Lighting Experts Talk Design At ‘Islands Of Light’ Event In Manhattan

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 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 article details the 'Destinations' exhibition, a key component of Dubai Design Week, which brought together six international design weeks to showcase emerging brands with a focus on lighting. The event served as a global platform, highlighting diverse design approaches from cities including Mexico City, Beijing, Helsinki, Istanbul, Melbourne, and San Francisco. Each participating design week presented three emerging brands, demonstrating a variety of innovative lighting solutions. From Melbourne International Design Week, Lab De Stu, founded by Andre Hnatojko, featured highly modern and oversized Popper lamps. Ben Tovim contributed pieces that explore geometric structures and material values, while Christopher Boots presented graphical works that combine traditional and contemporary techniques. San Francisco Design Week showcased Lumio lamps, which are designed to open like a book, creating a unique illumination experience. Beijing Design Week's contribution included Eoq lamps, known for their Moiré effect, adding a distinctive visual element to lighting design. Helsinki Design Week featured Saas Instruments, which innovated with Alexander Lervik's crystal glass Sparkle pendant and Sense Light Swing lamps, offering both aesthetic beauty and functional versatility. Mexico City's Abierto Mexicano De Diseño highlighted craft-led and pattern-projected lighting solutions from Ediciones Jalapas, alongside Tributo's materially rich and formally sound designs. The exhibition emphasized how specific materials are utilized to reflect the distinct regional contexts in which these light sources are produced. The 'Destinations' exhibition underscored the global nature of design, where creativity converges from various corners of the world. The diverse range of styles and applications presented at Downtown Design Dubai demonstrated that despite geographical and cultural differences, the sublime qualities of light possess the potential to unify and connect communities worldwide. The showcase allowed for the appreciation of different interpretations of lighting, from clean geometry and ingenious references to intricate weaving techniques and crystal refraction, all contributing to the transformation of an essential resource into an art form. #DowntownDesignDubai #LightingDesign #DubaiDesignWeek #InternationalDesign #EmergingBrands #DesignInnovation #GlobalDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #HomeDecor

Designer Lee Broom launched his new 'Optical' lighting collection by transforming his studio's delivery van into a mobile exhibition space. This innovative concept, named 'Salone del Automobile,' involved meticulously designing the van's interior to resemble a traditional Italian palazzo. The transformation included painting the van's interior in Broom's signature grey, and adding ornate Corinthian columns, architraves, and stuccoed details, complemented by an illuminated floor. This elaborately decorated van served as a dramatic backdrop for the new monochromatic lighting fixtures. The 'Salone del Automobile' embarked on a journey from Broom's London headquarters to Milan, where it was showcased at various prominent locations during Salone del Mobile, including Brera Design District, Spazio Rossana Orlandi, ZonaTortona, San Gregorio Docet, and Ventura Lambrate. This unconventional exhibition strategy allowed the collection to reach a wider audience and provided a unique viewing experience, highlighting the pieces within an unexpected, yet grand, setting. The 'Optical' lighting collection itself features illuminated globes adorned with graphic, linear patterns. These designs are asymmetrical, creating a dynamic visual effect where their appearance shifts depending on the viewer's angle. Broom drew inspiration for this collection from his own experiences in the early 1990s, specifically recalling his use of monochrome graphics when decorating his bedroom. This personal connection to the design imbues the collection with a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. The collection is characterized by its stark black and white palette, which further emphasizes the graphic quality of the patterns. Each piece is designed to create an interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the 'optical' illusion and making the fixtures captivating from all perspectives. The installation within the van was carefully orchestrated to maximize this effect, presenting the lights as functional art pieces within a curated, mobile environment. This method of presentation not only served as a launch for the 'Optical' collection but also demonstrated a creative approach to exhibition design in the competitive world of furniture and lighting. By bringing the showroom directly to the audience in an artistic and memorable way, Lee Broom successfully generated significant attention and discussion around his new works, solidifying his reputation for innovative design and marketing. #LeeBroom #LightingDesign #SaloneDelMobile #ProductLaunch #ExhibitionDesign #OpticalLighting #MilanDesignWeek #InteriorDesign

