Master Craftsman: Joseph Sidof of Shakúff, Lighting Up Homes

The article profiles Chad Jacobs, founder of Bone Simple Design, and his approach to lighting and fiber arts. Jacobs, who dislikes bare lightbulbs, emphasizes the importance of diffused light and multiple light sources to create a comfortable ambiance. His designs, primarily made with string and rope since 2015, are both decorative and functional. Jacobs's Truro home, which he shares with his husband Stephen Orr, showcases a variety of his creations, including large hanging fixtures, wall sconces, and tabletop lights. Jacobs, with a background in architecture, integrates structural integrity with soft materials in his designs. He advises using at least two light sources in a room to achieve proper illumination, typically a combination of table, wall, and ceiling lamps. In his home, an orb-like fixture made from white rope encloses an opaque globe pendant, illustrating his commitment to obscuring the bulb while allowing light to emanate. He notes that this particular piece, while experimental, was too time-consuming for large-scale production. The article highlights some of Jacobs's ready-to-produce designs, such as a drum light and wall sconce in his entranceway, which offer flexibility for bright or atmospheric lighting through dimmer switches. He meticulously considers bulb shape and silhouette during the design process. The drum fixture, made from opaque fabric, casts a warm, round glow, while the wall sconce, with its spaced rope strands, subtly reveals chandelier bulbs, dispersing light gradually on the wall. Jacobs's architectural background from the University of Texas, Austin, informs his design philosophy, leading him to create rigid underlying structures that complement the soft materials. An example is a large, terra-cotta-colored lamp above his stairway, reminiscent of Brunelleschi’s Dome in Florence, demonstrating how scale is crucial in integrating a fixture within a space. While he has created larger pieces, his Truro home features designs scaled appropriately for its modest size. Fiber art profoundly influenced Jacobs's work, especially after an exhibition in 2015. Since establishing Bone Simple Design in 1993, he has explored various materials, but fiber became his primary focus, leading to a successful collection of wrapped, dyed shapes produced by his team in New York City. He believes fiber art continues to evolve and holds significant artistic potential. #ChadJacobs #LightingDesign #FiberArts #HomeDecor #InteriorLighting #BoneSimpleDesign #ArchitecturalInfluence #TextileArt #HandcraftedLighting

The Light Saw House project by Zen Architects involved the transformation of a turn-of-the-century weatherboard cottage in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North into a contemporary, light-filled family home. The clients, who had purchased the property in the late 1990s, returned after two decades abroad to find their home in disrepair, including a heavily overgrown garden and structural issues requiring re-stumping. This need for structural repair served as the catalyst for a more extensive rear extension project. The original cottage featured a south-facing lean-to addition that lacked natural light. Zen Architects addressed this by removing the lean-to and replacing it with a new family-oriented living area. A key design element of this new space is the incorporation of two north-facing sawtooth highlight windows. This architectural feature, historically used in industrial buildings to direct light inward, was employed here to funnel ample natural light into the living area, even though the space itself faces south. The angle of these sawtooth roofs subtly mirrors the hip roof of the original house, a deliberate choice to maximize sun penetration without overshadowing the rear garden. The twin sawtooth design ensures light reaches deeper into the interior. Internally, the design creates a dynamic interplay of light, with the windows casting linear bands of light across the open-plan living and kitchen area, which shift with the sun's movement. The sharp lines of the sawtooths on the ceiling add a distinct aesthetic, resembling folded paper art. A painted brick wall along the boundary serves as a gallery space for the client’s art collection, complete with a recessed hanging system. A south-facing window seat extends from the building's envelope, offering views of the adjacent pool. The main living area is complemented by a smaller, versatile multipurpose space designed to minimize the overall footprint and preserve garden space. This flexible room functions as a second living area or a spare bedroom, allowing the main living area to remain a technology-free gathering space for the family, a choice that has significantly enhanced their family life. The two living areas are arranged in an L-shape, embracing an external deck that leads to the garden, designed by Eckersley Garden Architecture. A sunken, vegetated trough beside the pool allows for a fence-free pool area, further integrating it into the landscape. The architects meticulously ensured that every new space maintained a strong connection to the outdoors, including a narrow study with views to the garden. Sustainability was a significant consideration in the design, with the extension primarily constructed from recycled materials. Original brick garden beds were repurposed into an internal brick path, and only a minimal number of new bricks were introduced. This use of recycled brick, alongside a lightweight timber structure, contributes to the building's thermal stability. The dwelling achieved a 6.2-star NatHERS sustainability rating, a notable achievement for a south-facing building that retained a substantial portion of its original structure. The front of the house, where three bedrooms are located, also saw the original dining room transformed into a main bedroom and walk-in robe. The front facade was repainted in a dark grey, providing a contrasting backdrop to the lush garden, allowing the cottage to stand out proudly among its neighbors. #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeRenovation #SustainableDesign #SawtoothRoof #NaturalLight #MelbourneArchitecture #FamilyHome #RecycledMaterials #InteriorDesign

