lighting design Archives | Visi https://visi.co.za/tag/lighting-design/ SA's most beautiful magazine Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:18:53 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://visi.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-ICO-32x32-Black-1-1-32x32.png lighting design Archives | Visi https://visi.co.za/tag/lighting-design/ 32 32 A Celebration of Colour and Light https://visi.co.za/a-celebration-of-colour-and-light/ Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=652187 K. Light celebrates colour and craft, inspired by Euroluce 2025, these new collections shine with innovative design and effortless style.

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K. Light celebrates colour and craft, inspired by Euroluce 2025, these new collections shine with innovative design and effortless style.


The inspiration for K. Light’s latest collections comes directly from the Euroluce Lighting Show, held in Milan, Italy, in April 2025 – the world’s premier showcase for lighting innovation and design. There, leading international designers unveiled their latest creations, sparking the creative vision behind K.Light’s on-trend collections.

Designed to complement a spectrum of interiors – from minimalist to maximalist – these pieces invite you to mix, match and make a statement, all while enhancing comfort and ambience. Thoughtfully balancing form and function, K. Light’s decorative light fittings redefine what contemporary lighting can be. Each piece is a true work of art, showcasing a distinctive interplay of vibrant hues and considered design.

The Rainbow Range

The inspiration for this stunning collection comes directly from the Euroluce Lighting Show. There, leading international designers unveiled their latest creations, sparking the creative vision for the Rainbow Glass Range. The collection features four distinct pendant designs, each showcasing a unique combination of vibrant hues.

The Ceramic and Glass Range

In Europe, ceramics hold a timeless appeal, cherished for their craftsmanship, texture and versatility. Drawing on this enduring appreciation, the new range celebrates the elegance and artistry that make ceramic pieces so popular. The pieces showcase the beauty of ceramics in soft, on-trend pastel shades of off-white, blue-grey and soft coral, contrasted with opal-white glass shades and clear, pink-hued glass shades.

LED Metal Pendants

With a sleek, modern silhouette and a striking opal-white glass shade that softly diffuses LED light, these pendants are designed to impress. They blend minimalism with warmth, creating statement pieces that elevate any space, from contemporary kitchens to stylish dining areas. What truly sets them apart are their distinctive matt colours.

Pinnacle Pendants

This new collection is designed to elevate your space with style and simplicity, and is available in three versatile sizes with a choice of black or white finishes. The white finish brings a crisp, fresh touch, while the black version surprises with a contrasting white interior. This subtle yet striking detail adds depth and visual interest when illuminated.

Visit K. Light’s expansive showrooms in Midrand, Gauteng, and Milnerton, Western Cape, and experience first-hand the craftsmanship and artistry that make these collections truly special. | klight.co.za


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Lighting the Way  https://visi.co.za/lighting-the-way-with-martin-doller/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=649636 Award-winning designer Martin Döller, creative director and co-founder of One to One Lighting, talks about his craft, the power of illumination and what constitutes truly brilliant design. 

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Award-winning designer Martin Döller, creative director and co-founder of One to One Lighting, talks about his craft, the power of illumination and what constitutes truly brilliant design. 


WORDS Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Adam Letch, Gavin Kleinschmidt, Greg Cox  


Lighting isn’t just a perfunctory blurb and switch – and Martin Döller knows it. The local lighting visionary is on a mission to help you “experience more – with light”. And he’s clearly succeeding: the designer was recently appointed to the jury of the LIT Lighting Design Awards, a global platform that honours excellence in lighting design and innovation. Adjudicated by a distinguished panel of industry leaders, the awards spotlight the best in the business. 

“Light has the power to shape how we live, feel and function. It’s not just about illumination – it’s about emotional impact,” Martin explains. “Experiential lighting can improve your sleep, lift your mood, and transform your experience of a space.” With that ethos in mind, Martin shares his passion for beautiful light, along with a few tips for better lighting at home and beyond. 

The award-winning Qalibra pendant showcases One to One’s commitment to beautiful and functional design.
The award-winning Qalibra pendant showcases One to One’s commitment to beautiful and functional design.