This article showcases a curated selection of innovative lighting designs, originally featured in the October 2023 issue of Wallpaper* magazine, derived from highlights of Euroluce at Milan's Salone del Mobile 2023. The featured products span offerings from established brands like Lasvit, Cassina, and Flos, as well as independent studios such as Pelle and Ross Gardam. The presentation of these designs emphasizes a unique photographic approach, employing both digital and film techniques, with a particular focus on film photography to create optical contrasts and surface textures, exploring the interplay of light and shadow. Among the showcased designs is the 'Polaris' floor lamp by David Rockwell for Lasvit, part of the Constellation collection. Inspired by the celestial mural at Grand Central Terminal, this hand-crafted metal and glass lamp functions as both a dazzling focal point and a unifying element within any setting. Laurids Gallée's 'Pool 02' lamp, a limited-edition polymer resin light, explores the incorporation of traditional elements with experimental materials. This ice-blue lamp, which emits a warm yellow glow when illuminated, features a fluid shape and soft ridges that evoke the dynamic reflections of light on water. Herzog & de Meuron's 'Dreispitz' lamp, produced for Artemide, is a graphically appealing pendant available in black, silver, and a vibrant green. Originally conceived for the architects' Dreispitz project in Helsinki, this lamp can accommodate three distinct light sources that integrate into its triangular base, forming a clover-like profile. It offers various lengths and lighting options, designed for environmental sustainability through its high efficiency, optimized industrial processes, and the use of partially recycled and recyclable materials. Dirk Winkel's 'W225 Ion' lamp for Wästberg represents a deceptively simple design, the culmination of extensive research focused on creating well-being through optimal lighting. Its core innovation is a sophisticated miniature friction joint with a cordless power connection, enabling 360-degree rotation. The lamp's versatility is enhanced by a choice of arm lengths, mounting options, and two optical systems, providing illumination for wide-angle workspaces or focused reading. The 'Vestige' table lamp by Ross Gardam and Peter Kovacsy aims to evoke a sense of wonder. This brutalist-inspired sculptural form features a solid parabolic cone of cast crystal glass, created by Peter Kovacsy, emerging from a rectangular base. The design celebrates the allure and texture of glass, with bubbles within the glass creating a speckled pattern when illuminated, and is paired with a raw aluminum base and a machined conical dimmer. Bocci's '44T' table lamp distinguishes itself with its unique, irregular aluminum canopy, formed through various processes like blowing, pouring, carving, and polishing. Each lamp is individual, reflecting Bocci’s research into dendrite-like shapes. A notable feature is the use of spherical light bulbs that glow without visible electrical cables, as low-voltage electricity passes directly through the cast metal structure. The 'Channel' lamp by Pelle, known for its 'Bubble' chandelier, addresses the practical need for illuminating large table surfaces while brightening the overall room. This ceiling fixture comprises a sleek horizontal body in waxed brushed aluminum, housing four lighting components—two upward-facing and two downward-facing beams—with thin steel cables serving as power conduits. Michele Groppi’s 'Vis à Vis' table lamp for Davide Groppi is designed to seamlessly integrate into any environment. Made entirely of transparent glass, from its thin cylindrical stem to its circular canopy, it appears to float lightly and is rechargeable, allowing for mobility without visible electric cables. Finally, Philippe Malouin’s 'Bilboquet' table lamps for Flos, his first design for the brand, are based on experiments with magnetic elements. Named after a 16th-century French game, the lamp consists of two colored cylinders connected by a magnetic sphere, allowing for flexible orientation and acting as a decorative element, designed to adapt to changing lighting needs throughout the day. Jordi Canudas' 'Dipping' pendant for Marset, inspired by an experiment of dipping a switched-on light-bulb in paint, features a brilliant white hand-blown glass globe, hand-dipped multiple times to create concentric rings of color in various hues, with different layers of paint moderating light intensity. The 'Bijou' pendants by Antoni Arola for Santa & Cole and the 'Eitie' table lamp and pendant by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina offer further examples of innovative design, with 'Bijou' providing exceptional lighting and reflections, and 'Eitie' offering reconfigurable luminous strokes through unique black metal circular connectors. #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #Euroluce #SaloneDelMobile #ProductDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #ContemporaryDesign #SustainableDesign #ArtisanCraft

