Designer Ferruccio Laviani describes his Taj LED Table Lamp as both essential and bold, “like a comma.” (Grammartarians, rejoice!) The lamp was inspired by the graceful curve of an elephant’s tusk, built to be minimal and sculptural, with a touch sensor/dimmer and an LED lifespan of 50,000 hours.
It’s no surprise that the latest installment of Bond movies features only the finest in European tastes—all the way down to the lighting. We spotted a few of our favorites in Skyfall, starting with Tolomeo desk lamps by Artemide on each and every desk in the MI6 office. M got to sport her own version with the Tolomeo with Shade Table Lamp with a Parchment shade:
But then, MI6 gets blown up (Nooooo!), presumably taking all those beautiful Tolomeos with it. Don’t worry, that happens early in the flick, so isn’t really a spoiler alert. Here’s a low-quality visual:
Anyway, the agency has to relocate to more uh, rustic, digs, but that didn’t mean a downgrade in desk lighting—after that, all desktops were furnished with shiny Type 75 Task Lamps by Anglepoise:
Have you ever spotted one of your favorite lights in a film? Don’t let it just be us!
The other night I was drifting off to sleep, the latest episode of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators still on the TV. I didn’t think I was paying conscious attention, but I manage to hear someone say, “I love that lighting. The red cords are great!”
Or something like that—point is, the word lighting alone often snaps me to attention (sad, eh?), but the mention of red cords was right in line with our latest “Looks we Love” series. A light’s cord has never been the sexiest part of a fixture—more often than that, it’s made to be disguised or as out of the way as possible.
But there are quite a few designs that actually celebrate the all-too-functional cord, bringing it into the design of the fixture. Lights with colored cords have a certain playfulness, thanks to a pop of color where you might not expect it. Check out a few of our favorites below:
Above: 1. Julep Pendant by LBL Lighting 2. Pull Wall Sconce by Tech Lighting 3. SoCo Pendants by Tech Lighting 4. Studioilse w084 Table Lamp by Wastberg 5. Watt Table Lamp by Blu Dot 6. Clamp Task Lamp by Pablo 7. NUD Classic Pendant by NUD Collection 8. Block Lamp by Design House Stockholm 9. Rio Desk Lamp by Arteriors
Back in November, we featured a profile on lighting designer, Alecia Wesner. In that post, we teased at the arrival of one of her newest collections for George Kovacs, the Bling Bang collection.
It is now here at Lumens, in all its shiny, sparkling glory. The Bling Bang collection is an extension of the Bling Bling collection (both inspired by Wesner’s background as a jewelry designer). The primary difference is the shape of the crystals. Whereas the Bling Bling has octagonal crystals, Bling Bang has rectangular and square cuts. This latest collection also ups the ante with unusual mini pendants with clear glass spheres and finish options.
In our opinion, there’s no better way to ring in the New Year than with some Bling.
From l. to r., Bling Bang Pendant, Bling Bang Suspension, Bling Bang P941 Pendant, Bling Bang Table Lamp.
Foosology is the work of Amye Charfoos, a Chicago-based designer focused mostly on residential design with a commercial project or two woven in to give her a great variety of work. Priding herself on making a connection with clients and designing each project for their specific needs, Amye builds each space with a mix of form, function and working with the nuances that come with big-city living. Visit her website at www.foosology.com.
Sources for inspiration:
I love scouring the web and magazines for inspiration and seeing what else is out there. Images and installations is where I find my greatest source of inspiration. I’m forever saving articles and photos to file away for future inspiration Remodelista.com is my daily fix. It’s the only daily email I look forward to reading. Houzz is a great resource too. Google images never fails me in my random searches.
Most memorable project:
My most memorable project was one of my first jobs I landed after opening my own firm. My clients knew I was young and starting out but they believed in me and my design process. They purchased a 2nd home here in Chicago, a fantastic condo in the Trump Tower, just after the building officially opened. Working in a high rise poses very different challenges than a stand alone home. Dealing with both the vertical life and architectural limitations of high rises definitely impacted and directed much of the design. Concrete ceilings limit lighting options and locations. Floor to ceiling windows require hefty window treatments for both privacy and to protect from sun damage. Elevators sizes, building requirements….it all just adds to the process!
