We chatted to leading interior designer Geraldine Apponyi about her favourite Soho Lighting pieces – the ones she goes to time and again when embarking on a new project...

THE HOLLEN GLOBE 

"The Hollen Globe has to be one of my favourite Soho Lighting pieces. As a take on the famous 1950s French Holophane street lamps, it has this timeless quality that can, in my opinion, be used in almost any setting. It can be both modern and classic and is just such a statement piece, without feeling showy or over-the-top. The light it gives is just incredible: warm, diffused, sparkly due to its prismatic effect and even as a stand alone light source, it gives the most incredible, cosy glow.  

"I've used the Hollen several times - most memorably in a grand Devon manor, where it made a striking impact in the Ladies’ and Gents’ loos. Now at home, two Hollen Globes in the entrance and stairwell have completely transformed the space, even before any major decorating.  

"What matters most to me is the exceptional materials and build quality. While similar lights exist, none match the Hollen’s weighty glass or the solid, beautifully crafted brass work, from the caps to the chains."

THE LANGDON & LONDON LANTERNS 

"Two slightly different iterations of the same lantern, we used the Langdon Lantern at the same manor house project in the hallways and in the smaller size in the pantry. To me this is the perfect, understated, use anywhere lantern. Beautiful in it’s simplicity, perfectly crafted with stand-out materials and finishes.  It can sit quietly or as a statement and, again, is equally comfortable in traditional or modern settings. I think this would be perfect as a porch lantern as well... maybe one day!"

THE GLASSHOUSE PENDANT 

"The Glasshouse is a true statement piece! I love it in both clear, with its charming pressed-glass imperfections, and opal, which gives a beautifully diffused glow. We used opal in a large kitchen where its bold presence sparked conversation, earning the nickname the ‘Jelly Mould’ light. Paired with unlacquered brass, they age gracefully, adding timeless character." 

THE WARWICK 

"I haven’t had the opportunity to use the Warwick as yet, but I can’t wait to have the right setting for it. This reminds me of old Hungarian or European factory lighting, which I have been lucky enough to source originals of in the past, but these are as good as the originals, if not better. Solid and weighty, with just the right mix of industrial and glamour. The use of brass in these is what makes them so special and unique and gives them so much more useability that the original, more utilitarian, iron or aluminum counterparts. I can see myself reaching for them for a Victorian stable office conversion that we have just started, or as a bit of an unexpected juxtaposition in a traditional kitchen. I feel like I could build a whole design around these as a starting point."  

THE OCEAN COLLECTION

"I can’t not mention the Ocean Collection. The whole concept is just brilliant and the lights themselves are so different to what I would have imagined from a 3D-printed plastic! They diffuse light in such a soft and delicate way, reminiscent more of draped fabric or porcelain than hard plastic. We used one of the Scallop Shell fittings in Surf White, printed to a custom size for us, in a small dining nook that we created, over a round marble topped bistro table. We rigged it up to a rise and fall fitting and it looked so perfect, one could think it was an antique fitting that had always been there." 

THE PALACES COLLECTION 

"I am a complete convert to Soho Lighting sockets and switches. The build quality is second to none. I have been using the Old Brass collection - and special mention has to go to the 2 way dimming toggles. The toggles work so brilliantly in more traditional settings and the fact that they are 2 way dimming is brilliant: no more running to the other side of the room to dim the lights!  

"I am quite a stickler when it comes to finishes, and I could not be more excited for The Palaces Collection. I know that these will become my go to collection for all of my projects as the finishes are exquisite and will look at home in any setting, but specifically heritage properties, where trying to find switches and sockets to work harmoniously can be a real challenge. The innovative magnetic plates that Soho Lighting have developed also mean that you can have a truly flush plate, without any screws or bulky edge clips. And possibly, most importantly, the technology behind these traditional beauties means that they actually work, with no flickering or buzzing and also means that this collection can be used across the entire project, including USB, media, data and TV sources as well as with intelligent systems, which in the past have been an eyesore in any project. I know that this collection will be a complete game-changer."