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

Lighting design encompasses the strategic use of illumination to achieve both practical functionality and aesthetic appeal in various environments. This field involves the selection and arrangement of both artificial light sources, such as lamps and light fixtures, and enhanced performance lighting systems. The ultimate goal is to improve the visual impact and overall ambiance of a designated area. The scope of lighting design extends to diverse applications, including interactive lighting series that utilize air pressure to activate inflating lamp structures, showcasing innovative approaches to dynamic illumination. Other creative examples include upcycled lighting collections that blend vintage object parts with natural wax, offering a sustainable and artistic dimension to lighting. Designers are also reimagining traditional forms, such as Philippe Tabet's transformation of industrial bulkhead lamps into face-like fixtures, and Yusuke Kawai's modular 'Kawara' lighting crafted from Japanese roof tiles, demonstrating a fusion of heritage and contemporary design. Further advancements in the field involve the use of novel materials and technologies. Bacterial cellulose is being transformed into translucent, ruffled lighting sculptures, while 3D-printed ceramics by Jolie Ngo introduce vibrant and sculptural elements into lighting. Exhibitions like 'Nuts + Bolts' highlight the potential of everyday hardware store supplies to be repurposed into DIY lighting solutions, emphasizing accessibility and resourcefulness. Artists like Carmen D'Apollonio create glass and ceramic characters that illuminate spaces, blurring the lines between art and functional lighting. The 'WA' upcycled table lamp, made from retired Tokyo train parts, exemplifies innovative reuse in design. Technological innovations also play a crucial role, as seen in WINT design lab's collaborative effort to create a lamp that adjusts brightness through a stretchable textile interface. Custom-made LED walls, such as those found in Huit Sushi Restaurant in Montreux, demonstrate how lighting can dramatically shape commercial spaces. Installations like 'Blind Lucid Umbrella' by Tony Tao Li explore the symbolic and experiential qualities of blue light through LED modules. Designers like Karim+Elias use desert sand to create luminous wall lamps and sculptural vases, showcasing the artistic possibilities of natural materials. The field also explores historical and cultural influences, with Formafantasma reflecting on American domestic furniture archetypes through lighting design. Kurahito Craft's flexible and see-through lampshade covers, crafted from slabs of wood, illustrate a sophisticated approach to material manipulation. The continuous evolution of lighting design is further demonstrated by annual events such as Milan Design Week, where designers like Michael Anastassiades present modular lighting installations in historic settings, and Lachlan Turczan's interactive halo light sculptures are featured at Google's exhibitions. Studio Lugo's 'Anachron' furniture series, combining horsehair with steel, and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE and atelier oï's innovative use of cloth and wire to illuminate spaces, collectively showcase the boundless creativity and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary lighting design. #LightingDesign #HomeDecoration #InteriorLighting #SustainableDesign #InteractiveLighting #InnovativeMaterials #ProductDesign #ArtisticLighting #SmartLighting

