This Is Kelly Behun’s New Collection for Hudson Valley Lighting

Dana Harel, a San Francisco-based Israeli designer, has launched her inaugural lighting collection under her studio, White Dirt. Harel's career trajectory showcases a diverse artistic exploration, starting with architecture and extending into ceramics and line art before her current venture into luminaires. The new collection, dubbed "Ora," comprises three tented table lamps—Ora I, II, and III—and a suspended, trapeze-like floor lamp, Ora IV. These pieces draw inspiration from Harel’s existing body of work, particularly her vases and vessels, which inform their hand-carved sculptural aesthetic. The lamps are crafted using a combination of gypsum cement, muslin, and brass, materials that contribute to their unique visual and tactile qualities. The design intentionally evokes the imagery of draped wedding gowns, suggesting moments of concealed intimacy and exploring the delicate balance between revealing and hiding forms. This interplay of materials and forms allows the collection to convey a sense of fluidity and softness, a departure from more rigid sculptural traditions. Harel describes the process of working with fabric—folding, pleating, and draping—as a refreshing experience, contrasting with her previous work that often involved tools like chisels and hammers. This shift towards softer, more pliable materials allowed her to experiment with light in a new way, focusing on how textiles interact with illumination to create ambiance and shape. The collection's design ethos embraces a certain spontaneity, reflecting Harel’s approach to her creative process. Each piece in the Ora collection stands as a testament to her evolving artistic language and her ability to translate diverse inspirations into functional art. A notable and unconventional source of inspiration for Harel was a scene from the HBO series *Succession*, where characters Tom Wambsgans and Cousin Greg consume a rare delicacy with napkins tented over their heads. This seemingly obscure reference underscores Harel's willingness to draw from unexpected cultural moments, transforming them into artistic concepts. The designer interprets this act of "masking shame" or "heightening pleasure" as a metaphor for the lamps' ability to create intimate, almost cloistered, environments through their draped forms. The sculptural swagger of the lamps is deeply rooted in these varied influences, bridging architectural precision with textile softness and cultural anecdotes. The collection as a whole is an exploration of form, light, and material, reflecting Harel's multidisciplinary background and her continuous quest for new creative expressions. #DanaHarel #LightingCollection #SculpturalLighting #InteriorDesign #WhiteDirtStudio #ProductDesign #TextileArt #ContemporaryDesign

The article highlights the significance of lighting in interior design, emphasizing its capacity to unify a room and establish ambiance, often overlooked in favor of larger furniture items. It showcases eight Hudson Valley-based businesses and artists specializing in diverse lighting solutions, aiming to provide local alternatives to urban design sources. These establishments offer a range of styles, from hand-blown glass pendants and modern-chic sconces to vintage fixtures and custom neon art. Niche Modern, located in Beacon, NY, is featured for its brightly colored, hand-blown glass pendant lighting. Founded by Jeremy Pyles and Mary Welch, the company is known for its contemporary yet deeply colored glass products, operating from a historic factory building and offering significant discounts at annual factory sales. The Culture+Commerce Project in Hudson, NY, a design consultancy, represents regional artists, including Rafael Avramovich of Work and Design. Avramovich creates "Living in Harmony" pendants using recycled metal strips of iron, steel, and brass, designing pieces that evoke emotion and blend organic-industrial aesthetics suitable for various settings. While their retail store has closed, they continue operations online and by appointment. Materia Designs, led by husband-and-wife team Matt Ensner and Megan Sommerville, integrates diverse backgrounds from choreography to landscape design into their work. They produce lighting, furniture, and home accessories, along with undertaking residential and commercial interior design projects. Their design philosophy focuses on elemental materials such as marble, parchment, porcelain, un-lacquered brass, and leather, resulting in authentic, high-quality pieces. Their operations, including a showroom, design studio, and workshop, are consolidated in a 4,500-square-foot facility in Accord. Luddite Antiques in Germantown, NY, caters to those seeking vintage lighting. This Brooklyn retail expat offers a wide array of early electric lighting, from Victorian chandeliers to Art Deco sconces and neon bar signs, alongside other antique furnishings like wooden card catalogs and 18th-century apothecary cabinets, all displayed in their tin-ceilinged showroom. Lite Brite Neon in Kingston, NY, began in 1999 as artist Matt Dilling’s studio, focusing on neon's decorative and architectural potential. It has since grown to include a team of neon artists creating everything from gallery pieces to commercial signage and restoration. The studio moved its production to a 15,000-square-foot facility in Kingston, where its 12-member fabrication team handles hundreds of projects annually, transforming client concepts into neon realities. FRG Objects & Design/Art in Hudson, NY, is founded by FR Gillette, a stylist, photographer, and interior designer. His 3,000-square-foot space serves as his home, office, and showroom, reflecting a curated aesthetic characterized by a disruptive approach to color and mixing fabrics and art. Gillette's work was showcased at Design Hudson 2018, and he recently collaborated with Italian engineer Daniele Gualeni on the "Design by Demand" lighting collection, featuring pieces produced in Italy by master craftsmen using metal, ceramic, Murano glass, and marble. Lightexture, a Troy-based design studio, creates perforated white clay spherical and egg-shaped pendant lamps. These lamps are designed to illuminate modern kitchens and dining areas by casting star-like patterns on walls and ceilings while providing warm light below. Each pendant uses an energy-efficient xenon bulb with a long lifespan. Finally, Entner Glass in Rhinebeck, NY, showcases Barry Entner’s sculptural lighting. His works, which are more artistic visions than commercial products, involve meticulously planned designs using hundreds of components to create gravity-defying glass and metal sculptures. Entner’s art has been exhibited internationally and is part of numerous private and public collections. #HudsonValley #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArtisanLighting #VintageLighting #NeonArt #GlassArt

