Shakúff designs blown-glass Tamar Wand pendant light

Joseph Sidof, the founder, CEO, and creative director of Shakúff Bespoke Lighting Solutions, specializes in crafting artistic lighting fixtures that serve as central design elements rather than mere illumination. His work often involves glass and metal, sometimes incorporating other materials like wood, to create visually striking pieces. Shakúff’s designs are typically commissioned by interior designers and creative homeowners, with a significant market presence on Long Island, particularly for new constructions and home remodels. Sidof collaborates with clients, often starting with their vision, dimensions, and preferred glass types. One notable project involved designing raindrop fixtures for a kitchen island in a Southampton beach house. These fixtures, each containing a lightbulb, were suspended beneath a metal canopy, creating a statement piece that complemented the ocean view. For a home office with low ceilings, Sidof and his team created a bespoke 'Ivy Branch' fixture. This piece sprawled across the ceiling, over a beam, and down the wall, giving the impression of a living plant. Made with brushed brass and Amber Kadur Drizzle pendants, it aimed to inspire creativity and productivity with its warm glow. Shakúff offers a range of products, from single pendants priced at $300 to elaborate multi-thousand-dollar custom designs. While about 80% of their work is custom, they also sell premade items through their website. Custom orders typically take 8 to 10 weeks, compared to 6 weeks for premade products. Sidof emphasizes the importance of understanding the client's preferences and the space's aesthetics, sometimes opting for minimalistic colors when a view is particularly beautiful. Clients can visit their main Brooklyn showroom or showrooms like Island Final Touch in Syosset, one of 28 national and one international location that showcase their work. The design process often includes 3-D renderings to visualize the final product. Sidof, who previously worked in jewelry, is deeply involved in the design and creation of the glass components, overseeing the entire process from raw materials to the finished fixture. He recounts designing a unique 'branch' fixture for a client who desired a statement piece, where bending metal pieces branched from the ceiling onto the walls, filled with blown glass to serve as both lighting and art. Sidof prefers warm, soft, yellowish light but also uses bright white, multi-colored, or color-changing lights. He believes lighting fixtures are not just about illumination but about creating a 'statement piece,' envisioning designs that evoke natural elements like butterflies, stars, moons, or entire galaxies. He often hides wires to emphasize the artistic blown glass and light. His appreciation for light began in his childhood, inspired by nature and beaches in Haifa, which influences his desire to bring natural beauty into indoor spaces. LED technology has significantly impacted his designs, allowing for fewer light sources, smaller pieces, vertical and horizontal lighting with LED strips, and more dimming options. This enables varied effects, such as brightness at the top of a tube and lower intensity at the bottom. Modern designs increasingly combine metal and glass, with single rods replacing complex wiring, resembling bouquets. Sidof notes the profound effect light has on mood and is incorporating sensor technology for touchless dimming in table and floor lamps. Shakúff provides installation support in the New York metropolitan area, including Long Island, but designs are made to be installed by any electrician. Sidof customizes glass textures and colors to match the aesthetic of the space, whether it's an ocean view or a more richly textured environment. He highlights that the artistic beauty of these fixtures is appreciated not just when lit at night, but equally, if not more, during the day when the natural light illuminates their form. #JosephSidof #ShakuffLighting #BespokeLighting #ArtisticLighting #GlassArt #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HamptonsRealEstate #CustomFixtures