Rewards of the job:
I pride myself on truly listening to my clients and their own specific needs. I believe my role as a designer is to help guide my clients to make the best design decisions that fit their home or project. The most rewarding part of my job is creating a final product that my client enjoy for years. When my clients are happy, I am happy and that means repeat clients and referrals, the ultimate compliment.
Current trends:
My clients are focused on equal parts design and function. There is a definite sense of practicality that influences the design, more so today than in the past. People want to enjoy and actually use the spaces I design. So, that direction certainly affects the types of fabrics I use, comfort level of furniture, flow of space, etc. In the city there are inherent space limitations. So, function is very important. I think manufacturers are relaying these needs into their products. It seems they are listening to designers and clients and coming up with better products to fill the needs of today.
A Foosology-designed space in Chicago, featuring the Model 2097 Chandelier by Flos.
What is your style and how does that play into your work?
My style really depends on my client and their direction. However, at the root of it all is a focus on classic looks, layered with art and accessories to personalize a space. I usually focus on neutrals for the larger pieces and elements in a room, like sofas and even wall color. It’s important to have longevity in those grounding design elements. I take greater risks in accent pieces like chairs, art, pillows, rugs, etc. Working this way allows my clients and me to add and swap in new pieces of art or accessories over time for something fresh and new.
What type of space do you most like to design?
Good question. I love construction. So, any project that requires renovating and building always peaks my interest. I have the utmost respect for all the trades I work with. I am amazed how they turn my design visions into a reality.
Do you have any role models in design?
My mom. She is also an interior designer and has been in the business for a very long time. Although our styles are different, I learned my best principles from her. She has an impecable eye. We always have fun discussing our projects and sharing ideas. It’s great to bounce ideas off one another. She is also very organized and has great business practices. So, she taught me key business principals early on. Having both a great design aesthetic and an organized business are equally important to for success as an interior designer.
A Foosology space for kids, with DwellStudio bedding, the 171 Pendant by Le Klint and two
Tolomeo Clip Spots for reading.
You have a completely blank slate (i.e. a room). Where do you start?
Either a rug or piece of art. I always need an object for inspiration as my starting point.
What design “mistakes” make you cringe?
I cringe when people use bold paint colors as a way to infuse color into a project. Often the paint selections have too much color. For me the paint should blend and not be the statement or focal point of a room.
What does your own home look like?
Mostly contemporary, clean and organized. In every room I have a few vintage pieces and hand-me-downs that I have picked up over time. I really love these “one-of-a-kind” pieces the most. They have a story and history that makes them stand out from the crowd.
If you could give one piece of advice in design, it would be _________?
Have an overall game-plan in mind before starting a room. You always need direction. There are so many wonderful options out there. Design can be tempting and overwhelming, but if you commit to a theme it will help guide your decisions.
Thanks, Amye!
Pull Wall Sconce by Tech Lighting
Tech Lighting is a household name when it comes to lighting, so we’re more than excited to introduce our latest exclusive: The Pull Wall Sconce. This simple and streamlined nod to mid-century modern design features a fabric-covered cord that provides a unique contrast of color under a metal shade. The cord provides a pop of contrast to the fixture, but also acts as the main functional element of the sconce—a simple tug switches the LED light on or off.
My favorite part? A black, gray or orange cord provides an awesome contrast or pop of color to the shade itself, making it ever-so-playful in a space of any style. What color combination is your favorite?
So this is it. The 12th and final day of the 3rd annual Lumens 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas. It’s been fun (and very tempting) highlighting our most giftable modern lamps. If you want to re-live all the fun we’ve been having, start here.
While I love all the lamps in the list, I have to admit that I do have a favorite. And, while I do the list in no particular order, tradition dictates that my absolute favorite lamp is featured on the last day. This year is no exception.
So, without further ado, the 12th (and my most favorite) modern lamp is…
#12- UFO Portable Table Lamp by Alessi
When I first saw this guy in person, I actually squeaked. Photos do not do this this little alien justice. He is wonderfully cute and comes outfitted in a variety of colorful spacesuits. A clear antenna makes sure he can stay in constant communication with the home planet, while his clear domed spaceship lets him look around easily while also protecting him from the harsh atmosphere on Earth.
