Quentin de Coster's Lasso light is shaped like a torch

This article explores the benefits of upgrading swimming pool lighting to LED technology, focusing on energy savings, reduced maintenance, and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Many existing pools, equipped with older incandescent or fiberoptic lighting systems, present a significant opportunity for service professionals to offer LED conversions. LEDs offer substantial energy savings compared to traditional lighting. Incandescent lights consume up to 500 watts, fiberoptic lights use 150 to 200 watts, while LED pool lights typically use between 20 and 50 watts per hour. This drastic reduction in energy consumption can lead to considerable cost savings for pool owners, potentially paying for the conversion within one to two years, depending on usage habits. Beyond energy efficiency, LEDs also boast lower maintenance requirements. Incandescent bulbs need replacement approximately every 2,000 hours, and fiberoptic systems require replacement every three to seven years, alongside other components like motors and color wheels. LED lights, in contrast, have a much longer lifespan, often exceeding 10 years, significantly reducing the frequency and cost of replacements. This longevity makes LEDs a more sustainable and economically sound option for pool owners. The ease of upgrading is another compelling factor. Many LED models are designed to fit into existing light niches, simplifying the installation process for service technicians. For instance, Hayward’s Universal ColorLogic LEDs are UL listed for various niche styles, eliminating the need for technicians to determine specific niche types. Similarly, Pentair’s GloBrite lights are made entirely of plastic, removing the need for grounding or bonding and making them suitable for gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl pools. One of the most appealing aspects of LED pool lighting is its ability to introduce a vibrant spectrum of colors. Pool owners can select from a wide range of hues or program dynamic light shows to match specific moods or events. This customizable lighting transforms the backyard ambiance, offering a significant upgrade from the static illumination of older systems. The transition to LEDs also extends beyond just the pool; modern platforms allow for the integration of multiple LED lights on a single transformer, enabling homeowners to illuminate landscaping, water features, and other outdoor elements, thereby creating a cohesive and visually striking outdoor environment. This expanded application presents additional opportunities for service professionals to broaden their offerings. Specialized LED replacements are available for fiberoptic systems as well. Companies like Fiberstars offer small-niche LED lights that fit directly into existing wall fittings, replacing fiberoptic cables and connecting to a 'Power Tower' controller with built-in transformers and wireless remote control. This allows for a straightforward conversion from older, more expensive fiberoptic systems to modern, color-rich LED lighting. Finally, the convenience of remote control is a major draw for contemporary pool owners. Systems like Zodiac’s iAqualink enable users to manage their pool lighting and other features via smartphones or tablets, enhancing user experience and control. The inherent safety of low-voltage LED systems (typically 12 volts) is also highlighted, particularly in contrast to the potential electrical hazards associated with high-voltage pool lights. Overall, upgrading to LED pool lighting offers a combination of energy savings, reduced maintenance, aesthetic versatility, and enhanced safety, making it an attractive investment for pool owners. #LEDLighting #PoolDesign #EnergyEfficiency #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLighting #SmartHome #PoolMaintenance #TechnologicalAdvancement #BackyardDesign