My lighting journey started in nature. During solo expeditions across the South African wilderness, I noticed how natural light impacted my mood, energy levels and sleep. That visceral connection became the foundation of my design ethos. I’ve spent more than 15 years refining lighting design, driven by my love of architecture, passion for wellness and fascination with light itself.” 

“One to One is rooted in biophilic design. By mimicking the qualities of natural light in built environments, the team creates lighting experiences that are technically sound, emotionally resonant and grounded in nature. From luxury lodges like Cheetah Plains to high-end retail concepts such as Officine Gullo and private residences, our work spans over a thousand projects – all focused on crafting immersive, human-centric environments through light.” 

I lead the creative vision and design philosophy of One to One. That means overseeing each lighting concept to ensure it does more than just function – it must feel. I work closely with our in-house design division, Modus, and collaborate with architects, interior designers and clients to bring to life our signature luminous layering technique.” 

Each environment carries a distinct emotional and functional identity – and lighting must respond to it. Residential lighting is deeply personal, attuned to a person’s rhythms, moods and routines. It’s about comfort and subtle transitions. Hospitality lighting is more transportive – it layers mood, ambiance and theatre to create immersive moments. Retail and commercial spaces require lighting that’s both functional and emotionally engaging, encouraging connection and expressing brand identity.” 

 “At One to One, we use a technique we call luminous layering – balancing task, mood and theatrical lighting to reflect the emotional purpose of each space. Whether it’s a luxury home or a flagship store, we always begin with one question: ‘How do you want people to feel here?’ We often draw from nature, from the soft ness of indirect glow to the drama of shifting shadows. Just as we instinctively respond to a sunset or a starry night, light should evoke emotion and connection, no matter the setting.” 

“I’m particularly proud of a project called Wave Villa: a biophilic masterpiece where every detail was considered. From concealed LEDs to architectural feature lights, the home breathes light. Every division in our studio – design, product, technical and bespoke – was involved, offering a turnkey solution. The result? An experiential space that proves lighting can elevate architecture itself.” 

“Too often, lighting is treated as an afterthought. But when designed with intent – when it’s woven into the architecture rather than tacked on – it can enhance wellbeing on every level. Our philosophy is simple: light less, light better, feel more.”  1-to-1.world | @onetoonebymartindoller 


Lighting Residential Space: Martin’s Quick  

  • Layer your lighting. Don’t rely on ceiling downlights alone. 
  • Use warm tones. They mimic sunset hues and create a relaxing feel. 
  • Mix levels – ceiling, wall, floor. Use dimmers wherever possible. 
  • Prioritise feature lighting over standard architectural fittings. 
  • Let light enhance materials – wood, stone, art, texture. 
  • Avoid cold, flat flood lighting. It kills atmosphere and disrupts natural rhythm. Think contrast, not glare. 

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The Beam Lighting Collection takes Minimalism to Luminous New Heights https://visi.co.za/the-beam-lighting-collection-takes-minimalism-to-luminous-new-heights/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=648566 Designed in a studio overlooking the Indian Ocean, Lisa Twyman’s Beam lighting collection blends global inspiration with local craftsmanship.

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Designed in a studio overlooking the Indian Ocean, Lisa Twyman’s Beam lighting collection blends global inspiration with local craftsmanship.


WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied


“Generally speaking, the simpler and more straightforward an object, the more beautiful.” With this quietly confident assertion, interior designer Lisa Twyman sets the tone for her Beam lighting collection, defined by two sculptural silhouettes: the Bloom and the Capsule.

The Bloom, available in multiple configurations, reads as architectural and expressive, while the Capsule table lamp feels more intimate – grounded in scale but no less distinctive. “My overall design language is a simple aesthetic, with a strong emphasis on shape and geometry,” Lisa notes. “I am continually influenced by the Bauhaus principles of design. The Bloom and the Capsule have a bold and simple outline, in keeping with this design language.”

