As their name plainly points out, wall lamps are lights that we stick to walls, permanently or sometimes temporarily. Most wall lamps are installed indoors to infuse a space with a specific ambiance, but some are also left outdoors to give illumination at night. There is some degree of flexibility and freedom in the way these lamps can be added, removed, and moved when necessary, but it also makes them look out of place sometimes or a superficial part of the wall. Another design strategy would be to discreetly embed the lights into the wall itself, which is what these odd-looking lamps offer in what could be considered a literal interpretation of a wall lamp.
It would definitely be a magical experience to touch a brick on a wall and suddenly have it light up with a warm glow. While doing that for every brick is impractical and expensive, having a few select spots turn into lamps can definitely level up the ambiance of a space with very little effort. Yes, you could just dig a hole into the wall to install some regular old lights, but the OG Brick makes the lighting look like an integral part of the wall rather than an afterthought.
Technically, they are part of the wall, as these are supposed to be layered alongside other bricks while the masonry wall is being set up. They’re also designed to blend in with the rest of the wall during the day when the lights are off, though they probably won’t match every wall color you can come up with. Variations include stainless steel, black powder-coated, and electroplated brown to cover the majority of brick wall hues.
The bricks aren’t made from clay or cement, of course, but have a hard metal frame to withstand the weight of the real bricks above it. A color-matching mesh covers the actual light element and makes the OG Brick “disappear” into its surroundings in the daytime. Since they are designed to be used in masonry walls, the lamps can be used both indoors as well as outdoors.
The visual effect these illuminated bricks give is both subtle yet also endearing, especially thanks to the warm glow of the lights. Despite blending with its surroundings, the OG Brick creates a pleasing juxtaposition between the rough simplicity of regular bricks and the fine craftsmanship of metalwork. Whether outdoors or indoors, the end result is a charming composition on a wall where a few bricks light up like magic.
Lamps come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is that most of them come in a single piece and are anchored to the ceiling, wall, or even the floor. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with that, there’s also room for improvement when it comes to simplifying not only the design but also their installation and maintenance. Many lamps involve complicated wiring or installing fixtures in places that can clutter the space, physically and visually. This intriguing lamp design solves that in a peculiar way that ends up making the lamp look like it’s floating in midair, creating an atmosphere of magic and mystery in any space it’s in.
The most critical part of a lamp is, of course, the light source, but many lamps also need a way to direct or diffuse the light to make it less blinding. While most designs have these pieces in a single form, there’s no rule they have to be on a single body. Shade, whose name might not reflect its mesmerizing appearance, deconstructs and separates the design of a lamp into its two most basic parts, creating what is probably the most minimalist lamp design of all.
When lit up, Shade looks like a white conical lampshade eerily floating in the air, almost like a stereotypical ghost. Of course, it’s not literally floating but suspended by “capillary-thin” wires that are practically invisible unless you see them up close. But that’s only half the magic because the lampshade itself doesn’t have a light source. Instead, that comes from a small, can-shaped directional spotlight shining upward into the lampshade, creating the illusion of a floating lamp.
In essence, Shade separates the lamp into the shade and the actual light source, and neither is physically connected to the other. More than just creating this bewildering sight, this design also simplifies the installation of the lamp. No need for complicated wiring since the lamp can be set anywhere on the floor where the shade can be hung. You can also place the lamp anywhere as well, though you might want to put it somewhere safe and hidden, just to heighten the sense of mystery.
The construction of Shade itself is pretty simple, with the lampshade made of soft yet durably Japanese paper. This material not only gives the shade an almost pure white surface but also gently diffuses the light to a soft glow. The crumpled paper also gives it a unique visual texture that creates a subtle play of light and shadows, enhancing the lamp’s distinctive appeal even when the lights are off.
Mental health is a global public health concern. Investigating the impact of our physical surroundings on our emotions, particularly through design, offers significant potential to enhance the quality of our spaces. Some aspects of interior design possess psychological impacts that are capable of influencing our mood and mental well-being. If you seek a home interior that promotes mental well-being, utilize these design tips to plan your space and get started.
Nature significantly impacts mental well-being, reducing stress, boosting memory, and fostering happiness and creativity. The biophilic design seamlessly integrates nature into interior spaces, promoting healing environments and human-nature connections, scientifically proven to enhance overall well-being by reducing stress and improving emotional wellness. Embrace nature indoors with greenery like potted plants, and succulents on floating shelves, and use the backyard for therapeutic gardening, maximizing outdoor views and sunlight for a deeper connection with nature.