Paris-based Palestinian designer Samer Selbak has developed the "Luffa" collection, a series of lighting and a space divider crafted from the luffa plant, naturally dyed with vegetables. This collection includes two pendant lights, Saffeer and Nafaq, and a space divider named Reef. The Saffeer pendant light is designed to hang diagonally, featuring an inner steel body encased in luffa to form a tubular shape, while the Nafaq pendant light shares a similar form but is suspended horizontally. The Reef space divider consists of luffa sheets in various dyed tones, arranged in a geometric pattern and supported by two steel bars, serving as both a functional and sculptural element. Selbak's design process incorporates traditional uses of luffa, which is known as a bathing sponge and for its culinary applications. The luffa naturally presents beige tones, but for this collection, Selbak employed natural dyes from vegetables like red cabbage, onion skin, and avocado skin to achieve muted shades of brown, pink, and blue. He describes this dyeing process as "magical and very surprising," highlighting how minor changes can lead to diverse results, which he finds more engaging than industrial dyes. After dyeing, the luffa material is heat-compressed and folded into its desired shape, then sewn into its final form. A key aspect of the Luffa collection is its ability to interact with light. When illuminated, the lights accentuate the luffa's inherent textures and patterns, creating what Selbak describes as a "sub-aquatic mystical presence." He notes that the interplay of light and shadow, colors, and shapes in the luffa resembles the beauty of corals, existing in a liminal state between plant and mineral, and between a living creature and an object. The material's porous nature, with its plant fibers, allows both air and light to pass through, contributing to its aesthetic and functional qualities. Beyond sustainability and aesthetics, Selbak's choice of luffa carries significant personal and cultural meaning. He selected the material to honor his Palestinian heritage, where luffa, often known as loofah, holds cultural relevance. He views this design as a symbolic act of resistance against "suppression and appropriation" that Palestinians face, aiming to re-highlight the beauty and potential of this "almost forgotten material," even its name having been appropriated. The use of luffa also connects to his childhood memories of his grandparents growing luffa in their garden and using it as a shower sponge, an experience that shaped his curiosity as an artist and designer. Selbak's background includes a master's degree in product design from the École des Arts Décoratifs, obtained in 2022, after which he established an interdisciplinary design practice focusing on interior objects and homeware. The Luffa collection exemplifies his commitment to integrating natural materials and cultural narratives into contemporary design, showcasing luffa's durable, biodegradable, and breathable properties while bringing natural elements into living spaces. #SamerSelbak #LuffaCollection #PendantLights #SpaceDivider #NaturalDyes #SustainableDesign #PalestinianDesign #Homeware #InteriorLighting

This compilation from Dezeen Showroom showcases nine distinct lighting designs, featuring contributions from various international brands and studios. The selection highlights innovative approaches to materials, modularity, and aesthetic inspiration in contemporary lighting. Among the featured items are the Couro pendant lights, a collaboration between Spanish designer Ceci Ferrero and decor brand Let's Pause. These pendants are notable for their shades, which are crafted from dried fronds of American palm trees. The natural origin of the material gives them a deep brown hue, and their structure is supported by an internal aluminum frame, emphasizing sustainable and organic design elements. The Dune light by German brand Moss is another modular statement piece inspired by the shifting forms of sand dunes. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, its components are linked by slim connectors, enabling the creation of diverse custom shapes. This design focuses on adaptability and a minimalist aesthetic that can be tailored to various interior spaces. Curiousa, a British lighting design company, presents its Wave II pendant lighting collection. This series is an evolution of their signature modular lamp, incorporating hand-blown glass segments in candy-colored palettes. The Wave II collection allows for customization through combinations of transparent and translucent components, along with metal, wooden discs, and decorative tassels, offering a playful and bespoke lighting solution. Voltra introduces the Hemera lamp, a trio of table lamps that draw inspiration from ancient Greek mythological narratives. These lamps are distinguished by their glass shades, which consist of two concentric glazed domes. The outer dome is clear, while the inner one is grey, creating a subtle and refined light diffusion that alludes to classical elegance. From a collaboration between Swedish design duo Front and Zero Lighting comes the Curve Cluster chandelier. This collection of pendant lamps features a branching, tree-like frame and is available with various bulb options and colorways. It is designed to be displayed either individually or in clusters, providing versatile illumination for different settings. Brand van Egmond, a Dutch lighting company, developed the Bubbles lighting collection, chandeliers that emulate the effervescent appearance of bubbles. The pieces integrate hidden lighting elements within some of the glass bubble forms, producing a soft, glowing effect that adds a whimsical touch to any environment. Sarah Dehandschutter's LLLL.08 lamp for her brand LLLL is characterized by its distinctive wave-like form, achieved through the contrasting use of materials. The lamp features an aluminum frame with polyester fabric stretched across it, concealing LED strip lighting that emits a warm glow across the material, highlighting its sculptural qualities. Benjamin Hopf, a German designer, created the Mirror lighting collection for Formagenda. These slimline pendant lights are suspended by fine wires and function dually as mirrors. Available in three colorways and three sizes, they can be arranged in groups or as standalone pieces, adding both light and reflective surfaces to a space. Finally, Australian designer Tom Fereday partnered with Rakumba to produce the Port lighting collection. This series of blocky mood lights includes a slimline metal base and a smooth glass block. The Port lighting, offered as table and wall lights in lozenge-shaped or round formats, incorporates an internal stepped glass inclusion that can be flipped to alter light refraction, demonstrating thoughtful consideration for light interaction and ambiance. #LightingDesign #PendantLights #TableLamps #ModularDesign #InteriorLighting #DesignInnovation #SustainableMaterials #HandBlownGlass #ContemporaryLighting

