This Aussie Designer’s Affordable Lighting Collaboration Proves Squiggles Are Still In

The French clothing brand Sezane, established in 2013, has expanded its signature aesthetic into a home line called Les Composantes, which includes a notable collection of lighting. This article highlights how Sezane's home offerings, much like its fashion, embody a timeless yet fresh French sensibility. The lighting collection features a variety of fixtures, such as sconces, pendants, and table lamps, all crafted with an emphasis on quality materials and distinctive designs. These pieces are manufactured in Portugal or the Czech Republic, utilizing natural elements like jute, rattan, and brass, and are characterized by shapes that are considered innovative without being overly trendy. The article showcases several selections from the Les Composantes lighting range, beginning with the Piano Pendant Light. This pendant, priced at $390 for the small model, features a hexagonal jute shade designed to cast diffused light downwards, making it suitable for entryways, small dining areas, or corners requiring additional illumination. Next is the Traviata Wall Lamp, available in sage green or biscuit ceramic for $195. Its scalloped design is suggested as an elegant addition to powder rooms or hallways, complementing various wall finishes from wood to plaster or limewash. Another featured item is the Bolero Wall Lamp, retailing at $495. This lamp can be customized with an ecru burlap, woven fabric, or a brass finish. The brass version is particularly noted for its unique character, as each metal piece exhibits slight irregularities from the manufacturing process, making every lamp one-of-a-kind. It's recommended for use within a gallery wall arrangement or as a pair above nightstands. The collection also includes the Small Traviata Table Lamp, priced at $295. This lamp echoes the ridged design of its wall lamp counterpart and comes in two heights and multiple colors, including mahogany, pink, and olive green. Finally, the Adagio Wall Lamp is presented as an affordable option at $85. This lamp distinguishes itself with crisp edges that contrast with its natural woven fabric or burlap construction, which is lined with rattan. Its design incorporates a simple structure on the back for easy wall attachment. The article emphasizes that despite the sophisticated designs and European craftsmanship, the prices for these lighting fixtures are not excessively high, making them an accessible option for those looking to incorporate French-chic design into their homes. #Sezane #HomeLighting #FrenchDesign #InteriorDesign #ShoppingGuide #WallLamps #PendantLights #TableLamps #HomeDecor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The article explores the top 10 lighting trends predicted to dominate home interiors in 2026, moving beyond mere functionality to emphasize mood, color, and decorative impact. Great lighting schemes are built upon a foundation of layered lighting, balancing ambient, task, and accent illumination. Once this fundamental aspect is established, the focus shifts to the form, finish, and overall aesthetic of the light fittings. One significant trend is the emergence of flexible fittings, such as modular designs that allow for customization in width, height, and layout. These adaptable systems provide creative freedom for designers and homeowners to sculpt light to fit specific spaces, addressing challenges like tricky ceiling beams or off-center areas. Kayli Rowsell, Design Manager at Arteriors, highlights how these multi-point suspension systems enable experimentation with form and balance, treating lighting as a sculptural element. Another trend is "multiplicity," where lighting collections offer a complete family of coordinating fixtures, including chandeliers, wall lights, pendants, floor lamps, and flush mounts, all sharing a consistent design aesthetic. This approach brings continuity and cohesion to open-concept living spaces, simplifying design decisions and ensuring a unified look without being overly matchy. Multiplicity also supports sustainability by encouraging the reuse of materials and components across collections. Mixed materials are also gaining prominence, with designers combining diverse elements like stone composites, metal mesh, leather tassels, and faux shagreen. This trend reflects a desire for warmth and tactility, making light fixtures feel like curated art objects. Brands like Contardi, Crudo Designs, Apparatus Studio, and Arteriors are leading this movement, creating pieces that offer rich textures and visual interest, often with subtle contrasts that enhance the overall design. Color dosing is another key trend, with lighting fixtures becoming a primary source of color accents through boldly tinted glass, enamel, and resin. This provides an immediate burst of personality and elevates the mood of a room. Esther Patterson, founder of Curiousa, notes that colorful lighting can transform a space's ambiance, allowing for vibrant accents or even serving as the central color element in a room. Craftsmanship is being celebrated, with an emphasis on artisanal, hand-finished light fittings that bring authenticity and tactile luxury. Designers like Lee Broom, Tom Raffield, and Inglis Hall are creating pieces that are not only functional