light & gather

I used to set my alarm at an ungodly hour. I’d let it go off an obscene amount of times before getting up. Bleary-eyed and sleepy, I stumbled into the bathroom, found a lighter, and lit a candle. Its soft glow warmed my eyes to what was around me.

Lighting candles in your house during summer can seem a bit redundant. Why cozy up to a flame when you could warm yourself in the sun? But when fall comes, I start gathering candles like an animal collects food for winter. Lighting and mood setting during the winter is more important than I think people give credit for. Light is a source of life; it can be hard to remember that when the days get shorter and the air becomes cool.

There is a growing rise in people choosing accent lighting instead of overhead lighting. Overhead lights fill a room with harsh, unforgiving light. It is unsettling because it is unnatural. Yes, you can see, but how do you feel? Accent lights (when done correctly) are meant to mimic the nature of natural light, leaving you feeling cozy and at ease, much like a candle. This design tip has its roots in primal living when fire light was an essential part of life.

Given the significance of the flame, it is no wonder it often evokes an emotional response and is so often used in art and paintings, such as the Dutch masters and chiaroscuro, which use light and shadow to convey drama within a portrait. Or Olafur Eliasson’s experimentations with light perception. And much like the mood in a painting, candles have an effect on interior design, softening edges, creating intimacy, and slowing down perception.

So, if you’re looking to add these elements to your seasonal decor, you could try these tips to help invoke the spirit of the candle and all the comforts that come with it as the days get colder and the nights get longer.

Styling Tips:

• Cluster tapers in thrifted brass holders
• Lanterns for outdoor dinners
• Glass jars with pressed leaves for a seasonal DIY
• Candle Sconces 

Types of Candles to Choose from:

• Beeswax
• Soy
• Taper
• Votive
• Tealight