John Mauriello’s Coral Lighting Collection is a fusion of art and technology, capturing the beauty of natural growth with intricate designs inspired by coral formations. Featuring Timor, Sargasso, and Celebes, each lamp reflects the unique aesthetics of different coral types. Crafted with precision using computational design algorithms, these lamps evoke a moment frozen in time, illuminating spaces with hauntingly beautiful patterns of light and shadow.
2. Use Natural Materials
Incorporating natural materials and textures like wood, stone, and plants in interior design evokes a connection to nature’s soothing rhythms, triggering relaxation by associating these elements with the outdoors.
Furniture takes up space, but it doesn’t always have to be idle. The KURVE collection utilizes minimalist wooden designs to maximize storage while maintaining simplicity. For example, the KURVE chair features a backless box for seating, the KURVE Couch has a central console and lower compartment, and the table and nightstand offer trapezoidal designs with storage spaces above and below.
Water’s presence significantly impacts mental health, with studies showing that individuals living near the oceans, especially with ocean views report better well-being. Our brains naturally respond positively to water, inducing calmness, enhancing creativity, and promoting mental healing.
Incorporating natural and tactile materials like wood and natural fibers in a space supports workplace mental well-being by encouraging direct engagement with touch, fostering mindfulness, and focusing attention on the present. Simple design choices, such as timber floorboards, natural stone, or exposed brickwork, can achieve this effect. For instance, when in use, this multi-sensory table introduces both scent and sound to your environment.
Many cultures consider mealtime a sacred ritual, often creating dedicated spaces for peaceful dining. Imagine enhancing this experience further with the Oasix: a table featuring a built-in planter and speaker, allowing you to enjoy music or ambient sounds while enjoying your coffee or meal. Perfect for creating a sensory oasis in any setting.
5. Color Psychology
Color psychology in interior design addresses mental well-being through the strategic use of warm and cool tones. Cool hues such as blue and green evoke calmness, while warm tones like red and orange infuse warmth and energy. Neutral tones and pastel colors combine to foster an uplifting yet tranquil atmosphere.
Minimalism has made many products, especially furniture, seem too plain, but there’s a counter-culture advocating for maximalism to address contemporary mental and emotional challenges. This new furniture collection demonstrates how ordinary objects can become room highlights through a clever mix of colors, materials, and shapes. The Differ Shelf and Opticabinet use contrast and illusion, while the Wrong Mirror offers a modern twist. Brustolin’s collection combines functionality with artistic expression in the home.
Untidy living environments can prompt the release of cortisol, a hormone associated with heightened stress levels, decreased happiness, and diminished productivity. Make sure your home is clutter-free with optimum utilization of space.
7. Reduce Noise
Sound significantly affects mood and stress levels. To reduce external noise, choose quieter areas and improve insulation. Opt for acoustic double-glazed uPVC windows for effective sound insulation. Use fabrics like tapestries, carpets, heavy curtains, and textured wall décor to minimize echo and absorb sound. Enhance relaxation by adding soothing indoor music and nature sounds like wind chimes.
The Foresta System by Italy-based Mogu features modular acoustic panels made from a blend of fungal mycelium and upcycled textile materials, offering durability and eco-friendliness. Integrated with wood branches and nodes and supported by a timber frame, these panels allow for easy installation and removal. Recognized for sustainability and innovation, its commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing, this collection effectively reduces noise in various environments, including home offices, by combining wooden aesthetics with the advanced properties of mycelium through cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
8. Aromatherapy
The brain’s emotional center reacts to scent, which makes aromatherapy a powerful tool for boosting mood. Utilize diffusers to spread calming essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, woody scents, and eucalyptus throughout the air. Additionally, scatter soothing candles throughout the house and arrange fresh flowers for both visual and olfactory delight.
Enjoy your favorite scents guilt-free with this sustainable aroma diffuser, powered by a candle and free from batteries. The Lei aroma diffuser utilizes candle heat to generate electrical power for gentle scent dispersion, eliminating the need for battery changes or recharging. Crafted from recyclable materials, its sleek and minimalist design ensures eco-friendly relaxation anywhere, without the hassle of wires or complicated parts.
Evaluate room layouts and furniture placement to optimize comfort, reduce clutter, and promote easy movement. Designate separate areas for work, play, and rest mentally, keep furniture away from walls, utilize natural curves, consider minimal, multifunctional pieces, and prioritize ergonomic support for lounging and sitting spaces.
Chairs and beds are meant for comfort, yet not all chairs prioritize supreme comfort. The Nebula chair concept challenges conventional designs with cylindrical pillows for ergonomic support, offering various seating options from kneeling to reclining. Despite its unconventional appearance, it maximizes space efficiency and encourages movement, promoting a healthier approach to seating in evolving work environments.
