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Make Your Room Funky and Fanciful With Artistic Light Fixtures

By Vera Dordick
Vera Dordick on Homedit
Vera Dordick Home Decor News Editor
Vera Dordick has a passion for all things home decor and design. She loves bringing the latest in home lifestyle products and design trends to Homedit readers. Vera dove head-first into the design and decor field in 2015 after a lifetime of DIY-ing and creative pursuits. She scouts the major design fairs for fresh ideas to make your home stylish and comfortable.
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Without a doubt, good design is an art — a marriage of beautiful form with purposeful function.  And, in the hands of many lighting designers the artful side of lighting fixtures takes center stage.  What’s even better is when these lighting fixtures are a little bit funky and even fantastical.  Not only do the illuminate your space but they reflect your style as well as your whimsical side. Here are some of the artful lighting fixtures Homedit found at ICFF 2016.

Arturo Alvarez Emotional Lighting

Ethereal light from unexpected shapes — that’s what caught our eye at Arturo Alvarez Lighting.  Whether made from pleated mesh, coated wire, or his own innovative material, the Spanish designer’s fixtures are unusual but never brash. Handmade in Spain the lighting Alvarez creates are inspired by the natural surroundings of his studio in northwest Spain, as well as the region’s traditional arts and crafts.

The Ballet Chandelier by Alvarez was created during experimentation with SIMETECH®. Thanks to the nature of the material, the shapes are fluid and natural.
The Ballet Chandelier by Alvarez was created during experimentation with SIMETECH®. Thanks to the nature of the material, the shapes are fluid and natural.

According to the company, curiosity is their guiding principle, and that “Alvarez, creative director of the firm, who through exploration, taking quotidian materials out of their natural context, gets to new and surprising uses.” In fact, the designer developed a new, highly malleable material called SIMETECH®, which won the 2014 BEST OF YEAR award from Interior Design for as best lighting solution.

The close-up show SIMETECH, which is a handmade material, of stainless steel mesh with a silicone covering. Alvarez's studio says the material "creates zones of chiaroscuro providing a warm and hypnotic light."
The close-up show SIMETECH, which is a handmade material, of stainless steel mesh with a silicone covering. Alvarez’s studio says the material “creates zones of chiaroscuro providing a warm and hypnotic light.”
These pleated fixtures are from his Tempo Collection, which is made from painted stainless steel mesh. Folded into fine pleats, the designer uses two overlapped layers to create dynamic pendants.
These pleated fixtures are from his Tempo Collection, which is made from painted stainless steel mesh. Folded into fine pleats, the designer uses two overlapped layers to create dynamic pendants.
Here's a closer look at the longer style of the Tempo pendant.
Here’s a closer look at the longer style of the Tempo pendant.
This floor lamp is the Gea, named after the primitive godess, mother earth. The tall lamp has a rather feminine form that is fluted SIMETECH®. The lamp emits a soft and even light. This floor model received the Good Design Award in 2007.
This floor lamp is the Gea, named after the primitive godess, mother earth. The tall lamp has a rather feminine form that is fluted SIMETECH®. The lamp emits a soft and even light. This floor model received the Good Design Award in 2007.

Andrea Claire Studio

An accomplished architect by training, Andrea Claire has parlayed her design knowledge and sculpting skills into a woman-owned, sustainably minded design business, producing beautiful and artful light fixtures. All her pieces are hand crafted with social interaction in mind. The fixtures are more like hanging works of art, reminiscent of mobiles, featuring her distinctive tapered cube shape.

These multiple chandeliers are from the Ivy series, which works best in taller spaces. This fixture can be customized with anywhere from three to nine cubes. Each cube-like shape is made from a translucent bamboo veneer on a square brass tube frame and joints.
These multiple chandeliers are from the Ivy series, which works best in taller spaces. This fixture can be customized with anywhere from three to nine cubes. Each cube-like shape is made from a translucent bamboo veneer on a square brass tube frame and joints.
The colors and other aspects of the light fixtures can be customized, as in this green version.
The colors and other aspects of the light fixtures can be customized, as in this green version.
We were most taken by Claire's Diamond series. What looks like a plain, solid wooden box on the wall is literally transformed with the flick of a light switch. The solid pieces become these warmly glowing diamonds. They can be mounted in any direction, can stand alone on a wall, arranged in groups. There's also a frame-like version called Diamond Illuminate that can surround a mirror or hang independently.

