LIGHTING DESIGN
Fixtures that illuminate the décor
Extravagant lighting has always played a starring role in luxurious spaces. Think about the attention- grabbing chandelier. The centrepiece of many a grand room, its sparkling appeal endures, reflected in the longevity of storied brands like Schonbek, the American lighting- maker now celebrating its 150th birthday.
The anniversary is being marked with a collection curated from the company’s historical library, including a series called “Century” that features cascading chandeliers with gleaming columns as well as intricate drops and decoration crafted in crystal.
Contemporary interpretations of the chandelier tend to be less formal and more angular, but equally beautiful. Marcel Wander’s Amsterdam-based studio Moooi recently released a shining example. Called “Flock of Light” and designed by Studio Toer, its pared- down, scaled-back shape brings to mind a swooping band of birds, or a drift of fireflies.
Re- issues of exceptional lighting from high-end heritage brands offer some of the best table and floor design from any period. Louis Poulsen has, for example, brought back the Septima lamp, designed by Poul Henningsen between 1927 and 1931. Wonderfully sculptural, it has seven shades in alternating clear and frosted glass. Its appeal is also functional; the design is known for how gently and softly it diffuses light.
In the two decades since Regina Sturrock founded an interior design firm to specialize in bespoke spaces, she says the notion of what constitutes luxury lighting has changed — as it has with just about every element of high-end design.
“Ten years ago, our scale typically ranged between 10- to 15,000- square feet. Our latest projects are from 4,500 to 8,000 max,” says Sturrock. The Burlingtonbased designer is pleased by the shift. “I think people are looking at homes that are more useful, more meaningful, and want them to reflect what’s important to them,” she adds.
William Macdonald, who designs spaces in toney neighbourhoods across Canada and the U. S., agrees that the idea of luxury has changed, and says his lighting choices for big- budget projects reflect that.
“I’m still looking for statement pieces, but I am looking at things that are more Bohemian — natural material such as straw or anything woven, where that handmade quality and feel comes in,” says Macdonald, pointing to pieces from Serena & Lily as examples.
The smaller scale comes with less emphasis on price tags and prestige brands, says Sturrock, and more on customization, longevity of product, and sustainability of production. That’s a welcome trend for small-batch makers like Christopher Solar, who sells handmade, limited- production designs from his Ottawa studio.
Solar insists materials must be both durable and have enduring appeal. He pairs domestic hardwoods like white oak and walnut with sustainable fabrics and vegetable- tanned leathers. Wood is finished with a lowsheen, hand-applied oil/wax finish that’s non- toxic and repairable. His lighting line includes a handsome table lamp with a tall conical base of solid ash that’s paired with shades made from artist Lorraine Tuson’s strongly graphic felt fabric.
Like an experienced film director, Sturrock knows the way light falls, and the shadows and patterns it creates, can establish mood. “Lighting is such a fine mixture of technology and art,” she says. “And a fantastically dimensional fixture will guide the viewer and allow them to linger and absorb a space.”
For fixtures that add atmosphere, look to Snob, which distributes Zenza Lighting’s Egyptian-made, hand-punctured (without stencils) pendants and table lamps. In solid brass and plated with nickel or silver oxide finishes, or left in the natural gold tone of the brass, they shower spaces with shimmery, dappled light.
Sturrock finds visual interest in pieces like those of Mathew Mccormack, the Vancouver- based designer who combined experience as an art director and handson electrical work to create lighting that gets noticed around the globe.
Quebec is home to a cluster of highly successful premium- lighting designers. Larose Guyon is a favourite of Sturrock. With dealers in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Greenwich, CT., and Chicago, their home base in Verchères is where they combine an atelier with a by- appointment gallery. From here, visitors can explore materials and finishes, and watch fabricators work.
Founded in 2010, Montreal’s Lambert et fils makes beautiful contemporary lighting, both in its original collections and collaborations with emerging designers, in their Montreal workshop.
While pieces that “show the hand” are chic right now, Macdonald says technology is increasingly a factor in higher-end lighting design.
“Now it’s not just the piece, but the electronics behind it,” he says. “It’s being able to turn on the lighting around your art from your phone while you are walking home, and coming in and having it all lit. That’s not about bling, it’s about beauty — and that’s the best kind of luxury.”