In 2018, what we know for sure is that sustainable design and the Scandinavian ethos aren’t going anywhere. Creating design these days means thinking about what will be relevant and current in the future — and the keyword is sustainability. It’s not just in terms of the use of materials and disruptive technology but also in the creative processes that come with it.
Major trade shows have taken place this year including the Maison&Objet Paris, Ambiente and Light+Building Fair in Frankfurt as well as the must-visit Salone del Mobile in Milan. And in all these shows, lighting plays a crucial role in every installation and display.
Lightings are no longer used as ‘hidden’ elements to highlight other products but are being featured as essential complements to curated spaces. Fixtures are oversized, dramatised with special design elements or intrinsically fun and whimsical.
Let’s not disregard the importance of lighting and its magical effects in a room. Even the greatest architects today would agree that the right piece of light fixture could make a huge difference. That’s our lightbulb-moment, as we track down 8 light-fantastic pieces designed by industry’s best for the most prolific brands that are made to shine bright this year.
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Creating a simple, soft design for hanging lights has been the main idea behind the Caravaggio series designed by Maison&Objet 2018 Designer of the Year, Cecilie Manz for Danish brand Fritz Hansen. The Caravaggio Matt range combines an easily recognisable shape with a modern touch – a classic pendant with a metal shade accentuated by feminine lines but a masculine chrome-plated suspension; a quintessential style to Manz’s Scandinavian approach.
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Explosion by Luxxu is inspired by the brightest star in the cosmos; as an homage to the Sputnik (first satellite in the orbit). Immerse in the luxurious detailing of this chandelier by the Portuguese brand that is reflected in the numerous slim gold plated brass and crystal arms that circle around the centre. The luminance radiates from the inner core, allowing light to refract beautifully along its gold patina.
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UK’s leading design brand Lee Broom has revealed a new stellar-inspired light fixture that plays with proportions of vertical and horizontal space, sculptural, spherical form, as well as the refraction and reflection of light. The ensemble uses a new technology featuring LED lighting systems and customised bulbs to showcase new interpretations of materials and design.
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Designed by trending architecture practice Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the alphabet of light system is a new lighting language that continues to grow with new curved elements that helps with increasing freedom throughout space. The modular lighting system allows designers to play with limitless possibilities; featuring patented mechanical innovation and ground-breaking control.
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New York based design and manufacturing studio, Allied Maker has recently launched the Tri Cone featuring a pyramidal metal frame encasing a cone-shaped shade. The light is diffused by a micro-pyramid texture in the glass, resulting in a beautiful expanse of diffused light – highlighting a ‘cone within a cone’ concept.
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The Bellhop series by Italian lighting house, FLOS is designed by Barber & Osgerby for the new London Design Museum. This simple archetype has since been adapted and expanded with FLOS, to include a wall, floor and pendant lamp, as well as outdoor lights.
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Inspired by iconic automotive headlights, designer Bernhard Dessecker has modified the idea of the lighting for Moooi into a grand pendant light with a classy and powerful impact for the space it was initially designed for – Bavarian National Museum in Germany. The oval design is modern with a classic touch, radiating a precious ambient glow that is enhanced by bright rings of light.
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The iconic bear of Moschino, relaunched by its designer Jeremy Scott has now become a table lamp for Kartell – translating the playful, irreverent and groovy style that the two brands have in common. Literally, a lit up teddy, the series of lighting comes with complementing chairs that (we think) are superfluous, but at the same time, fun.
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Plena is a cradle-like fixture that contains a hidden light source. Designed by Eugenio Gargioni and Guillaume Albuoy, Plena is a synthesis of form and function, performance and poetry, soft and embracing. The lighting fixture provides dual lighting; reflected on the surface below and as an uplight towards the ceiling – perfect for both homes and commercial spaces.