The Heals one is just too neon-y. I bought a blue one, from outside it looks like we live in an aquarium or an UFO is landing. Inside, hurts the eyes after a few minutes. I guess it's fine for a large room, not an entrance hall. I didn't buy the Florence Jaffarain, as they are listed as pendants - I need something to plug in - we placed a light switch especially for that plug, so we can turn a lamp on from the switch when we come in. I could get an electrician to convert it, but I need time to recover after the experience with the Heals light. :))

We are converting and connecting two flats into one. The idea is to uncover an exposed brick wall on the stairs leading to the upper floor and in the kitchen area (open plan kitchen on the upper floor). Unfortunately, after exposing the walls we realised that the upper floor was built later on and the brick colour is different, more yellow. Downstairs is the typical reddish brick wall. We are not quite sure how to deal with the obvious difference of colours: avoid it by plastering the stairs, which reduces the overall wow effect, accepting the difference of colours and leave it as it is or painting the brick (not a good choice for my partner as he likes the natural richness and variety of tones of the brick). Any advice is welcome! Cristina

I cant speak for the technical aspects of it. I assume there must be a way to seal it. But in terms of visual, get some neatly stacked logs for display up against it and some wicker baskets to house some more and surround the woodburner with appropriate paraphernalia. Your furniture looks quite classic, and this shouldn't be hugely at odds with that.

Hi Ant, I guess it depends on what type of look you are going for in the room. We have recently put flush brushed stainless steel throughout our renovation project for sockets and switches but we have more of a rustic / modern look opposed to very industrial. If the look you're aiming for is quite industrial then the surface mounted might look good. Hard to say without knowing a bit more :)