7 lights Inspired by the Natural and Built World
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Discover lighting inspired by people, architecture, and the natural environment. "Nature is the pinnacle of design," a mantra echoed through centuries as designers lift inspiration from the landscapes, the people, the buildings, and all the sensory experiences they entail.
Here, we spotlight five lighting marvels, each a homage to the beauty and inspo surrounding us. From nature's playbook to architectural feats to the rich hues of human culture, these pieces are lit (literally).
Light up your world with pieces that tell a story. Heritage, nature, and design converge.
01. The Capa Pendant Light by L’aviva Home
From equestrian elegance to frozen beauty, witness the fusion of art and illumination. A standout piece in the Talabartero Saddle Lamps collection, encapsulates the essence of Colombia's rich equestrian legacy, infused with a vibrant jewel-toned palette inspired by the iconic works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. "Talabartero," meaning 'master saddler,' echoes the unparalleled craftsmanship, intricate stitching, and meticulous hand tooling found in vintage Colombian saddles. Crafted from supple, natural grain leather using traditional saddle-making techniques, each lamp boasts curves that nod to the voluptuous figures characteristic of Botero’s art. This collaboration with master craftsman Edgar Beltrán Jaramillo and his adept team in Bogotá has resulted in a lighting collection that is not only a tribute to Colombian heritage but also a fusion of art, tradition, and contemporary design, illuminating spaces with its unique story and exquisite craftsmanship.
02. Frozen Large Pendant by Lavitz
The Frozen Large Pendant by Lavitz plays with the elemental dance between water and ice, capturing the mesmerizing process of transformation in glass. Inspired by the randomness and beauty of nature’s ice formations, the molten glass to cascade over a metal form, embracing its fluidity and the unique, unpredictable patterns it forms. This collection stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of glassmaking, where each pendant carries the mark of an original, a frozen moment in time brought to life through the alchemy of design and nature’s whims.
03. PHASMIDA by Christopher Boots
A lighting piece where the ethereal meets the organic, drawing its essence from the Greek φάσμα “phasma,” symbolizing phantoms or apparitions, and the fascinating world of Phasmatodea, commonly known as stick insects.
PHASMIDA is more than a light; it's a versatile branching pendant that embodies the momentary visibility of the unseen, inviting a sense of wonder and mystery into any space. Inspired by both the spectral visions and the natural mimicry of stick insects, this piece is a celebration of the invisible forces and the visible beauty of the natural world, making it a captivating addition to any collection of evocative lighting.
04. Neverending Glory Pendant, Palais Garnier
The Never ending Glory Collection by Jan Plechac and Henry Wielgus pays homage to the majestic chandeliers of the world's renowned opera houses, including Paris's Palais Garnier. This collection captures the essence of timeless elegance through modern design, embodying the concept of "neverending glory" with silhouettes that suggest endless beauty and grandeur. A tribute to architectural splendor, each pendant brings a piece of opulent history into the contemporary home.
05. Spacey Eclipse Pendant
The Spacey Eclipse Pendant by Lasvit draws its inspiration from the universe's most perfect shape: the sphere. This lighting piece encapsulates the universe's vast beauty and variability through the ancient technique of lithyalin, which mimics the appearance of gemstones with glass. Revived by a Czech designer in Northern Bohemia, where it originated over two centuries ago, the Spacey Eclipse Pendant is a modern tribute to cosmic wonder. Ideal for making a statement above a dining table, this UL-listed marvel is crafted in the Czech Republic, blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary design to illuminate spaces with celestial grace.
06. Dancing Pendant by audo copenhagen
The Dancing Pendant, crafted by designers Boris Berlin and Aleksej Iskos for Audo Copenhagen in 2014, embodies the notion that design narrates tales. Inspired by the dynamic flow and elegance of a dancer's pleated skirt in mid-twirl, this lighting piece brings a sense of motion and softness to dining, living, or entry areas. Constructed from PET felt, a sustainable material made predominantly from recycled water bottles, the Dancing Pendant is not just a testament to innovative design but also to environmental consciousness. Its pleated shade captures and diffuses light in a way that animates any space it inhabits, offering a blend of aesthetics and sustainability.
07. Formakami JH4 BY Jaime Hayon
Jaime Hayon's Formakami JH4 redefines the traditional Asian paper lantern, blending Eastern heritage with Western modernity. These lanterns, rooted in centuries of tradition across varying social strata, are reborn in Hayon's vision—all in white. Handcrafted from rice paper and adorned with black stained oak accents, the series includes three lantern types and a table lamp, all embodying simplicity, elegance, and a playful approach to contemporary design. The Formakami JH4 is more than just lighting; it's a statement piece that bridges cultures and eras, inviting a fresh perspective on iconic design.