skinflint, a British lighting brand, has dedicated over a decade to giving new life to vintage lights, rescuing more than 50,000 items from landfills. The company sources lights globally, from abandoned glassworks in Budapest to old Navy ships, meticulously restoring them to modern electrical standards while preserving their original character. Co-founder Chris Miller emphasizes that repairing, restoring, fixing, and mending were integral to his upbringing, influencing his career path and the foundation of skinflint, which was established with a mission to prevent vintage lights from ending up in landfills. He notes that the practice of repairing vintage lights is an act of care for both the planet and its inhabitants. The appeal of repairing objects over creating new ones for skinflint lies in a triple-bottom-line approach, prioritizing people and the planet over profit, especially as a Certified B Corp. Miller believes that restoring and repairing vintage lights is the most effective way to achieve this. The company aims to counteract "fast furniture" trends, thus avoiding the creation of new waste through designing and manufacturing new lighting. Vintage lights, crafted before the concept of planned obsolescence, were built to endure. This inherent durability allows skinflint to find them in remarkable locations worldwide, often outliving the structures they once illuminated. Miller prefers the term "restoration" to describe skinflint's work, defining it as an effort to preserve as much of each vintage light's original character as possible. This involves ensuring modern technological standards are met while consciously retaining signs of age and patina, which tell the unique story of each light's journey from diverse locations such as UK churches, private residences in Prague, and Eastern Bloc factories. The inspiration for skinflint stemmed from a desire to challenge the conventional approach to lighting in modern spaces. In 2009, the founders tested their theory in a Victorian home in North London, which ultimately led to the brand's establishment. Fourteen years later, skinflint remains true to its founding mission, with an ethos that positions business as a force for good, demonstrated through initiatives like 1% for the Planet. The restoration process is varied, tailored to each light, and involves techniques such as soda-blasting for paint removal, polishing, and lacquering. The process is slow and meticulous, always executed with sustainability and environmental priorities in mind. The objective is to preserve the original function of salvaged vintage lights, enabling them to continue their stories. This means a light that once illuminated a mine shaft could later adorn the ceilings of B Corps like Aesop and Patagonia. The visibility of repair is managed to retain the light's character, with patina seen as an asset that adds to its history and makes for interesting conversation pieces. However, all electrical components are rigorously updated to meet modern technological standards. As a member of the UK Lighting Industry Association, skinflint undergoes independent audits and verification to ensure faultless functionality. Consumer attitudes towards mending and repair are evolving, with clients showing increased awareness of environmental impact. skinflint's B Corp Certification legally obligates the company to consider and report on its impact, pushing it to continuously refine its circular working methods. This commitment is exemplified by the recent introduction of Full Circle, a product buy-back scheme that offers clients a 50% credit for returning vintage lights, ensuring their continued existence. The company also provides a lifetime guarantee for repairs, reinforcing its dedication to circularity. Looking ahead, skinflint envisions a future where its fully circular approach to vintage lighting, particularly with its buy-back scheme, inspires other industry players to adopt similar practices, fostering sector-wide change and a more sustainable future. Katie Treggiden, a purpose-driven journalist, author, and podcaster, champions a circular approach to design and contributed to this article as Editor at Large for Design Milk. Her work explores how craft can contribute to saving the world through initiatives like her book "Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure" and her podcast, "Circular with Katie Treggiden." #VintageLighting #Restoration #CircularEconomy #SustainableDesign #BCorp #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #RepairCulture #EnvironmentalImpact