We were most taken by Claire’s Diamond series. What looks like a plain, solid wooden box on the wall is literally transformed with the flick of a light switch. The solid pieces become these warmly glowing diamonds. They can be mounted in any direction, can stand alone on a wall, arranged in groups. There’s also a frame-like version called Diamond Illuminate that can surround a mirror or hang independently.

The Diamond Series is fashioned from a translucent wood envelope over a brass mounting box.
The Diamond Series is fashioned from a translucent wood envelope over a brass mounting box.

James Dieter

Brooklyn-Based James Dieter was creating lighting fixtures long before he launched the James Dieter lighting studio. Opening form in 2001, Dieter created lighting that through an exploration of flat sheet materials transformed into textural and sculptural forms. Now, with JamesDieter, he is developing more innovative, cool lighting fixtures.

Dieter's Kite has fabric faced units that are reconfigurable --without the use of a drill. Reminds us of an origami construction as well.
Dieter’s Kite has fabric faced units that are reconfigurable –without the use of a drill. Reminds us of an origami construction as well.
Dieter launched his "Meta" at ICFF 2016. The endlessly configurable wall fixture is made of short stick lights with black metal caps. The are attached to modular metal frames.
Dieter launched his “Meta” at ICFF 2016. The endlessly configurable wall fixture is made of short stick lights with black metal caps. The are attached to modular metal frames.
Dieter's "Ingo" is a wall sconce made from pieces of folded aluminum. The individual pieces connect using magnets, which allows you to configure them in any way you like, switching it up at will.
Dieter’s “Ingo” is a wall sconce made from pieces of folded aluminum. The individual pieces connect using magnets, which allows you to configure them in any way you like, switching it up at will.
Ingo is available in a number of color combinations. Whether used individually or paired up with others, it's a spare, but artful lighting piece.
Ingo is available in a number of color combinations. Whether used individually or paired up with others, it’s a spare, but artful lighting piece.
Disco was another ICFF debut lighting fixture for Dieter. The LED discs are great.
Disco was another ICFF debut lighting fixture for Dieter. The LED discs are great.

Junior Fritz Jacquet

French artist Junior Fritz Jacquet came to fame with his human-like faces made from toilet paper rolls, but he has taken his craft to still another level with his luminous paper lighting fixtures.  Manipulated, pulled, pointed and ruffled, paper takes on a new, spectacular forms in Jacquet’s hands.

Named for the symbol of love and fidelity, the Dianthus light sculpture casts a soft glow that only highlights the delicate pleats, folds and frills.
Named for the symbol of love and fidelity, the Dianthus light sculpture casts a soft glow that only highlights the delicate pleats, folds and frills.
The Lotus is an origami-like piece that mimics the shape of the lotus flower.
The Lotus is an origami-like piece that mimics the shape of the lotus flower.
Jacques's "Dune" features peaks, valleys and rolling curves that evoke the sand dunes of a desert.
Jacques’s “Dune” features peaks, valleys and rolling curves that evoke the sand dunes of a desert.
Like flowers bursting forth from the ground, Flavia is a wall mounted light that almost seems like a living being.
Like flowers bursting forth from the ground, Flavia is a wall mounted light that almost seems like a living being.

Larose Guyon

Audrée L. Larose and Félix Guyon founded Larose Guyon to manipulate luxury materials and create original and high-end objects. The Canadian designers are based  in Verchères, a small picturesque village along the St. Lawrence River near Montreal. The studio’s first collection is focused on pieces made from copper and is called La Belle Époque.

While many of the studio's have an elegant, minimalist sensibility, these Otero lighting fixtures displayed at ICFF 2016 were decidedly lush and opulent. A multitude of warm copper chains drape elegantly, reflecting light that comes from each one of the fixture. Shown here in two sizes, the fixture can be customizes, including as a multi-drape chandelier.

While many of the studio’s have an elegant, minimalist sensibility, these Otero lighting fixtures displayed at ICFF 2016 were decidedly lush and opulent. A multitude of warm copper chains drape elegantly, reflecting light that comes from each one of the fixture. Shown here in two sizes, the fixture can be customizes, including as a multi-drape chandelier.

We're not sure what;s more stunning...the drape of the chains or the way they reflect the light.
We’re not sure what;s more stunning…the drape of the chains or the way they reflect the light.
LaRose Guyon's Liane future also features copper chains, but is a much more understated --yet no less elegant -- copper fixture. The short chains accent the sophisticated curve of the copper base.
LaRose Guyon’s Liane future also features copper chains, but is a much more understated –yet no less elegant — copper fixture. The short chains accent the sophisticated curve of the copper base.

