_900.jpeg "Heart racing in the land of the Wizard of Lights")
“Kelly and I are really excited about that range”, confessed Seth, Head of Lighting Design for Kelly Wearstler.
During my visit to High Point Interior Design show in the USA, I was privileged to speak to some of the leaders in the world of lighting, namely Seth Troy, head of lighting design for design icon Kelly Wearstler, Sean Lavin, Kyle Myers, and Suzanne Kasler.
Here are the main trends and themes I concluded from my trip:
NATURE AS A MUSE
One of our favourite trends continues - click here to see our previous Nature as a muse blog post.
- At the end of 2023 we contributed to a Woman and Home magazine article about upcoming trends. We emphasized the importance of the role natural stones such as alabaster and marble had played in interior schemes over the last few years and we predicted that this trend would continue to grow over the year ahead. In light of this prediction, it was wonderful to step into one of the largest lighting showrooms in the world and see so much alabaster in new lighting collections. In fact, many design for brands such as Kelly Wearstler and Sean Lavin will now be offered in an alabaster finish as standard.
- In addition to natural stones, other nature-inspired elements were also featured heavily in the new lighting collections I viewed. These included rattan, leaf patterns and woven grass.
CORDLESS PORTABLE LAMPS - with rechargeable lightbulbs
Mini cordless versions of some of the most iconic lamps have arrived. We have seen portable lamps across the lower end of the interiors market over the last few years, but we had yet to see designs at the luxury end of the market.
Cordless Olsen, Cordless Alberto, Cordless Avedon, Cordless Elsie
One of the best bits about this new collection is the fact that no conversion from US wiring is needed. These pieces have rechargeable lightbulbs which slot into a charging station. Outdoor IP65 options will also be landing in the UK soon too.
INNOVATIVE LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
I spotted some very innovative systems within some of the new designs
- “Click in click out” wall lights
It was exciting to see a new wall light system with an integrated LED light bulb which clicks into the wall bracket. This means much easier installations since electricians will only need to install the small wall bracket for these pieces.
- Multi- pendant ceiling roses with integrated technology
How wonderful to see a multi-pendant ceiling rose system which permits multiple pendants to be clipped in after the ceiling rose has been installed. This means an easier installation for electricians as well as less risk of damage being caused to the multiple pendants which usually risk swinging into each other during the installation process unless many people were involved in steadying each individual hanging pendant.
MY TOP PICKS
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- The alabaster Collier by Sean Lavin (Coming Soon)
I had heard rumours and stirrings about an Alabaster version of my much-coveted Collier light by Sean Lavin. I fell in love with the cut crystal version the last time I visited High Point a couple of years ago and as soon as the doors opened, I made a bee line for it. Sean Lavin spent a lot of time telling me about the inspiration behind the crystaI Collier and his two year long journey creating it. I could not imagine loving this new version more. I was not disappointed, and this alabaster version was even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. The alabaster version is even more unique since the veining on each “bead” is different from the next. The alabaster is also lighter than the cut glass making it easier to install without the need for ceiling reinforcements.
- Linear spotlight chandelier by Sean Lavin (coming soon)
Perhaps not the most standout piece ever seen however, I love its versatility. We have worked on many kitchen projects where either spotlights are not an option or where the lighting scheme was an afterthought and some quick and easy fixes are needed. This piece will offer discreet directional lighting and its fine profile means it can be used in multiples without causing a crowd. I love it!
Usually preconceived as something for the retirement property market, with summers in the UK becoming hotter, ceiling fans are growing in popularity. I was thrilled to see so many beautiful sculptural pieces incorporating a lighting element too. I envisage these being popular for orangeries, health clubs and holiday homes.
If you would like to book an appointment to discuss these trends in more detail or to discuss how to incorporate them into an existing scheme, please get in touch.
I had such an amazing time at Highpoint 2024 and I am already looking forward to my next trip. Thank you to everyone involved in making me feel so welcome.
Love and light
Melissa x