In an era increasingly defined by mass production, handmade lighting stands as a significant testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship. Each piece, shaped by human hands, emits a unique warmth, instilling a sense of individuality within a room. The materials used, ranging from the smooth finish of hand-turned wood to the complex designs of handwoven rattan, echo a rich history of artisanal traditions that have been preserved and passed down through generations. These lamps are not merely sources of illumination; they embody history, culture, and artistic expression. The article highlights nine distinct lamps, each showcasing unique qualities and craftsmanship. The first, the Atelier MVM Ceramic Polychrome Marbled Shroom Lamp, features an idiosyncratic glazing technique and mystical color palette, playfully exploring the form of a mushroom. Next, the Ben and Aja Blanc Table Lamp No. 10 is distinguished by its unexpected incorporation of horsehair and silver threads, elevating a modern, organic design. The Danny Kaplan Griffin Lamp, hand-thrown in stoneware, blends ancient ceramic methods with contemporary aesthetics, and is offered with a Vellum shade and customization options. Following these, the In Common With Gemma Table Lamp, Small, designed in collaboration with Sophie Lou Jacobsen, exhibits marble-like dots, a nod to centuries-old glass adornment techniques. The Shayd Table Lamp, crafted from a single sheet of clay, is noted for its gracefully folded shade, which reflects the precision and artistry of Japanese origami. James Cherry's Juno Table Lamp blurs the lines between lighting and sculpture, utilizing recycled materials to create its distinctive and original form. Further examples include the Kawabi Souvenir Lamp, where designers Irisa and Aaron Kawabi draw upon their diaspora heritage to inform a piece that symbolizes a spiritual gateway. The Jessica Stambaugh Hand-Turned Wooden Lamp showcases the American craft tradition of wood turning, with Stambaugh sculpting classical forms anew. Finally, the Soane Rattan Turkic Lamp, a popular choice among decorators, reinterprets a 13th-century Islamic jar shape using rattan, fostering a dedicated following. While these lamps come with higher price points than mass-produced alternatives, they are presented as collectible items, akin to functional, three-dimensional art. Embracing such handcrafted lighting celebrates established craft traditions while contributing to a future characterized by authentic and original design. #HandmadeLamps #ArtisanalLighting #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Craftsmanship #UniqueLamps #LightingDesign #HomeAccessories #FunctionalArt

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

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

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

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

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

Shakúff, a Brooklyn-based design and manufacturing studio, has unveiled its latest lighting fixture, the Tamar Wand pendant light. This innovative design showcases a tubular shade meticulously enveloped in delicate strings of blown glass, offering a distinctive visual and textural appeal. The creation of the Tamar Wand involves skilled glassblowers who intricately stretch borosilicate glass into thin strands and then artfully swirl them around the exterior of a central glass tube. This specialized technique results in a unique drizzled surface that is designed to capture and refract light, creating a mesmerizing effect. Joseph Sidof, the creative director of Shakúff, expressed his admiration for the glassblowing process itself, describing it as a captivating cycle of blowing, melting, and reshaping. He noted that the name 'Tamar Wand' playfully alludes to the inherent magic and transformative nature of this ancient craft. The Tamar Wand is an evolution of Shakúff's existing Tamar pendant, incorporating modern advancements while retaining its artisanal core. The illumination for the pendant comes from internal LED strips, which are integrated along a stainless-steel rod. This rod serves a dual purpose: it acts as a conductor for the LEDs and aids in their cooling, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The design philosophy behind the Tamar Wand aimed to bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, making it suitable for modern, linear architectural spaces. To further enhance its contemporary feel, the pendant light is accented with brushed brass or chrome detailing. These metallic finishes provide a sophisticated contrast to the organic texture of the blown glass, reinforcing the fixture's appeal in modern interior design schemes. The Tamar Wand represents a harmonious blend of traditional glassblowing artistry and cutting-edge lighting technology, offering an elegant and eye-catching lighting solution for various environments. The product details specify the Tamar Wand as the product name and Shakúff as the brand. This product is featured on Dezeen Showroom, a platform that provides an accessible avenue for brands to introduce new products and display their design achievements to a wide global audience. The article emphasizes that Dezeen Showroom content is an example of partnership content, indicating a collaborative promotional effort. This new lighting piece reflects Shakúff's ongoing commitment to exploring innovative ways to incorporate classic techniques into modern design. #LightingDesign #PendantLight #BlownGlass #BorosilicateGlass #InteriorDesign #ModernLighting #Shakuff #DesignInnovation

