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JANINE JORGENSEN
LOOKS AT THE TOP
LIGHTING TRENDS
Lighting is one of the most essential aspects
of any room, and it’s certainly not being
overlooked by the design world. The current
trends for lighting include well-crafted
statement pieces, and fixtures that make use of new
technology. We round up the top lighting trends this year.
PENDANTS
Not new to the design scene, the pendant light’s Not new to the design scene, the pendant light’s
enduring appeal is that it isn’t limited to any particular enduring appeal is that it isn’t limited to any particular style; it’s available in a range of sizes, shapes and style; it’s available in a range of sizes, shapes and materials, and it’s suited to both contemporary materials, and it’s suited to both contemporary
and classic schemes in almost every room. and classic schemes in almost every room.
“The clustering of different forms and shapes is a big hit at the moment, with shapes is a big hit at the moment, with colours ranging from neutral to metallic,” colours ranging from neutral to metallic,”
says Hestelle Wagener of Illumina. says Hestelle Wagener of Illumina.
Other fresh takes on this style are the woven pendant, those made of wood and woven pendant, those made of wood and brightly painted fixtures. brightly painted fixtures.
“For more light reflection, the inside of the “For more light reflection, the inside of the
pendant can be painted a lighter colour to that of the pendant can be painted a lighter colour to that of the outside,” says Isabella Horn-Botha of Ambiente Luce. outside,” says Isabella Horn-Botha of Ambiente Luce.
The pendant light’s enduring appeal is that it isn’t limited to any
particular style; it’s available in a range of sizes, shapes and materials
LED
There’s been much focus on using LED lighting
in the home, but what is it? Light emitting
diode (LED) bulbs produce light through the
use of a semi-conductor, rather than the
filament in traditional incandescent bulbs. LED
lighting uses very little energy and is instantly
bright when turned on, hence its popularity.
It’s been used in kitchens, particularly as
under-cabinet lighting, and bathrooms, such
as in the shower, but lately it’s also being
combined with other materials, such as fabric,
and in interesting designs, including as tape.
“As LED technology is improving, we
are seeing more and more applications that
incorporate LED lighting,” notes Eli Kalmi of
K Light Import.
in organic shapes and
textures in chandeliers”
CHANDELIERS
The chandelier is a classic statement piece
that’s lasted for centuries and continues to
feature in the home, but in new, dramatic
forms. “We are seeing a trend in organic
shapes and textures in chandeliers,” says
Loren Einstein of Streamlight. The
latest designs are evocative of art
installations, such as waterfalls of
glass and “sea creatures”
made of leather and wood.
“A definite new way of
doing chandeliers is with
the ‘un-chandelier’ look:
unconventional designs,
uncommon shapes
and unexpected
materials,” says Hestelle.
It’s also been moved out
of its traditional domain of
the dining room, and can
now be found throughout
the home, from the kitchen
to the bathroom. “You can install
a chandelier in any room that has the
ceiling height to accommodate it,” says Loren.
“A lot of the traditional crystal chandeliers are
now incorporating the decorative LED bulbs, which
maintains the beauty of the chandelier without
compromising on the design,” adds Eli.
Copper or rose gold
complement both traditional
and modern interiors
METALS
The decor trend of metallics is here to stay, and one of
the easiest ways to introduce it in the home is through
lighting. Metallic fixtures don’t have to be used only as
ceiling feature, but can be incorporated as floor lights,
sconces and table lamps.
Copper or rose gold complement both traditional
and modern interiors, and give an ambient, soft light.
“Update any room with a rose gold desk lamp or a white
metal pendant with a rose gold finish on the inside,
which will ensure a warm, subtle glow,” says Hestelle.
With thanks to A + I Unlimited Design, Ambiente Luce,
Davey Lighting (100% Design), Illumina, K Light Import,
Newport Lighting Concepts and Design, Pure Light SA,
Streamlight and Weylandts