Function and emotional resonance play equal roles in the collection’s development. “I love a product that forms a connection with the end-user,” she says. “These lamps form a bond through their personality (they definitely have one!) and then through the interaction.” Attention to tactility was paramount: “The plug and switch, both parts of the light that the user will touch and feel, are perfectly proportioned and beautiful to touch.”

From left: the Bloom lamp in Plum Jam, the Capsule lamp in Sunny Sahara, the Bloom lamp in Frond and the Bloom wall light in Linen.

Each piece is crafted from powder-coated aluminium and glass – materials selected for their visual clarity, durability, and environmental credentials. “Aluminium as a material can produce clean shapes, and is easily accessible in terms of skilled labour and workmanship in our area,” Lisa explains. “It is also environmentally conscious, as it can be recycled. I often like to pair two materials in a product, to create a sense of tension, hence the glass.”

A trained interior designer, she brings a refined eye to colour. Understanding that mainstream producers don’t always offer the depth and variety required for bespoke interiors, Lisa developed a palette that moves across the warm and cool spectrum, anchored by strong neutrals. “In terms of the personality of the product, colour is integral,” she reflects. “A glossy saturated colour will give the product a cheerful personality, whereas a matte neutral will create a more subdued and elegant product.”

The range recently expanded through a collaboration with Magicode, introducing official USM colourways. It’s a natural fit, both visually and conceptually. “Just after I launched the collection last year, Magicode became the official and only stockist of my lighting range in Johannesburg, and the products work so well placed on the USM units,” says Lisa. “It’s a very strong match both in terms of aesthetics and design sensibility. We then decided to evolve the connection further by producing the lights in the official USM colours.” | lisatwyman.com


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Bright Ideas from Brazil https://visi.co.za/brazils-lighting-design-stars-shine-at-sao-paulos-haus-decor-show/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:02:21 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=647892 After a recent visit to São Paulo, we reckon the Brazil's lighting brands might just be its best-kept design secret.

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After a recent visit to São Paulo, we reckon the Brazil’s lighting brands might just be its best-kept design secret.


WORDS & PHOTOS Gina Dionisio


Brazil may be acclaimed for its tiles, textiles, and furniture, but the Haus Decor Show – held in conjunction with Expo Revestir – showcased equally impressive lighting by local designers.

Hosted at the São Paulo Expo Pavilion, the decor trade show was reminiscent of Decorex here in South Africa, highlighting the latest trends in paints, coatings, lighting, refrigeration, and home automation.

The dedicated lighting zone was a show highlight. Curated by LEDforum & L+D, it featured over 35 lighting specialists. Here are some of our favourites:

Attimo Iluminação

Haus Decor Show Brazilian Lighting Design – A blue version of the Abajur Pérola – the lightbulb represents a 'pearl'.
A blue version of the Abajur Pérola – the lightbulb represents a ‘pearl’.

Founded in 2018 in Caxias do Sul by three friends with a passion for wood and design, Attimo Iluminação is known for creating wood-accented lighting systems that add visual texture. There was a variety of lighting options on display at the brand’s stand, including the Abajur Pérolaa table lamp made from imbuia wood – and Carimbóa collection of lanterns. | attimoiluminacao

Geo Luz & Cerâmica

Haus Decor Show Brazilian Lighting Design – Geo Luz & Cerâmica's Primitivo collection.
Geo Luz & Cerâmica’s Primitivo collection.

For 25 years, Geo Luz & Cerâmica has handcrafted sophisticated ceramic lighting fixtures. Guided by the vision of designer and ceramist Maurício D’Avila, the artisanal brand is sustainably minded and focused on creating pieces that combine traditional practices with contemporary style. At this year’s decor showcase, the brand presented a mini-retrospective of its work and introduced two new collections: Primitivo and MONO. | geoceramica.com.br

Gileno Design

Haus Decor Show Brazilian Lighting Design – Gileno Design's range of colour options on display.
Gileno Design’s range of colour options on display.