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

The Flora lighting series, a collaboration between French-American designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen and Brooklyn-based studio In Common With, showcases a blend of distinct aesthetic viewpoints. This 20-piece collection, comprising glass light fixtures, chandeliers, table lamps, and sconces, integrates Jacobsen's characteristic glass objects with the minimalist approach of In Common With co-founders Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba. The design process for Flora was deeply influenced by traditional Venetian glassmaking techniques, employing methods such as handblown, mold-blown, and slumped-glass. These historical techniques provide a foundation for the contemporary designs, ensuring a rich texture and form throughout the series. A notable aspect of the Flora collection is the incorporation of playful elements, such as applied geometric dots and fins, which add a modern and whimsical touch to the classic glass forms. The color palette further enhances the collection's appeal, featuring sophisticated pastels alongside vibrant, rich hues like Tobacco and Poppy Red. This diverse range of colors allows the fixtures to complement various interior design schemes, from subtle and elegant to bold and expressive. Each piece in the Flora series reflects a careful balance between artistic expression and functional design, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can be reinterpreted for contemporary spaces. One of the standout pieces in the collection is Fazzo, which draws its name and technique from the 2nd-century process of fazzoletto, an Italian word meaning handkerchief. This method involves allowing gravity to pull spinning molten glass downward, creating a uniquely flirty and organic shade. This technique not only highlights the material's fluidity but also showcases the designers' commitment to exploring historical glassmaking processes to achieve distinctive and innovative forms. The Fazzo fixture exemplifies the series' overarching theme of integrating historical depth with modern design sensibilities. The collaboration between Jacobsen and In Common With represents a successful merging of different creative voices, resulting in a cohesive yet varied collection. The designers' ability to synthesize their individual styles and technical expertise has led to the creation of lighting fixtures that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sophisticated. The Flora series, therefore, serves as a testament to the power of collaborative design, where shared vision and respect for traditional methods lead to innovative and beautiful products for the modern home. Overall, the Flora collection by Sophie Lou Jacobsen and In Common With is a significant contribution to contemporary lighting design, offering pieces that are rooted in tradition yet forward-looking. The use of Venetian glassmaking techniques, combined with a modern aesthetic and a thoughtful application of color and form, makes these fixtures versatile and distinctive. They are designed not only to illuminate spaces but also to serve as artistic focal points, enriching the interior environment with their unique character and craftsmanship. The series embodies a new language in lighting, where history and innovation converge. #GlassLightFixtures #VenetianGlassmaking #SophieLouJacobsen #InCommonWith #LightingDesign #InteriorLighting #GlassArt #ContemporaryDesign #HomeDecoration