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

Lasvit, a Prague-based manufacturer, continues a rich tradition of Czech glassmaking, creating bespoke lighting and sculptural installations that are both luxurious and awe-inspiring. Founded in 2007 by Leon Jakimič, the company distinguishes itself by collaborating with a diverse array of in-house and external designers, including renowned artists like Nendo, Ross Lovegrove, and Daniel Libeskind, whose works are celebrated in museums worldwide. This approach has earned Lasvit accolades, such as the Harper’s Bazaar 2015 Best Lighting Brand award. Among their standout creations is Petra Krausova’s "Supernova," which received first prize for its innovative design. This undulating light sculpture consists of hundreds of individual glass pieces connected by wires to a complex system of motors. These motors allow the sculpture to transition into infinite forms, with each glass 'tile' capable of being raised, lowered, and tilted through gesture control. While envisioned for large public spaces, the artistic merit and technological sophistication of the Supernova highlight Lasvit's commitment to pushing the boundaries of lighting design. For those seeking more modest, yet equally distinctive, lighting options, Lasvit offers pieces like "Bonbon." This pendant light, shaped like a wrapped candy, features a crimped paper-like top and an internal lamp that resembles a hard candy, priced at approximately $1,990. Another notable collection is "Crystal Rock," a family of pendants that blend modern aesthetics with a raw, geological feel. These glowing, hand-cut faceted shapes come in various colors—amber, blue, clear, opal, and red—with a laminated interior surface designed to maximize sparkle. Crystal Rock is available in single, triple, and quintuple configurations, with pricing available upon request. The "Neverending Glory" series, designed by Jan Plecháč & Henry Wielgus, reimagines chandeliers from iconic global venues such as Milan’s La Scala, Paris’ Palais Garnier, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera. The designers aimed to capture the blurred, dynamic forms these chandeliers would take if spinning rapidly, creating a unique fusion of classic elegance and contemporary motion. The collection includes various models, such as the La Scala version, and is available in opal and clear glass, each priced around $2,380. Concluding with a high-end example, "Twill," by Taťána Dvořáková, showcases a fabric of woven crystals that can be customized into nearly any shape or design. Featured at Harrods, this installation integrates pinhole LED lights above the crystal fabric, producing a dazzling, organic ceiling that creates a sophisticated ambiance. Given its bespoke nature, the pricing for Twill is reflective of its custom craftsmanship and luxurious appeal. Lasvit's products are not widely available in all locations, with showrooms primarily found in eastern and western coastal states of the USA, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington D.C. The closest showroom to Dallas, for example, is Luminaire in Chicago. Beyond individual pieces, Lasvit also specializes in large-scale bespoke installations for hotels, offices, and public spaces, transforming environments with their innovative glass and lighting artistry. The company's work, often encountered unknowingly, consistently leaves a lasting impression due to its beauty and ingenuity. #LasvitLighting #CzechGlassmaking #LuxuryLighting #BespokeDesign #SculpturalInstallations #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #LightingInnovation #ArtisticGlass