Gileno Design specialises in high-end artisanal crystal lighting that blends Italian-inspired aesthetics with Brazilian craftsmanship. At the Haus Decor Show, the brand showcased its new 2025 lighting collection, featuring pieces that emphasise its focus on materiality, texture, and personalisation. With over 50 colour and finish options – including 24‑carat gold accents – each lighting installation can be uniquely tailored to suit any space. | gilenodesign.com


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Standing Tall https://visi.co.za/modern-floor-lamps-to-elevate-contemporary-interiors/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=647599 Standing lamps can add instant depth and style to any room, and their flexibility and portability allows you to set the mood and spotlight key areas with ease.

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Standing lamps can add instant depth and style to any room, and their flexibility and portability allows you to set the mood and spotlight key areas with ease.


COMPILED BY Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Supplied


Check out our hand-picked selection of sleek, modern lamps to effortlessly elevate your space.

Modern floor lamps –

Balloon Dance floor lamp

R8 479 | kare-design.com

Modern floor lamps –

Future View floor lamp

R21 169 | kare-design.com

Modern floor lamps –

Devotion floor lamp in Tarnished

R6 400 | hertexhaus.co.za

Modern floor lamps –

Timon floor lamp in Black

R9 049 | kare-design.com

Modern floor lamps –

Loungy floor lamp in Black

R9 369 | kare-design.com

Modern floor lamps –

Bola Trio floor lamp

R4 559 | kare-design.com

Modern floor lamps –

@home dual brass and marble floor lamp

R3 999 | bash.com

Modern floor lamps –

Metal and PET floor lamp with marble base and felt shade

R1 425 | glolighting.co.za

Modern floor lamps –

Animal floor lamp with gold parrot

R12 049 | kare-design.com

Modern floor lamps –

Orbital floor lamp by Foscarini

R39 690 | cremadesign.co.za

Modern floor lamps –

Brightstar SL072 in Black Metal and Smoke Glass

R3 082 | glolighting.co.za

Modern floor lamps –

Anglé floor lamps by Spazio

R1 456 each | glolighting.co.za

Modern floor lamps –

Balloon floor lamp in Smoke

R27 459 | kare-design.com


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A Milanese Moodboard https://visi.co.za/top-interior-design-trends-from-milan-design-week-2025/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=646229 From immersive installations to daring material explorations, here are the standout interior trends, as seen at Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2025.

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From immersive installations to interesting material explorations, here are the standout interior and lighting trends, as seen at Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2025.


WORDS & PHOTOS Susanne Brodnik


This year’s Milan Design Week saw the city transform into an exciting hub of design where Renaissance grandeur, mid-century nostalgia, and futuristic optimism intertwined with intent by reimagining courtyards, ateliers and hidden gardens in every corner of the city. Here, the inspiring trends interior designer Susanne Brodnik spotted during her trip to the Italian city.

Milan Design Week 2025 – unopoiu
unopoiu

Green hues were everywhere – emerald, mint, avocado, and sage tones returned with bold confidence, often layered alongside fiery sunrise palettes of terracotta, orange, and deep burgundy shades. Complementary colours merged to create glamorous spaces that felt both raw, refined and rooted in nature.

Milan Design Week 2025 – Bentley Home
Bentley Home

Outdoor living has officially assumed a new role as the emotional centre of the home. Gardens, terraces, and alfresco lounges were curated with as much intention as the interiors – think lush greenery, sculptural furniture, and ambient lighting, which softens boundaries and fulfils a deep, post-digital longing for nature and connection.

Milan Design Week 2025 – Jose Leite
Jose Leite

Soft forms dominated with circles, ovals, and egg-like silhouettes evoking a retro 70s vibe. Interiors whispered of the golden era of home entertaining, with sunken lounges, cocktail bars, and plush conversation pits channelling early James Bond glamour.

Milan Design Week 2025 – Roberto Cavalli Home
Roberto Cavalli Home

Natural materials – stone, wood, bark – appeared in sculptural, organic shapes, designed to invite touch and intimacy. Hard surfaces took on a softness, blurring the lines between structure and sculpture. Suede, mirrored surfaces, and plush velvets in earthy tones created spaces that felt cinematic and soulful, while organic patterns were woven into textiles, bringing nature’s forms into the sensory experience.