The Spectral Bridge House in Venice, California, is a collaborative architectural and art project between architectural firm EYRC and light and space artist Johannes Girardoni. This residence transcends typical home design by integrating an immersive light sculpture, also named 'Spectral Bridge,' into its core, creating a unique living experience. The house is situated on a narrow lot within an urban neighborhood, approximately a mile from the beach, and is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its surroundings while offering a distinct aesthetic. The residence is composed of three two-story living blocks, each featuring monolithic shapes with intentionally irregular angles and rotated axes. These design choices ensure the house's scale is sensitively integrated with neighboring properties. The ground-level volume is distinguished by a shou sugi ban exterior, a traditional Japanese method of charring wood cladding, which provides a rich, dark contrast to the white-hued monolithic exteriors of the remaining volumes. These living areas are arranged linearly, opening up to various outdoor spaces on both the ground and upper floors, including multiple decks, gardens, and a pool court. An additional roof deck on the central volume offers another layer of outdoor space, providing views over the neighborhood. The central artistic element, 'Spectral Bridge,' connects the three living blocks. It links the first two buildings via a bridge enclosed within a glass atrium and the subsequent two structures through an exterior bridge. This sculptural piece operates on a pre-programmed schedule synchronized with sunrise and sunset, generating a dynamic display of shifting color sequences that evolve throughout the year, reflecting the full spectrum. From the interior, residents and visitors experience the artwork as a series of spaces defined by illuminated lines, vibrant color volumes, and ambient sound, transforming the home into an interactive environment. When viewed from the exterior, the bridge manifests as a luminous physical volume, acting as a unified light sculpture that visually binds the architectural components. Inside the home, an 'art lounge' is centrally located between the two bridges, serving as a dedicated space for colored light and sound baths. This area is flanked by separate bedroom wings, providing private sanctuaries within the artistic dwelling. The project was conceived as a 'vessel for living and art,' seamlessly blending function with artistic expression. This integration of architecture and art aims to create an environment where the residents are continuously enveloped in a sensory experience orchestrated by light and color, enhancing their daily lives. The total size of the Spectral Bridge House is 4,076 square feet, showcasing a thoughtful balance between innovative design, artistic integration, and functional residential living. #ResidentialArchitecture #LightSculpture #VeniceCalifornia #EYRCArchitects #JohannesGirardoni #ShouSugiBan #IntegratedArt #ModernHomeDesign

Melbourne-based designer Tali Roth has launched an 18-piece lighting collection with fabricator Mitzi, marking the second installment of Mitzi's Tastemaker line. Known for her unfussy yet chic aesthetic, Roth brings a grown-up whimsy to this collection, which includes chandeliers, sconces, and table and floor lamps. Her inspiration for the collection stems from a desire to create pieces that blend her love for vintage lighting with functional, real-life items she often struggles to find for her residential clients. The collection emphasizes sculptural forms and playful designs, making modern and distinctive lighting accessible. Key highlights of the collection include a variety of wall fixtures, many of which are designed as plug-ins, catering to renters and those seeking easy installation. Prices for these fixtures start at $158, offering an affordable entry point into designer lighting. Four specific wall sconces are featured: the 'Bea' 1 Light Wall Sconce, a brass cylinder design priced at $158, which Roth considers her favorite for its ability to elevate any space from gallery walls to reading nooks. Its eye-catching design makes it a versatile piece. The 'Leni' 1 Light Wall Sconce, costing $220, features a petal-shaped structure that directs light upward, creating a moody and relaxing glow suitable for bedrooms or other tranquil spaces. The design also cleverly disguises the large bulb when the light is off, as the shade matches the bulb's color, contributing to a seamless aesthetic. The 'Onda' 1 Light Plug-In Sconce, priced at $270, is characterized by its curvy lines and soft linen shade. Roth suggests installing these over a dining sideboard to illuminate meals or above a bar cart to highlight a collection, emphasizing their role in creating a cohesive vignette. Finally, the 'Issa' 1 Light Plug-In Sconce, available for $200 (originally $250), incorporates woven rattan, a popular material in current design trends like the '70s revival and coastal grandma aesthetic. This piece combines a contemporary feel with classic elements through its aged brass neck and base, and it also comes in a textured white finish. Its plug-in design means no electrician is required for installation, further enhancing its appeal for ease of use and versatility. The collection successfully merges affordability with designer quality, making stylish lighting accessible to a broader audience while maintaining Roth's signature aesthetic. #LightingDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TaliRoth #MitziLighting #AffordableDesign #SculpturalLighting #WallSconces #ModernLighting

