Craig, your question on Lighting Control. The rise of LED has brought new dimension to the lighting control debate. Lighting Control Systems such as Lutron are the best way to dim LED. We use Lighting Control Systems with 0-10v, DALI and DMX dimming and it's possible to get very smooth dimming to really low levels. I don't really want to suggest one system over another. I'm sure they all have their strengths. Rako offers wireless flexibility for retrofit applications, Lutron has a superb heritage and history of fantastic reliability. I'd look for dealers who are really experienced in using the system and a manufacturer with a strong local support infrastructure. We've got an introduction to Lighting Control Systems on our site here and there are some useful manufacturer downloads. http://www.brilliantlighting.co.uk/lighting-control/

I like the grey and purple idea, Farrow and Ball Elephants Breath and Brassica would look great (see pic) or you could go more dramatic with Farrow and Ball Pelt as the room looks lovely and light, so could take strong colour. I think change the clock on the fireplace to a statement mirror and add some pattern with the soft furnishings. There's a bit of a French influence in the style of the console and there's a country feel to the fireplace, so for curtains maybe a check or ticking stripe, or if you want more French you could have damask or floral pattern, mix and match colour and patterns. Maybe add a rug to the new wood floor for a bit of texture.

Oh you're too sweet! I've been thinking about my biggest challenges so I could pick one. A lot of them were actually practical or build related things - stuff that I didn't consider or couldn't foresee during my renovation and that I will do differently next time. What I'm finding surprisingly challenging now that I'm furnishing my home is: balance of colours and materials. I've been obsessing over interiors for as long as I can remember, and in my head I knew exactly what I wanted my home to look like. There is not one item of furniture that I purchased in a haphazard manner, I thought about function and style, I considered how it would tie in with the rest of the room, I created visuals...and still, now that it's all there, carefully arranged, it doesn't look like I wanted it to. Colour is a big aspect of it: what is the right amount of colour to inject so it doesn't look bland but still coherent? I like bright and white so I stick to neutrals for permanent items and bring in colour with decorative items that don't cost the world and can be moved and played with (that's with the exception of a brown chesterfield sofa that I've had for years and can't part with, an a black fireplace that must have been tiled by a blind person). Same goes for materials - I guess with an all white backdrop you can introduce materials more generously (?) but there is probably still something like a healthy medium. Is it ok to mix brass, steel, glass, fur, linen, marble...or is there a magic number to stick to? I have attached a photo of the living room I'm working on, as an example. I'll either remove the rattan chair or cover it with a sheepskin, the grey sofa will be reupholstered in a lighter fabric and the art over the mantle will be replaced with a mirror or a more toned-down canvas. Maybe these changes will solve my problem. But bottom line is, I was going for an urban industrial look and now feel that the room has got a granny touch, it's too girly. Anyway, materials and colour. I bet you're sorry now that you asked ;) x

A really good article! Two things we can absolutely agree on are portable lamps and glass lighting. At this year's Light + Building fair we had the opportunity to check out the very latest in the industry and these trends are definitely alive for 2018 /2019. We just recenly published an article on that - maybe you're interested on our view of the subject as well :) Fascination Glass Lighting: Interior Trend 2018 / 2019