MAKE A STATEMENT WITH A NEON SIGN

Despite - or because of - its slightly seedy edge, neon lighting has been a lure for artists and designers, since it first appeared in the early twentieth century. Originally used for advertising it reached its glamorous heyday in the 30s and 40s before being associated with edgier agendas and more hedonistic pursuits, thus prompting a raft of artworks from the likes of Martial Raysse, Dan Flavin and Joan Balzar.

Now no home is complete without one.

Choose an original artwork, like the one by Tracey Emin below, or design and commission your own with a statement or symbol that rings true for you..

See more neon signsand neon artworks.

BOLD STANCE

BOLD STANCE

Layers of deep textures are balanced out with visually strong outlines in this master bedroom, including the Tracey Emin artwork above the bed. Get the look: The vintage Brutalist lamp is by Paul Evans from Talisman. The neon light artwork is by Tracey Emin. The Seventies bedside table is from Nihil Novi in Miami. The wallpaper is Concrete by Cole & Son. The headboard was made in Hong Kong.

ROCK A HULA

ROCK A HULA

A light-up artwork by Mario Durski adds a fun and playful touch to this dining space. The blue suede chairs were snapped up at an office clearance for £20 each. Get the look: The commissioned neon Love and Adventure artwork is from Mario Durski. The extending dining table is from Ikea. The console table is from French Connection Home.

GET THE MESSAGE

GET THE MESSAGE

When you build something from scratch, the danger is that it can feel a little too clinical. To give the hallway character, the owners added touches of humour, with a blaze of neon that does the job nicely. Get the look: The neon quote is from Hunter S Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and was made by The Neon Sign Store. The concrete floor is by Lazenby.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

SIGN OF THE TIMES

The relaxed zone on the lower-ground floor plays around with colour, art and texture. Above the plush low-slung seating hangs a bespoke neon sign that beams a bright message, like a modern-day version of the stained-glass window. Get the look: The sofa is by Barker & Stonehouse. The coffee tables are by French Connection Home. Bag & Bones made the bespoke artwork for Honey Bee Interiors. The cushions are by House of Hackney. The outdoor furniture is by Next Home.

LABOUR OF LOVE

LABOUR OF LOVE

This vintage bedroom is instantly lifted with a modern neon wall light. Get the look: The far wall is papered in Donatello wallpaper by Nicholas Herbert. The feature wall is papered in Bugs & Butterflies wallpaper by Barneby Gates. The bed is from The French Depot. Find Zoe Grace’s In Love neon installation at Lawrence Alkin Gallery. The Powder Puff cushion is by Sera of London.

LABOUR OF LOVE

LABOUR OF LOVE

This vintage bedroom is instantly lifted with a modern neon wall light. Get the look: The far wall is papered in Donatello wallpaper by Nicholas Herbert. The feature wall is papered in Bugs & Butterflies wallpaper by Barneby Gates. The bed is from The French Depot. Find Zoe Grace’s In Love neon installation at Lawrence Alkin Gallery. The Powder Puff cushion is by Sera of London.

OFF THE WALL

OFF THE WALL

Neon wall art lifts the mid-century furniture in the dining area. Get the look: For a similar dining table and chairs, try Two Columbia Road. This is an Arne Vodder sideboard – 1stdibs.com sells these. The artwork is from Aynhoe Park . For similar flooring, try Cheville Parquet.

WRITING'S ON THE WALL

WRITING'S ON THE WALL

Be brave. That’s the motto that the owners here live by, and it greets you, in the form of a handwritten neon sign, as you step inside this London home. Get the look: Neon sign made by Neon Creations.

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites

A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.