In an era of rapid mass production and standardized designs, there's a growing appreciation for products imbued with historical narratives and unique backstories. India, a nation rich in indigenous crafts, boasts a diverse array of cultural influences, artisanal skills, and time-honored techniques perfected over centuries. These crafts embody community practices and symbolize rituals and traditions passed down through generations. However, many traditional Indian crafts face challenges such as declining demand, a dwindling number of skilled artisans, and design stagnation, leading to a loss of their inherent value. Nolwa Studio, for instance, believes that traditional Indian crafts can significantly enrich modern design. While their design language may have stagnated, the underlying skills, processes, and knowledge remain highly relevant, offering exciting possibilities for contemporary expression and re-imagination. Modern designers are actively integrating the nuances of these indigenous crafts into contemporary products, ensuring each piece carries a fragment of history and cultural significance. These products stand out due to the inherent value of human touch, patience, and remarkable craftsmanship, making each item unique and distinct, its value deepening over time. Each craft possesses a specific purpose and has evolved with a profound sensitivity to local climates and materials. These handcrafted items infuse modern spaces with character, meaning, and soul, bridging the past and present by grounding contemporary living in centuries of culture, symbolism, and technique. This evolving aesthetic marks a return to authenticity, with craft playing a central role in this journey. This article highlights five organizations that are leveraging India's rich craft heritage to create functional yet aesthetically pleasing interior products. Fos Lighting in New Delhi focuses on luxury lighting, emphasizing personalization. Their handcrafted lights aim not only to illuminate but also to evoke emotion, allowing individuals to bring a piece of their culture home, fostering nostalgia, and adding timeless elegance. The brand collaborates closely with skilled artisans, employing ancient crafts and techniques like inlay and engraving. Examples include brass navkashi work for wall sconces and pendant lamps, marble inlay from Agra for table lamps and wall lights with contemporary lines, delicate Rashida embroidery from Kashmir on fabric lampshades for texture, and terracotta and clay work for rustic outdoor lighting. This collaborative process ensures both craft preservation and design innovation. Furgonomics, also based in New Delhi, founded by Amrita Guha and Joya Nandurdikar, re-imagines various Indian crafts such as marquetry, Tarkashi, Sanjhi, and Koftgiri for their products. Their goal is to introduce lesser-known crafts and their inherent beauty to a wider audience, ensuring their longevity. The duo also explores craft traditions like Kari Kalamdani, Pinjrakari, and Khatamband for wardrobe shutters and partitions, and Dokra for console tables. They aim to use art forms in unconventional ways, with all products meticulously crafted by local artisans. One notable product is a chair featuring Koftgiri, a rare Rajasthani craft involving intricate silver inlays on iron or steel, enriching its sleek wooden form. Another is a tall storage unit made of Basalt, integrating marquetry and Tarkashi with strong geometric graphics, presenting a modern interpretation of ancient techniques. Nolwa Studio in Hyderabad reconceptualizes traditional techniques to create novel, contemporary, and globally relevant pieces rooted in heritage. They are revitalizing Bidri, an intricate metal-inlay craft, in products like drop tables, lamps, and mirrors. They combine Bidri, traditionally ornamental, with avant-garde forms, minimalism, and large-scale applications, expanding its conventional use. This required developing new casting techniques and engineering innovations, allowing the craft to move beyond mere surface ornamentation to become integral to the object's form and function. Their monolith and horizon lamps serve as sculptural objects of illumination, and their drop table features a seemingly levitating base. The Liminal bar cabinet, combining Bidri metal with wood, further expands the craft's possibilities, creating modern heirlooms that carry tradition into the future. Design ni Dukaan in Ahmedabad, a multidisciplinary studio, integrates materiality, craftsmanship, and spiritual philosophy into its creations, believing that “craft is generational while design is intentional.” They aim to translate the intangible nostalgia of crafts and the rhythmic labor of artisans into tangible architectural presences. Through artisan collaboration, craft transforms into functional sculpture and a dialogue between tradition and reinvention. The firm transforms wardrobe fascia through artistic interventions using textiles, cane, or inlays. Handwoven Pattamadai paai mats from Tamil Nadu are used in wardrobe fascia and swings due to their flexibility. Sujani weaving from Gujarat has been utilized for partition screens in architectural projects. Their metal dismantle chair explores precision and modularity through an intricate joinery system, eliminating welding and allowing for complete disassembly and reassembly, crafted from teakwood and solid milled brass. Traditional Handicrafts Centre (THC) in Jodhpur, a furniture brand, supports artisan communities and preserves craft cultures, working with bone inlay, wood carving, and wrought iron. Their specialization lies in bone inlay furniture and the restoration of heritage Naga furniture. Bone inlay, originating in Rajasthan's royal courts, involves hand-cutting, shaping, and individually inlaying bone slivers into carved wood. THC ensures ethical sourcing of camel bone from naturally deceased animals. The firm is also dedicated to preserving Nagaland's intricate woodwork, ethically sourcing pieces from old structures and restoring them with reclaimed teak wood, ensuring sustainability and authenticity. Hornbill and geometric patterns, rich in cultural meaning, are adapted for modern interiors. #IndianCrafts #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #TraditionalTechniques #ArtisanSkills #SustainableDesign #CulturalHeritage #ModernFurniture #HandcraftedLighting