This article showcases a curated selection of innovative lighting designs observed throughout 2023, highlighting how designers continue to push the boundaries of functionality and aesthetics in illumination. The pieces presented demonstrate a wide array of approaches, from minimalist forms to highly sculptural and technologically integrated solutions, reflecting current trends and advancements in the field of lighting design. Among the featured designs is Atelier de Troupe's Kyoto series, sconce lights distinguished by their unexpected use of cast aluminum, offering a unique texture and materiality to a classic lighting fixture. Bernhard Osann's Bird is introduced as an elegant desk lamp that redefines conventional design by eliminating the base, presenting a clean and airy aesthetic. The article also notes an update to the VL 56 pendant lamps, originally designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen in 1956, showcasing how timeless designs can be reinterpreted for contemporary appeal. Yuchao Lin's Macrozone Fan Lamp presents a more unconventional approach, integrating hidden fan blades that deploy on demand, combining functionality with a sense of playful surprise. Further examples include the Kelvin Epos 300 by Minoko, a precisely adjustable film/photography light with a robust industrial aesthetic, and Jordi Canudas's Dipping Light, which employs a distinctive production method to color its glass lampshades, resulting in unique visual effects. A peculiar lamp from Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido is highlighted, conjectured to be a promotional item from the 1980s, indicating the broader application of lighting in branding and marketing. Lukas Bazle's Méduse pendant lamp offers user-transformable lampshades, allowing for dynamic control over light direction, while Maxime Prananto's Continuous Chandelier challenges traditional notions of luxury lighting by incorporating industrial elements like I-beams and chains with common fluorescent bulbs. Lucas Muñoz Muñoz's B.A.R.E. Lamps are presented as an embodiment of minimum viable product in lighting design, focusing on essential form and function. Studio Huub Ubbens' Unico series showcases sophisticated lamp switches and dimmers, emphasizing the often-overlooked tactile experience of lighting control. Christian Flindt's minimalist bollard lights are featured for their clean lines and suitability for both indoor and outdoor environments. The Bolita lamp by Kaschkasch introduces a kinetic interface, offering an interactive element to lighting. Concept designs like Renaud Defrancesco's Spot, with its dual user-adjustable rotating LEDs, and Naoto Fukasawa's Half Dome series, incorporating subtle haptic touches, point towards future directions in user interaction and sensory experience in lighting. The Dyson Lightcycle Morph Lamp is acknowledged for its intelligent design and multiple applications, despite an aesthetic that prioritizes engineering. Bookman Urban Visibility's lightweight, rechargeable safety lights are noted for their fun form factors catering to pedestrians and cyclists. A 1970s-style manually adjustable Bill lamp concept by Stefanie Kay evokes a nostalgic yet functional design. Inga Sempé's w153 Island offers an improved design for a clamp lamp, enhancing utility and versatility. Keiji Takeuchi's lacquered pendant lamps, inspired by traditional Japanese bowls, combine cultural heritage with modern design. The article also covers outside-the-box innovations such as Stefan Diez's Plusminus lighting system, which utilizes power-conducting webbing straps for flexible installations, and Daniel Schofield's Ray Lamp, a stylish portable lighting solution for both indoor and outdoor use. Alexey Danilin's Amulet Lamp merges hand-blown glass with LEDs for a unique visual effect, while the Funambulb by Superlife is designed for easy portability and hanging. Robert Dabi's Poise Lamp series introduces infinitely-adjustable, impossibly-thin ring-light-like lamps. The evolution of portable lighting is further exemplified by neck lights featuring magnetic, removable flashlights. The Skot lamps by Louis Poulsen, originally designed for maritime use, are highlighted for their aesthetic appeal in terrestrial settings. Govee Curtain Lights are shown to transform walls and windows into animated displays, akin to large-scale Lite-Brites. LED strip lighting on reels, commonly used by European construction workers, is presented as a practical and bright solution for jobsite illumination. Finally, the Philips Ellipse provokes thought on whether the light bulb itself should be considered a design object, encapsulating a broader trend towards aesthetics in every component of lighting. #LightingDesign #IndustrialDesign #ProductDesign #DesignInnovation #HomeLighting #ModernDesign #SustainableDesign #TechIntegration

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

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

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

The article introduces the 'Nest Lamp' by Bored Eye, a design studio founded by industrial product designer Liam de la Bedoyere, as their submission to the Render Weekly challenge. The challenge tasked designers with creating a custom light shade that seamlessly integrates with a provided socket. Bored Eye's innovative approach for the Nest Lamp focuses on accentuating the light's long cables, turning what is typically hidden into a central design feature. This concept was partly inspired by Gantri's ethos and their use of 3D printing in lighting products. The Nest Lamp is designed with a minimalistic aesthetic, appearing as a nest for a large 'egg lamp.' Its body is crafted from a plant polymer, which provides a soft-touch matte finish. This material choice is intended to avoid harsh, unflattering lighting, contributing to a more comfortable and natural illumination. The design philosophy behind the Nest Lamp aims to transform a seemingly messy pile of cables into a relatable and functional art piece, which Bedoyere believes is achievable by most users. Key features of the Nest Lamp include its eclectic warm opal shade, which effectively diffuses light to produce a natural and evenly distributed glow. Furthermore, the lamp boasts an extra-long cord, offering greater flexibility in terms of placement and how users can interact with the lamp within their environment. This extended cord length not only enhances the lamp's functionality but also contributes to its unique visual identity, reinforcing the idea of the cables as an integral part of the design rather than a component to be concealed. The design studio Bored Eye, based in Essex, UK, aims to create conceptual objects that blend function, style, and imagination. Liam de la Bedoyere, the founder, emphasizes crafting products that are far from conventional or 'boring,' focusing on unique solutions to common design challenges. The Nest Lamp exemplifies this by reimagining the functional elements of a light fixture as aesthetic components. This product represents a shift from traditional lamp designs where cables are typically hidden, instead embracing them as a core element that defines the lamp's form and interaction. #LightingDesign #ConceptDesign #InnovationDesign #IndustrialDesign #ProductDesign #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor #MinimalisticDesign

The biennial Euroluce lighting exhibition, a central component of Milan design week, showcases the latest innovations and designs in lighting. Dezeen editor-at-large Amy Frearson curated a selection of twelve notable lighting launches from Euroluce and other venues across Milan. The Salone del Mobile, a furniture fair, hosts Euroluce, featuring prominent international lighting companies such as Flos, Foscarini, Artemide, A-N-D, and Lambert & Fils. Among the featured designs, Ronan Bouroullec's Luce Sferica for Flos is a modular suspension lamp described as a blend of softness, magic, and technical sophistication. It consists of mouth-blown glass spheres connected by a polished extruded aluminum body, evoking the delicacy of raindrops or a soap bubble. Michael Anastassiades also contributed to Flos's new collection with the Linked lights, which utilize linear glass links forming illuminated ropes. These glass-encased elements hook over each other, creating vertical lines that can extend from the ceiling to the floor, functioning as both lighting and spatial dividers. Herzog & de Meuron's Trois Rois lamps for Artemide, originally designed for a hotel in Basel, are portable, rechargeable, and dimmable table lamps with a curvy shade and animal-like three-legged base. Available in felt or die-cast aluminum, the design aims for a lightweight, creature-like aesthetic. Patrick Jouin's Vera pendant for Lasvit features a unique texture created by pouring molten glass over a tree trunk, inspired by the natural presence of the forest surrounding Lasvit's production facility. Kwangho Lee collaborated with Lambert & Fils on the Bolda pendant, incorporating copper enamelling on polished aluminum sheets, drawing inspiration from traditional Korean chilbo art. Lukas Peet of A-N-D designed Tier, a multi-level linear light system suitable for various surfaces like kitchen counters or desks, utilizing extruded aluminum elements that can be stacked and feature a scalloped form for even light reflection. Francesca Lanzavecchia's asymmetric Allumette chandelier for Foscarini reinterprets traditional chandelier forms with arms of varying lengths connecting a central body to transparent tubes, aiming to soften its formal rigidity through technological elements and irregular balances. Aqua Creations' Metropolitan Collection, including the Miami wall lights, draws inspiration from art deco, placing lights behind translucent materials like silk, handmade paper, and wood veneer to create functional artworks that resemble paintings. Alessandro Zambelli's Dansì wall lights for Luceplan are a family of four geometric designs made from die-cast aluminum, which can be arranged to create the illusion of a thread weaving through a wall, offering a sculptural presence by day and an unexpected brightness by night. Samuel Wilkinson’s Corka pendants for Zero are conical lamps made from granulated cork pressed into a mold, emphasizing a sustainable, single-material design with minimal electrical components. Mathias Hahn's Gambosa lamp for Marset provides a sculptural take on the classic table lamp, featuring a smoothly curved steel base and a matching shade in various color combinations. Lastly, Form Us With Love developed the modular Catena desk lighting system for Blond, a workplace solution allowing for diverse sizes and configurations. This system, debuted at Stockholm Design Week, uses glass tube lights connected by aluminum frames, which can be exposed or encased in aluminum mesh shades, demonstrating versatility in design and application. These diverse lighting solutions highlight innovative uses of materials, sustainable practices, and creative forms presented at Milan Design Week. #MilanDesignWeek #Euroluce #LightingDesign #RonanBouroullec #MichaelAnastassiades #HerzogDeMeuron #PatrickJouin #KwanghoLee #LukasPeet #FrancescaLanzavecchia #AlessandroZambelli #SamuelWilkinson #MathiasHahn #FormUsWithLove #SustainableDesign #InteriorLighting #ProductDesign #DesignInnovation

