One large open-plan room can be visually split up by use of three different colored reflectors and/or different switching. The sitting area is warmly lit while guests are there; then by turning down those lights and switching on others in the dining area, people are given the illusion of actually moving to another room. Hans always recommends the use of dimmers with down-lights to create and vary atmosphere. Down-lighting, whether recessed or surface-mounted, works with all types of decor — again, because the fitting is not the feature, just the effect it gives. (more…)

“I rescued the apricot velvet curtains that one of my friends was throwing out, for the guest suite. Things other people don’t want seem to fit beautifully here. New colors and new furniture look quite wrong.” The staircase looks across to a magnificent stone wall in the hall that had to be completely rebuilt. “We were terribly lucky to find a Scottish stonemason who understood the technique used to build the original walls.” Dominating the living room is a massive table made from a section of an old red gum log found in the cellar. “1 had to wait until I had six strong men on hand in order to get it up here,” says Jenny. (more…)