Jamb founders Will Fisher and Charlotte Freemantle, known for their bespoke lighting tailored for leading interior designers, are set to launch their new Deco collection. This collection, which will debut at London Design Week, features five distinct pieces that deliberately eschew current trends, focusing instead on timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. The duo, operating from their London home and studio, emphasizes traditional skills and meticulous attention to detail, a philosophy that stands in contrast to the rapid-fire launch cycles common in contemporary design. The Deco collection is characterized by a glamorous and somewhat majestic aesthetic, designed to soften the edges of each piece in a romantic fashion. This romantic sensibility extends from their previous work, including their distinctive pink room at the Wow! House at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. Will Fisher's background in studying antique objects heavily influences their design process. The team initiates new designs by identifying original antique pieces that serve as the foundational inspiration. Their deep immersion in historical objects led to the early twentieth-century themes evident in the Deco collection, drawing from movements and periods such as The Bloomsbury Group, the Roaring Twenties, and the Belle Époque. The collection highlights a focus on rich materiality, combining hand-planished metal, luminous alabaster, and shimmering silk textiles to create compelling juxtapositions. Some designs incorporate hand-carved patterns, which are then cast using the traditional lost wax technique, a method Will Fisher describes as the "noblest form of manufacture." Charlotte Freemantle is particularly interested in integrating decorative fabrics, a concept carried over from the Wow! House show, into their new product lines. She notes that drapery softens and diffuses light in a room, and similarly, the textiles in their collection evoke the gentle glow of candlelight, enhancing the overall ambiance. Often described as the "jewelry of the home," lighting in the Deco collection aims to create unique and inviting atmospheres. The pieces are designed to complete and complement diverse interior aesthetics, whether mid-century modern or traditional, effectively bucking trends and potentially establishing new ones. To illustrate their versatility, the designers have photographed the collection in various in situ settings, demonstrating how these objects can seamlessly integrate into different environments. The article specifically mentions pieces like the Hopper Alabaster wall sconce, the Thelma pendant light with its hand-stippled brass frame and optional linen or silk skirt, a new floor lamp styled with antique furniture, and the Hatton Rod, which embodies the Art Deco aesthetic with its alabaster bowl and brass detailing, offering both down and uplighting. The collection will be available from Jamb at 95-97 Pimlico Road, London, and through their website. #JambLighting #DecoCollection #LondonDesignWeek #BespokeLighting #InteriorDesignTrends #AntiqueInspired #Craftsmanship #AlabasterLighting #LuxuryLighting