Konstantin Grcic’s 'OK' lamp, designed for Flos, represents a contemporary evolution of the iconic 'Parentesi' lamp, originally conceived by Pio Manzù and later adapted by Achille Castiglioni. The 'Parentesi' lamp, launched by Flos in 1972, addressed the need for a versatile light source that could move vertically and rotate horizontally, a concept that has remained in continuous production for decades. Grcic's 'OK' lamp reinterprets this historical design in light of significant advancements in lighting technology, particularly the shift from conventional bulbs to modern LED solutions. He describes this project as an opportunity to pass on the 'Manzù-Castiglioni torch' to the future, embracing the idea that contemporary lamp design now involves engineering the light source itself, rather than merely designing around a pre-existing bulb. The 'OK' lamp manifests as a flat, circular, light-emitting disk, suspended from a wire that runs from ceiling to floor, effectively acting as a rail. The name 'OK' playfully combines the circular 'O' shape of the lamp's head with the first initial of its German designer, Konstantin Grcic. This design showcases Grcic’s characteristic blend of technological innovation, aesthetic sensitivity, and a preference for pure, unadorned forms. His approach integrates a passion for new technologies and materials with a deep respect for design history, resulting in a product that is both avant-garde and steeped in tradition. A key aspect of the 'OK' lamp's redesign is the transformation of the original light bulb into an ultra-flat LED surface. This LED surface incorporates edge-lighting technology, allowing for a 360-degree directionality of light. The functional elements of the 'Parentesi' have also been modernized; the original lamp's distinctive parenthesis-shaped tube, which enabled vertical movement along a steel cable, has been replaced by a compact, rectangular box in the 'OK' lamp. This new component discreetly houses the electronic elements and a soft-touch switch, streamlining the design while maintaining its core functionality. Furthermore, the cylindrical weight found at the base of the 'Parentesi' has been re-envisioned as an easier-to-install cone shape for the 'OK' lamp. The only element that remains unchanged from Castiglioni's original design is the small, elegantly spun metal ceiling rose, a testament to its timeless form. The 'OK' lamp is offered in several finishes, including white, black, yellow, and nickel, providing options to suit various interior aesthetics. It is a direct light lamp with an adjustable cast aluminum head, finished with a glossy paint. The vertical mobility of the head is facilitated by an internal structure that scrolls along the steel cable. The soft-touch technology enables intuitive on/off switching. The light source for the 'OK' lamp is a single edge lighting technology unit, delivering 1035 lumens in total, with a color rendering index (CRI) of 85 and consuming 23 watts. The lamp's official presentation occurred at the Flos stand during Euroluce, part of Milan Design Week, demonstrating its prominence as a significant new offering in contemporary lighting design. This innovative series successfully bridges historical design principles with cutting-edge technology, offering a modern interpretation of a classic lighting solution. #KonstantinGrcic #Flos #OKLamp #ParentesiLamp #LEDLighting #ProductDesign #IndustrialDesign #MilanDesignWeek #HomeLighting

New York-based design studio Trueing has unveiled its latest lighting collection, Cerine, at this year's NYCxDesign festival. The collection, which includes two pendants, a floor lamp, and a sconce, features bold, hand-formed chain links made from thick borosilicate glass in a variety of vibrant colors. The Brooklyn studio, co-founded by Aiden Bowman and Josh Metersky, aimed to offer an "interesting spin on the familiar" by reinterpreting traditional chain motifs found in jewelry, industrial settings, and architectural ornamentation. The design draws inspiration from diverse sources, such as delicate golden chain necklaces, robust metal chains seen in shipyards, and the decorative elements on Beaux-Arts building facades. Metersky explains that while chain is a common element in traditional lighting design, Trueing sought to create a fresh interpretation, making the chain itself the focal point rather than merely a functional component. Each individual chain link is precisely seven centimeters wide and twelve centimeters tall, and can be customized in seven opaque or transparent color options to suit various bespoke arrangements. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, the glass chains play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the lights, allowing them to be positioned and held in place. The metal finishes accompanying the glass elements are available in brushed brass, satin or polished nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, providing a range of complementary material options. Metersky highlights the unique character of the hand-made links, noting that their individual imperfections contribute to a cohesive and natural overall appearance. The Cerine series showcases different applications of these distinctive chains to support mouth-blown glass bulbs. One pendant design uses two hooks to suspend the fixture from the ceiling, creating a significant, inverse-arch-like droop. The sconce variant incorporates three glass links that dangle from a metal arm, which in turn holds the light bulb. The floor lamp design features nine stacked pieces of Carrara marble forming its base, with five pastel pink glass links suspended from an arched arm that supports the glass orb. The glass orb itself can be specified in classic white opaline or a selection of custom colors. Trueing launched the Cerine collection through a partnership with Pas De Calais, a Japanese clothing store situated in Manhattan's Soho district. This collaboration was deemed a natural fit due to the shared design sensibilities between Trueing and the fashion label, both prioritizing purity, nostalgia, and a refined, elemental approach to traditional forms. Bowman emphasized that the collection's essence—recalling traditional design pieces rendered in a reductive manner—aligns perfectly with Pas De Calais's ethos and aesthetic. The Cerine exhibition at 482 Broome Street was open until the end of May, coinciding with NYCxDesign 2019, which ran from May 10th to 22nd. This marks Trueing's second collection, following their debut range launched in January at The Future Perfect in Manhattan. The NYCxDesign festival also featured other notable exhibits, including Workstead and Calico Wallpaper's designs showcased at New York's Arcade Bakery, and an immersive lighting installation by Snarkitecture. Photography for the Cerine collection was provided by Lauren Coleman, with additional images by Alan Tansey for the installation at Pas De Calais. #LightingDesign #GlassChains #NYCxDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #TrueingStudio #HandFormedGlass #DesignExhibition #CerineCollection