Technical stuff:
The UFO Table Lamp is part of the AlessiLux collection of portable LED lighting, which was conceived and made in partnership with Foreverlamp, a maker of LED light bulbs. This specific lamp was designed by Frederic Gooris, a frequent contributor to the Alessi line of products.
It is completely portable, able to last up to 4 hours on battery power with full light output and up to 100 hours when dimmed. The continuous touch dimmer on the base controls this dimming easily and precisely from 100% all the way down to 0%.
Because it uses LEDs, UFO is expected to last 25,000 hours (or up to 25 years when used 2-3 hours a day). And because he’s so cute and user-friendly, there’s no doubt that you will use this luminescent alien every day.
So, in other words, this is one lamp that is destined to live long and prosper. (C’mon, you knew I had to do it.)
And that’s a wrap. Happy Holidays!
We’ve long loved the modern-meets-British-industrial appeal of Tom Dixon lighting and furniture designs, inspired by everything from Indian cooking pots to space helmets. The brand’s signature style can now be found in scaled-down form with Eclectic by Tom Dixon, a collection of everyday home accessories and design objects in Dixon’s favored hardy materials like copper, marble, cast iron and wood. The line is inspired by British heritage, from the Eclectic Candles that capture the essence of London life to the quirky Cast Mini Jack that takes after one of Tom Dixon’s most famed lights.
Check out the video below:
Shown above: 1. Bash Vessel 2. Hex Bowl 3. Scented Candles 4. Stone Candle Holder 5. Cast Mini Jack
Welcome, all you modern design lovers and last minute shoppers. Whichever you may be, you’ve come to the right place. Our 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas is the ideal compilation of gorgeous, giftable lamps. If you haven’t had a chance to see all the lamps featured in this year’s list so far, I recommend you start from the beginning.
From there, take your time to browse and work your way back to today and the 11th Modern Lamp of Christmas:
#11- Urbanjet Fan by Fanimation
That’s right. Our 11th modern lamp is not a lamp. But when this guy zoomed onto my radar, I simply couldn’t resist including it. This makes the Urbanjet Fan quite literally the coolest gift on this year’s list.
Its retro design was inspired by vintage cars, specifically a ’57 Chevy. This you can see in the rounded “chassis” of the base and glossy paint job. And then there’s all of those fun chromed details: the fin-like handle, the accents on the fan’s cage/grill and the hood ornament detail around the rotary switch.
Urbanjet is also just about as maneuverable as a car. It tilts up and down, can oscillate from side to side and is adjustable between 3 speeds (all of which move a pretty significant amount of air).
At just over a foot tall, this pretty, speedy fan is the epitome of giftable. For the lover of cars or all things retro, you’ll want to hurry and grab one soon, ’cause these things are going fast. Vroom vroom!
Happy Monday! Today is Day 10 of our 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas, which means we’re coming into the home stretch of giftable lamp options. For that special someone on your list who loves lighting and modern design, be sure to browse over what we’ve listed so far, starting with Day 1.
After you’ve looked over lamps 1-9, come on back to check out modern lamp #10:
#10- Luau Portable Lamp by OXO
There’s no better way to say Mele Kalikimaka than with the Luau Portable Lamp by OXO.
This large rechargeable lamp is a cool, ultra-modern take on the traditional lantern. And it brings the party pretty much wherever it goes. It glows from top to bottom for up to 10 hours on one charge, depending on how bright it’s kept.
(The brightness is controlled by twisting the base.) And the best part is that, due to its long-lasting LED light source, it will keep bringing the party and glowing warmly for many, many years.
On or off, Luau makes a lovely conversation piece. It is more than a foot tall, with a soft, elongated form made out of white Cloud-colored polycarbonate. In addition to always looking good, this smooth material is durable and stays cool to the touch when illuminated.
Luau comes with its own recharging base, and automatically turns on when it’s lifted off (or when the power goes out). It is easily and safely transported and can be safely hung overhead with its convenient metal carrying handle. Whether in a gazebo or on a picnic table, for a big party or intimate dinner for two, the Luau is always on hand to set the mood.
The Best in Modern Lighting
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