Quality hotel lighting is a crucial and often understated element that can profoundly influence a space's ambiance and design. Interior designers acknowledge that light is a magical ingredient that can make or break an interior, yet good lighting should often go unnoticed in most projects. This article champions innovative approaches to hotel lighting, exploring how architectural and decorative lighting, when used sensitively, can transform a space and deepen its overall design scheme. Several leading interior designers and lighting experts share their perspectives and favorite lighting design schemes to illustrate this power. Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at David Collins Studio, discusses the lighting concept for Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. The design focused on creating a seamless flow and unity throughout the hotel, with specific lighting tailored to each area's mood and function. In the Lobby Lounge, a multi-layered lighting concept enhances comfort and glamour, transitioning from a relaxed daytime feel to a dramatic nighttime scene. Custom bronze wall lights create rippling light effects, while the central bar's rich textures are highlighted by overhead lighting encased in linen and alabaster shades. Marie Soliman, Co-Founder of Bergman Design House, showcases the Phoenix lighting installation in Laowai, a speakeasy bar in Vancouver. This lighting scheme, featuring a flying flock of Phoenix fixtures by Karice lighting and peacock-inspired emerald lampshades, brings a sense of freedom and glamor. Inspired by 1930s Shanghai speakeasies, the lighting contributes to the bar's illicit and seductive atmosphere, enhancing the secretive entrance through a hidden door in the BLND TGER restaurant. Paul Nulty, Founder of Nulty, an international lighting design practice, highlights the Rove Expo 2020 Hotel in Dubai. Nulty’s lighting scheme for the only hotel on the Expo 2020 site aligns with the Expo's theme of ‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’ and the hotel’s LEED Gold design concept. The all-LED lighting system, controlled by DALI, allows for individual area adjustments throughout the day. Working with RSP and Arco Group, Nulty created a contemporary scheme that incorporates Dubai’s heritage and culture. The expansive ground floor features layers of illumination to define distinct zones—lobby, lounge, co-working, bar, and café—while maintaining a cohesive flow. Oversized orange pendants and linear lights create visual interest and delineate spaces, with the bar area featuring intricate white metalwork and functional track lights. Lara Bohinc and Adam Coare of Dernier & Hamlyn discuss the bespoke chandelier for The Mandrake Hotel, London's Penthouse Suite. The chandelier, a testament to haute couture design, features over 1,100 individually machined and hand-finished antique nickel metal tubes, mechanically fixed to a lightweight aluminum frame. Equipped with 30 LED G9 lamps, it provides perfect illumination for the unique room. Adam Coare emphasized the complexity and rewarding nature of bringing such a demanding commission to life, from initial concept to manufacturing. Martin Brudnizki, Founder of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, explains the revolutionary lighting design in Annabel’s, an iconic members' club in London. Though not a hotel, its redesign, led by Brudnizki, showcases innovative lighting. Recognizing the club operates from morning to night, the design integrated lighting across three levels: low-level ground lighting, mid-level wall lights, and overhead chandeliers. Collaborating with Isometrix, the studio created a scheme that adapts to the time of day, offering bright natural light for daytime meetings and a moodier, playful atmosphere for evenings, ensuring members feel both comfortable and excited. #HotelLighting #InteriorDesign #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #DecorativeLighting #HospitalityDesign #BespokeLighting #DesignInnovation

The Ebe collection, designed by Nicola Gallizia Design Studio for Masiero, draws inspiration from the reflections of the moon and is named after the goddess symbolizing youth and moonlight. The collection aims to create a warm and intimate atmosphere in contemporary homes through its unique design and material choices. The design process began with a formal and functional idea, evolving through continuous dialogue with the manufacturing company, Masiero, highlighting the importance of collaboration in design development. A central feature of the Ebe collection is the use of galvanized colored steel fabric. This material choice is deliberate, as it filters and modulates light to produce an effect that is both magical and rich, embodying Nicola Gallizia’s design philosophy of synthesis to enhance the value of materials and the illuminating function of the product. The collection’s aesthetic is characterized by its essential lines contrasted with the richness of its materials, allowing it to harmoniously interact with diverse decorative and architectural elements within a space. From the designer's perspective, the Ebe collection introduces a softer design language to the Masiero catalog, catering to the evolving needs of contemporary living. Modern homeowners are increasingly seeking warm, welcoming, and serene domestic spaces that reflect their personal style. Therefore, the lighting in these homes needs to be warm, delicate, and possess a magical quality, which the Ebe collection aims to provide. The versatility of the Ebe collection makes it suitable for various environments within a home. Its design, reminiscent of a jewel-object, is particularly well-suited for minimalist settings but can also complement other styles. The collection's ability to engage in a dialogue with surrounding elements due to its material richness and clean lines allows for aesthetic synergy, making it an adaptable choice for architects and interior designers. The collection stands out for its capacity to blend into different interior design schemes while offering a distinct character inspired by celestial luminescence. The collaboration between Nicola Gallizia Design Studio and Masiero has resulted in a product that is not only visually appealing but also versatile and adaptable, aligning with modern preferences for personalized and intimate living spaces. The Ebe collection is presented as an evolution in lighting design, offering a blend of classical inspiration and contemporary application to enhance the ambiance of residential interiors. #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #NicolaGalliziaStudio #Masiero #MilanDesignWeek #HomeDecor #ContemporaryLighting #DesignCollaboration