This article details the journey of Ivy Karlsgodt, a former costume designer who founded Ace of Shades, a Brooklyn-based business specializing in handmade lampshades. During the 2020 COVID lockdown, Karlsgodt, laid off from her costume industry job, began making lampshades to personalize her apartment, driven by a long-standing appreciation for vintage glamour and maximalism. This newfound hobby quickly evolved into a passion, leading her to document her intricate lampshade-making process through videos shared on Instagram and TikTok. Her online presence rapidly cultivated a significant following, captivated by both the soothing nature of her process videos, often set to old-timey music, and the visual appeal of her finished products. These creations are characterized by unique color palettes and opulent combinations of silk, lace, beads, and fringes, drawing inspiration from Victorian, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau aesthetics, yet with a modern twist. Her work is also recognized for its meticulous, slow craftsmanship, a refreshing contrast to the fast and inexpensive production common in today's market. Karlsgodt's approach to learning the craft was largely self-taught, building upon her extensive professional background in sewing and hat-making techniques. She utilized instructional DVDs by Mary Maxwell for foundational knowledge but largely developed her own methods. She emphasizes that while her videos are crucial for business growth and exposure, she only records a fraction of her work, prioritizing unique or particularly ornate commissions due to her heavy workload. The recording process, although sometimes disruptive, is deemed worthwhile due to its impact on her business success. She notes that the formulaic nature of her videos and efficient editing help mitigate the time commitment. Her design process is iterative, often starting with a specific frame shape, fabric, or color combination, then building the rest of the design around that initial inspiration. She utilizes an iPad for detailed drawings, comparing various material and color options before finalizing a design and sourcing supplies. When working on commissions, she offers clients extensive involvement in the design process, often presenting multiple versions for their selection. Materials for her lampshades are sourced globally, including custom-made frames from LA, wholesale fringe and braid from Spain, and fabrics and trims from NYC's Garment District, Etsy, and eBay. She also prioritizes the reuse of vintage materials, such as old dresses or embroidery, to create unique lampshades. Karlsgodt expresses surprise at the unexpected evolution of her hobby into a full-fledged business, a path she had not initially envisioned for her career. Her proudest moment to date involved her work being licensed for Stevie Nicks' concert backdrop, a significant full-circle experience given Nicks' influence on her style. This unexpected journey highlights the power of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern digital platforms to build a successful and personally fulfilling enterprise. #LampshadeDesign #HandmadeCrafts #SocialMediaMarketing #HomeDecor #MaximalistDecor #DesignProcess #CostumeDesignInfluence #VintageGlamour #ArtisanEntrepreneurship

Architects Serene Kim and Elliot Meier, recognizing a common challenge in the design world, have launched Equal Equal, a new lighting studio dedicated to creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing light fixtures. The ongoing joke among architects and interior designers highlights the common issue where a visually striking light fixture often fails to adequately illuminate a room. Kim and Meier, having consistently encountered this problem on various projects, began custom-designing fixtures to bridge this gap between form and function. Their accumulated experience over a decade in crafting bespoke lighting solutions for projects ultimately led to the official launch of Equal Equal in May. The studio's name, Equal Equal, draws inspiration from the architectural symbol for equidistant length, 'EQ', reflecting their commitment to precise and balanced design. The company offers made-to-order pieces directly to consumers, encapsulating the architects' meticulous approach to design. Equal Equal's initial offerings include two distinct collections: the Frankie and the Vianne. The Frankie collection features classic ceramic lights, meticulously pressed and glazed in their New York City studio. These lights are highly customizable, available in an extensive palette of 18 color and glaze combinations. Expanding on the Frankie collection, the Sena light incorporates a hand-blown glass shade atop a Frankie light base, allowing for playful and unique color pairings that enhance the visual appeal. The Vianne collection introduces the Jessica pendant, a design that pays homage to the vibrant glasswork prevalent in 1920s French collectives, known for their bold colors and distinctive shapes. The glass components for the Jessica pendant are custom-produced at Brooklyn's KEEP studio, ensuring unique craftsmanship. Kim and Meier then personally assemble these pieces, integrating them with warm, contemporary hardware to create a harmonious blend of vintage inspiration and modern sensibility. The Jessica pendant is designed for versatility, capable of enhancing diverse spaces, from a dining area with a wooden table to a bathroom featuring tiled walls. Meier humorously likens the fixture's role to an award-winning supporting actor in a film, emphasizing its crucial yet complementary function. Despite the potentially bold color combinations, such as a pink-and-yellow sconce in a white-walled hallway, Kim and Meier encourage clients to embrace an open-minded approach to design. Kim articulates their philosophy, stating their goal is to demonstrate that color accents do not need to be overtly loud to create a significant impact. They believe that often, the most unexpected color combinations can result in the most harmonious and visually appealing outcomes, challenging traditional notions of color application in interior lighting. #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #CeramicLighting #GlassArt #HomeDecor #CustomLighting #InteriorDesign #ProductLaunch

