Toni-Ann Neita, a former Gleaner business writer, is the designer of X-clamation lamps, proudly displaying her handmade collection. - Contributed

Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

Lamps light up a home, relax you, set the tone for romance and add to the whole decor of a room.

It is often hard to choose that perfect lamp, sometimes one needs a second opinion. It was one such occasion that got the creative side of Toni-Ann Neita thinking.

"My friend was redecorating her room and I accompanied her to choose new bedside lamps. Our hunt yielded a pair of unusual lamps consisting of metal box-shaped frames and batik cloth shades."

"The lamps were so interesting, yet so simple in their design that I realised that I could make something similar myself," Toni-Ann revealed.

The thought was a natural one as Toni-Ann, with an eye for detail, had a passion for art, craft and interior decorating.

Encouraged by her friend, she began to experiment with different designs.

"I researched lamp making and various styles and designs on the Internet, drew up my first designs and set to work on making them a reality," she told Lifestyle.

The right welder

Armed with her designs, Toni-Ann went searching for a welder who could help make her dream a reality.

This proved challenging as most welders she came across had difficulty making the oval frame she desired.

Disheartened but not discouraged, Toni-Ann went back to the drawing board. Rectangular-shaped designs were what she pencilled next. These proved perfect for welder Nathan Brown.

Almost three years later, after many trials and errors, Toni-Ann is ready to launch her exotic lamps called X-clamation Decorative Lamps and Lighting.

Why that name?

But why the name X-clamation? "When you shout or proclaim something loudly, it is punctuated by an exclamation mark, so somehow to me an exclamation mark grabs your attention. My lamps are meant to make a statement and attract attention," Toni-Ann explained.

X-clamation lamps are contemporary 'Zen-inspired' designs aimed at creating subtle drama in any room.

"They are perfect examples of fashion and functionality harmonised for a totally illuminating effect," Toni-Ann says.

Designed in two basic styles, the decorative table lamps made of a metal frame are rectangular in shape, lined with cloth and are decorated with different materials such as straw, bamboo, rattan and beads.

They are best suited for bedside tables, end-tables, accent tables, entrance tables and even in spas.

"They are very relaxing, the flicker bulbs mimic a candlelight without the danger of candles. They also have regular bulbs and battery operated tea lights,"Toni-Ann said.

Her lamps will go on display for the very first time at the Grosvenor Galleries Mother's Day Art and Craft fair located on 1 Grosvenor Terrace on Saturday, May 12.

Beaded lamps can light up a room as well as the decorative theme. - Photos by Yahneake Sterling/Staff Reporter

This rectangular beaded lamp (centre) is accentuated with a pair of small, round beaded lamps that fit perfectly on this television stand.