The Very British Edit: Short Days and Low Light Don’t Have to Mean Dreary Interiors – A Few Key Pieces Transformed My Home Into a Winter Haven
Make the most of winter light with a few thoughtful pieces that brighten your home and lift your mood all season
The Opening Note
As the days grow shorter and evenings draw in, our homes naturally become places of retreat, comfort, and connection. Over the years, one lesson has stuck with me more than any other: the power of lighting.
Good lighting ideas are one of the fundamental elements of interior design. I first truly appreciated this insight during a short course at KLC Design School, where we explored how the right light can transform a space – making it feel brighter, warmer, and more inviting, even in the depths of winter.
This year, I’m bringing that lesson to life at home. It starts with small, considered changes: washing windows to let in every last ray of natural daylight, positioning mirrors to reflect it further, and layering softer sources of illumination through table lamps, candles, or subtle fairy lights that remain in place for a quiet, comforting glow. These tweaks aren’t about a full redesign – they’re about creating rooms that feel intentional, calm, and thoughtfully curated.
Alongside these adjustments, I’ve been seeking pieces that make light work harder: lamps that are as beautiful as they are functional, reflective accents that catch and amplify daylight, and candlelight that offers a gentle, soothing glow. Layering these elements allows interiors to feel lived-in and welcoming, striking a balance between style and comfort.
For anyone looking to refresh their home beyond a single room, this edit is about inspiration rather than overhaul. It’s about embracing small, achievable updates that lift the mood, enhance the atmosphere, and gently ease you into the darker months ahead – reminding us that even subtle changes can make a world of difference.
The Edit: Lighting Focus
In the Spotlight: Pooky
Few British home brands have captured my heart quite like Pooky. Founded in London in 2014, the brand has become synonymous with playful yet refined lighting that elevates any space. I have several of their lamps and pendants in my own home, and they never fail to make a room feel instantly warm and welcoming.
What makes Pooky so special is how effortlessly stylish yet versatile their pieces are. From sculptural table lamps to striking pendants and cordless lamps that can be moved anywhere, each design combines beautiful craftsmanship with a sense of joy and personality. Their mix-and-match approach – letting you pair bases and shades in countless combinations – means every home can have a look that feels uniquely its own.
Quality is at the heart of Pooky’s designs. Every lamp is carefully made to last, with thoughtful attention to detail and materials, while remaining accessible and playful. This combination of durability, charm, and style is why I keep returning to the brand, both for my clients’ projects and my own interiors.
Pooky made its official US debut in 2024, bringing its signature lighting to American homes for the first time. With a dedicated US e‑commerce site, fast shipping, and easy returns, it’s now easier than ever to introduce these joyful, beautifully designed pieces into interiors across the States.
Pooky is more than just a lighting brand – it’s a way to bring warmth, character, and a touch of magic to every corner of a home. From a softly glowing bedside lamp to a statement pendant that anchors a living room, their designs are used daily, admired constantly, and never lose their charm.
In the Queue:
Next week on The Very British Edit, I’ll be moving from lighting to a focus on creating the perfect home office and work-from-home setup. The aim is to design a space that promotes calm, creativity, and clarity – somewhere that makes working from home feel purposeful without ever feeling cluttered or stressful.
This issue explores practical yet impactful ways to elevate your workspace – from clever desk layouts and smart home office storage solutions to lighting that supports focus and mood. Layering natural daylight with task lighting, table lamps, and subtle ambient illumination transforms a simple desk area into a space that’s both inspiring and inviting. These thoughtful touches help foster concentration while keeping the atmosphere serene.
I’ll be spotlighting pieces that make a home office work harder – beautiful home office desks, ergonomic chairs, lamps with a gentle glow, and reflective accents that brighten the room. The emphasis is on creating a balanced, layered environment that feels energizing by day and soothing once the workday is done.
If you’re looking to refresh your work-from-home space with simple updates that make a real difference, this edit offers inspiration for designing a workspace that’s stylish, functional, and perfectly aligned with your daily rhythm.
The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.