This article explores contemporary trends and considerations in home lighting, emphasizing how fixtures can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes within a living space. It highlights the growing popularity of LED pendants, particularly those with black finishes and integrated LED technology, for their elegant contribution to areas such as kitchen islands. The article also discusses the increasing scale of chandeliers, which now act as dramatic focal points, especially when positioned above dining tables, due to their substantial size and multiple light sources. Wall sconces are presented as a versatile lighting solution, capable of enhancing various rooms, including bathrooms, entries, and bedrooms. They are noted for their ability to add both form and function, often installed in pairs to provide balanced illumination and visual interest. The piece further delves into the decorative potential of lighting, showcasing a 3-tier chandelier with a polished nickel finish and mid-century modern shapes, designed to introduce shimmer and shine to living spaces. Playful table lamps are also featured, underscoring their capacity to add an unexpected touch to any room they occupy. A significant trend highlighted is the incorporation of natural materials into light fixtures, such as black jute pendants that create a statement above dining tables. The article showcases how these natural elements contribute to a distinct aesthetic. Sculptural lighting is also a key theme, exemplified by a Visual Comfort Strada Ring Chandelier that lends an artistic effect to a room. Accent lamps, like the Visual Comfort Penelope Table Lamp by Alexa Hampton, are discussed for their dual role in adding color and functionality, particularly on nightstands. The article also touches on modern flush mount fixtures, noting how designs with intersecting rings and celestial shapes can accentuate ceilings and illuminate rooms effectively. Lanterns, specifically Visual Comfort lanterns by Chapman & Myers, are shown to complement colorful home designs. Unique table lamps, such as a pebbled aquamarine lamp by Aerin, are presented as brighteners for any environment, offering a subtle nautical feel. The strategic placement of pendant pairs above dining tables is also examined, highlighting how black details and geometric patterns can imbue decorative fixtures with personality. Tiered chandeliers are recommended for vaulted ceilings, where their volume makes them a prominent focal point. Finally, the article emphasizes the soothing effect of soft contemporary lighting in neutral colors, which contributes to a tranquil atmosphere within a room. Overall, the article serves as a guide to various lighting options available for home decoration, focusing on how different styles, materials, and scales of fixtures can enhance the ambiance, functionality, and visual appeal of diverse interior spaces. It provides examples of specific products and design approaches that align with current trends in home lighting. #HomeLighting #InteriorDesignTrends #Chandeliers #PendantLights #WallSconces #DecorativeLighting #NaturalMaterials #ModernFixtures #AccentLamps