Patrick Weder

Swiss-born, Brooklyn-based designer Patrick Weder is know for his organically shaped lighting fixtures made from paper and chickenwire. He enjoys using common, industrial materials to create unexpected pieces, such as his lights. Weder says that his lighting cultures take about 200 hours to complete.

Weed's honeycomb lights can be oriented vertically or horizontally. This particular piece reminds us of a coral branch.
Weed’s honeycomb lights can be oriented vertically or horizontally. This particular piece reminds us of a coral branch.
The fixture takes on a different appearance depending upon your perspective and the level of lighting.
The fixture takes on a different appearance depending upon your perspective and the level of lighting.
When lit, the structure of the chickenwire frame becomes a more prominent feature.
When lit, the structure of the chickenwire frame becomes a more prominent feature.

Paul Suepat Designs

Primarily an artist, Paul Suepat creates pieces “integrating the raw texture of nature to the aesthetics of modern life.” Homedit was charmed by his sculptures that include a lighting element.

Paul Suepat Designs showcased its first collection, called "The Nature of Design" at ICFF 2016. This piece is "Jelly Bloom." While the shapes resemble flowers, they are also reminiscent of jellyfish. The light from above gives them a colorful glow.
Paul Suepat Designs showcased its first collection, called “The Nature of Design” at ICFF 2016. This piece is “Jelly Bloom.” While the shapes resemble flowers, they are also reminiscent of jellyfish. The light from above gives them a colorful glow.
White Coral Bloom features an organic armed form that sports white, illuminated jelly like forms, evoking an underwater (and upside down) booking piece of coral
White Coral Bloom features an organic armed form that sports white, illuminated jelly like forms, evoking an underwater (and upside down) booking piece of coral
The Earth Coral Bloom is a branch like structure that features highly colored, lighted flora and fauna.
The Earth Coral Bloom is a branch like structure that features highly colored, lighted flora and fauna.

Pelle

We’re already fans of PELLE, an independent art and engineering design studio based in Brooklyn. Co-founders by Jean and Oliver Pelle create lighting and furniture as well as soaps and home objects. We’re particularly enamored with their lighting — last year it was their stick lights, this year, it’s their artful paper sconce. Still modern, it is a departure from the style of the studio’s typical style.

Lure is a light fixture that embodies a flower’s transient beauty. The cast paper flower is illuminated by an LED light that sits at the end of a slim brass arm. Designed as a single fixture, it can be displayed alone or arranged in a grouping.
Lure is a light fixture that embodies a flower’s transient beauty. The cast paper flower is illuminated by an LED light that sits at the end of a slim brass arm. Designed as a single fixture, it can be displayed alone or arranged in a grouping.
This wall is a literal flower garden with a grouping of the Lure sconces -- truly an artful way to light up a room!
This wall is a literal flower garden with a grouping of the Lure sconces — truly an artful way to light up a room!

Natalie Sanzache

Brazilian-born artist Natalie Sanzache, who now works in France, creates unique lighting fixtures from plaster and concrete.  Fascinated by light, she uses plaster ”lace” to highlight the different ways light can be cast, while her concrete “eggs” present the material in a new and original form. We’ve seen fixtures made from concrete, but nothing like these.  Currently, Sanzache is collaborating with graffiti artist Adrien Rubens on her concrete fixtures.

The inside of the concrete forms are painted with a variety of designs, such as these insects.
The inside of the concrete forms are painted with a variety of designs, such as these insects.
This egg light fixture has a raw concrete exterior and a gilded interior. The juxtaposition of the raw and the royal is dramatic, particularly with the organically shaped edge and natural fissures in the side.
This egg light fixture has a raw concrete exterior and a gilded interior. The juxtaposition of the raw and the royal is dramatic, particularly with the organically shaped edge and natural fissures in the side.
In this pendant, the raw exterior is paired with an abstractly painted interior.
In this pendant, the raw exterior is paired with an abstractly painted interior.
Perhaps a blood red interior is more your style?
Perhaps a blood red interior is more your style?
Sanzache's lace light casts a multitude of interesting shadows around the room when illuminated.
Sanzache’s lace light casts a multitude of interesting shadows around the room when illuminated.

Ali Siavoshi

To call what Ali Siavoshi does “up cycling” would be a disservice.  The Iranian born designer is trained in graphic design and has a master’s degree in industrial design. His lighting is created from ordinary objects used in extraordinary ways, and has included coat hangers, umbrellas, cutlery and dinnerware.

