In the winter when you have a roaring fire going, your eyes will, of course, be drawn to the feature, but what about in the warmer months when you’re not snuggling around the hearth to warm up and get cosy?

According to one lighting specialist, using lights is one of the most underestimated and underused tools in interior design.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Sally Storey, a design director at John Cullen Lighting, explained that well-placed and chosen lights can make a huge difference to your interiors.

Lighting can be used to set the mood, as well as to highlight focal points in a room. She explained that the key is to use “layers” of light to create a striking overall effect. For architectural features like fireplaces, a good tip is to install uplighters that will really illuminate the hearth and mantel piece.

Another option is to use a spotlight to direct attention to your fireplace, Ms Storey added. “You can create interest and sculptural effects where you never thought possible,” she asserted.

In the summer when you won’t be using the fireplace there are a few other tricks you can employ to make it stand out. You may want to put a vase of flowers in the grate to bring a bit of colour and life to the empty space, or you could arrange your remaining cut wood logs in an interesting pattern to focus attention on the fireplace.

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Of course, logs also make a nice rustic addition to your living room – especially if you have a lovely log basket! Here’s a few of our favourites, no matter what your interior style.

Traditional

This log holder from Hicks and Hicks has everything you need for your fireplace and more. Fire pokers sit on the side of this wrought iron hold and it has plenty of space for logs to keep your fire burning all night long.

Wicker

This pretty log basket from Cox and Cox also doubles up as a carrier, meaning if you keep your logs in an outhouse once cut, you can carry them into the house with ease, without unloading in the lounge and causing unnecessary mess.

Modern

While still being made from a traditional metal material, the look of this log holder is super modern, with rounded edges and even separate spaces for larger logs and kindling. Find it here to buy.

Fun

If you have a house with a bit of character, these typographic log baskets from Black Country Metalworks might well feed into your style. A little bit retro, but undoubtedly a real conversation starter for those who visit your home. Made by hand and laser cut to read LOGS and KINDLING you’re sure to appreciate the workmanship that goes into making them.

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People all over the UK have been reporting winter showers, hail storms and thunder, so be wise and don’t leave the house without sensible footwear and a coat, even if the sun is shining. It seems like the weather is very changeable at the moment and you don’t want to get caught out!

Meteorologist at the Met Office Emma Sharpels was quoted by the Daily Express as saying: “It’s fairly typical of weather in April, where you get a bit of everything and you get more active systems. Temperatures have been below average for this time of year because we have had the weather coming through from the Arctic. We had some snowfall in areas of Scotland and the north of England of around 4-8cm (1.5 to 3in).”

If you’re planning on going away for the May Bank Holiday in just a few days’ time, be aware that the forecast for the north and the west of the UK includes rain, while London and the south-east might enjoy a spot of sunshine.

It all looks a bit unsettled to us here at Victoriana Fireplaces so perhaps bunker down for the weekend with a lovely roaring fire, some hot chocolate and a good book – the perfect relaxing Bank Holiday!

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