The 22nd annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair has come and gone, and it was a complete overload of spectacular color and innovative design. While there were a few things my cohort and I deemed “same thing, different colors,” the majority of the show offered a uniquely original perspective on the modern home. And one thing that particularly caught my eye was the fantastic lighting that was showcased. So while I finish processing everything that’s bouncing around in my head, here are a few pieces that were, for me, love at first light.
Salvadoran designer Eugenio Menjivar’s breathtaking Loto lamp series—organically inspired by the lotus flower and crafted from recycled plastics—is best described by his statement on the collection: “An eco-experimental body of work that transforms discarded household materials into precious objects, allowing plastic to be reborn to educate consumers about sustainable design.” Be sure to check out his website, a whimsical work of art in itself.
The Box Light from Design House Stockholm is just downright fun, not to mention functional. Designed by Jonas Hakaniemi, the aluminum light box slides over the shade to reveal as much, or as little, light as you’d like, in a hands-on dimmer sort of way. Available in black and gray, the Box Light is simple, straightforward and smart.
From Lights Up! these ceiling lamps up the hip factor for lampshades thanks to fantastic patterns and some unexpected styling. From left, the WeeGee pendant is big, beautiful and bold, and shown in the Anna Green pattern. In the middle, the long and lean Louie pendant in the Black Mumm pattern (my favorite) is almost two-and-a-half feet long, and features a second 21-inch diameter shade situated just below the flared top. And finally, Louie’s more petite and streamlined sister Lucy in the bright and cheerful Anna Red pattern. Both Anna patterns are new introductions, and all three are printed with water-based inks on 100-percent recycled PET fabrics made from plastic bottles.
Using a tension/compressing based on the same principle as a suspension bridge, Areaware’s Orbit chandelier is a truly amazing way to light up a room. Designed by Patrick Townsend and crafted of wire and aluminum, the chandelier features 40 dimmable round lights of various sizes and spans almost three feet!
And finally, what can only be described as an absolutely breathtaking and immaculate installation from Spain’s LZF Lamps. A dozen Agatha lamps (a new introduction) come together with the Totem 4 lamp to create an illuminated butterfly that’s nothing short of monumental. And the fact that all of the pieces are made of wood veneers and paper parchment makes it all the more spectacular.
Stunning! I saw the Block Lamp in Budapest last fall. It must have been fabulous to see all these creations up close. Thank you Melanie I really enjoy you posts.