Decorative lighting may be one of the last elements chosen for a project, but at Lightmaster, we start thinking about it from the very first meeting.
Understanding a client’s personal style early in the design process is incredibly important. Are you drawn to classic, traditional interiors? Do you prefer something clean and contemporary? Or are you looking for an architectural statement that almost becomes part of the building itself?
These conversations don’t just influence the decorative fittings we might eventually specify. They help shape the entire lighting scheme, including the lighting tools we use, the effects we create and the way the lighting works alongside the interior design.
Traditional, Contemporary or Architectural?
Broadly speaking, we divide the decorative lighting we work with into three styles: traditional, contemporary and architectural. Of course, there is plenty of crossover!
The important thing is that every fitting earns its place. Decorative lighting should complement the architecture and interior rather than feeling like an afterthought.
And, whilst the technical elements of the decorative lighting are key, such as ensuring compatibility with the control / dimming, this is also the stage of a project where you can have a little more fun.
Keeping Ahead of Lighting Trends
There are thousands of decorative lighting manufacturers around the world, with new products, designers and technologies emerging constantly. Keeping up with what is happening in the industry is therefore an important part of what we do.
Our designers regularly visit international and UK design shows, including Euroluce in Milan, Light + Building in Frankfurt, Clerkenwell Design Week and Decorex in London, as well as lighting exhibitions and discussions at London’s Business Design Centre.We also regularly visit the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour – which, as research trips go, makes for a particularly lovely day out full of inspiration.
These visits give us an opportunity to see fittings in person, meet manufacturers and designers, understand new technologies and, importantly, distinguish between products that are simply following a trend and those demonstrating genuinely great design.
With so many manufacturers to choose from, we thought we would highlight three examples representing different levels of decorative lighting: standard, designer and statement.
Standard
Not every room needs an expensive designer fitting. For spaces that are used less frequently, or where the decorative light isn’t intended to be the main feature, we often look for reliable, well-designed products at a more accessible price point, without compromising on quality.
Nordlux is a great example. Rooted in Danish lighting design, the company combines simple aesthetics, functionality and technology across a huge range of products, while keeping its fittings competitively priced.
It can be an excellent option when we want something attractive, dependable and functional without using a significant proportion of the decorative lighting budget.
Designer
Moving into our designer category, these are the manufacturers we regularly spot at the luxury end of international design shows. Often, they are the brands leading design rather than simply following existing trends.
There are many we could choose, but one we return to time and again is Vibia.
We have had the opportunity to visit the Vibia factory in Barcelona, so we can vouch not only for the quality of the products and the talent behind their designs, but also for the passion that runs through the company.
Vibia’s philosophy centres around creating beautiful atmospheres through light, placing people’s emotions, experiences and wellbeing at the heart of the design process. It’s an approach that resonates strongly with us because great lighting isn’t simply about illuminating a room, it’s about how that room makes you feel.
Statement
And then comes the real fun: statement lighting.
This is where decorative lighting can move into another realm entirely. One of our favourite examples is Davide Groppi, partly because the philosophy behind the products reflects something we also strive for at Lightmaster: creating lighting effects that are discreet yet incredibly impressive.
In fact, some Davide Groppi fittings are so clever that they have sparked discussions amongst our designers about whether they should even be described as decorative lighting. Are they decorative fittings – or are they actually discreet lighting tools?
That question demonstrates just how blurred the boundaries can become at this level of design.
Our statement category can also include completely bespoke pieces, designed and manufactured by Lightmaster.
One example was a pendant cluster created specifically for the entrance void of a contemporary residential project. We wanted the pendants to relate directly to the horizontal cladding of the architecture, so we designed slim steel pendants incorporating discreetly routed LED tape. The result was a unique installation that complemented the architecture while casting a subtle light throughout the void.
Bespoke decorative lighting forms an important part of creating unique spaces, and we are excited to be involved in more bespoke decorative lighting projects in the future.
The Finishing Touch
Decorative lighting might arrive towards the end of the specification process, but its influence begins much earlier.
By continually exploring new manufacturers, attending international design shows and keeping an eye on emerging ideas, we can introduce you to fittings that suit both projects and personalities… whether that means something understated and affordable, an exceptional designer piece or a completely bespoke statement.
Ultimately, decorative lighting is where technical lighting design meets personality. And after carefully considering beam angles, colour temperatures, controls, lighting levels, and much more, it’s important to remember one other thing:
lighting design should be fun too.
