Reader event: Making light work
The secret to any successful interior is an artful balance of decorative and architectural lighting that is not only useful, but also beautiful. Next month, there’s a chance to join Country Life at Hector Finch’s new London showroom to hear three leading designers share the secret of getting it right.


Light doesn’t simply play a practical role in a space, but will also transform its look and feel at the flick of a switch. On Monday, March 11, from 1.45pm-2.45pm, Hector Finch, of the eponymous decorative lighting company, Emily Todhunter, interior designer and Sally Storey, architectural lighting expert will discuss their different disciplines and how they can be combined to transform mood while offering the best illumination for the practicalities of daily life.
In particular, they will offer advice on choosing and using lights as a decorative device, as well as on positioning and employing lighting to manipulate the appearance of a space and highlight its key features.
The panellists share a huge depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise in the subject Drawing from his background dealing in antique light fittings, Hector Finch has an extensive knowledge of historical lighting which informs his extensive collection which sells all over the world. Today, he is an authority on the history of early electric lighting, as well as the craft and design skills required to create high-quality lamps, pendant lights and chandeliers.
Emily Todhunter is one of the world’s leading interior designers and Sally Storey is an acknowledged expert in architectural lighting, who has worked on a diverse range of projects, from the London offices of Goldman Sachs, Claridge’s and the Connaught, to high-profile residential projects.
Making Light Work: Event details
When: Monday, March 11, 2024 Time: 1.45pm-2.45pm Where: Hector Finch, 3rd Floor, DesignCentre East (020-7731 8886), Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE Cost: Entry is free
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Country Life is unlike any other magazine: the only glossy weekly on the newsstand and the only magazine that has been guest-edited by His Majesty The King not once, but twice. It is a celebration of modern rural life and all its diverse joys and pleasures — that was first published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year. Our eclectic mixture of witty and informative content — from the most up-to-date property news and commentary and a coveted glimpse inside some of the UK's best houses and gardens, to gardening, the arts and interior design, written by experts in their field — still cannot be found in print or online, anywhere else.
-
The Georgian rectory that you've (probably) been waiting for has come on to the market in a bucolic spot just outside Cheltenham
Classic Georgian rectories in the Cotswolds are hard to find, says Penny Churchill, so this example in Gloucestershire is a real treat.
-
Don't be a (beauty school) dropout, come and do the Country Life Quiz of the Day, September 18, 2025
Today's quiz is the word.
-
Tetrad: Over half a century of timeless good looks
Since 1968, Tetrad has employed a combination of traditional skills and the finest materials to make upholstered furniture that is designed to offer years of comfort.
-
Reimagining the past: A panel discussion with Vaughan
At Focus/25 later this month, Vaughan will host an inspiring talk at which leading names in antiques and interiors will explain why understanding the past is vital to designing for the future.
-
Star of the show: Rose of Jericho's paint created just for Country Life at RHS Chelsea
One of the highlights of Country Life's ‘outdoor drawing room’ at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a new paint colour created by Rose of Jericho,
-
Munder-Skiles and the art of exterior decoration
The success of this project — which was awarded four stars by judges at the Chelsea Flower Show — demonstrates Isabella Worsley’s versatility as a designer.
-
Reader Event: Designing spaces that feel like home
On Wednesday, March 26, interior-design studio Sims Hilditch and George Smith, makers of luxury, handcrafted upholstered furniture, will mark the launch of new furniture designs for bedrooms in an event chaired by Country Life.
-
Porta Romana distinctive lighting and furniture archive sale
The inspirational brand Porta Romana launch their highly anticipated archive sale, offering a unique opportunity to purchase selected designs online with discounts of up to 70%.
-
Redefining the luxury kitchen: Reader event with Martin Moore and Henry Prideaux
On June 13, Country Life will offer readers an exclusive opportunity to explore an exciting collaboration between Martin Moore, a leader in luxury British kitchens, and the innovative designer Henry Prideaux, in an after-hours event at this year’s unmissable WOW!house.
-
Country Life readers' event: Furniture with a future
Join Country Life on October 13 to discover the secret of ground-breaking designs that will stand the test of time at Modern British Kitchens.