Milan Design Week 2025 – ACB Light Easy Link System
ACB Light Easy Link System

Architectural lighting took centre stage at EUROLUCE, where chandeliers shimmered, and reflections faded and shifted. Forget light being purely functional – designers used it to shape mood, movement, and emotion within a space.

Milan Design Week 2025 – Impatia
Impatia

Milan also embraced leisure at its most luxurious: bespoke billiard tables, poker lounges, and artisanal table tennis sets reflected a new era where play and craftsmanship intertwined. | myplaceincapetown.com


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Jan Ernst Studio’s Wildflower Waters Chandelier is a Luminous Ode to Nature https://visi.co.za/jan-ernsts-wildflower-waters-chandelier-is-a-luminous-ode-to-nature/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=645980 Unveiled at PAD Paris 2025 with OWN, Jan Ernst Studio’s Wildflower Waters Chandelier channels memory, craftsmanship and nature into sculptural, collectable design.

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Unveiled at PAD Paris 2025 with OWN, Jan Ernst Studio’s Wildflower Waters Chandelier channels memory, craftsmanship and nature into sculptural, collectable design.


WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Courtesy of Jan Ernst Studio; Courtesy of Objects with Narratives – Photography Tijs Vervecken


The recent PAD Paris, which brought the finest contemporary and modern design pieces from across the globe, provided the perfect opportunity for Jan Ernst Studio to unveil the Wildflower Waters Chandelier (a similar chandelier was shown at Cape Town Furniture Week 2025 in February).

Created specifically for Objects with Narratives’ Room of Desires booth at PAD, this bespoke piece embodies the gallery’s vision of blending contemporary art with luxurious design. “The Room of Desire offers an intimate exploration of craftsmanship, sensuality and excellence. Embracing the colour red, the space transcends mere hue, becoming a narrative woven from the finest materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully curated to engage the senses, inviting a tactile connection that dissolves the boundary between viewer and object,” says OWN.

The chandelier was inspired by Jan Ernst’s childhood memories of spending hours by the river on the farm, surrounded by the natural beauty of the water and flora. “I was always fascinated by the way water moved – its gentle ripples, the way it carried petals and leaves downstream, and how light danced across its surface. Wildflowers along the banks, bending with the breeze, created an ever-changing composition that felt both spontaneous and intentional. This chandelier is a translation of those moments – fluid, organic and infused with movement,” he explains.

This connection to nature became the foundation for the design, with the studio spending eight months researching and experimenting with botanical forms. “My goal was to translate nature’s ephemeral qualities – growth, decay and renewal – into a sculptural lighting piece that feels alive,” says Jan. He started by studying the organic structures of wildflowers, petals and seed pods, sketching and sculpting forms that captured their fluidity. As a result, the organic shapes of the chandelier mimic cascading willow branches, and the flowing water of the river is captured through a ceramic ceiling projection.

Jan Ernst Studio Wildflower Waters Chandelier

“One of the biggest challenges was balancing fragility with structural integrity. The chandelier needed to feel weightless and spontaneous, like petals caught in a breeze, but also maintain a cohesive and functional structure. I experimented with different sculpting techniques and material compositions, refining the scale and proportion of each element,” Jan says of the process. “A breakthrough came when I began layering and overlapping the pieces in a way that mimicked natural growth patterns, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow,” he adds.

This piece reflects the studio’s commitment to collectable design, paying homage to nature through personal storytelling while embracing a relentless pursuit of craftsmanship. “Materiality is at the heart of the design,” says Jan. Each component was meticulously hand-built in the studio using locally sourced white stoneware clay, specially mixed for Jan Ernst Studio. “The choice of white stoneware clay, iron oxide treatments and copper elements was driven by a desire to evoke the raw beauty of nature while enhancing the piece’s sculptural and luminous qualities.”