Masiero, an Italian lighting company established in 1981, has grown from a small workshop in Northern Italy to a global leader in lighting. The company’s success is attributed to its dedication to merging traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, as well as its collaborative approach with internationally renowned designers. Masiero works closely with designers and its in-house R&D department to produce distinctive lighting fixtures that shape its product portfolio. The collaborative process typically begins with Masiero providing designers with a brief outlining mood, product type, price range, and materials. However, Masiero also welcomes proposals from designers inspired by their own concepts. This fosters a unique relationship between designers and Masiero’s internal team, focusing on achieving optimal shapes and finishes. Masiero emphasizes the challenge of industrializing a designer's vision while maintaining economic sustainability, leveraging its expertise in metal processing and technological innovation in light management and flexibility. This flexibility, especially concerning color and size, is crucial for designers managing diverse projects. Masiero further supports these collaborations with a commercial network spanning 80 countries and robust marketing efforts, both online and offline. Alessia D’Alesio, Masiero's Global Marketing Manager, highlights the Horo collection by Pierre Gonalons as a particularly successful collaboration, having won the Good Design Award 2021. Gonalons' creative concept for Horo, featuring a sandwich construction of two prismatic glass circles within an outer frame, was faithfully translated into the final product. Masiero's internal team meticulously worked on optimizing illumination, refining the frame's finish, and selecting a decorative yet delicate glass. Gonalons describes Horo as a disk of light that simultaneously offers a light show, emphasizing his passion for handcrafted materials that narrate a story. He appreciates Masiero’s expertise in material and finish selection, which facilitated a natural development of the collaboration. The prototyping phase involved significant modification and improvement, demonstrating a strong collaborative spirit. Gonalons also praises the unique quality of Masiero’s hand-finished metalwork, achieved in their workshop, especially considering its competitive price point. Giovanni Battista Gianola's Sound collection was inspired by the artisans' ability to create perfect curves from shiny tubes, evoking musical instruments. This inspiration translated into lighting fixtures where material and shape are integral to the lamp’s aesthetic, much like they are to an instrument’s sound. The collection features gracefully shaped arms supporting glass diffusers encased by wide metal shades, resulting in layered sconces, floor lamps, chandeliers, and pendant lights. Gianola emphasizes that creating a new lamp involves a deep understanding of the brand's DNA, selecting materials that reflect its heritage, such as Masiero’s crystals, shining metals, and warm light. He views Masiero as having an eclectic spirit rooted in Venetian heritage, pursuing a distinctive path driven by a love for materials rather than fleeting trends. Marco Zito's Nappe collection, developed in 2018, showcases Masiero's material processing capabilities and the potential for a contemporary yet timeless language that integrates design technology with an artisanal approach. Zito's vision for Nappe drew inspiration from Venetian 'nappine' (tassels), reinterpreting this classical ornament into 10 modern pendant designs that can be combined for various installations. He believes such collaborative work generates virtuous processes and knowledge exchange, leading to innovative forms. Oriano Favaretto, who created the Honicé collection in 2018, commends Masiero's extensive experience and ability to balance contemporary designs with its foundational values of quality craftsmanship, noble materials, and ongoing research. He values the company's family-oriented approach to projects and shared perspectives. The Honicé collection, consisting of suspension lamps and wall lights, features a striking blend of opaque gold or brass finishes with natural onyx diffusers, paying homage to Masiero's history. Successful collaborations, according to Gonalons, involve a thorough assessment of the strengths of both the company and the designer. Masiero has honed this skill over the years, understanding his creative identity while he grasped their history and production capabilities. Masiero's D’Alesio notes that designers serve as a rich source of ideas, providing essential creative input from external perspectives. The brand encourages designers to express their creativity while considering the potential client's needs, offering 40 years of experience to produce beautiful, functional, well-finished, and recognizable items. #LightingDesign #ItalianCraftsmanship #DesignCollaboration #MasieroLighting #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #ContemporaryAesthetics #DesignInnovation #LuxuryLighting

