Simone Mathews of SOUL Home Discusses 'The Maybe Forever' Project
At Lighterior, we see lighting as more than just a necessity; it’s a key element that can truly enhance the atmosphere of any room. We are thrilled to showcase our recent collaboration with renowned Australian interior designer Simone Mathews of SOUL Home on the stunning renovation of 'The Maybe Forever.' This project beautifully exemplifies how carefully curated lighting can enhance the overall aesthetic and mood of a home.
In this blog post, Simone shares her vision for the project, the inspiration behind her lighting selections, and the unique challenges she faced along the way. Whether you're a homeowner looking for inspiration or a design enthusiast eager to learn more, this post offers valuable tips and a glimpse into a truly remarkable design journey.
Can you tell us about the overall vision for ‘The Maybe Forever’ home renovation? What look and feel were you aiming to achieve?
The Maybe Forever was a new build, and we knew from the start that we wanted it to feel like you were on holiday—what we call 'that holiday feeling' here at SOUL Home. After years of creating this for my clients, it was my turn to bring it to life. The look is based on our 70/20/10 style guide: 70% classic, 20% organic, and the final 10% bringing in those resort vibes. It’s all about creating a home that makes you feel good daily.
Photography: The Palm Co
Photography: Hayley Haynes Photography (left), The Palm Co (right)
What inspired your selection of lighting fixtures from Lighterior?
The inspiration came from classic Bahamas-style homes, where lighting plays a key role in creating both drama and functionality. Wall lights and pendants are especially important in these homes, so we focused on pieces that could deliver on both. That’s why we chose fixtures in aged brass and ceramic—they tie everything together while staying true to the look and feel we wanted to achieve.
How did you ensure that the lighting choices harmonise with the overall decor and architecture of the home?
We ensured the lighting choices harmonised with the overall decor and architecture by focusing on cohesion and balance. Every fixture was selected with our 70/20/10 style guide in mind—leaning into classic designs with a subtle organic feel. We considered the proportions of each space, the materials used throughout the home, and the overall flow to ensure the lighting felt like a natural extension of the design. By choosing timeless finishes like aged brass and ceramic, the lighting complements the architecture without overpowering it, adding to the relaxed, holiday-inspired vibe we aimed for.
Photography: Hayley Haynes Photography (left), The Palm Co (right)
What role do you believe lighting plays in transforming a space, especially in this project?
Lighting plays a huge role in transforming a space, and it’s a key element in every project we do here at SOUL Home. It can create a focal point that grabs attention and then guides your eye around the room—like the pendant in our entry, which sets the tone. Lighting also defines the style of a space. For example, the aged brass ceiling spotlights on the ground floor give the home a classic, old-world charm. It would have completely shifted the overall look if we had chosen a more contemporary fixture.
But lighting is more than just about aesthetics—it’s also about practicality. Layering different types of lighting, from ambient to task lighting, changes how a space functions and feels, improving both the way you live and the way you experience the home.
Were there any specific challenges you faced when integrating lighting into the design? How did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge came with the kitchen. Originally, we had planned for feature pendant lights over the island with a higher ceiling. But when the ceiling height was dropped, we had to rethink the entire lighting plan—balancing general, task, and feature lighting. It was a challenge, but in the end, the result exceeded our expectations. One of my favourite sayings is, "A problem is an opportunity for success”.
Photography: Hayley Haynes Photography
Photography: Hayley Haynes Photography
Can you describe your favourite lighting piece from the project and why it stands out to you?
Can I have two favourites? The first is the Nonna Bice Pendant Light. It’s small in scale but big in beauty. Made of ceramic, it oozes charm and perfectly fits the classic and organic style we aimed for. Initially, it was meant to be installed in the ground floor powder room, but I ended up stealing it for our walk-in robe because I wanted to enjoy it every day.
My other favourite is the mini adjustable spotlight. It’s subtle yet incredibly cute. I installed it above my son’s bedhead, just on one side, to create a relaxed, understated vibe in his room.
Can you share any tips for homeowners on how to select the right lighting for their own spaces?
The key to selecting the right lighting is understanding its purpose. Once you know what you need the lighting to do, you can go about sourcing it. For example, if you need a light in a bedroom for reading, a rattan pendant might not be the best choice, as it could cast shadows across the room. A wall light would be a better option in this case. On the other hand, shadows can create a beautiful atmosphere in an entryway, so a pendant might work perfectly there.
Consider whether you want your lighting to be the hero of the space. Do you want it to stand out and be the first thing that grabs attention, or do you want it to blend in more seamlessly? This will guide your decisions on style and scale.
Lastly, select and source your lighting early in the build. This ensures you can secure the fixtures you want and plan the rough-in details, such as the height of bedside wall lights, the exact location of a dining pendant, or the layout of ceiling spotlights.
Mini Spot Ceiling/Wall Light, Day Tall Wall Light
Photography: The Palm Co (left), Hayley Haynes Photography (right)
Photography: Hayley Haynes Photography
Photography: The Palm Co
Photography: The Palm Co
As Simone Mathews expertly demonstrates in 'The Maybe Forever' project, the right lighting can profoundly impact the feel of a space. By thoughtfully selecting fixtures that align with both design vision and architectural style, she creates environments that are beautiful and inviting.
If you’re inspired to elevate your own home with stunning lighting, explore our curated selection at Lighterior. From modern pendant lights to sleek wall sconces, we have the perfect pieces to help you transform your space into something truly special.
For any questions about our products, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly Customer Service team at hello@lighterior.com.au. We’re here to help!