Space is precious in our homes, driving the need for furniture with dual functions. Crossbred fills this niche with its cross-shaped design, serving as both a shelf and a low-side table. Crafted from wood, it offers versatile storage with five compartments and a flat surface for delicate items or beverages. Its dynamic yet understated design blends practicality with charm, making it perfect for modern living where flexibility is essential.
10. Soothing Lighting
Selecting the right lighting sets the relaxation tone; opt for incandescent bulbs for warmth, avoid harsh fluorescents, utilize dimmers, distribute lamp lighting, and adjust levels throughout the day for energizing mornings and restful evenings.
Rooms lacking sunlight often leave us feeling lethargic and unproductive, but the SUNROOF lighting system offers a solution by bringing the warmth and benefits of sunlight indoors. No longer must basements remain dull and gloomy, as this system enhances concentration, mood, and productivity, and reduces stress, transforming any space into a vibrant and inviting environment.
Inspired by sunflowers, sculptural wall lamps from the Aureole collection evoke an otherworldly aura using quartz sand and innovative 3D printing. When illuminated, they emit an ethereal glow, casting unique shadows reminiscent of a solar eclipse corona, making them a captivating addition to any space.
As I live in a not so big space, I only need to have desk lamps in my living room and bedroom for both ambient and functional lighting. But one of my dreams if I eventually get a bigger place is that I can put one or two floor lamps around to add to the aesthetics of my apartment. I like looking at interesting designs for lamps and bookmarking them for future reference, especially ones where much thought is put into a design.
Designer: Sancho Martin
The Eclipse Floor Lamp is a concept that was inspired by the idea of the eclipse where the sun or moon crosses each other’s paths. This time around, the sun and moon are represented by two circular screens that emit a “soft and enveloping atmosphere” when they are aligned and the light bounces between them. This is the perfect ambient lighting for when you want the floor lamp to be part of your room’s aesthetics.
When the horizontal screen is adjusted, you can turn the lamp into a more functional lighting source. The light is directed downwards so you can have it more focused like when you’re working, reading, or you just need some light to see something. There is also a spherical shape on a small hook in the main axis which serves as the power button which is easy to access and also intuitively placed.
The Eclipse Floor Lamp has a pretty minimalist design so it can fit in perfectly no matter what your room’s aesthetics is. It can be placed near the couch, working table, or even by the door or window if you just want it to be more of an ambient lamp rather than a fully functional one.
I live in a city where our idea of shared spaces are mostly malls. The fact that we don’t have any outdoor public places is a combination of bad city planning, the often too hot or too rainy weather, and maybe not seeing the need for places like these. So I envy cities where there are all kinds of parks, public squares, seafront quarters, and other spaces where people can just hang out without having to buy anything. And when there are even more interesting art installations there, I get even more envious.
Designers: Velvet, UN-LIKE, Stina Onemar
The Noblessner port in Talliinn, Estonia has existed even before World War I but now that it’s not a submarine shipyard anymore, it has become a public seafront quarter. A major attraction in this space is an illuminated bird’s nest made from metal, disused industrial objects and light art . What’s even more interesting here is that it was inspired by the sketch of 5-year-old Stina Onemar who thought about seeing something like this on top of the former lighting mast.
The eggs in the nest are made from polyethene and are actually weather resistant because of the rotational molding technology. The branches are made from materials from construction sites, including leftover roof edge trim to make the steel frame. These metallic materials also serve as reflectors for the lighting installation. The paint will also sport the eventual wear and tear until it blends with the light pole where it’s on top of, matching the natural ageing process since it’s located outside.
This is an interesting piece of art that combines reused materials with a natural design. The team from Velvet said that their design also shows how actual stork nests actually become “intertwined with human-made objects”. It’s also nice how they still involved the 5-year-old kid who inspired all of this in the production process. The nest light installation is visible from the road and also from the ships at sea.
When you’re doing up your living room, you spend a substantial amount of time picking the perfect sofa or the ideal coffee table, but we don’t really dedicate much time to picking the right lighting design! Today, lighting designs are total works of art – they’re unique and innovative, elevating a space with their mere presence. Nowadays, designers are creating unique, functional, and powerful pieces that not only light up a living space but also add an extra oomph factor! These lighting designs not only help you see in the dark, but they also function as an attractive and visually appealing piece. And a lighting design I recently loved is the Miles Pendant Lamp by Yabu Pushelberg for Lasvit.