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

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

The '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

The Bocci 118 Pendant Light showcases a design philosophy where the creation process itself is integral to the aesthetic outcome. Designer and Bocci co-founder Omer Arbel developed this lighting fixture through extensive research into fabrication methods that yield unique forms. The 118 Pendant Light features opal glass globes, each containing numerous small, feather-like details and intricacies that become more pronounced when illuminated from within. Each 118 globe is produced using a consistent method: molten glass is blown through a steel cage. However, the final result of every piece is distinct, influenced by a range of uncontrollable factors. These factors include environmental conditions such as the weather outside the workshop, the individual mood and technique of the glassblower, and the precise chemical composition of the glass used. This interplay of controlled process and unpredictable elements ensures that no two 118 pendant lights are exactly alike, making each one a unique work of art. The manufacturing technique involves pushing molten glass into the recesses of the steel cage by blowing air into the glass's core. As the glass expands within the cage, gravity and heat interact to shape and elongate the unique tendrils and forms visible within the globe. This physical interaction between the molten glass and the steel structure is what imprints the distinctive patterns and textures onto the finished product. The visible signs of the steel cage on the glass surface are not imperfections but rather intrinsic marks of the design process, highlighting the forces that shaped the light. After the glass has been shaped and allowed to cool, the steel cage is carefully sheared off. The cage is then cleaned and prepared for reuse in the creation of subsequent 118 globes. This sustainable approach to the tooling allows for continuous production while maintaining the inherent uniqueness of each piece. The contrast between the rigid, industrial steel cage and the fluid, organic glass form is central to the design narrative of the 118 Pendant Light. The Bocci 118 Pendant Light is more than just a source of illumination; it is a testament to the beauty found in process and imperfection. The ethereal quality of the glass spheres, combined with the visible traces of their formation, offers a compelling visual experience. The lighting fixture serves as a conversation starter, drawing attention to the craftsmanship and the nuanced story behind its creation, and offering a sophisticated addition to any interior space seeking both functionality and artistic expression. #Bocci #PendantLight #LightingDesign #GlassArt #OmerArbel #ProductDesign #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship

The Tiffany lamp, an iconic design originating in the late 1800s, was conceived by Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of Charles Tiffany of Tiffany & Co. This distinctive lighting fixture played a significant role in the Art Nouveau movement. Louis Comfort Tiffany, initially an interior decorator and painter, ventured into producing stained-glass windows, which eventually led to the creation of these renowned leaded glass lamps. These lamps, characterized by their intricate patterns of small, colorful stained-glass pieces set atop a bronze base, were handcrafted for over 40 years at a factory in Queens, New York. Original Tiffany lamps are now considered valuable antiques, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $3 million, making them largely inaccessible to the average consumer. For those who appreciate the aesthetic but are not prepared to invest in an original, numerous companies worldwide produce Tiffany-style lamps. These reproductions closely emulate the original designs, offering a similar artistic flair at a more affordable price point. The article highlights 15 such Tiffany-style lamps available for purchase online, providing a range of options to illuminate any home with this classic design. Among the selections is the Crestline Double Lit Tiffany Lamp, featuring delicate amber beads and a base that can function as a night light. The Conorich Dragonfly Tiffany Table Lamp stands out with its intricate detailing, muted blue tones, and gem-like cabochons, making it a focal point in any room. The Wisteria Tiffany Table Lamp showcases a vibrant array of colorful stained glass in a sleek, rounded shade, while the Meyda Tiffany Wisteria Table Lamp combines moody blues and light green with brass and gold finishes for an antique yet contemporary feel. The Creel Victorian Lamp offers a classic silhouette with a stained glass shade in amber, blue, green, red, and ivory hues, complemented by a bronze-finished base. For those who prefer subtle color, the Tiffany Style Green Wisteria Lampshade presents a verdant design with leaf-shaped glass and a stained zinc base. The Three Parrots Tiffany Table Lamp introduces vintage rainforest vibes with its handcrafted parrot design and antiqued bronze finish. The Pelle Tiffany Table Lamp features a copper-foiled wisteria pattern, depicting a graceful willow tree. The Lydia Victorian Tiffany Table Lamp extends stained glass to its base, adorned with gemstones and a Victorian motif. The Chloe Lighting Tiffany Wisteria Lamp, with its hand-cut stained glass pieces in the iconic wisteria pattern, provides a welcoming purple glow. The Geometric Tiffany Table Lamp caters to those who prefer less color, offering a mosaic, buttery-hued alternative. The Jeweled Reading Tiffany Floor Lamp, a vintage-style floor lamp, presents an alternative to the more common table lamp, making a strong case for varied placement. The Dale Tiffany Royal Peacock Table Lamp is a statement piece with opalescent glass and copper foil, boasting saturated colors. The Goddess Lucina Tiffany Lamp, featuring six ribbed domes, offers a striking amber design. Finally, the Maeve Tiffany Turquoise Table Lamp provides a clean-lined, modern interpretation of the traditional Tiffany-style lamp with a rich turquoise pattern. #TiffanyLamps #HomeDecor #LightingDesign #StainedGlass #ArtNouveau #InteriorDesign #LampShopping #DecorativeLighting #HomeLighting