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

This article highlights ten Brutalist-inspired lighting fixtures that incorporate metal, concrete, and design elements reminiscent of the Brutalist architectural style. The featured pieces showcase a blend of robust materials and functional aesthetics, making a strong statement in interior design. Among the selections is the Cubo light sculpture by Articolo Studios, crafted from brass, bronze, and glass, offering a distinctive geometric form. Lauren Rottet and Visual Comfort & Co. contribute the Entoure 17-inch rotating LED light pendant, designed in bronze, emphasizing a sleek and modern rotating mechanism. Jay Jermyn and Objects For Thought present the Sequence lamp, constructed from aluminum and frosted white glass, which provides a diffused, ambient light. Luca Nichetto, in collaboration with Matter Made, introduces the Legato Double Strings pendant. This fixture combines aluminum, brass, and acrylic with a textured graphite finish, creating a sophisticated multi-light arrangement. Eric Weil Designs offers the Brion lamps, which are made from board-formed concrete, featuring fabric-wrapped cords and patinated-brass touch controllers, highlighting the raw, industrial nature of Brutalism. Studio Italia Design, through Lodes, showcases the A-Tube Nano Swing recessed light. This ultra-light aluminum and transparent methacrylate fixture in chrome demonstrates a minimalist approach to recessed lighting. Sebastian Herkner and Vibia contribute the Class series, including floor and table lamps, as well as sconces, all made from aluminum and borosilicate glass with polycarbonate diffusers, offering a refined yet sturdy presence. Ilmiodesign's Belt floor lamp for Estiluz features a metal body, an optional glass shade, an acrylic lens diffuser, and integrated LED lighting, providing both functionality and a contemporary aesthetic. Zafferano’s Pina XXL cordless desk lamp, made from powder-coated die-cast aluminum, offers portability and a robust build, ideal for various settings. Finally, Ingo Maurer’s Shhh! pendant light presents a more whimsical yet industrial design. Each of these fixtures exemplifies the influence of Brutalism through their material choices, forms, and functional integration, making them suitable for diverse modern interiors seeking a bold and impactful lighting solution. #BrutalistDesign #LightingFixtures #InteriorDesign #ModernLighting #ProductDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalLighting #ContemporaryDesign

The article highlights the availability of unique lighting fixtures, initially designed for Coco Chanel's former apartment on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, for retail purchase. These fixtures are the creation of the Parisian design firm Desjeux Delaye, founded by interior designers and architects Dorothée Delaye and Daphné Desjeux. The firm, known for its work in boutique hotels, decided to create its own lighting due to the lack of suitable options in the market that aligned with their aesthetic. Their designs draw inspiration from renowned figures like Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, and Gae Aulenti, and are characterized by a refined, timeless quality. The apartment, which also housed Greta Garbo and Cecile de Rothschild, became a showcase for Desjeux Delaye's work after Melissa Regan of MR Agency acquired the space and commissioned the duo for the interiors. The designers opted for brushed brass in their lamps and wall sconces, which effectively complements the 1930s Art Deco ambiance of the apartment. Delaye noted their intention to create "wall jewels with simple and timeless shapes," which served to counterbalance the existing grand elements of the apartment, such as its woodwork, moldings, and high ceilings. While the lighting is featured within Coco Chanel's former residence, the designers intentionally moved away from directly replicating Chanel's iconic style. They considered such an approach a "mistake for the space today." Instead, they focused on the functional and aesthetic demands of the expansive rooms, resulting in fixtures that are "quite large in order to register in the expansive rooms," according to Desjeux. The designers, while admiring other French designers like Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Sonia Rykiel, prioritized the architectural and spatial requirements of the apartment over a thematic adherence to Chanel's personal style. The positive reception of these lighting fixtures by guests visiting the apartment led to a collaboration between Regan and Desjeux Delaye to produce a collection for retail. This collection was recently showcased at Regan's Marais-based MR 80 Gallery during Paris Design Week. The lighting pieces are now available for purchase online through melissareganeditions.com, with prices ranging from approximately $530 to $1,400. This initiative allows enthusiasts of elegant and sophisticated interior design to incorporate elements inspired by a historically significant Parisian apartment into their own spaces. #CocoChanel #LightingDesign #ParisianDesign #InteriorDecor #DesjeuxDelaye #LuxuryLighting #HomeDecor #DesignHistory #ArtDecoInfluence