Designed by Yabu Pushleberg for the Czech brand Lasvit, the Miles Pendant light is a beautiful lighting piece. Through this lighting design, the designer wanted to concoct a poetic connection between music and glass blowing, resulting in this rather mesmerizing lighting solution. It is made up of multiple segments of double-walled glass. It features a simple outer layer, which perfectly contrasts with the complex yet subtle fluted inner diffuser, creating a surreal and pleasing contradiction.
As you take a look at the shape of the lighting fixture, you are instantly reminded of brass instruments, which Lasvit also says is similar to the process of craftspeople blowing glass. The lighting piece is created to deep dive into the connection between music and glass-making, with the gentle design emphasizing the balance between innovation and the physical limitation of materials and techniques that must be tended to.
According to Lasvit, the making of double-walled glass objects is quite a task for glassblowers, as it needs high levels of control and accuracy to be maintained. The light features a finish with a metal coating technology, which provides the pendant with quite an aesthetically pleasing look even when it is switched off. The end result is a premium lighting design with a sophisticated allure that allows it to merge with modern living spaces.
Normally, we don’t really associate food with lamp designs since they’re not really connected. But as we always say here, you can find design inspiration in the most unexpected places. We’ve seen several food-inspired accessories like fruit-shaped candles, food-decorated clocks, accessorised bottles, and a few fruit and vegetable inspired table lamps. But a bread-inspired pendant lamp may be a rarity but it is indeed interesting how you can get inspired by a piece of bread and apply the design principles to your product.
We’ve seen some cone-shaped lighting designs but the Croissant Pendant Light designed for Gantri takes it one step further by using the shape of the, you guessed it, croissant. But it’s not because they just want you to think of this savory pastry but because of the shape and the layers, the lamp is able to “cast a cozy, comforting glow” in different directions. It is created specifically for dining tables or kitchen islands but you can also use its “purposeful illumination” for other spaces in your home that may need it.
The angled shapes, sculptural layers, and lighter edges are all inspired by the croissant shape, even though we don’t really notice that when we eat the actual bread. The asymmetrical shape has two unique rings encircling the main shade, giving the lamp both a functional directed beam as well as a soft ambience in the other angles. There is an interplay of light and shadow as well because of its silhouette and the slices and curves.
The Croissant Pendant Light is available in three colors: Carbon (black), Snow (white), and Smoke (brown). There’s also an option for black or white cords so you can match it with your interiors. Because also of its unusual shape, the pendant lamp can also serve as an “art piece” of sorts for your space even when you’re not using it as a lamp. It is also pretty easy to install because of the Gantri-engineered mounting mechanism that it uses.
Space, with its vastness and complexity, has always captivated the human imagination. Our solar system, a celestial ballet of planets and stars, has inspired various aspects of human life and design, from ancient sundials to modern-day innovations. The COSMOOVAL lamp series is a testament to this inspiration, drawing on the phenomenal interconnectivity of our solar system to create a collection of lamps that not only illuminate spaces but also tell a cosmic story.
The designers of Cosmooval drew inspiration from the celestial bodies in our solar system, considering the way they influence our planet and the intricate dance of light and shadow they create. The lamp series incorporates key elements such as expandability, limitation, transparency, and immateriality to bring the essence of space into our living environments.
The design process began with the creation of a mood board, reflecting the tension and spatial dynamics of the universe. Simple basic figures, inspired by solar and lunar eclipses, shooting stars, and planetary movements, were arranged to evoke the mood of the cosmos. A clay mockup emphasized stability through the use of circles and triangles, laying the foundation for the lamp series’ structural elements.
Several idea sketches were explored, with the initial focus on a triangular structure within three circles. As the design evolved, proportions, details, and interactions were refined in subsequent sketches. The final design selected a form that considered materials, structure, and user interaction, resulting in three distinct types of lamps within the Cosmooval series.
Each lamp in the series offers a unique interaction with light, adding to the overall cosmic experience. The ceiling lamp, representing expandability, spreads light by adjusting the angle of an oval disk. The table lamp, embodying limitation, controls light brightness through the movement of a red sphere, mimicking the motion of a shooting star. The floor lamp, combining transparency and immateriality, simulates orbiting planets and solar eclipses, changing light intensity as the red sphere is manipulated.
Cosmooval, derived from the fusion of “Cosmo” (space) and “Oval” (ellipse), is more than just a lighting solution; it is an artistic representation of the cosmos. The series serves as a visual metaphor for planets, satellites, and shooting stars, moving in harmony with their orbits.
The ceiling lamp symbolizes the expansiveness of space, spreading light with three ovals arranged in a stable manner. By pulling the red sphere attached to a string, users can open and close the ovals, controlling the brightness and essential light in their space.