Here, he has reimagined colorful books as lights in flight across the top of your room. The fixtures are based on his design of an acrylic pendant that transforms any book into a lamp! Add your favorite book to the angled pendant turn on the light.
Here, he has reimagined colorful books as lights in flight across the top of your room. The fixtures are based on his design of an acrylic pendant that transforms any book into a lamp! Add your favorite book to the angled pendant turn on the light.
The different-size bulbs give each fixture a varied look the books yo choose will also change the appearance of the fixtures.
The different-size bulbs give each fixture a varied look the books yo choose will also change the appearance of the fixtures.

Splyt Light

Homedit first encountered Splyt Light and its customizable modular branch lights at ICFF the previous year.  Jason Krugman, light sculptor and artist, and designer Scott Leinweber, collaborated to create the affordable and simple lighting systems. This year, Krugman presented this new shape, a wave-like form that “references flowers, sea creatures, and blowing fabric.”

The thousands of little lights help make this piece feel as if it is in flight.
The thousands of little lights help make this piece feel as if it is in flight.
This tubular fixture seems as it it's almost a living being.
This tubular fixture seems as it it’s almost a living being.
Krugman teamed up with Terreform to display his ethereal light fixtures in their booth.
Krugman teamed up with Terreform to display his ethereal light fixtures in their booth.
LaTorre Cruz black chandeliers
Dark and gothic, these spectacular lighting fixtures from Daniel Latorre Cruz mesmerize you with their slight motion. the simple act of walking past them set the wings into motion, circling one way, then the other. Called “the crow,” they are made of handmade mulberry paper.
This dramatic lighting from Zarate was a big draw for the booth featuring designers from the Philippines! Clouds of shredded stainless steel illuminated from within are mysterious and enticing. In fact, this was the international debut for the brand’s designer, 22-year-old Jim Torres.

This dramatic lighting from Zarate was a big draw for the booth featuring designers from the Philippines! Clouds of shredded stainless steel illuminated from within are mysterious and enticing. In fact, this was the international debut for the brand’s designer, 22-year-old Jim Torres.

Like mines floating in the water, Tightrope's mine lights are fun and funky and a larger companion to the original mine light. The 12" diameter mild steel ball is finished with their signature black patina and paste wax. fixture has nine 2-watt LED beacon bulbs.
Like mines floating in the water, Tightrope’s mine lights are fun and funky and a larger companion to the original mine light. The 12″ diameter mild steel ball is finished with their signature black patina and paste wax. fixture has nine 2-watt LED beacon bulbs.
This set of flush-mounted wall lights reminds us of giant buttons. The fixture is by All Lights Up, which creates its bespoke lamp shades are made in Brooklyn. Founder Rachel Simon and her nephew Tom Simon have been designing the products since 1987.
This set of flush-mounted wall lights reminds us of giant buttons. The fixture is by All Lights Up, which creates its bespoke lamp shades are made in Brooklyn. Founder Rachel Simon and her nephew Tom Simon have been designing the products since 1987.
45 is a multi-purpose LED light by T J O K E E F E, that is made of powder-coated aluminum. It is designed to lean agains the wall and use it as a reflector. It is available in three sizes. T J O K E E F E, is an American furniture and object design company that strives " to create powerful objects through compelling minimalism... We approach minimalism in the truest sense of the word––aiming to achieve the greatest effect by the simplest means––because we believe the simplest solutions have the potential to be the most powerful," Says the designer's website.

45 is a multi-purpose LED light by T J O K E E F E, that is made of powder-coated aluminum. It is designed to lean agains the wall and use it as a reflector. It is available in three sizes. T J O K E E F E, is an American furniture and object design company that strives ” to create powerful objects through compelling minimalism… We approach minimalism in the truest sense of the word––aiming to achieve the greatest effect by the simplest means––because we believe the simplest solutions have the potential to be the most powerful,” Says the designer’s website.

Avram Rusu's Confetti glass collection was inspired by an explosion of confetti. It's available as a pendant or sconce. The love the futuristic look of the large fixture. Andreea Avram Rusu, founder and architect, has been heading up the studio since 2004. All pieces are designed, prototyped and built in the Avram Rusu Brooklyn studio.

Avram Rusu’s Confetti glass collection was inspired by an explosion of confetti. It’s available as a pendant or sconce. The love the futuristic look of the large fixture. Andreea Avram Rusu, founder and architect, has been heading up the studio since 2004. All pieces are designed, prototyped and built in the Avram Rusu Brooklyn studio.

Raw moon light
Laz Connected Series
Blank wall lighting
Minehart eyes shade
Hollis morris triangles
Color Cord Co Chandelier