The "Vegas" lighting collection, a collaboration between Italian artisanal manufacturer MASIERO and industrial designer Marc Sadler, reinterprets iconic glass and metal Art Deco lights. This collection aims for a luxurious and high-end aesthetic, blending contemporary design with a timeless quality, inspired by the bold and flamboyant energy of Las Vegas. The partnership brings together MASIERO's in-house artisanal manufacturing capabilities in northern Italy and Marc Sadler's extensive experience and technical design prowess, recognized by multiple international design awards including the Compasso d’Oro ADI. Sadler, known for pioneering innovative uses of materials, has a diverse background, having worked across Europe, Asia, and North America, with his designs featured in permanent collections at the MOMA in New York and the Beaubourg in Paris. The Vegas collection is characterized by its meticulous combination of glass and metal. Transparent glass strips are precisely positioned around a metal structure, held in place by invisible eyelets and an ultraviolet gluing process, eliminating the need for visible screws or drilling. The bases, stems, and internal structures are crafted from metal, beautifully gilded in champagne gold leaf, though other metal finishes are available to meet customer preferences. Illumination is provided by dimmable LED strip lights, integrated along the frame and protected by plexiglass for easy cleaning. The aesthetic of the Vegas collection is opulent and refined, achieving a classical feel through the use of soft gold and clear, textured glass. The glass strips evoke both ice and precious jewels when illuminated, contributing to a sculptural quality where they appear delicately suspended. The inner metal structure provides a clean geometric form, and when viewed through the glass, it creates a rippled gold effect, adding depth, particularly striking in the curved vertical wall lights. Each glass strip is unique, featuring a ‘rock’ effect created by a special heat process that deliberately deforms thick glass pieces, incorporating trapped air bubbles. This technique imparts an "emotional allure" reminiscent of the work of master glass artisans. The collection offers an extensive range of individual pieces, unified by consistent materiality and the repeated use of curved glass strips nestled over a gold band. Pendant styles include single lights from 12cm to 60cm in diameter, as well as circular clusters of three or five lights, with the largest cluster measuring 80cm. Rectangular alignments of pendant lights are available with three, five, or seven drops, and variations with multiple vertical tiers exist, including a tall piece at 175cm in height with a 27cm diameter. For larger surfaces like dining tables or billiard rooms, there are sweeping oval shapes with vertical glass strips and long tubular forms that run horizontally, echoing the tiered drops. The collection also comprises curved vertical wall lights and ceiling variations, along with an oval table lamp. This broad array of refined shapes, resulting from dedicated experimentation and adherence to the design concept, makes the Vegas collection highly versatile for both commercial and residential applications. Its dramatic and sculptural presence is designed to be a focal point in any space, offering a refined flair. #LightingDesign #LuxuryLighting #ArtDecoInfluence #GlassAndMetal #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #ContemporaryClassic #MarcSadler #Masiero #InteriorDesign

Adriano Rachele's latest collection for SLAMP, named Drusa, draws inspiration from naturally occurring crystal formations that emerge from rocks. This concept is translated into a series of contemporary lighting fixtures designed to mimic the multifaceted appearance and light-play of these geological wonders. The Drusa fixtures are crafted from Lentiflex®, a proprietary material developed by SLAMP, which is then finished with a Velvet print. This combination of material and printing technique is engineered to create a dynamic kaleidoscope effect when light interacts with the numerous surfaces and angles of the fixture. The design principle behind the Drusa collection centers on a central light source within each fixture. This strategic placement ensures that light reaches and reflects off every individual facet and angle in a distinct manner. The result is an illusion of dynamic depth and texture, which changes depending on the viewer's perspective and the ambient lighting conditions. This careful consideration of light interaction aims to create an engaging visual experience, transforming the static fixture into an object that constantly shimmers and shifts with perceived movement. The Drusa collection offers versatility in its application, catering to various interior design needs. It is available in two primary configurations: a suspension version and a ceiling/wall version. The suspension fixtures are designed to hang from above, making them suitable for illuminating specific areas or serving as central decorative elements in a room. The ceiling/wall versions offer a more integrated lighting solution, suitable for general ambient lighting or for creating focal points on vertical surfaces. This dual offering allows designers and homeowners to incorporate the crystal-inspired aesthetic into different spaces and for diverse functional purposes. SLAMP, the manufacturer, is known for its innovative use of technopolymers in lighting design. Lentiflex®, the material utilized in the Drusa collection, is one such technopolymer chosen for its unique light-diffusing properties. The addition of the Velvet print further enhances these properties, creating a soft yet reflective surface that contributes to the overall crystal-like effect. The collaboration with Adriano Rachele, a designer recognized for his sculptural approach to lighting, underscores SLAMP's commitment to combining artistic vision with advanced material science to produce distinctive and functional lighting solutions. Overall, the Drusa collection by Adriano Rachele for SLAMP represents a modern interpretation of a natural phenomenon. By leveraging advanced materials and thoughtful design, the fixtures aim to bring the mesmerizing beauty of crystals into contemporary interior spaces. The collection's various forms and the intricate play of light and shadow are intended to create visually rich and engaging environments, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any room where they are installed. The fixtures are presented as both functional lighting elements and sculptural pieces of art, embodying a fusion of nature-inspired design and modern manufacturing techniques. #LightingDesign #ModernLighting #HomeFurnishings #CrystalInspired #AdrianoRachele #SLAMPLighting #InteriorDesign #SculpturalLighting