In the table lamp, a triangular structure controls the concentrated light source. Moving the red sphere along a diagonal line mimics the motion of a shooting star, allowing users to experience the fleeting brightness associated with celestial phenomena.
The floor lamp embodies transparency and immateriality, recreating the orbits of planets and solar eclipses. Pushing the red sphere sideways changes the shape and intensity of light, providing a dynamic representation of the passage of time and celestial revolutions.
The Cosmooval lamp series transcends conventional lighting, offering users an immersive experience that connects them to the wonders of our solar system. Through innovative design and thoughtful interaction, these lamps bring the cosmos into our living spaces, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the universe that surrounds us.
The young live-streaming industry has introduced a standard lighting technique to the masses, giving birth to the now popular “ring light” that’s even making its way to smartphone cameras. The literal ring of light is meant to provide more natural-looking illumination while minimizing the casting of shadows due to both its shape and its position in relation to the camera. It’s a visually interesting piece of lighting equipment, but its design is extremely focused and limited to that use case. This lamp, however, tries to take that same idea but gives it an even more interesting interpretation, generating light that doesn’t shine in just one direction but goes almost everywhere except where the lamp is facing.
Although circular lamps have been around for decades, ring lights are still a bit of a novelty to those outside the professional photography world. After all, circular lamps are often mounted on ceilings and walls, but this “halo on a stick” can be placed almost anywhere it’s needed to have a well-lit shoot or stream. It also uses LEDs versus the traditional fluorescent, though it technically can be any light source as long as it can take a circular form.
“Spot” is a concept for a lamp that is inspired by the shape of these ring lights but almost does in the opposite direction. Despite a ring light’s circular shape, it still shines its light mostly forward, with some illumination scattered around it only as a side effect. In contrast, Spot’s light comes from the structure’s side, and there is actually no light from its front or even its back.
The design shares the same basic combination of a ring on a stand, but the key difference is that an LED strip runs outside along the edges of the shape. This strip is supported by an internal structure that is sandwiched between two opaque covers, making sure the light is really projected only from the sides of the lamp. Another key design element is that Spot makes it easy to take the product apart in order to replace the LED strip, making maintenance and repair trivial.
Because of the way it illuminates from the sides rather than in a single direction, Spot functions more as a decorative lighting fixture or a night lamp at best. The contrast of the dark body and the lighting shining around it creates an almost eerie appearance, one that will easily grab attention and serve as a conversation starter, despite its seemingly simple design.
Lamps are a normal part of everyday life, giving light and creating moods anywhere, anytime, even during the day. Conventional lamp designs involve fixtures placed on walls, hanging from ceilings, or even standing up from floors and desks, all of them permanent or semi-permanent. Of course, some lamps can be carried, and there was a time when these were the only kind of lamps that lit up houses and paths as what we now call “lanterns.” Most portable lamps these days take a more practical and space-efficient shapes like cylinders and boxes, but this design concept throws convention out the window with a lamp design that looks like a cross between a traditional paper lantern and a modern bag.
Once upon a time, all sources of light were pretty much fire hazards. Metal lanterns used combustible kerosene and paper lanterns enclosed candles in, well, paper. The latter was a common design in Asia, like the Korean Chorong which used white cloth covering a wooden frame to protect the candle inside from blowing winds. Of course, we have electricity and LEDs today to make all of that safer, but there’s also a certain charm to the sight of a lantern’s fabric billowing gently in the wind.
This portable lamp design concept brings that past aesthetic to the present but with a few modern twists. The lamp, named after that same Chorong lantern, tries to capture the unique visual of the fabric-covered lighting but uses 3D-printed transparent PLA to achieve the same effect. Rather than going for a straightforward box, the shape of the container twists and bends, almost like how the cloth would have behaved in the past.
The light source itself is a white sphere with a dozen or so LEDs inside providing illumination. The lamp’s steel base not only serves as a stable foundation but also as a compartment to hide the electronics, including a rechargeable battery. This modern Chorong also deviates from the traditional design by using a handle that uses anodized aluminum and stands only on two sides of the “lantern,” namely, the front and the back. This gives the lamp an unusual appearance and experience of carrying a bag instead of a lamp.
Chorong wouldn’t be the first to try to recreate a traditional lantern design with modern materials, but it is one that isn’t too concerned about staying faithful to the original. It tries to capture the spirit of the design, one that not only illuminates but also inspires with its organic beauty, and reinterprets it in a way that shows off modern materials and techniques. That said, this design concept is more for show and might be impractical to actually use outdoors unless you’re just bringing it out to the backyard to enjoy a calm night under the stars.