New York Design Week, held in May, showcased a diverse range of innovative lighting designs, establishing lighting as a central element of cultural storytelling and cutting-edge home design. Shelter by Afternoon Light, a newcomer to the design fair scene, made a significant debut with a focus on fresh talent and remarkable lighting products, including the popular “Jonald Dudd” exhibition, playfully titled “Grateful Dudd.” Minya Quirk, co-founder of Shelter, highlighted the transformative power of lighting, noting its ability to swiftly alter a space's aesthetic and mood. The event featured a variety of exhibitions across different venues, from major fairs like ICFF and WantedDesign to galleries and ateliers such as Love House, Colony, Lyle Gallery, and Lawton Mull, all contributing to a vibrant display of creativity and functionality. Among the standout pieces were Lana Launay’s ‘Kinship I & II,’ exhibited at Love House Gallery, which utilize stainless steel, aluminum, LED, and antique doilies to reflect on domestic craft and interconnectedness. Andreea Avram Rusu’s ‘Marea’ chandelier, presented at Shelter, captivated viewers with its hand-blown glass and ombre colors, reminiscent of a jellyfish’s fluid movement, created through a unique molten process. Samuel Aguirre, a Providence-based artist, debuted a collection of table lamps at WantedDesign, crafted from handmade Mexican Amate paper, combining ancient paper-making traditions with contemporary design principles, resulting in organic and archival pieces. Cuff Studio, founded by Kristi Bender and Wendy Schwartz, introduced a new triangular metal sconce as part of their “Within” exhibition at WantedDesign. This piece, available in patinated brass or copper, offers a graphic aesthetic with a soft uplight. Lawton Mull’s gallery featured the ‘Norrlanda Lamp,’ a collaboration with glass artist Jennie Olofsson, which blends industrial brass with mouth-blown, asymmetrical glass lobes, creating a balance of strength and lightness. Soft-Geometry’s ‘Long Hair’ sconces, showcased at Lyle Gallery, were inspired by intimate domestic rituals and incorporate sustainable hemp-lime composite material, marking a move towards eco-conscious design. Scott Newlin Design Studio presented whimsical ‘Stack Lights’ at the Jonald Dudd exhibition, transforming slip-cast ceramic into versatile, colorful lamps. Marmar Studio’s ‘Ette Sconce,’ displayed at Colony’s “The Independents” exhibition, combined ash wood and hand-painted dye to create a fixture that evokes both architectural lines and natural forms. FDK Junior Studio, led by Fernando Kabigting, launched a new porcelain lighting collection at Shelter, emphasizing the material’s delicate beauty and celebrating imperfections. Michiko Sakano Studio’s ‘Droplets’ glass lighting collection, also at Shelter, merged traditional Japanese aesthetics with glassblowing techniques, creating luminous sculptures that exude organic fluidity. Larose Guyon’s ‘Saule’ collection at ICFF drew inspiration from the willow tree, featuring hand-formed brass and glowing glass in an immersive display. Lastly, Steven Haulenbeek’s ‘RBS Nopal Chandelier,’ featured at Egg Collective, utilized resin-bonded sand in a subtractive process to create organic, desert flora-inspired forms, blurring the lines between art and lighting design. These diverse creations collectively highlighted the innovative spirit and artistic depth of contemporary lighting at New York Design Week. #NewYorkDesignWeek #LightingDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #ContemporaryLighting #HomeDecor #ArtisticLighting #SustainableDesign #HandcraftedLighting #DesignInnovation

The 'Accent Light' is a limited-edition desk lamp designed by Zürich-based designer Fritz Jakob Gräber, focusing on perspectives, symmetries, and colors. Gräber, who possesses extensive experience across various crafts, aims to create an eclectic range of products, furniture, and lighting. The 'Accent Light' exemplifies his approach to design, which centers on transforming flat materials into three-dimensional forms. The development of the 'Accent Light' was driven by Gräber's ambition to establish his own design practice and produce his own editions, a challenging endeavor for a young designer. The lamp is designed to be highly practical, emphasizing ease of production, storage, and shipment through its super flatpack design. This minimizes labor costs and logistical complexities, making it an efficient product to manufacture and distribute. The lamp's aesthetic is minimalistic yet visually striking, crafted from a specialized type of paper. This material choice is integral to the lamp's ability to create volume from a flat form. The production process involves a unique technique where all envelopes are hand-printed on a Dainippon flatbed offset machine, a vintage piece of equipment from 1971. This detail highlights Gräber's dedication to craftsmanship and his appreciation for traditional printing methods, adding a unique character to each lamp. Functionally, the 'Accent Light' emits a subtle warm downlight, designed to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. The lamp is a limited edition, with only seven pieces produced, all manufactured in Switzerland. This exclusivity underscores its status as a collectible design object, reflecting the designer's personal commitment to quality and unique artistry. The limited availability and local production emphasize the bespoke nature of Gräber's work and his focus on maintaining high standards of craftsmanship. The design reflects a blend of artistic vision and practical considerations, addressing both aesthetic appeal and the challenges of independent production. The 'Accent Light' is not just a lighting fixture but a statement piece that embodies the designer's philosophy of creating impactful objects from simple materials while managing the complexities of establishing an independent brand in the design industry. #LightingDesign #LimitedEdition #DeskLamp #FritzJakob #MinimalisticDesign #SwissDesign #Handcrafted #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign

A family seeking a unique summer retreat in Southampton commissioned a home that deviates from the typical Hamptons shingle-style aesthetic. They collaborated with local architect James Merrell to design a modern structure on a four-acre plot, which successfully balances 21st-century design with traditional Hamptons village vernacular. The resulting H-shaped house, oriented east to west, maximizes natural light throughout the day, with careful placement of windows and plantings by AD100 landscape architect Edmund Hollander ensuring views of the outdoors from every room. To infuse the Zen-inspired interiors with personality and vibrancy, AD100 designer Kelly Behun was enlisted. The homeowners expressed a desire for both playful and sophisticated elements. Behun curated a space filled with distinctive furniture and art, leveraging her network of artisans. Notable pieces include a Shape Up chandelier by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, colorful rugs designed by Kinder Modern and Behun for the Rug Company, and a collection of Memphis Group ceramics alongside contemporary vessels by Erica Prince and Manal Kara. Behun approached furniture as sculptural elements, prioritizing both comfort and functionality. The outdoor spaces were also integrated into the design, with Behun collaborating with Hollander to strategically place and light outdoor art installations. These include a stainless-steel zipper sculpture by Mark Richard Hall and an eight-foot-tall painted-fiberglass sculpture by Chiaozza. For the children, a supersized chessboard and Thomas Heatherwick's Spun chairs were added to the yard, creating whimsical and engaging elements. Despite the playful additions, Behun maintained a refined aesthetic by anchoring the interiors in neutral tones, luxurious materials, and stained white oak. The living room features a modular Francesco Binfaré sofa, complemented by brass and stone furnishings. The master bedroom, designed with a 1970s chalet-by-the-sea ambiance, incorporates fuzzy wool carpet, a vintage ribbon-like chair, and a channel-tufted headboard. Reading nooks and a library were also key considerations, reflecting the homeowner's profession as a novelist. The home's central, double-height library serves as a family gathering space, complete with Vladimir Kagan sofas. A shared "bunkroom" for the children includes capsule-like beds and cozy wall nooks for reading. A less conventional request, a bowling alley in the basement, was designed by Behun with inspiration from French artist Jean Dubuffet, featuring a graphic black-and-white pattern on Élitis wallpaper, creating a perception-bending effect. The finished home successfully provides a fun-filled, non-electronic environment for the family and their children's friends. #HamptonsDesign #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #KellyBehun #LuxuryHomes #LandscapeDesign #ArtisticInteriors #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome

The importance of a well-conceived lighting plan in home design is often underestimated, frequently being an afterthought rather than an integral part of the initial concept. Good lighting significantly contributes to an inhabitant's well-being, optimizes functionality, and elevates the overall aesthetic of a room, transforming an ordinary space into something remarkable through strategic fixture selection and placement. This principle was vividly demonstrated at the recent WOW!house design exhibit held at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London, England. The exhibition featured 22 unique rooms, each crafted by leading interior designers, where lighting often took center stage. The WOW!house exhibition, open to the public for a month in June to support the United in Design charity, was not a traditional house but an innovative installation. It comprised a series of exterior and interior spaces within the atrium of the Design Centre. These spaces were diverse, ranging from entries, kitchens, dens, bars, and dining areas to libraries, bathrooms, bedrooms, and outdoor courtyards, all brimming with originality and creative design solutions. Across most of these spectacular settings, lighting played a prominent role in defining the ambiance and functionality. One of the most striking examples was the grand entry of the installation, which featured an dramatic leaf chandelier by Cox London. Victoria Davar, founder of Maison Artefact, specifically requested a five-meter ceiling height to ensure the fixture was not only accommodated but also given pride of place, asserting its visual dominance upon entry. Davar emphasized that this height aligns with classical design principles. Her design philosophy for the entry embraced a blend of classical and modern elements, where the chandelier was framed against a traditional-surround fireplace. This approach allowed each element to balance the other, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. Davar intentionally utilized negative space, leaving the wall above the fireplace blank, to allow the chandelier to stand out as a sculptural piece without visual interruption, fostering a sense of airiness. Another innovative approach was seen in the courtyard room designed by Emma Sims-Hilditch. This multi-functional space, envisioned to support various aspects of country living such as a boot room, dog wash station, and gardening area, integrated classical elements of heritage country homes with modern touches. Sims-Hilditch positioned an oversized Charles Edwards lantern as a focal point above an island, drawing inspiration from classical English country house lanterns. The lantern received a contemporary update through its coloration, painted in Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue. Wall lights, inspired by carriage lanterns, and pendant lights with fabric shades in corner spaces were strategically placed to layer the lighting, ensuring both functionality and comfort. Sims-Hilditch underscored the importance of soft lighting and avoiding bare bulbs, opting for a layered system that included John Cullen Lighting for downlights and Soane Britain for wall lights. The bathroom designed by 1508 London exemplified how lighting can transform a functional space into a luxurious retreat. The design studio incorporated an advanced lighting system by John Cullen Lighting and Lutron, offering three distinct illumination programs: Ritual, Revitalizing, and Revery. Paris Albert, an associate at 1508 London, explained that “Ritual” supports daily cleansing routines, “Revitalizing” enhances vanities and showers for rejuvenation, and “Revery” creates a dreamlike state for relaxation. These options, accessible at the touch of a button, elevated the bathroom experience from mere utility to a restorative escape. Interior decorator and antiques dealer Daniel Slowik presented his morning room design, emphasizing subtle, layered lighting rather than bright, centralized fixtures or intrusive task lighting. He advocated for side lights, often converting decorative vases or antique items like Arts & Crafts candlesticks into lamps, to create ambient illumination. Slowik aimed for a subdued, not overlit, atmosphere, focusing on objects that also serve as beautiful design elements. While generally disliking overt task lighting, he integrated a brass floor lamp discreetly next to a reading chair, chosen for its distressed appearance that conveyed a sense of history and permanence. The unifying theme across all these designs is the necessity for lighting to be an intrinsic component of the overall design strategy. A thoughtful approach to illumination enhances comfort and functionality, highlights the aesthetic, and can dramatically transform a room into a unique and spectacular environment. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LightingSolutions #WOWHouse #DesignExhibition #ArchitecturalLighting #DecorativeLighting #SmartLighting