Lucifer Lighting, a company that has grown from a family business to a global entity, is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, on a 13-acre campus alongside Salado Creek. This facility serves as the hub for all creative processes, including design, assembly, prototyping, and management. The spaces are adorned with art, and the building offers access to 20 miles of walking and biking trails. In addition to its Texas headquarters, Lucifer Lighting expanded its presence by opening a showroom in San Francisco's Jackson Square in 2022, followed by its first New York City showroom in 2023. The company continues its expansion, with 2025 being particularly active, marked by the debut of its new decorative fixture, Stellaris, at Euroluce during Milan Design Week. Gilbert Mathews, the founder of Lucifer Lighting, discussed the evolution of their decorative fixtures. He noted that Stellar, their first decorative fixture, was launched in 2020 to commemorate the company's 40th anniversary. While Stellar is characterized by its elegance and modest scale, Stellaris, their latest creation, measures approximately 30 inches in diameter and is designed to command a striking presence, capable of defining the ambiance of a space independently. A key innovation in Stellaris is its ability to integrate both downlight and volumetric light within a single form. Mathews expressed particular pride in the patented fold design, which incorporates discrete, concealed LEDs within the waveguide, creating a mesmerizing effect that prompts observers to question the light source. Stellaris is slated for an official launch in September 2025. The Stellaris design comprises two primary components: a suspended enclosure featuring internally illuminated tubes and a translucent barrier that defines the fixture. This design was a collaborative effort with the architecture firm Gensler, which also designed Lucifer Lighting's showrooms. All of Lucifer Lighting's finished products are assembled in the United States, with 93% of the fixture components sourced from North America. Mathews emphasized the company's philosophy regarding architectural lighting, stating that “the best lighting is the kind that no one notices.” He explained that their architectural lighting can be customized with special baffles, kick reflectors, and discrete aiming and adjustment mechanisms, allowing for precise illumination without drawing attention to the light source itself. Their motto, “Design, Define, Disappear,” highlights this paradoxical approach where beautifully crafted fixtures are designed not to be the focal point. Mathews noted that this philosophy represents a departure from traditional American lighting product design, which he found to be largely utilitarian and purely functional. He drew inspiration from European lighting fixture design, appreciating its sleek aesthetic, and sought to elevate this approach through Lucifer Lighting's engineering and fabrication capabilities. He finds inspiration in the seamlessly integrated surfaces of sculptural forms, comparing them to fine watches, cameras, and Italian sports cars. The company's work has graced prominent hotels and flagship stores globally, including The Peninsula, The Standard, Four Seasons, Mandarin, St. Regis, Rosewood, and The Ritz Carlton, as well as retail spaces for Apple, Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Tiffany & Co. The company's name, Lucifer Lighting, originated from its first strip light, the Lucifer Light, derived from the Latin root "luciferous," meaning "light-bringing," a name that proved memorable and distinctive. #LuciferLighting #LightingDesign #MilanDesignWeek #Stellaris #ArchitecturalLighting #InteriorDesign #ProductInnovation #LuxuryLighting

Nikhil Paul, based in New Delhi, has launched his Paul Matter Studio with a debut lighting collection named ‘Tango’. The studio specializes in original and custom lamps designed for both residential and commercial applications. The collection draws inspiration from mid-century modernism and the Industrial Age, incorporating India's rich tradition of craftsmanship and Paul's minimalist aesthetic. Paul explains that the genesis of 'Tango' arose from a void in the market for lighting that was both utilitarian and elegant, eschewing extremes of overly commercial products or pure antiques in favor of a blend of aged materials with a contemporary, minimal design. The ‘Tango’ collection is characterized by playful experimentation with geometric forms that appear to float in space, imbued with a subtle vintage appeal. The design features elements such as low-hanging elbows and beaten brass shades, which allow the fixtures to be artfully arranged and reconfigured. This flexibility enables them to emit soft pools of light, enhancing the ambiance of any setting. The name 'Tango' fittingly reflects the collection's dynamic nature, evoking the rhythm, posture, and abrupt pauses inherent in the Buenos Aires dance. Each piece is hand-finished in the studio, a testament to the brand's commitment to design longevity, both in terms of material durability and visual language. Paul emphasizes the rich material palette used in the collection, which includes buffed and aged brass, copper, stone, leather, and glass. These materials are chosen for their ability to age gracefully, improving in character and appearance over time and with use. The design philosophy allows these materials to be presented in their truest form, revealing their inherent layers and textures. This approach underscores a belief in creating pieces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also possess a timeless quality that transcends transient trends. The Paul Matter Studio aims to establish a new standard for elegant, contemporary lighting that respects tradition while embracing modern design principles. #PaulMatterStudio #TangoLighting #IndianDesign #MidCenturyModernism #IndustrialAge #CustomLighting #HandFinished #MaterialLongevity #GeometricForms

