Renovating with Character with Amanda Balmain of Sweetpea and Sorrel

At Mullan Lighting, we’re always inspired by the creative ways our pieces find a home in real interiors. We’re delighted to collaborate with Amanda Balmain from @sweetpeaandsorrel whose beautiful spaces perfectly reflect our shared love of thoughtful characteristic design.

Amanda has seamlessly incorporated Mullan Lighting into her home by pairing our handcrafted fixtures with her signature warm, inviting and effortless style. Her approach to interiors celebrates both function and feeling, making her perfect for this feature.

We had the pleasure of chatting about her design journey, the inspiration behind spaces and how lighting plays a key role in bringing everything together. From choosing the right finishes to creating atmosphere in each room, we get to know all of the insights and experience working with Mullan Lighting.

‘I’ve had such fun choosing lighting fixtures for our Victorian renovation. I chose lights from Mullan lighting because of the great selection. There are gorgeous vintage fixtures as well as unique modern lights.’

‘A modern kitchen in a Victorian house can look a bit out of place but I chose the panelling and shelf to give a vintage feel. The Dale picture lights were the perfect fit with the shelf as they reached over and lit the countertop. They are both practical and beautiful and the aged brass finish also fits in perfectly. I’ve had so many compliments on them.’

^{Dale vintage adjustable brass picture lights hanging above a beautifully lacquered finger-jointed wooden butcher block countertop}

‘When we first bought the house, I saw so much potential in it. It’s a Victorian built property and an older house and with lots of additions and changes over the years which I really loved. My vision was to slowly renovate it and bring it back to life while still respecting its history and all the character it already has. We’ve been doing a lot of the work ourselves and learning as we go which has made it feel even more special.’

^{Wade outdoor brass spotlights chilling in the sunlight, set in a richly toned red brick wall}

‘Lighting has been really important in shaping the atmosphere of our home. For me, it’s not just about practicality, it completely changes how a space feels. I wanted each room to feel warm and inviting while still being functional for everyday use.

With Mullan Lighting, I loved that there was such a great mix of vintage and modern designs which helped me tie everything together across the house. In areas like the kitchen, the lighting adds character as well as function, the picture lights work perfectly to highlight the shelves and countertops while also creating a softer and ambient feel.

In the pool area especially, lighting was key as during the day, I didn’t want the fixtures to stand out too much, but in the evening they completely transformed the space. It’s those little moments like sitting by the pool on a summer evening that really show how much of a difference good lighting makes.’

^{A warm kitchen scene framed through the window, with Dale brass picture lights adding a soft, inviting glow.}

‘Blending the 1960s pool addition with the Victorian surroundings was definitely a challenge. I wanted the space to feel connected to the home’s history while still embracing a clean, contemporary atmosphere. 

While the pool area is a more modern addition, the goal was to ensure it was still connected with the character of the property. It’s sitting between a modern clean space and an extension of the Victorian garden, which guided my design decisions.’

^{A softly lit poolside terrace at dusk, with warm Wade wall lights adding atmosphere and depth to the outdoor space.}

Speaking with Amanda has offered a wonderful insight into the care and creativity behind her home renovation. Her considered approach to blending old and new is reflected throughout each space, from the character of the Victorian interiors to the calm atmosphere of the pool area.

For more from Amanda and a closer look at her renovation journey, follow @sweetpeaandsorrel on Instagram!