The Gala chandelier, designed by American lighting designers Rich Brilliant Willing (RBW), features glowing glass bulbs suspended from aluminum rods. The design draws inspiration from nature, with RBW describing it as resembling "full, ripe fruit hanging on a branch." These chandeliers were showcased at New York Design Week. The Gala chandelier is characterized by its curvaceous, organic forms that are arranged along a robust linear aluminum arm. The hand-blown glass bulbs, crafted by a local glassblower, are connected to the aluminum rods using fixings that resemble basket handles. This handcrafted element emphasizes artisan skills and craft, which RBW aimed to further explore in their 2013 collection. The glassblowing technique, a method dating back to the middle of the last century BC, involves using a blowpipe and significant lung strength to shape molten glass into the desired form. The aluminum rods are available in three different lengths: 42 inches, 72 inches, and 114 inches. These rods can be paired with a selection of small, large, or long glass bulbs, allowing for versatile configuration. Designers can arrange the bulbs in either symmetrical or asymmetrical patterns along the rod, providing flexibility in design and aesthetic appeal. The sleek aluminum beam supports these hand-blown glass elements, intending to introduce warmth and subtle character to contemporary interior spaces. The name "Gala" also evokes a sense of festive celebration, and the warm glow emitted by the orbs of light is intended to contribute to this spirited atmosphere. Discreet powered cables connect the aluminum beam to the ceiling, ensuring a clean and uncluttered installation. All RBW products, including the Gala chandelier, are hand-assembled in their studio, underscoring the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and quality. In addition to the Gala chandelier, RBW also launched a wall-mounted bedside lamp at New York Design Week. This lamp, known as the Monocle lamp, is designed to swivel, allowing users to direct light precisely where needed. This reflects RBW's broader focus on innovative and functional lighting solutions. Other recent lighting innovations from the design community include pendant lamps with raised collars that direct light both upward and downward, and floor lamps featuring shades that mirror the design of their bases, showcasing a diverse range of approaches to lighting design. #ProductNews #Lighting #Chandeliers #RichBrilliantWilling #Design #Glassblowing #InteriorDesign #NewYorkDesignWeek #Lamps

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

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

The LUMNES collection of lamps, designed by product designer Isabel Brouwers, takes inspiration from the mesmerizing phenomenon of photo-luminescent algae. This unique lighting series is a direct result of Brouwers' experience during a swimming journey in Cambodia, where she encountered a species of algae that naturally produces light. The designer sought to capture and immortalize this fascinating moment, allowing the installation to evoke the marine plant's captivating properties within an interior setting. The LUMNES series specifically draws its essence from the *Pyrocystis fusiformis* algae, a particular species renowned for its bioluminescent capabilities. A key characteristic of this natural light production is its reliance on oxygen. Brouwers has cleverly integrated this biological requirement into her lamp design, where the lighting fixtures themselves react to the ambient oxygen levels, thus echoing the algae's photogenic behavior. Each lamp in the LUMNES collection is a unique piece, crafted through the traditional and intricate method of glassblowing. This handcrafted approach ensures that every lamp possesses individual variations, much like organisms in nature. Furthermore, the glassblowing process itself inherently involves the use of oxygen, a detail that serendipitously aligns with the scientific principle behind the algae's luminescence, where oxygen is essential for light to originate. This meticulous attention to both aesthetic representation and scientific accuracy underscores the thoughtful design process behind the LUMNES series. The inspiration for the LUMNES lamps stems from a personal encounter with nature's beauty, specifically the luminous algae observed by Isabel Brouwers. Her objective was to translate this ephemeral natural phenomenon into a tangible, artistic product. The resulting lamps are not merely sources of illumination but are also sculptural interpretations of the *Pyrocystis fusiformis*, capturing its form and the environmental conditions necessary for its glow. The hand-blown glass technique employed in their creation emphasizes the organic and fluid shapes that characterize the algae, making each lamp a delicate and artistic representation of its natural muse. The interactive element, where the lamps' light production is linked to oxygen, creates a dynamic and living quality, inviting observers to engage with the product on a deeper level, appreciating the intricate connection between light, life, and environmental factors. This project highlights a unique intersection of natural inspiration, traditional craftsmanship, and innovative design thinking. #LightingDesign #ProductDesign #IsabelBrouwers #LUMNESLamps #Bioluminescence #Glassblowing #NatureInspiredDesign #HandmadeLamps #ArtisticLighting