Let There Be Lighting

Designers, don’t you just love what has happened to lighting? This once utilitarian accessory that quietly blended into a room via the palette or as an accent to a theme, is now demanding attention in a big way. It’s as if “lighting” took a course in self-esteem, found itself, and now is coming out as the unique, uncompromised individual light that it is. Be it a gigantic, crystal-draped, Swarovski-encrusted chandelier for the glamsters or a bare bulb and socket on a wire for the no frills industrialist, there is a light that will speak to every taste.  

The Madamoiselle by LBL Lighting.

Sometimes lighting is a key “style statement,” giving a safe, undefined design a distinct personality like the “Mademoiselle” by LBL Lighting (left). No matter how you apply it, lighting has become a whole new kind of art for the home, like this statement piece (below): a custom ironwork with raw edged petals and stems creating an incredible primitive flower cluster floating above this sophisticated, island style veranda.

Custom ironwork chandelier.

At Design Alliance we are doing our best to find and align ourselves with creative, forward thinking lighting manufacturers. A favorite “To the Trade only” is Currey and Company, the host of our July 10 “Lunch and Learn.” Designer Linda Good attended and said it best; “…Curry might be a higher price point, but they set the trends that the other companies copy.” Linda is right. 

The Antiquity by Currey & Co.

Currey helps maintain their cutting edge creativity with collections by commissioned designers like Shannon Koszyk and her sexy, dark, Goth designs like the “Antiquity Chandelier” (left)—the perfect backdrop to black lips and nails.  

The Silvo by Currey & Co.

Or from the Marjorie Skouras Collection, which looks as if it’s made from the random shells found on the beach that day. The "Silvio,”a shell chandelier, is enchanting. If you have not studied the Currey catalog, check it out. It could have the winning piece you need!     

                                                     

The following are lighting companies we love and recommend for their quality and uniqueness:

Arbo pendant by Hubbardton Forge.

Hubbardton Forge is not your great-great-Grandfather’s blacksmith, but a very hip lighting manufacturer today. For example, this intriguing hanging fixture (left) is an inherently modern design in its simplicity, but the drum shade fails to block our view entirely, revealing a crudely assembled bonfire, glowing from inside. 

Corona by Hubbardton Forge.

How about this sculptural pendant, (right): the impression is subjective, but I’m torn between a slick asymmetrical “bob” cut, cupped around a face or the necessary bow of the legs on a large-bodied spider…bottom line, don’t let the name fool you, Hubbardton Forge has amazing fixtures worth a look.

Vertigo by Corbett.

The quirky, daring, literal Corbett Lighting is like emotions defined through lighting fixtures?! With names like “Tantrum,” “Recoil,” “Spellbound,” “Bliss” and to the left a pendant named “Vertigo.” The movement in this light is undeniable, swaying right-left-right, like the big finish finale at the “Hula Hoop Championships.” Vertigo is active, but orderly as form follows function in this alive fixture.  

The Falcon by Laura Kiar for Arteriors.

“The Falcon” wall sconce by Laura Kiar for Arteriors (right) is not only reminiscent of the Atomic Age designs, but gives a nod to designer Curtis Jere’s iconic wall sculptures.   

The Raven by Arteriors.

Fast-forward ten years and the “Raven Lamp”(left) by Arteriors captures the silhouette of the 60s, with its curvy column base and ombre grey finish, cased in blown glass. A sensual table lamp, totally on trend.

Plymouth by Hinkley.

The diverse Hinkley Lighting portfolio adds this romantic, oversized, open pendant (right) to the collection. Bringing a certain antebellum charm, this stylized carriage lamp profile gives the ‘ol Country Manor a transitional twist. 

Also from Hinkley, is this delightful chandelier (below). A whimsical cluster of gold coins or bunch of bubbles pauses for a picture as it passes through a reverse drum shade. So charming and adorable they decide to keep it and name it “Barolo.”

Barolo by Hinkley.

Let’s stop for a minute and talk about lighting placement. In my opinion lighting is one of the most important elements in any design. The proper lighting will illuminate the entire room, light the traffic patterns, provide task lighting in necessary locations and offer an appropriate atmosphere option. Every corner should be lit. 

However, we are no longer dealing only with table lamps. The trend for today’s lighting is skyward! The chandelier and pendant are the show stoppers, the sconce and the floor lamp have become utilitarian and the torchier is “out.” The retro placement of the main fixture centered on the ceiling is the trend. A big, wide semi-flush fixture , a dramatic statement chandelier or a cluster of pendants pouring into the room or hanging low over the coffee table or end table or night stand, these showy placements will give your design a current look.

Fascination 4-light pendant by Varaluz.

Want young, contemporary, wacky creative and sustainable? Yes! Then you want Varaluz, the all eco-friendly, super fun fixtures made from recycled materials, hand crafted and painted. What they say about themselves, “…we make cool designs with a conscience.” I love, love, love this “Fascination” collection, the coolest, unique island lighting (right)!

Pinwheel pendant by Varaluz.

The “Pinwheel” collection, made from recycled aluminum, is tiny pinwheels attached to the ball. Change the light bulb color and it glows in your chosen color (left).

   

Pique Five by TREND.

Lastly, the always energy conscience TREND lighting. Amazing contemporary designs inspired by the past… arty, mid-century style and atomic age  reference. The “Pique Five” (right) is a great pendant for clusters. Designs inspired by the sophisticated future, the “Constellation” (below), is slick, clean and stylish; a statement piece that will gather crowds.

TREND Constellation pendant.