but also works of art, using materials such as Carrara marble, steam-bent wood, and brass. This trend reflects an appreciation for personal, enduring designs that can become future heirlooms. Supersize style is making a bold statement, featuring elongated chandeliers, dramatic pendant clusters, and sculptural floor lamps that act as focal points. Rachel Morrison, principal designer at Morrison Interiors, explains that these generous fittings add drama and unexpectedness, commanding attention without overwhelming the space. Their transparency often keeps rooms feeling open and airy, while their scale anchors the design. Sculptural installations are transforming lighting into an art form, moving beyond traditional placements. Interior designers are suspending lights at unexpected angles, clustering them asymmetrically, or scattering them across ceilings to create dynamic and personalized spaces. Benjamin Johnston's use of Wren globe lights is cited as an example of how creative placement can infuse whimsy and shift the mood of a room. Conscious illumination emphasizes sustainability, with designers focusing on provenance, purpose, and storytelling in their creations. Studio Gräfling and Felix Kultau, for instance, transform granite offcuts into luminous sculptures, giving discarded materials a second life. Will Earl of J. Adams & Co. highlights the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship and creating timeless pieces with a meaningful narrative. Fluid forms are replacing rigid geometry, introducing curves, waves, and organic silhouettes that are inviting and sensual. This shift is driven by a desire for softness, tactility, and emotional resonance in interiors. Jo Annah Kornak, Creative Lead at Holly Hunt, notes that advancements in lighting technology enable more sculptural and expressive forms, exemplified by the Dune Hanging Light, which captures movement in solid alabaster. Finally, quiet lighting, inspired by the quiet luxury trend, focuses on subtle, diffused illumination that creates a cocooning and calm atmosphere without glare. This involves using materials like frosted glass, alabaster, and linen shades, along with hidden LEDs that wash walls and surfaces with warmth. Susie Pfeiffer, founder of Pfeiffer Design, emphasizes the shift towards enhancing a room through discreet, layered lighting that brings calm and balance. #LightingTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FlexibleLighting #MultiplicityLighting #MixedMaterials #ColorDosing #Craftsmanship #SupersizeLighting #SculpturalInstallations #ConsciousIllumination #FluidForms #QuietLighting

This article explores the innovative work of designer Shane Holland, who transforms repurposed materials, particularly old airplane parts, into distinctive pendant lights. The piece begins by discussing the common experience of furnishing a home, where many fixtures are pre-determined, and highlights the recent resurgence of pendant lighting as a key element in interior design. It then introduces Shane Holland Design as a standout Irish studio in this field. The narrative delves into Shane Holland's background, tracing his journey from graduating NCAD in 1989 to his early foray into lighting design in 1991, famously converting a Russian hoover into a light fixture. The article paints a picture of Dublin in the 1990s, characterized by available studio space and low rents that fostered a thriving community of artisans and designers, including Holland. However, it also notes the subsequent urban development that led to the displacement of many of these creative spaces, with Holland himself relocating his life and work to Meath. Holland's move to Meath proved to be a catalyst for new creative avenues, specifically connecting him with individuals involved in recycling diverse materials, including airplane components. A pivotal moment occurred when Holland received a consignment of un-recyclable parts from a Boeing engine. These pressure canisters, constructed from materials like Kevlar and fiberglass-coated aluminum, presented a unique design challenge and opportunity. Holland, guided by the philosophy that "Objects come your way - you have to act on them," saw the potential in these distinctive, bomb-shaped capsules. He ingeniously repurposed these discarded aviation parts into the 'Cruise Aviation' pendants. The article emphasizes that these lights are not merely functional but also aesthetically striking, retaining the original manufacturer's markings, which serve as a unique 'fingerprint' or 'signature' of their origin. The 'Cruise Aviation' pendants are described as cool, beautiful, and capable of adding a distinct character to any interior, showcasing Holland's ability to infuse recycled industrial components with artistic value and contemporary design appeal. #ShaneHollandDesign #PendantLighting #Upcycling #RecycledMaterials #AirplaneParts #IndustrialDesign #IrishDesign #HomeInteriors #SustainableDesign

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