The Tower Residence 34, located at 111 West 57th Street in Manhattan, features interiors designed by Kelly Behun. This residence spans 4,500 square feet across three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, offering views of Central Park. The building itself is a combination of the landmarked 1925 Steinway Hall by Warren and Wetmore and a new tower addition by SHoP Architects. Kelly Behun, founder of her studio in 2001, aimed to integrate fine art and architecture within the apartment. She describes the apartment's location as central to Manhattan, creating a sense of the city unfolding in all directions. This perspective influenced her design choices, such as a custom chandelier in the living room that reflects the neighboring gilded roof, green silk velvet on the sofa that complements the park's trees, and dusty lavenders and grays that evoke the sky and skyline. Behun either custom-designed or carefully curated every element in the residence. For the art collection, she collaborated with advisor Valerie Cueto, selecting works by artists such as Phoebe Washburn, Gonzalo Lebrija, Manolo Valdes, and Alexander Calder. The design approach emphasizes a blend of modern luxury with classic old-world details, alongside contemporary art and design elements. The entry area of the apartment features clear views to both the north and south. A vintage Karabagh Runner is layered over a floor made of white macauba. The Great Room includes custom seating designed by Kelly Behun, notably a pair of armchairs crafted from linen, suede, and lacquered oak, developed in partnership with Narciso Rodriguez. A painting by Chris Ofili is displayed in the home office, which is furnished with a handcrafted Throne Chair by Mauro Varotti. This chair is flanked by ebonized oak and lacquer bookshelves designed by Matt Castilleja. The Great Room's dining area is adorned with Ted Lawson’s 2020 artwork, made from MDF, stainless steel, and lacquer, positioned above a mohair dining banquette. The cersued oak dining table and chairs are custom designs by Kelly Behun Studios. A c. 1968 chair and ottoman by Olivier Mourgue are also present. The primary bedroom contains a custom bed made of white oak, upholstered in ivory velvet with tambour detailing, and features two Kassandra Thatcher table lamps. In the secondary bedroom, brass and ceramic table lamps by Kelly Behun Studio for Hudson Valley Lighting, with linen shades, illuminate a hand-painted wallpaper on Japanese paper. The kitchen showcases custom chateau gray oak cabinets, stepped crystallo white quartzite countertops and backsplash, and Gaggenau appliances. A blown-glass, ash, and cherry chandelier by Jérôme Pereira hangs above Matt Castilleja’s custom solid rift-sawn white oak dining table. The primary bathroom features a custom polished-nickel bathtub, designed by Studio Sofield and crafted by William Holland, with bronze fittings hand-cast by P.E. Guerin. The bathroom walls and radiant-heated floors are made of veined white onyx. #ManhattanApartment #LuxuryInteriors #KellyBehun #ModernArt #InteriorDesign #CentralParkViews #CustomFurnishings #StudioSofield

Allied Maker, a New York-based design and manufacturing studio founded in 2012, recently introduced four new lighting fixtures at the Architectural Digest Design Show. The studio is known for its minimalist designs that emphasize the inherent beauty of materials such as brass, glass, and hardwoods. The newly unveiled collection continues this aesthetic, incorporating both angular, structural lines, specifically triangles, and soft, curving circular forms into their latest creations. One of the new additions is the Tri Cone Pendant, a fixture that features a cone-shaped shade designed to direct a focused beam of light. This focused illumination is achieved with a glass disc, all contained within a tetrahedron-inspired structural frame. The design seamlessly blends geometric precision with functional lighting, creating a visually compelling piece that is both modern and elegant. Another significant launch is the Grand Aperture 4, an expanded version of Allied Maker's existing Aperture 4 chandelier. This larger chandelier is specifically engineered to make a substantial visual impact in spacious environments. It comprises four glass domes strategically placed to encircle four distinct light sources. This arrangement ensures a broad and even diffusion of light, making it suitable for grand living areas or commercial spaces where significant ambient lighting is desired, all while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. The collection also includes the Contour Wall Lamp 22”. This wall-mounted fixture is characterized by its graceful, hand-bent arc, which extends to connect with a glass sphere. The design's functionality is enhanced by its ability to swivel against the wall, allowing for adjustable lighting direction and adaptability to various room configurations. The elegant curve and spherical element offer a blend of art and utility, providing both illumination and a sculptural presence. Completing the quartet of new fixtures is the Concentric 15”, a versatile piece designed for either wall or ceiling installation. This fixture stands out due to its handcrafted wooden dome, which features a series of concentric circles. These circles create a topographic effect, giving the fixture a unique textural and visual depth. The pleasing arrangement of the concentric rings adds a subtle yet striking decorative element to any space, reinforcing Allied Maker's commitment to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. These new offerings from Allied Maker reinforce their dedication to creating lighting solutions that are not only functional but also serve as artistic statements within a space. The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and a keen eye for minimalist design ensures that these fixtures enhance the ambiance and aesthetic of contemporary interiors. #AlliedMaker #LightingFixtures #ArchitecturalDigestDesignShow #MinimalistDesign #BrassLighting #GlassDesign #Chandeliers #WallLamps #HomeFurnishings

