Unboxing the New Lutris Monte-carlo Cordless Lamp + 5 Tips to Brighten Your Home During Winter
Winter can bring shorter days, gloomy skies, and that undeniable urge to hibernate. But who says your home has to feel as dreary as the weather outside?
In the spirit of this feature, I’m writing it bathed in the most gorgeous golden, expensive glow of my new desk lamp. Nope, I didn’t know lighting could feel expensive before I discovered my new Lutris cordless desk lamp, either.. more on my new-found love for these later.
There’s good reason to put some thought into the ambiance you create in your home at this time of year – light plays a significant role in improving mood during winter. Exposure to natural or bright artificial light can help regulate circadian rhythm and boost the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with happiness and well-being. That’s why light therapy is often recommended for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a type of depression that occurs during the darker months.
With a few creative tweaks, you can transform your space into a cosy, light-filled retreat that uplifts your mood and keeps the winter blues at bay. Here are five ways to use lighting to brighten your home during the colder months:
1. Maximise natural light
You can make the most of available daylight – even during winter. Start by cleaning your windows (I can’t remember the last time I did this, either), because dust and grime can block precious light. You can also switch out heavy drapes for lighter curtains: consider sheer or semi-transparent fabrics to let in more natural light while still offering privacy. Another interior hack is to use reflective surfaces near windows: position mirrors closeby to bounce daylight deeper into your space.
2. Add layered lighting
Creating ‘layers of light’ makes your home feel warm and inviting. To achieve this, combine ceiling lights alongside lamps to balance brightness, and experiment with uplighting – placing small lights on the floor or furniture and angle upwards to create a cosy ambience. You can also use accent lighting to highlight features like artwork or bookshelves for added depth.
3. Opt for warm-toned bulbs
That harsh, cold toned strip lighting synonymous with offices is the antithesis of cosy and inviting. The colour temperature of your bulbs you bring into your home can make all the difference: choose warm white LEDs to mimic the glow of natural sunlight and mix colour temperatures – pair warm lights with neutral ones for a balanced look. Lighting experts also recommend installing dimmer switches to adjust brightness based on time of day, or mood.
4. Incorporate decorative lighting
Fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas. Once the festivities have been and gone, consider keeping them in situ for longer – string around windows, shelves and mirrors for a magical effect. The same can be said for candles and lanterns that create a cosy, flickering glow in living spaces. Afterall, everyone looks better bathed in candlelight. Position tapered candles on your mantelpiece, run down table centres, and dot scented candles around your space for added ambience.
5. Cordless lamps are your new best friend
Cordless lamps are one of those genius home purchases that you will wonder how you lived without. They light up the dark corners where a plug socket is MIA, and can be moved from room to room to illuminate your day. If you’re in the market for one – lookup Lutris, a beautiful lighting brand conceived in the iconic principality of Monaco by twin brothers Luke and Zac Johnson-Flint.
Lutris’ lamps emit the glorious golden glow you’d expect to find at sunset in Mykonos. Thoughtfully designed, precise dimming functionality allows you to control how bright you’d like the lamp to be at the touch of a button, whilst boasting a generous 140 hours of battery life.
Lutris’ lamps are beautiful to look at too; minimalist in design they will easily slip into any interiors, with a choice of matte white, brushed coffee and brushed gold colourways.