Eny Lee Parker, a renowned ceramist celebrated for her distinctive lighting designs, has introduced a new, more accessible lighting collection in collaboration with Mitzi. Parker, whose original creations like the two-column Oo lamp can cost upwards of $12,000, has long harbored a desire to make her work available to a broader audience. The high overheads associated with hand-sculpting in New York City previously made this challenging. The partnership with Mitzi has allowed Parker to fulfill this ambition, launching a line that includes pendants, sconces, and chandeliers, with prices ranging from $138 to $990. This collaboration also provided Parker with the opportunity to explore new materials and forms. While her previous work primarily centered on clay, the Mitzi collection incorporates aged brass and white painted steel, leveraging Mitzi's manufacturing expertise. Parker expressed her long-standing interest in working with metal, and this collection allowed her to integrate it with her signature ceramic elements, creating a blend of textures and aesthetics. The design inspiration for the new line draws from her home in Connecticut, an old horse farm, yet the collection is showcased within her New York City apartment, demonstrating its versatility to fit into various home environments. The article highlights three specific ways Parker styled the new lighting pieces within her own space, emphasizing their adaptability and unique design philosophy. In her bedroom, instead of opting for a traditional symmetrical arrangement, Parker installed a Bibi 1 sconce on one side of her bed and a hanging pendant of the same silhouette on the other. This creates a balanced yet asymmetrical ambiance and allowed her to achieve the desired effect with minimal modifications to her fabric headboard. This approach showcases how a consistent silhouette can unify disparate elements. Another styling tip involves embracing personal objects and creating a curated display. A singular fixture from the collection might appear out of place if left in isolation, but when grouped with a mirror and other smaller ceramic objects, it transforms into a unique gallery wall. Parker's example includes a small piece crafted by a coworker, illustrating how personal touches and collective artistry can enhance the overall decor and lend a sense of personal narrative to the space. Finally, Parker demonstrated how her smaller Elsa 4 pendant lamps can be utilized to define distinct zones within an open-plan living area. In modern homes, where kitchens often blend seamlessly into living rooms, these lamps serve to delineate a cozy seating corner, providing a sense of enclosure and intimacy. This strategy helps to create dedicated functional areas while ensuring that each lighting fixture has its own prominent moment within the design. The collection's design ethos encourages homeowners to consider lighting not just as illumination but as an integral element of interior styling that can introduce asymmetry, personalize spaces, and define areas. #EnyLeeParker #LightingDesign #MitziCollaboration #AffordableLighting #CeramicLighting #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignInspiration #AsymmetricalDesign

The role of fine art in shaping contemporary interior design is expanding beyond traditional wall art, with designers increasingly incorporating sculptural forms into their spaces. This trend extends to statement design objects such as distinctive sofas, vibrant rugs, and particularly, glimmering light fixtures, which introduce unusual textures, colors, and patterns. Corbett Lighting, a brand known for its innovative offerings, exemplifies this approach by drawing inspiration from diverse artistic and cultural sources, including galleries, museums, fashion shows, and luxury ateliers. The brand's designs aim to create timeless yet modern styles, often channeling aesthetic traditions like mid-century Italian design into eye-catching fixtures. Corbett Lighting's commitment to quality and artistic vision is evident in its use of premium materials. The company incorporates handblown Venetian glass, rich Spanish alabaster, and top-grade Brazilian rock crystal, pushing boundaries in terms of appearance, functionality, and durability. Their product line includes a variety of pendants and sconces, each designed to serve as a focal point within a space. These fixtures are not merely functional light sources but sculptural elements that contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic. Among their notable pendants, 'Calligraphy' features sculptural iron bands that create dramatic shadows, enveloping two LED engines. 'Element' showcases smoked and plated glass bulbs meticulously balanced on a handcrafted iron structure, finished in Vienna bronze. 'Graffiti' is characterized by artistically twisted iron ribbons, finished in silver leaf, which encase illuminated crystal diffusers, offering a blend of raw artistry and refined light. 'Metropolis' presents a distinctly modern design with handcrafted iron cubes surrounding an LED bulb, emphasizing clean lines and contemporary form. 'Motif' combines convex Italian glass with lustrous gems within an iron framework, finished in gold leaf with stainless accents, presenting a luxurious and intricate design. 'Piet' uses polished stainless-steel stems to support a variety of glass shapes—round, elliptic, and tapered—creating a dynamic and sophisticated composition. 'Pulse' features iron mesh screens that form a sculptural, ruffled body, enhanced with a hand-applied gold leaf finish. 