The 'Illan' lamp, designed by Hungarian architect and designer Zsuzsanna Horvath for Italian lighting company Luceplan, is a distinctive pendant light crafted from laser-cut birch plywood. This unique fixture utilizes precise laser-cutting technology to create equidistant circular lines from a thin sheet of plywood. These delicate wooden outlines are then suspended together, forming the body of the lamp. The design is characterized by its simplicity, apparent weightlessness, and a harmonious blend of emotion and technological creativity. Horvath's prototype for the 'Illan' lamp first garnered attention at Salone Satellite during a previous Milan Furniture Fair. The name 'Illan', meaning 'something temporary' or 'fleeting' in Hungarian, reflects the designer's intention to celebrate the transient moments of beauty encountered in everyday life. Horvath describes the lamp as emerging from the exploration of laser-cutting various materials, where geometrically cut sheets of paper and wood acquire new characteristics when suspended by gravity. She considers the 'Illan lamp' to exist at the intersection of art and design, balancing functional quality, aesthetic appeal, and a touch of the magical elements desired in daily existence. The fabrication process involves innovative materiality and construction, contributing to the lamp's sculptural integrity. When installed, the thin wood pieces naturally fall into a unique curved form. A golden-hued LED light source is discreetly placed within the upper section of the lampshade. This light permeates the translucent wooden structure, producing a warm, diffused glow that enhances the ambient atmosphere. Horvath emphasizes the lamp's defining attributes as translucency, flexibility, and a subtle undulating movement. The simple, concentric cutting motifs transform the wood into a three-dimensional sculptural object. This structure is designed to react to even the slightest air currents, creating a gentle, dynamic movement. The warm illumination from the LED light reflects off the wooden surfaces, producing a relaxing sensation and a harmonious visual resonance. The 'Illan' lamp stands as a testament to combining advanced fabrication techniques with poetic design philosophy, creating a lighting fixture that is both functional and artful. #PendantLamp #LightingDesign #ZsuzsannaHorvath #Luceplan #BirchPlywood #LaserCut #HomeDecor #ItalianDesign #MilanFurnitureFair

Ross Hansen's ongoing series of ethereal lighting fixtures redefines assumptions about design and function by blending natural inspiration with innovative materials. The Los Angeles-based artist and designer crafts unique sculptural floor lamps from a combination of hemp, bio-resin, and aluminum. These creations evoke natural forms such as marigolds, prairie clover, and milk thistle, drawing on Hansen's background in landscape design and his appreciation for organic textures and shapes found in nature. The lamps are characterized by their otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of larger-than-life fungi or microscopic organisms. This effect is achieved through Hansen's meticulous process: strips of cloth are enrobed in a plant-based resin to provide rigidity, and the illuminated bulbs are diffused within the fabric, creating a soft, glowing light that emphasizes the sculptural qualities of the pieces. The use of bio-resin highlights a commitment to sustainable practices while contributing to the unique aesthetic and structural integrity of each lamp. His recent exhibition, titled *Of Human Feelings*, at Volume Gallery showcased these distinct creations. The installation featured clusters of these lights, transforming the gallery space into an immersive environment that blurred the lines between art, design, and natural phenomena. The exhibition highlighted the interplay of light and material, inviting viewers to reconsider the functional and aesthetic potential of lighting fixtures. Hansen's work challenges traditional notions of what a lamp can be, transforming it from a mere functional object into a captivating art piece. The organic shapes and glowing diffusion of light contribute to an atmosphere that is both serene and thought-provoking. His innovative approach to materials and form demonstrates a unique vision that bridges the gap between art and industrial design, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich. The artist's designs will also be featured at the upcoming Felix Art Fair in Los Angeles, providing another opportunity for a broader audience to experience these imaginative lighting sculptures. Through his creations, Hansen continues to explore themes of nature, art, and human perception, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary design and the potential of unconventional materials. #RossHansen #SculpturalLamps #BioResin #HempArt #LightingDesign #ArtExhibition #VolumeGallery #FelixArtFair #OrganicForms