This monthly series, "In Our Carts," highlights a curated selection of new product launches and collaborations in the home and lifestyle sphere. The June 2024 edition features a range of items, from bedding and rugs to furniture, lighting, and kitchenware, all chosen for their design and functionality. One of the notable collaborations is between Danish home brand Tekla and Artek, which resulted in a new line of bedding. This collection includes duvets and shams in three colors, adorned with Finnish architect Aino Aalto’s Kirsikankukka pattern, inspired by a Japanese scarf. The collaboration also marks Tekla's first venture into kids' bedding. Cold Picnic, known for its printed rugs, has expanded its offerings with a new collection of richly hued, solid-color rugs. These nature-inspired designs, such as Grass Green, Roasted Tomato, Sky Blue, and Pear, are crafted from 100% New Zealand wool, providing a luxurious feel underfoot. Dusen Dusen has introduced three new vibrant and graphic throw pillow designs: Daisy, Hourglass, and Ricrac. These pillows come in bold colors like sunflower yellow, denim blue, and Kelly green, adding a playful touch to home decor. CB2 has launched new alabaster sconces designed by Australian studio VUUE. These hand-carved alabaster globes are available in two sizes, 6 and 10 inches, and offer a blend of old-world glamour with a modern sensibility, suitable for various interior and exterior settings. Fashion designer Carly Cushnie has collaborated with Lulu and Georgia on her first furniture collection. This 11-piece line showcases a mix of materials, including cane, wood, bouclé, fringe, and velvet. Standout pieces include the warm-toned Yucca sofa and the burl-wood Sabal console table, offering extensive mix-and-match possibilities. Opinel has released a cleverly designed grilling set that emphasizes simplicity and utility. The stainless steel tongs are extra-long with notched tips and a curved edge for effective gripping. A unique feature is the folding knife that ingeniously transforms into a spatula handle, complete with a Virobloc locking ring. The knife handle also integrates a bottle opener, enhancing its functionality for outdoor cooking. R+D Lab has partnered with Mexican chef Elena Reygadas and Fenn Apartamento to create the Rosetta collection of glassware. This collection features three new glass shapes—Acqua, Sour, and Martini—inspired by ancient vessels discovered in Pompeii. While named for specific drinks, these versatile glasses are suggested for various beverages, such as white wine in the water cups and cordials in the stemmed glasses. Finally, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen continues to expand his collection with Zara Home. The latest additions emphasize natural materials like wood, concrete, and solid brass, featuring pieces such as a daybed, a library system, and organically shaped concrete side tables. Dark brown is a prominent color throughout this new iteration of the collection, reflecting a sophisticated aesthetic. Baggu has also collaborated with Collina Strada on a line of limited-edition prints for its reusable bags, picnic blankets, and towels. A new highlight from this collaboration is the Horse Bag, a mini zippered pony-shaped bag, and the Boxer Plaid print on the Small Cloud carry-on, combining playful design with practical application. #ProductLaunches #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #Furniture #Lighting #Kitchenware #DesignCollaborations #NewArrivals