'Sauterne' elegantly positions gold-speckled Venetian glass staves around a candelabra light source, evoking classic charm with a modern twist. Finally, 'Theory' draws direct inspiration from mid-century Italian design, forming a multidimensional shape through alternating glass and gold-leaf iron rods around an LED. In addition to pendants, Corbett Lighting offers a range of expressive sconces, including variations of 'Pulse' and 'Motif'. These sconces continue the brand's signature use of handcrafted iron, textured glass, polished stainless steel, and gold leaf details, ensuring a cohesive and high-end aesthetic across their product portfolio. The brand's creations are designed to be more than just lighting; they are art-inspired fixtures that enhance the ambiance and visual appeal of luxury interiors. #LightingFixtures #StatementLighting #InteriorDesign #LuxuryInteriors #CorbettLighting #ArtInspiredDesign #DesignInnovation #SculpturalLighting #PremiumMaterials

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

The selection of appropriate lighting fixtures significantly influences a home's ambiance, moving beyond mere functionality to shape the overall feel of a space. Online lighting stores simplify the process of acquiring new lighting, offering a wide array of options from pendant lights to floor lamps, all accessible remotely. These platforms provide a broader selection than traditional brick-and-mortar shops and deliver products directly to consumers' homes. Several online retailers stand out for their distinct offerings. Lumens, established in 2004, is renowned for its extensive inventory of contemporary and on-trend lighting, furniture, and home goods. It features over 30,000 products from various brands, catering to diverse budgets and styles, and allows users to sort items by design, features, or trends. Gantri, a newer entrant from 2016, specializes in unique, 3D-printed lights made from plant-based materials. Its designs often blend modern aesthetics with mid-century or Art Deco influences, offering exclusive pieces created in collaboration with independent designers at accessible price points. Lamps Plus, founded in 1976, boasts an impressive collection of over 50,000 lighting designs across a wide spectrum of styles and price points. The retailer updates its inventory weekly and provides a "Room Inspiration" page to help customers visualize lighting options within different settings. Physical stores are also available for those who prefer an in-person shopping experience. Ikea is recognized for its economical, practical, and Scandinavian-inspired lighting solutions. Its online store offers a broad range of functional and stylish lighting types, including bedside lamps, pendant lights, and spotlights, with many options priced under $20, suitable for various room types from dorms to dining areas. Schoolhouse, since 2003, focuses on handcrafted, retro-inspired lighting fixtures manufactured in Portland, Oregon. The brand aims to create heirloom-quality pieces that transcend trends, offering industrial-modern designs at a mid-range price. It also provides home decor to assist with cohesive room designs. YLighting, a prominent retailer since 2001, specializes in contemporary and modern lighting. It stocks an extensive selection from over 300 international brands, covering indoor and outdoor fixtures in styles from mid-century to modern farmhouse. The website offers filtering options by room, brand, features, or decor styles, alongside an "Ideas" section for inspiration. Horchow distinguishes itself with eclectic and distinctive lighting pieces that depart from minimalist trends. The brand emphasizes high-quality, unusual furnishings that celebrate color, whimsical styles, and modern interpretations of traditional designs, offering a unique blend of old and new. Design Within Reach, founded in 1998, caters to designers and style-conscious consumers with cutting-edge contemporary lighting. Its products are typically higher-priced but are designed for longevity, featuring clean, classic, and timeless designs across various lighting types. Wayfair is a popular choice for budget-friendly home decor and lighting. It offers a vast and varied selection from numerous brands, covering both indoor and outdoor applications, with frequent sales and customer reviews to aid purchasing decisions. Wayfair also provides free shipping and responsive customer service. Arteriors, with over 30 years in the industry, integrates artistry and interior design to create statement lighting fixtures. Drawing inspiration from global design, architecture, fashion, and nature, Arteriors offers unique, aesthetically driven pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Rejuvenation specializes in vintage-inspired lighting and antique pieces, appealing to those who appreciate timeless designs. The brand modernizes past styles, building durable lights with traditional ideals. It also offers a selection of refurbished antique lighting and manufactures most of its inventory in Portland, Oregon. Birch Lane focuses on traditional, rustic, and farmhouse designs, providing warm and classic lighting fixtures. Its online platform includes a "Room Ideas" section to inspire decor and lighting choices, featuring a curated selection of ceiling lights, wall lights, lamps, and outdoor lighting. Finally, The Home Depot, a major home improvement retailer, offers a comprehensive range of practical and stylish lighting solutions. Beyond renovation essentials like spotlights and track lighting, it provides decorative fixtures such as pendant lights, desk lights, and floor lamps, all at affordable prices with free shipping options. #OnlineLightingStores #HomeLighting #InteriorDesign #ModernLighting #VintageLighting #ContemporaryLighting #HomeDecor #LightingFixtures #HomeImprovement

