Looking to brighten up your home for summer? It takes a mere flick of the switch, says Sam Wylie-Harris

IF YOU'RE thinking of using the bank holiday to get the house ready for summer, one of the simplest style updates is to make the most of your indoor lighting.

Whether it's playful touches with quirky lights, putting the beam back into bulbs, adding drama with a characterful chandelier or something as simple as changing a shade, the secret is to go with the flow and check out some of the current trends. After all, no-one wants their decor to be left in the shade...

WARM GLOW

"People tend to underestimate the use and importance of light during summer, as we have natural light for so much longer. Whether you're looking to add new lighting indoors or outdoors, the right lighting can really enhance your experience," says Chris Jordan, managing director at Christopher Wray.

"Indoors, it's great to go for fittings and shades that are lighter and airy, something that evokes warm weather and far-off destinations.

"The Floriss, with its colourful, petal-shaped folds, mimics the lush foliage outdoors, while the Planet's fabric sphere is lined in the same way as leaves. The natural form and colour of these pendants create a softer light that works brilliantly in the twilight hours."

And if you really want to pull the plug on dated fluorescent lighting, refreshing citrus colours are all the rage at Amara. The luxury homeware brand suggest pairing their orange and lime accessories against a white backdrop, to allow the colours to create a bold focal point in the room.

:: Floriss Suspension Light, Lime Green, from £645 (halogen), Christopher Wray (www.christopherwray.com)

:: Planet, from £694 (50cm), Christopher Wray (www.christopherwray.com)

:: Kartell Ceiling Light, Orange, £187, Amara (www.amara.com)

EVER CHANGING MOODS

When it comes to highlighting certain areas of the room, it's important to consider where the natural light is falling, especially when there's a bright blue sky outside.

Whether it's a neutral background or moody paint effects, if you want to create a brighter, more open feel within the space, the colour of the walls and use of lighting is essential.

"Introducing oversized lighting is a fantastic way to add drama and interest to a living space," says John Sims-Hilditch, co-founder of Neptune. "The atmosphere that's created from the light cast of a large pendant light can really alter the mood of a room. The material and colour of the drum is also an effective decorative accessory even when the light is switched off."

Even choosing the correct light bulb for your pendant light is a simple way of altering the feel of the room, suggests Sims-Hilditch. Ask yourself how you want this room to make you feel.

"Light has the power to create a peaceful environment, where it can mimic natural pools of light, creating a serene ambience in your own home. Using a lower wattage allows for a more calming exposure, perfect for areas of the home that are intended to relax in."

:: Corinium Lampstand Medium, £105, Oliver Lampshade, Warm White, from £16, furniture from a selection, Neptune (www.neptune.com)

:: Keats Pendant, Small, £78, chair from a selection, Neptune (www.neptune.com)

:: Grenadier Table Lamp, Saffron, £135, 40cm Pleated Phula Silk Empire Lampshade, £98, console table and mirror from a selection, Oka (www.oka.com)

HOLIDAY VIBE

"If you don't have any outside space, transform your room into a romantic summer garden with a wooden chandelier, some plants and the gentle glow of candlelight," says Lucinda Waterhouse, OKA founder.

Chandeliers made out of wood or beads create a relaxed holiday vibe and have a charm of their own, but don't be afraid to consider crystal. Cut glass catches the light (crystal casts a soft glow) and along with being a thing of beauty, it can brighten the darkest of rooms.

:: Winchelsea Wooden Chandelier, £1,645, furniture from a selection, Oka (www.oka.com)

:: Luna Antique Beaded Chandelier, £350, Graham and Green (www.grahamandgreen.co.uk)

:: Home Collection Avery Crystal Glass Flush Light, £250, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)

SPLASH OF COLOUR

"Lighting is a great carrier for colour. During the summer months, inserting splashes of vibrancy and colour either in bases or shades is a great way to update your decor to complement the warmer weather," says Sophie Amini, designer, Pooky Lighting.

"Using lighting is less risky than doing a whole wall or a set of curtains in one bright colour. It can enhance a room yet allow for flexibility, and does not have to be a huge expense. We have a beautiful range of table lamps in a range of materials which are an affordable and simple way of adding colour and interest to your room without breaking the bank.

"Even when you switch them off, your lamp will still look beautiful."

Indeed, investing in a funky shade, base or exotic palm-shaped table lamp, and mix 'n' matching with cutting-edge pieces that can be moved around is far more fun (and less risky) than committing to a curtain call that looks the same 24/7.

:: Aurora Table Lamp in Yellow with 30cm Straight Empire Shade in Peacock Dupion Silk, Base £80, Shade £55, Pooky (www.pooky.com)

:: Palmyra Table Lamp, Base only, £80 reduced from £130, Pooky (www.pooky.com)

:: Golden Palm Lamp, £450, Graham & Green (www.grahamandgreen.co.uk)

On a final note, don't forget to spend as much energy on cleaning the windows as your new lighting, so they're spark-ling in the sunshine.