Artist and architect Inés Esnal has unveiled her Prism installation, transforming the lobby of a new residential building in New York City. The artwork utilizes colorful elastic ropes to create intricate triangular formations that serve to filter light, producing a dynamic interplay of vivid colors and optical illusions. This installation provides a stark and compelling contrast to the lobby's existing concrete walls, injecting an element of artistic vibrancy into the otherwise stark architectural setting. The Prism installation is characterized by its use of stretched elastic ropes, meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns. These ropes, varying in color, intersect and overlap, creating a complex web that interacts with the ambient light. As light passes through these colored strands, it is fractured and dispersed, casting a spectrum of hues across the lobby space. This optical phenomenon changes throughout the day, depending on the angle and intensity of natural light, offering a constantly evolving visual experience for residents and visitors. The design intention behind Prism is to introduce an element of surprise and visual engagement within a functional architectural space. By contrasting the inherent rigidity and monochromatic nature of concrete with the fluidity and vibrant palette of the elastic ropes, Esnal challenges conventional perceptions of lobby design. The installation effectively redefines the entrance area, transforming it from a transitional zone into an immersive artistic environment. Esnal's work often explores the relationship between art, architecture, and human perception. In Prism, she employs principles of geometry and optics to manipulate space and light, thereby creating an illusory depth and movement within a static structure. The triangular shapes formed by the ropes evoke the concept of prisms, which are known for their ability to refract light into its constituent colors. This not only imbues the space with aesthetic appeal but also invites viewers to contemplate the scientific and artistic principles at play. The installation aims to enhance the sensory experience of the building's occupants, offering a momentary escape from the urban environment. The selection of elastic ropes as the primary material allows for flexibility in form and an ethereal quality that belies the material's strength. This choice also contributes to the lightweight and seemingly gravity-defying appearance of the artwork, further emphasizing its illusory nature. The vibrant colors chosen are intended to evoke a sense of energy and warmth, counteracting the potentially cold aesthetic of modern concrete architecture. The overall effect is one of harmony between the artistic intervention and the architectural context, demonstrating how art can profoundly alter and enrich built environments. #ArchitecturalInstallation #PublicArt #LobbyDesign #InesEsnal #OpticalIllusions #ElasticRopeArt #NYCArchitecture #ColorTheory #GeometricArt

This article highlights the new 48-piece lighting collection from Arteriors, a collaboration with architecture and design firm Workshop/APD. This partnership marks a significant first for Arteriors, as it is their initial venture with an external design firm, aiming to infuse a distinctly contemporary aesthetic into their typically more traditional offerings. The collection is designed to serve as the “jewelry of a room,” emphasizing the transformative power of lighting in interior design. A central feature of this collection is the “Glaze” assortment, which draws inspiration from the ceramic artistry of Workshop/APD principal Andrew Kotchen’s wife. Each piece within this line incorporates a handmade ceramic shade or backplate, notable for its delicate crackled ivory glaze. This ceramic component is thoughtfully contrasted with blackened steel elements, creating a sophisticated and modern look. The versatility of these fixtures is a key selling point, as they are suitable for various settings, whether installed individually as a focal point or in multiples to create a cohesive design statement. The article showcases several specific pieces from the Glaze collection, providing descriptions and potential applications. The Glaze Large Sconce, priced at $715, is praised for its sleek shape and subtle hue, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms or bedside areas due to its effortless integration into diverse decors. The Glaze Linear Pendant, available for $1,040, is highlighted for its ability to stand out as a singular piece while also creating a striking impact when hung in a series. This suggests its adaptability for different spatial requirements and design ambitions. Another featured item is the Glaze Large Flushmount, costing $965, which distinguishes itself with a trio of frosted opal glass globes that add visual intrigue to a classic bowl-shaped flush-mount design. For larger spaces, the Glaze Floor Lamp, priced at $1,395, is presented as an ultramodern silhouette that casts a warm, inviting glow, enhancing the ambiance of its surroundings. Finally, the Glaze Sculptural Sconce, at $1,365, is noted for its geometric form and rotating armature, offering the unique capability to create a personalized focal point on any wall. This adjustability allows users to customize the lighting effect and direct light as needed. Overall, the collaboration between Arteriors and Workshop/APD introduces a collection that blends artistic inspiration with functional design, providing contemporary lighting solutions that can refresh and brighten any home interior. The pieces emphasize unique craftsmanship through ceramic details and modern silhouettes, offering versatile options for various design preferences and spatial requirements. #Arteriors #WorkshopAPD #LightingDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryLighting #CeramicLighting #DesignCollaboration

Johannes Budde's LITE is a unique light installation that challenges traditional perceptions of lighting design by merging elements of art and function. The piece playfully explores the boundaries of physics and established viewing habits through its 'floating candle' concept. Budde, a German designer, has crafted LITE using a combination of industrial and natural materials, specifically wired glass and sandstone, to create a sconce-style lamp that is both visually intriguing and interactively engaging. The core components of LITE include a large sheet of wired glass, typically used in industrial applications, and a base made from natural sandstone. The wired glass is upcycled from a German manufacturer, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and material reuse. The sandstone is locally sourced from a family-owned business, minimizing transportation impact and supporting local economies. Budde meticulously cuts and files the sandstone to form cube-shaped feet that securely hold the wired glass sheet in place. One of the most captivating aspects of LITE is the illusion of a 'floating' candle. This effect is achieved through a cleverly designed screw connection with a pointed stick, inserted into the center of the glass sheet. From the front perspective, this attachment is not visible, creating the impression that the candle levitates unsupported. This design choice not only adds a magical element to the installation but also encourages a more intimate interaction, as users must manually light the candle. This interactive quality distinguishes LITE from many traditional art pieces, which often adhere to a 'no touching' rule. Budde's material selection is deliberate, combining the raw, industrial aesthetic of wired glass with the organic, earthy texture of sandstone. This juxtaposition highlights the beauty in repurposed materials and showcases how everyday substances can be elevated into sophisticated design elements. The use of sustainable and locally sourced materials underscores a thoughtful approach to design, focusing on environmental responsibility. LITE is presented as a piece that blurs the lines between art and functional design. While it serves as a lighting fixture, its conceptual nature and unique form provoke contemplation on the definition of art itself. The installation's antique sconce-like silhouette provides a sense of familiarity, yet its innovative execution and interactive component push the boundaries of what a light can be. The design invites viewers to question their conditioned viewing habits and engage with the object on a deeper, more personal level. #HomeDecor #ArtDesign #SustainableDesign #LightingDesign #IndustrialDesign #MaterialInnovation #JohannesBudde

