While we love a bargain, we’re also firm believers in splashing out on statement pieces too, should your budget allow. And while it’s not the first item that springs to mind when you think of a hero piece, the statement lamp holds an important place in modern interior design. But when a single lamp can cost up to five figures, is it worth the investment?
“I believe a statement lamp is definitely worth the investment. It adds extra character to a setting and is another element to assist in carrying through colours and finishes – brass accents for example. A cheap piece will only bring the rest of the setting down instead of adding life to a space,” says Andrew Algar, owner of Contents International Design.
Chosen well (a neutral tone is usually a smart purchase), a good quality high-end lamp will give back many times over the years. “It is also a piece that, if invested in, can be utilised in other rooms down the line if you change your décor or move to a new house,” says Andrew.
And while there is amazing variety these days, as with any hero piece, you must make sure it doesn’t compete with the rest of the room. “If you were to keep the sofa, chairs, and table quite simple, a feature lamp will be the standout and lift the entire setting as well as providing much needed mood lighting too,” says Andrew.
Like dark paint colour and bold prints, Andrew encourages you to dive right in when it comes to making the purchase. “Look for elements in a lamp that will accent something already in your room to help it carry through, and don’t be afraid to go over scale. If you’re investing in a feature piece you want it to be noticed!”
Beyond just a source of light, the table lamp has the power (no pun intended!) to transform your living space. A focal point in any room, they are an indispensible tool in the interior styling kit. With so many options available, we’ve done the scouting for you, and sourced eight of the best.
Kmart Luminoso table lamp: A great buy for the style-savvy, budget shopper, this lamp combines three hot trends – copper, wood and industrial styling. With a price tag of $20, it would be rude not to.
Lee Broom clear crystal bulb table lamp: A truly original design, this lamp’s hand-cut crystal bulb evokes the glamour of heirloom glassware. Inspired by the crystal patterns of traditional whiskey glasses and wine decanters, the chunky gold base and exposed bulb give it a modern edge. $595.
Have You Met Miss Jones Cockatoo lamp: A native Australian icon, this bone china cockatoo lamp adds a touch of whimsy to any interior. Australiana at its best. $110.
Freedom Pier rope table lamp: For a touch of coastal chic, this statement lamp packs a nautical punch. The fishing knot rope feature is complemented by a crisp white shade. $169.
Domayne Media Table Lamp. The black and gold of this elegant adjustable desk lamp make it a beautiful choice for any room, not just the study. Made from granite and brass, it’s super sophisticated. $229.95
Amalfi Elke table lamp: Scandinavian simplicity at its best, this lamp’s white ceramic base and blonde wood will complement most spaces. $119.95.
Iron Matki Jali table lamp in white: For a touch of bohemia, you can’t go past the modern Moroccan style of this white lantern – best combined with whitewashed furniture and neutral linen. $295.
Matt Blatt Wayfair table lamp: From storage baskets to shelving units and coffee tables, wire really is having a moment. This statement lamp shows the industrial-themed trend isn’t going anywhere soon. $245.
As a judge on The Block and the editor-in-chief of magazine Vogue Living, Neale Whitaker, unsurprisingly, has a wealth of interior design knowledge. Seen as one of Australia’s foremost style gurus, he is a man who shuns trends, disliking the lack of individuality they can impose.
“As an editor, it’s my job to see trends at the broadest possible level, how everything interconnects,” explains Neale. “I rarely get enthused by specific colours or moods because those trends come and go so quickly. For me, the most interesting contradiction is the way in which design is increasingly dependent on technology and information-gathering, yet escapism and romanticism have never been so popular. Yin and yang for sure.”
Vogue Living’s current July/August edition
[contextly_sidebar id=”2puVQTN4IVNGzh4RIdYv6uYBzWFAT340″]Excited by so many things, for Neale inspiration doesn’t come solely from interiors, but rather from people, places and projects. So when asked the difficult question, to name his favourite products and designers of the moment, Neale’s answer was always going to be hugely diverse. “I’m intrigued by clever brand-builders. Ben Gorham is doing brilliant things at the Swedish fragrance brand Byredo; the Swedes are effortlessly cool in my book. The work of Italian interior architect and sculptor Vincenzo de Cotiis is awe-inspiring, as are the industrial lighting designs by New Yorkers Apparatus and Lindsey Adelman. Lee Broom is doing some really glamorous but interesting work in London. And mid-century Italian design will be the next era to have its place in the sun — I’m convinced of that.”
The work of Vincenzo de Cotiis, one of Neale’s inspirations. Photo credit: decotiisThe work of Apparatus, another of Neale’s inspirations. Photo credit: Apparatus Studio
Previously at the helm of Belle magazine for eight years, Neale only took up his new post at Vogue Living late last year. “I feel incredibly privileged to be editing such an iconic magazine and excited by the opportunities we have across online, digital and social media. Vogue Living is truly a brand.”
Having been the boss of two of Australia’s biggest magazines, Neale is constantly surrounded by contrasting yet beautiful spaces, which has left him with a personal style that is hard to define. “What’s my style? That’s hard. The best answer I can give is unpredictable. In my role I have to appreciate and understand so many different styles. I’m often surprised by the things I find myself attracted to!”
The Block judges: Neale, Shaynna and Darren
However, it is all this experience and diversity of inspirations, likes and dislikes, that make Neale such an ideal judge for The Block, and is why, after five years, us viewers can’t get enough of him and why he himself keeps coming back. “I never get tired of seeing what each new group of contestants can achieve. It’s also a privilege to be involved with such an incredibly popular show. And after five years, The Block feels like my extended family — from the production team to the soundos and the cameramen. Not to mention my fellow judges. They’re a brilliant crew.”
With rumours already swirling about the next season of The Block — which went into production this May — I couldn’t resist asking Neale what’s in store. Though fair warning, his lips were fairly sealed! “You can expect blood, sweat, tears, laughter, drama — and some damn good renovations!”
Want to hear more from Neale? He will be talking about the who, what and where is currently inspiring him at this month’s Life Instyle, Melbourne. His talk will take place Friday 31 July from 10-to-11am. Tickets cost $100. For more information.