Jan Ernst Studio Wildflower Waters Chandelier

The studio has enjoyed a four-year relationship with Brussels-based design gallery, Objects with Narratives, having showcased work together at PAD Paris three times, along with numerous group shows, BRAFA and the Collectible Fair. At this year’s PAD Paris, the Wildflower Waters Chandelier was displayed in a curated living room setup, alongside works from other artists. “Set within the Room of Desires, it becomes a luminous focal point that speaks to longing, memory and transformation. Emotionally, the chandelier plays with contrasts – light and shadow, fragility and strength, stillness and motion – to evoke a sense of nostalgia and dreamlike beauty. The botanical references tap into something deeply familiar yet fleeting, reminding us of nature’s cycles and our own transient experiences,” explains Jan.

Looking ahead, Jan plans to evolve the chandelier into a bronze version. “Bronze, with its rich history in sculpture, allows for a deeper exploration with texture and light. By casting the hand-built ceramic forms in bronze, I aim to preserve the spontaneity and fluidity of the original clay pieces while introducing a new dialogue between strength and delicacy. The patina of bronze, much like the iron oxide in the ceramic version, will continue to evolve, reinforcing the theme of time,” says Jan. “From a sustainability perspective, working with bronze aligns with my studio’s commitment to longevity and responsible making,” he adds. This next step will further his vision of merging art, design and sustainability, creating pieces that challenge material boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to nature. | jan-ernst.com


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Hanging Around https://visi.co.za/10-statement-pendant-lights-for-design-conscious-interiors/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=642970 Whether you use only one or cleverly cluster a few, pendant lights are practical, ultra-fashionable and perfect as the primary source of illumination in a room.

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Whether you use only one or cleverly cluster a few, pendant lights are practical, ultra-fashionable and perfect as the primary source of illumination in a room.


COMPILED BY Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Supplied


From earthy bamboo designs to sculptural glass creations, here are 10 striking pendant lights to inspire your next decor update.

10 Statement Pendant Lights

Statement pendant lights – Menagerie multi-shade pendant in Mustard Yellow

Menagerie multi-shade pendant in Mustard Yellow

Ideal for mixing and matching – the Menagerie range is available in 6 different shapes and 11 different colours.

R1 900 | hoiploy.com

Statement pendant lights – Big glass single pendant in Orange

Big glass single pendant in Orange

Make a bold statement with this single glass pendant from Klight.

R1 925 | klight.co.za

Statement pendant lights – Ramble pendant in Syringa

Ramble pendant in Syringa

Soft curves and pastel hues give this light a sense of organic beauty.

R6 900 | dokterandmisses.com

Statement pendant lights – Supernova Cinque pendant in Amber

Supernova Cinque pendant in Amber

The sculptural organic shape of this pendant light add a hint of glamour.

R26 899 | kare-design.com

Statement pendant lights – Zen pendent by Kare Design

Zen pendant in Blue

The rich blue hue works with a variety of interior styles. 

R11 149 | kare-design.com

Statement pendant lights – Klight Bamboo pendant

Bamboo pendant

Bring earthy vibes home with this Bamboo pendant.

R2 380 | klight.co.za

Statement pendant lights – Satellite pendant by GUBI

Satellite pendant by GUBI

Sleek and timeless – this pendant brings understated sophistication to interiors.

POA | cremadesign.co.za

Statement pendant lights – Lampara mesh pendants in Black, Gold and Sand

Lampara mesh pendants in Black, Gold and Sand

The Lampara mesh pendants in Black, Gold, and Sand add texture and depth.

from R2 000 each | hertexhaus.co.za

Statement pendant lights – Skoura pendant

Skoura pendant

With it’s bold simplicity, the Skoura pendant is a striking addition to any room.

R4 250 | eurolux.co.za

Statement pendant lights – Nest shade in Natural, Teepee shade, and Trumpet shade in Pink and Natural

Nest shade in Natural, Teepee shade, and Trumpet shade in Pink and Natural

The biomimicry-inspired Ilala Palm lighting collection from Mash T. Design Studio is inspired by the intricate structure of bird nests.

from R8 429 each | mashtdesignstudio.com


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Anatomy of a Chandelier https://visi.co.za/willowlamp-stalactite-chandelier-by-adam-hoets/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=639269 Adam Hoets, founder and creative director of bespoke lighting makers Willowlamp, talks us through the design process of his stalactite art piece chandelier.