Stickbulb, a sustainable lighting company founded by Yale University architecture graduates Russell Greenberg and Chris Beardsley, recently opened its first showroom in Long Island City, New York. Previously operating from a cramped space with limited shelving, the company acquired a 10,000-square-foot former steel factory to accommodate its growing operations. The new location, featuring terracotta walls and wooden floors, not only provides ample space but also reflects the company's commitment to sustainability and modern design. Stickbulb's core mission revolves around sustainability, utilizing salvaged wood from demolished buildings and dismantled water towers for its LED light fixtures. This approach allows each product to carry a unique history, traceable back to its original source. The founders emphasized the importance of this narrative, noting that the wood, often high-grade and knot-free from water towers with a 40-year lifespan, is no longer actively harvested, making its reclamation both environmentally conscious and integral to the product's character. The company’s design process is highly collaborative, focusing on iterating on a foundational system of wooden sticks with embedded LEDs and various metal connector pieces. This modular approach allows for the creation of a diverse range of lighting solutions, including linear pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces, and even functional pieces like side tables, all while maintaining the common element of the reclaimed wooden sticks. A notable art piece in the showroom, "Ambassador," was inspired by Russell Greenberg's sketch of a water tower. This sculpture aims to convey the history and urban context of the reclaimed water tower redwood without explicit words, highlighting the material's past in a sculptural form. The decision to use water tower wood was driven by its iconic presence in New York and other Northeastern urban centers, its consistent supply due to replacement cycles, and its high quality, being free of defects. The new showroom consolidates all aspects of Stickbulb's business—design, production, sales, and marketing—under one roof, a long-held dream for the founders. This unified space allows visitors to not only view the finished products but also observe the manufacturing process and meet the team behind them. The design of the showroom itself was approached with flexibility in mind, incorporating elements like curtains to easily reconfigure the space. While currently enjoying their expanded premises, the founders expressed confidence in the space's ability to support future growth. #Stickbulb #LongIslandCity #SustainableDesign #LEDLighting #ReclaimedWood #ArchitecturalSalvage #ShowroomDesign #ProductDesign #NewYorkCity #InteriorLighting

Brigette Romanek, an interiors expert known for her work with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, and Joe Jonas, has launched her second furniture design collaboration with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Following her initial furniture line, Romanek has now unveiled a six-piece lighting collection named "Luce." This new collection is inspired by vintage Italian glam and prominently features the popular design trend of curves, incorporating soft, glowing orbs and an antique brass finish. The pieces aim to add a "sexiness to the silhouette" and extend into a room in a "friendly way," according to Romanek. The Luce collection includes various lighting fixtures, such as table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and a chandelier, with prices starting at $930. Romanek provided styling tips for each type of fixture to help homeowners integrate these statement pieces into their decor. For wall sconces, which are available in single and double configurations, Romanek suggests using them to illuminate transitional spaces like hallways, mudrooms, and entryways. Their dramatic gooseneck arcs and soft luster make them suitable for framing art or mirrors, drawing extra attention to these features, as demonstrated by Romanek herself above her fireplace. Regarding table lamps from the Luce collection, Romanek recommends placing a single lamp on a credenza to brighten it up, or using two lamps at each end for a more dramatic effect. She also highlights their dimmable functionality, suggesting they are ideal for creating a romantic glow when placed on a table between two lounge chairs. The Luce floor lamp is described as one of the collection's most versatile items, capable of creating cozy library vibes. It can be positioned next to, behind, or on either side of a sofa, between two chairs, or paired with a side table, offering numerous styling possibilities. Romanek has incorporated this fixture into her own den. Finally, the Luce pendant lamp, which Romanek refers to as a "jewel," features three tiers of bulbs originating from a flush mount. She installed this piece above her bed and also notes its suitability for powder rooms, where the globes provide a complimentary glow, enhancing makeup checks. The collection offers an opportunity for individuals to bring a touch of A-lister-approved style into their homes. #BrigetteRomanek #LightingDesign #ItalianGlam #HomeDecor #MitchellGoldBobWilliams #CurvedFurniture #CelebrityDesign #LuxuryLighting #InteriorDesignTrends