Signify myCreation, a leading lighting company, is revolutionizing the lighting industry through advanced 3D printing technology and a strong commitment to sustainability. The company empowers brands, startups, and designers to create personalized luminaires tailored to specific identities, visions, and needs. This is achieved through an intuitive online configurator that allows users to select from a diverse range of shapes, colors, textures, and lighting specifications. The platform offers over 190 design variants, facilitating the creation of lighting solutions that seamlessly integrate into retail, hospitality, business, and residential spaces. Additionally, all functional lighting solutions are designed to be energy-efficient and can be integrated with connected systems for further energy savings. Signify myCreation is returning to Milan Design Week 2025 with an elegant bar installation at Milan’s Palazzo Giureconsulti. This installation, designed in collaboration with Dekker Zevenhuizen and Triboo, will be illuminated by a curated selection of award-winning luminaires. The exhibition will feature the Gleam and Smooth luminaires, along with the Voila table lamp, showcasing the platform's ability to combine functionality with sophisticated aesthetics and environmental responsibility. A new addition to the Smooth Spotlight series, promising superb adaptability, will also be previewed. The Gleam luminaire, designed by Sebastian Bergne, is a refined bulb-based pendant light known for its serene, heptagon-inspired silhouette and its ability to add a touch of wonder to everyday objects. Available in multiple sizes, the Gleam design aligns with the 3D print grain, with all printed parts made from ISCC Plus certified bio-circular materials. Its minimalist and delicate nature allows it to create intimate atmospheres or serve as a striking interior accent. The Gleam lighting pendant family, recognized with a 2025 iF Design Award, reinterprets the simple glowing pendant globe through alternative geometry and Bergne’s distinctive flair. The flexibility of 3D printing enables horizontal form lines that create a skeleton of uninterrupted harmony, with each piece possessing a unique presence and allure, available in three sizes and one texture. The Smooth Spotlight series, also a recipient of the 2025 iF Design Award, is designed for hospitality and residential settings, offering superior customization in both colors and textures. This allows for the creation of unique lighting formulas to highlight spaces effectively. Its printed components are made from 65% recycled and ISCC Plus-certified bio-circular materials, while the heatsink is crafted from 85% recycled aluminum, ensuring durability and longevity. The minimalist spotlight includes a honeycomb accessory to reduce glare and improve light distribution. Its circular design ensures it can be upgraded throughout its lifespan. The Voila collection of table lamps features charmingly proportioned designs with a vibrant color palette and playful presence. These lamps, reminiscent of 1960s interior design with their petite mushroom silhouettes, are crafted from bio-circular materials like biomass and natural waste, processed into sustainable polycarbonate. The single light source shines both upward and downward, creating a mesmerizing diffused light with a mandala effect through the crafted underside of the lampshade. The Voila lamp, an iF Design Award winner in 2022, is available in various colors such as white, bronze, gold, pink, and green, subtly complementing any interior space with its lightness and versatility. Signify myCreation emphasizes eco-friendly practices by incorporating at least 65% recycled and bio-circular materials in all its products. The 3D printing process reduces material waste and carbon emissions through local, on-demand production, minimizing transportation impacts. The company actively collaborates with research institutions, startups, and industrial organizations to advance 3D printing technology and sustainable practices, having produced nearly 2 million luminaires globally. At Milan Design Week 2025, visitors can explore the potential of personalized, smart, efficient, and sustainable lighting solutions at Signify myCreation’s pavilion. The initiative plans to expand its offerings and improve user experience through enhanced configurators and advanced product roadmaps, aiming for ambitious sustainability goals such as increasing climate action revenues to 72% and achieving zero waste to landfill. Signify myCreation sets new standards in circular lighting design by blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression and a commitment to sustainability. #LightingDesign #3DPrinting #SustainableDesign #InnovativeMaterials #MilanDesignWeek #CircularEconomy #ProductDesign #SmartLighting #BioCircularMaterials