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COMPILED BY Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Supplied


Adam Hoets, founder and creative director of bespoke lighting makers willowlamp, talks us through the design process of his Stalactite art piece chandelier.

THE IDEA

I’ve always been fascinated by stalactites – ancient, slow-growing formations that become complex, beautiful structures. It’s hard to believe that something so striking just spontaneously creates itself without a guiding hand. They are beguiling, magical and totally enchanting. But it wasn’t until I visited the Cango Caves that I felt the spark of creativity ignite – and an idea was born.

willowlamp Stalactite chandelier

“What is interesting to me about our interpretation of these natural wonders is not just their shape, or the form of the tapering and dripping inverted fairy castles.

I was captivated by their intricate convolutions, as well as the folded, pleated surfaces and textures they created. The rippling striations are formed by lime being deposited in water droplets under the pull of gravity. I set about finding a way to recreate this process – albeit in a much shorter time frame! – using our signature ball chain, which also relies on gravity to hang and to give it form. I feel that this art piece captures the essence of the natural structures that inspired it, abstractly yet perfectly.”

CREATIVE METHODOLOGY

“I don’t have a single creative methodology – rather, I design the process to fit the subject matter and what’s being created. But I do have several themes and tools that I have studied, refined and perfected. For one, I’m a trained architect, and my years of study and experience have taught me a lot about how
to think as a designer.

“One potent tool in my arsenal is an almost obsessive understanding of sacred geometry, which I discovered at a formative age – long before it became mainstream. This, to me, represents nature in its purest form; a kind of template upon which nature and reality are built. I distil natural forms to their perfect abstracted essence, through the expression of the underlying geometry. This is a powerful generator of form – but it is just one of my influences and processes. Sometimes my work can also be quite literal, or filled with humour. Life, art and design do not always need to take themselves so seriously.”

THE AESTHETIC

“The aesthetic of willowlamp can be slightly elusive and enigmatic. This is because you have these industrial materials and processes – like sheet metal and laser cutting – that you would usually associate with a machine-made aesthetic, yet the designs are hand- assembled, and therefore feel quite delicate. I think this contrast creates an interesting tension. Another quality, one that you can only really experience in the flesh, is ‘aliveness’. The hanging metal chain curtains respond subtly to currents of air within a space, so these lights are not hard, static objects but ones that ‘live’ in an endless dance of light, shadow and movement. This creates magic and drama in a space, bringing it to life.”

ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS

“What you see all too often with fledgling and aspiring lighting designers is that they have an idea for a funky or interesting-looking lampshade, but their solution to the lighting aspect is to put a bulb inside it and call it a day. It’s not enough just to have an idea; you must execute that idea perfectly in every way, and consider every detail and aspect of your design.

We spent many years searching for the best lighting components and systems around the world, before carefully considering how to integrate these into our designs in a harmonious and considered manner.

“To compete globally today, one thing above all must be sacred – and that is quality. That means using the very best materials in accordance with the highest standards of engineering and manufacturing. It also means that you must always consider the social and environmental impact of what you create. As designers, we have a responsibility to use nature’s resources in a sustainable way. To me, that means creating durable products that are timeless and made to last, and that will not be discarded because of changes in fashion.”

WHAT’S NEXT

“After nearly 20 years, we’ve built up a substantial permanent collection of designs, all of which come in various sizes and finishes and are endlessly customisable. But this collection is pretty much complete. The brand identity is pure, and built around the fact that everything is made from the same materials. It would be a mistake to suddenly add new designs made from other materials, such as wood, for example. It just doesn’t fit; it would be alien and weird. What’s so beautiful about willowlamp is that such a simple idea can lead to such a variety of shapes and forms – that is enough on its own.

“For me as a creative individual and a designer, this presents a challenge. How do I satisfy my creative itch and curiosity? How do I remain inspired?

“Luckily, in recent years, we have been approached by some prestigious design companies, mostly from abroad, to create custom, one-off, monumental-scale installations. This offers a whole new direction for the willowlamp brand – a new journey, and an area in which we can grow.

