs I had lined up–all dried up. No one wanted people in their homes because we were all instructed to socially isolate.
Fast forward to October, and my little cottage has evolved and there is only so much I can do. I need projects. I need to keep my brain and body moving. I used to say that it was how I channelled my demons. When I was married and raising my children, there was a never ending list of TO DO’s. Having so much to get accomplished made me feel safe and satisfied. I realize now, that it was also the way that I was able to ignore that little voice inside of me that was trying to tell me that something wasn’t right. I didn’t really feel safe in my marriage. I was trying too hard to be someone I was not. Twisting myself into a pretzel so that everyone would like me. Can you relate?
So, at this time of the year, it is really important for me to have lots of light… this year in particular. And that means lots of lamps. In my rental, I don’t have any source of light built in to my living / dining area. Even if I did, overhead lights are so unattractive by and large in rental spaces. They are usually the boob lights, or a fan with a light like in my bedroom…harsh, institutional and creating ugly shadows on my face that make me feel even worse.
LAYERING lighting is a concept that combines three types of lighting in your spaces. The three main types of lighting are ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
So, I have lots of lamps. And wall sconces that hold candles that I have swapped out for the battery operated ones that you can just click on with a remote and the flames start dancing. Last year, I used real candles and was constantly cleaning up the dripped wax. I discovered some that looked like real wax and I have never had to clean a drip of wax since.
And with my mirrors, the reflection of light is amazing. Mirrors and light…always a great combination!
I have always loved beautiful lamps. Now I understand why… they are a source of light, and for this gal who needs a lot of it, I have always tried to find ones that are not only beautiful when lit up, but also a pretty addition during the day. The ones below are some of my favorites. Their shape is lovely and the black lampshades lined with gold assure that the light projected will be warm. They are great for creating ambient light, as well as being sufficient for task lighting and –as pretty as they are, they make lovely accent lighting as well.
The lamps have wonderful details as you can see below, the ridged base, the gold spheres and the shades all create a lovely detail, night or day.
Directly opposite the settee is my dining area. I have another lovely lamp on it. As you can see below, the combination of the glass orb of the lamp and another glass orb next to it, those details make for a mystic vignette. When you look into both, you see an interesting reflection of what’s surrounding them.
Lighting is so important to good design, but even more, to our well being. I know we were encouraged as kids to keep the lights off in rooms we weren’t using, and I agree. But, if you have a home with dark spots that you encounter every evening…I say light them up. With the newest energy saving light bulbs, why not? When you have company over, no doubt you turn on your lamps. Treat yourself to that experience every night. Light a candle. Treat yourselves to some really pretty lamps. Light up your life, literally and figuratively…
Beauty is a light in the heart.
Khalil Gibran
Until next time,
keep shining!
xo, Eileen