Lighting in Design February-March 2018

Illuminating for optimal effect In order to illuminate for optimal effect, it is essen- tial to rethink the lighting in your space. Much like clothing and interiors, one does not notice lighting when it is done right. But, when it is wrong, it stands out like a glaring headlight. There are a number of boxes to be ticked, or factors to be considered, when selecting the right lighting for a space. A chandelier can work in a bathroom and oversized pendants can be stun- ning in a kitchen nook, provided they form part of a considered approach to the overall lighting in the room. In-house lighting experts at Euro Nouveau have identified key points that need to be taken into account when selecting the right lighting for a space. Practicality Who wants practical when you can have elegant or luxurious?The fact is, the right kind of elegance is ultimately practical. First and foremost, the func- tion of lighting is to illuminate. Versatility can be as important as practicality, and both are found in the form of the Curling LED suspension lamp by Ger- man brand, Serien, which is available in a variety of sizes and finishes, and can be customised to complement the existing look and feel of a space. Practical meets playful in the Margaret table lamp by Fontana Arte.The lamp has a support bag, which holds it steady and can be placed on the back of a sofa, or anywhere that is comfortable. The Margaret is available in a variety of colours from an elegant black or brown to more playful and relaxed yellows, reds and blues. Use of space Space optimisation is one of the cornerstones of considered design. Start by asking what the space is used for: if the spare room doubles up as a home office then the lighting needs to follow

suit. Similarly, if the kitchen is the preferred spot for socialising then a layer of ambient lighting is essential to facilitate this. The Viisi by Panzeri is an excellent example of a lamp that makes efficient use of space. Available as a suspension or a floor lamp, the Viisi has a pentagonal section in folded and carved aluminium. The suspended version is ideal as part of a layered approach to lighting in a space, while the floor lamp can be used as a task lamp or for accent lighting. Its unusual form makes it a statement piece too. Timelessness Style never goes out of fashion and when it comes to lighting, opt for timeless over trendy. Timeless design has an aesthetic quality that makes it rel- evant for decades. It can be difficult to predict what designs will stand the test of time, which is why it is useful to consult an expert or opt for an item that already holds timeless status. Italian lighting stalwart Fontana Arte is known for designs that have stood the test of time. Per- haps not yet classic, but certainly embodying the features of a classic design, is the Pinecone sus- pension lamp by Paola Novane. The blown glass diffuser is made using the ancient technique of caged blown glass, and the end result is a classic aesthetic with an element of surprise. Artistry and opulence That lighting has a job to do does not mean it shouldn’t look good doing so. Almost all the pieces in the Euro Nouveau collection demonstrate some form of artistry, often with more than a touch of opulence. Importantly, functionality and practicality are never sacrificed to achieve this, which ensures the collection is in a league of its own.

Viisi floor lamp by Panzeri.

Euro Nouveau: www.euronouveau.co.za

Curling LED suspension lamp by Serien.

Pinecone suspension lamp by Paola Novane.

Margaret table lamp by Fontana Arte.

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LiD FEB/MAR 2018