The article explores the top 10 lighting trends predicted to shape interior design in 2025, emphasizing a blend of style, sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. These trends offer diverse options for illuminating spaces, catering to various tastes and design philosophies. Vintage-style lighting is set to be a major trend, valued for its timeless character, craftsmanship, and inherent sustainability. This approach incorporates classic pieces such as ornate chandeliers, retro pendants, and mid-century modern table lamps, all designed for longevity and to infuse spaces with a sense of history and individuality. Experts note that vintage lighting acts as both a functional item and an artistic focal point, rooted in traditional values of quality and originality, aligning with the growing preference for eclectic design. Smoked glass emerges as another significant trend, offering versatility and visual impact through its large-scale pendant lighting and statement pieces. The grey tint of smoked glass provides a soft, diffused light, contributing a touch of glamour and moody elegance to interiors. Its timeless appeal is highlighted as a wise, long-term investment for any home, ensuring it remains stylish without succumbing to fleeting fads. Biophilic lighting, a trend centered on reconnecting indoor spaces with nature, aims to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. This style integrates organic shapes and natural tones, utilizing materials like rattan, wood, bamboo, and recycled glass to introduce warmth and texture. The goal is to create harmonious, calming, and restorative environments by mirroring natural light and incorporating natural elements, making it suitable for all areas, particularly home offices. Copper makes a comeback in 2025 as the preferred metal for lighting design due to its warm, rich, and inviting qualities. Its adaptability allows it to complement both bold and neutral color palettes, adding a sense of coziness and luxury. Copper’s durability also supports the shift towards more sustainable design practices, appearing in various forms from floor lamps to ceiling fixtures and even smaller accents like plug sockets. Mixed metals represent a modern twist, encouraging the combination of different metallic finishes such as brass with nickel, or bronze with brushed chrome. This trend adds visual depth and flexibility to lighting schemes, with a noticeable increase in demand for bronze, silvered tones, and both brushed and polished chrome finishes. The layering of different metals creates a dynamic and sophisticated look. Layered lighting is presented as essential for creating flexible, mood-driven interiors. Moving beyond single ceiling pendants, this approach involves combining multiple light sources—table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and dimmable overhead lighting—to transform a space’s atmosphere and functionality throughout the day. This technique is crucial for influencing both the aesthetic and the wellbeing of occupants. The 'soft industrial' aesthetic merges the raw, edgy elements of industrial design with a warm and inviting feel. This trend features exposed metals, matte finishes, and natural materials, but with gentler silhouettes and a sleek sophistication. It allows industrial lighting styles to integrate seamlessly into modern homes, balancing function and form without appearing overly harsh. Playful and artful lighting continues to be a strong trend, with vibrant-colored and patterned lampshades taking center stage. These lampshades are not merely functional but serve as artistic statements, allowing for the injection of personality into interiors. Changing lampshades seasonally is suggested as an affordable method to refresh a color scheme without extensive redecoration, positioning lighting as 'jewelry for the home'. Curved and wavy shapes are dominating lighting designs, offering a way to introduce softness and movement into angular interiors. This style, characterized by scalloped designs, waves, and fluid curves, aims for elegance, sophistication, and whimsy. It is ideal for creating cozy, intimate areas or standout focal points in various rooms, balancing the rigidity of modern spaces. Finally, the natural look emphasizes a growing demand for organic materials like rattan, bamboo, and reclaimed wood in lighting designs. This trend brings warmth, texture, and a contemporary feel, contributing to effortlessly inviting rooms. The lightweight nature of these materials allows for experimental layouts, and their eco-conscious appeal aligns with current mindful aesthetic preferences. #LightingTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #VintageLighting #SmokedGlass #BiophilicDesign #CopperAccents #MixedMetals #LayeredLighting #SoftIndustrial #PlayfulLighting #CurvedShapes #NaturalMaterials