Bringing Interiors to Life with Lighting

A Design-Led Approach featuring the work of Louise Misell Interiors

Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools in any home. It doesn’t just brighten a room—it sets the mood, highlights key features, and adds functionality. Whether you’re designing a bathroom sanctuary, a welcoming kitchen, or a statement hallway, the right lighting choices shape the entire look and feel of a space.

To show just how impactful lighting can be, we’re taking a closer look at Louise Misell Interiors, a multi-award-winning design studio based in Cardiff. Known for bold colours, layered textures, and thoughtful details, Louise creates interiors that feel warm, inviting, and personal.

Her projects provide real-world examples of how lighting can transform a space. Let’s break it down.

Choosing the right lighting is key - it can really make or break a space as it not only performs a task, it creates atmosphere and contributes to the room's overall feeling and mood. Good lighting adds depth and can highlight key features, whilst producing balance in any room scheme.

— Louise Misell

Bathroom Lighting: Creating Atmosphere and Functionality

Define Zones with Pendant Lighting

Bathrooms are an essential part of the day, from energising morning routines to winding down at the end of the day. The key to effective bathroom lighting is layering different types of light to define zones within the space.

In this family bathroom, Louise used bold colours and eclectic textures to create a space full of energy and personality. Our antique brass Delta prismatic glass pendants, hung at varying heights, keep the space feeling open and uncluttered while adding a soft, diffused glow.

  • The prismatic glass diffuses light evenly, reducing harsh shadows.
  • The slimline silhouette keeps the design sleek.
  • Hanging pendants at different heights adds visual interest and balance.

Takeaway: Use pendant lighting in bathrooms to create a sense of space, especially in areas like vanity zones where good lighting is key.

Adding Warmth and Depth with Wall Lights

Bathrooms can often feel cold and clinical without the right lighting. Layering warm metallic tones and soft, diffused lighting adds depth and character.

In this bathroom, Louise combined brushed brass and matte black finishes with deep teal tiles to create a rich, layered aesthetic. Our satin brass Jordan bathroom wall lights, featuring an opal glass globe, are mounted beside the mirror to provide a soft, diffused glow that enhances both practicality and ambience.

  • Warm metallic finishes add depth and contrast.
  • The curved globe softens the structured tilework.
  • Positioned at eye level, the lighting is both functional and flattering.

Takeaway: Wall lights placed at either side of a mirror provide even, shadow-free lighting, making them ideal for getting all dolled up!

Bringing Organic Textures into the Bathroom

A well-designed bathroom should feel both calming and full of character. Using natural materials, earthy tones, and sculptural lighting creates a space that feels grounded yet refined.

This bathroom was designed with a layered, organic feel, using warm tones and natural textures. Our Rivale ceramic wall lights, with their handcrafted wavy ceramic shades in Red Iron, create a striking contrast against the cool blue-toned walls, adding warmth and depth.

  • The sculptural ceramic shades add an artisanal feel.
  • The warm Red Iron finish complements the earthy palette.
  • The soft, ambient glow enhances the room’s natural textures.

Takeaway: Choosing handcrafted fixtures adds authenticity and warmth to a space, making the design feel more personal and inviting.

Kitchen Lighting: Balancing Function and Style

Using Wall Lights for Task and Accent Lighting

Kitchen lighting should be both practical and atmospheric. Wall lights offer a great alternative to overhead lighting, especially in work zones.

This kitchen blends industrial influences with warm, lived-in textures. Our satin brass Moya wall lights introduce a subtle vintage touch, providing focused task lighting while enhancing the room’s inviting atmosphere.

  • Adjustable arms allow for directional lighting.
  • The brass finish adds warmth and depth.
  • Positioned above worktops, they provide effective task lighting.

Takeaway: Wall lights are a versatile addition to kitchens, adding both function and character without overpowering the space.

Creating an Industrial-Inspired Kitchen with Prismatic Lighting

The industrial look is all about balancing raw textures with refined details, and lighting plays a key role in achieving that balance.

In this kitchen, Louise combined industrial charm with modern refinement. Our Mono pendants, with their prismatic glass shade, provide evenly diffused light, which brightens the space and makes it feel more inviting.

  • The prismatic glass reduces glare and spreads light evenly.
  • The vintage-inspired design pairs beautifully with industrial elements.
  • Carefully positioned to enhance both functionality and style.

Takeaway: Prismatic glass pendants are ideal for kitchen islands and dining areas, where even light distribution is key to creating a comfortable, well-lit space.

Using Pendant Lighting to Anchor a Kitchen Design

A well-placed statement light can define a space, adding depth, warmth, and balance.

In this kitchen, Louise combined organic textures and a rich, earthy palette for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our Kauri pendants, with their tactile Red Iron finish and handcrafted ceramic feel, help to tie the entire look together.

  • The distressed ceramic finish adds texture and depth.
  • The large size makes it a striking focal point.
  • The sculptural form adds an artisanal quality to the space.

Takeaway: A bold pendant light can act as the centrepiece of a kitchen, reinforcing the overall design direction while offering practical, ambient lighting. In spaces with sloped ceilings, pendants can be adjusted by varying the chain length, ensuring they hang evenly while complementing the room’s architectural features.

Bespoke Lighting for Grand Spaces

Using a Custom Chandelier to Enhance Scale and Impact

In homes with high ceilings and open staircases, lighting should do more than just brighten the space. It should enhance the architecture and create a striking visual statement. But finding the right fixture can be tricky, so when nothing off the shelf felt quite right, Louise Misell Interiors collaborated with us to design a bespoke double-height chandelier.

A cascading cluster of pendants, carefully arranged at varying heights, draws the eye upward, accentuating the scale of the space. The warm brass tones and soft glow create the perfect balance between drama and warmth, making the staircase a true focal point.

  • The multi-tiered design enhances the vertical space.
  • The warm glow creates an inviting atmosphere.
  • The tailored design perfectly complements the home’s architecture.

Takeaway: A custom lighting design can completely transform a space, adding both grandeur and functionality in equal measure.

Lighting That Complements Great Design

Louise Misell Interiors continues to push creative boundaries, crafting spaces that are both functional and deeply personal. Her projects show just how much impact the right lighting can have, whether it’s defining zones, enhancing textures, or making a bold statement.

Lighting plays a key role in bringing any design vision to life. From bespoke statement pieces to versatile standard designs, the right fixtures create balance, warmth, and individuality.

Explore our collection to find the perfect finishing touch for your own space.

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