Lighting serves as the essential 'jewelry' of a home, transforming a space and imbuing it with intentionality, personality, and glamour. This article features a curated collection of favorite light fixtures, selected by a design editor who meticulously scours various sources for unique pieces. The editor's process involves observing lighting in diverse settings, such as restaurants and boutique hotels, and extensively researching to identify specific fixtures. The collection includes a range of lighting options, from playful table lamps to sculptural pendants and hardwired showstoppers, each chosen for its distinctive aesthetic and ability to make a powerful statement. One highlight is the Lulu and Georgia Arroyo Pendant Light by Élan Byrd, which offers an organic modernist feel through its textural, sculptural design, resembling woven art. Another featured item is the Apple Perez Lamp, noted for its playful yet sophisticated mood, unexpected color pairings, and sculptural base, conveying an expensive look. The Pinch Design Anders Light is presented as an understated yet memorable pendant, characterized by its handwoven cane drum and solid timber details that provide a warm, museum-quality craftsmanship to any room. The Akari 50F by Noguchi is highlighted as an iconic piece that functions as both a light source and a glowing sculpture, instantly elevating a space with design credibility. For a contemporary touch, the Danny Kaplan Studio Eloise Floor Lamp, crafted from ceramic with an abstract silhouette, evokes the feeling of a found art object from a minimalist gallery. The Whimsical Rattan Lantern from Newport Lamp & Shade Company combines coastal grandmother aesthetics with childlike charm, offering shapely curves and a warm glow suitable for creating a relaxed yet magical ambiance. The Signature Collection Talia Large Chandelier is described as a magical fixture that blends traditional and ethereal elements with modern freshness, floating and sparkling to create a 'wow' factor without being overdone, and has been dubbed the 'IT' light fixture of 2025. Finally, the Ada Sculptural Brown Brass Table Lamp by Cesare Arosio is recognized as an art piece that illuminates a space, with its geometric form and rich brass finish providing a bold and sculptural presence that commands attention. #Lighting #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #LightFixtures #HomeAccessories #ModernLighting #SculpturalLighting #DesignerPicks

Jason Krugman, a New York-based artist, creates captivating light sculptures using wire mesh forms embedded with thousands of hand-soldered LED bulbs. His journey into art began after a career in investment banking, leading him to study technology and art at NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP). There, he learned about microcontrollers, soldering, digital fabrication, and new materials, which became foundational to his artistic practice. In 2009, Krugman established his studio in Brooklyn, focusing on the intersection of physical computing and fine art, transforming electricity into remarkable sculptures. Krugman's work is characterized by its fluid appearance, despite being constructed from static materials, often mimicking natural phenomena or intricate systems like swarms of mini-drones. He has developed several proprietary technologies, including a hand-soldered LED mesh, various cable systems, and custom printed circuit boards for LED artworks, holding two US patents. His designs are unique in that they often use the physical structure of the sculpture to conduct electricity to the light sources, eliminating the need for insulated wiring. This innovation allows thousands of LEDs to appear to float weightlessly within minimal wire forms, creating a soft, ethereal glow. His recent recognition includes a LIT Lighting Design Award for 'Capella Basket,' a large-scale installation described as a rectangular sheet of 2,000 LED bulbs rolled into a cannoli-like shape and seamed. This particular piece represents a decade of development, inspired by the challenge of shaping mesh material into complex forms. The 'Capella Basket' itself was a monumental undertaking, involving over 10,000 circuit boards, extensive prototyping in collaboration with Arup engineers, and fabrication with the support of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and other local businesses. Krugman views his work as a three-dimensional puzzle, where aesthetic form is deeply intertwined with functional utility. He believes that the beauty of his art is enhanced by its ability to perform, allowing viewers to engage with it intellectually and emotionally. The sculptures are shaped by their inherent capacity to efficiently distribute electricity. The artist's approach combines craft with technology, a process he manages by always building smaller versions and mockup sections, regardless of the project's scale or edition count. Feedback on Krugman's installations frequently highlights their resemblance to scientific structures and natural forms, fostering a sense of connection and collaboration with his audience. Looking ahead, Krugman aims to create even more complex forms while maintaining structural clarity. He also plans to explore folding and stretching techniques with different materials to delve deeper into surface creation, moving beyond his current focus on points and lines. He is also beginning to offer smaller sculptures for sale on his Instagram and website, providing more accessible ways for the public to engage with his art. #LightingDesign #ArtDesign #LightSculptures #LEDArt #InteractiveArt #PhysicalComputing #ContemporaryArt #Innovation #DesignProcess