“But I do occasionally design a new piece to add to our permanent collection. It just has to be a damn good idea in order for me to be convinced that we have to do it despite having too many designs already. The Stalactite chandelier is one such piece – I simply couldn’t help myself!

“Also in the pipeline, but not officially launched yet, is an idea we have for artworks, Line Art & Word Art. More graphic and bold in nature, these works are a slight departure from the willowlamp aesthetic seen in our lighting collection – but they remain true to our materials and methodology. Watch this space for more on this exciting evolution!” | willowlamp.com


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LUCIENT by Leila Atelier and Stock Woodworks https://visi.co.za/lucient-by-leila-atelier-and-stock-woodworks/ Fri, 12 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=635731 Leila Atelier and Stock Woodworks' new collaborative lighting collection LUCIENT was born from the designers' mutual love for natural materials, warm ambient lighting and the timeless elegance of Japanese forms.

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied


Leila Atelier and Stock Woodworks’ new collaborative lighting collection LUCIENT was born from the designers’ mutual love for natural materials, warm ambient lighting and the timeless elegance of Japanese forms.

Leila Atelier and Stock Woodworks’ passions for weaving and carpentry combine to create LUCIENT – a unique, handcrafted lighting collection imbued with the embodied energy of hand-worked materials.

“The initial spark for the collection began during a trip to Europe in late 2021 when the trend of lobster cage-style pendants with the fabric wrapped around it was really at its peak,” says Leila, founder of the hand crafted textile studio Leila Atelier. “I was drawn to the softness of the cloth, supported by a wooden frame and the light that they gave off if looking at them side on from a distance, but after lying under one at an Airbnb for several nights, disturbed by the exposed bulb, the desire to create a pendant using cloth with a curved bottom so that you’d never have that exposed catching your eye began.”

LUCIENT by Leila Atelier and Stock Woodworks

As a textile designer, Leila is interested in the properties of cloth and developing products which play to their strengths and as a weaver, she has the added joy of being able to develop new material possibilities. “The cloth used in the LUCIENT collection is an interplay between dense and looser areas, defined by the variation in pressure applied while weaving, a truly inimitable feature of hand-woven cloth. This creates a variegated transparency which plays beautifully with light,” she explains.

The use of natural materials is a non-negotiable in both Leila and Greg Stock’s practices. “I chose to use cotton for the cloth as it is a locally produced yarn, which is simultaneously light, sturdy and serviceable. Greg chose to use white oak due to its local availability, characteristic strength and durability and we felt that the lightness complimented the cloth quite beautifully,” says Leila. “Brass has always been a signature detail for my studio. It felt fortuitous when Greg presented an elegant brass hardware solution to our primary technical challenge of how to make the cloth removable for washing.”

For inspiration Leila often looks at architecture and interiors, marinating in the kinds of spaces she would like her work to live in, and the kind of feeling she would like it to evoke. “On these inspirational adventures, I often find myself in worlds surrounded by shoji screens, which create such a light, simple yet rich, timelessly elegant sense of harmony,” she explains.  Between these spaces and Noguchi’s legendary archive of lighting, the Japanese aesthetic has been deeply embedded in LUCIENT from early on, says Leila: “When Greg, another huge warm light fan, came on board we started exploring how wood could create structural support in the most simple yet effective way to the partially translucent, soft cloth, the Japanese influence became undeniably apparent. I think the true Japanese influence comes more from our mutual philosophy and approach to our crafts, founded on principles of simplicity, honouring of natural material, time-honoured craft practices and attention to detail.”

LUCIENT features a floor-standing Pillar, two Pendants and a table lamp. Each form is fitted with high-quality electrical components, brass hardware and a specially refined removable cloth system for ease of living and longevity.

“I feel that these lights are like the material expression of a gentle sigh. In their simplicity, along with the diffused, gentle light that emanates from them, they both create a warmness and very calming effect to the nervous system, something I think we can all do with more of these days,” says Leila.


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