Five Finds : Recycled Lighting
Over the past couple of days weeks, I've been trawling the net and piles of magazines and brochures looking for suitable lighting solutions for my latest project. It's a huge open plan living/kitchen/dining space that is a bit daunting initially, but I know that as long as I incorporate all types of lights and cram in plenty, all flexible at the tweak of a dimmer switch, it will work out fine.
I always seem to gravitate towards massive, wow inducing, twinkly glass chandeliers - they are my personal preference but I'm not designing for me this time around and I appreciate they are not to everybody's taste or style. A more androgynous solution like a fabulous drum pendant shade in the deepest dark silk or velvet fabric can be just as beautiful.
There's another trend that's getting quite a lot of attention at the moment - affordable lights that use recycled materials such as plastic, paper and cardboard. I saw some great versions of this at Designjunction from designer Tabitha Bargh, she had both cardboard and corrugated plastic versions of her shade designs.
Such a cool and innovative way to reuse and upcycle the things that are thrown away daily in such crude volumes. Their success lies in the fact that they look just as effective lit as unlit, plus I've selected these five designs because at first glance it's not blindingly obvious what they are made of, only on closer inspection do they reveal themselves. Genius!
And my favourite? It has to be number two. What's yours?
One, three & five - Allison Patrick , zipper8lighting
Two - Tabitha Bargh
Four - Sarah Turner
p.s. For design that's dedicated to saving the world, Inhabitat is worth a visit.
Allison Patrick, Inhabitat, Recycled lights, Sarah Turner, Tabitha Bargh, interior design Essex | in Inspiration
Reader Comments (8)
Hi Sam! I think my favourite is number one because it's so strong texturally. It looks quite dangerous, like a cactus! Nothing like a frisson of danger in the house! xx
I LOVE the one with the paper circles cut out from books, it looks like. Though my inner neuroses are convinced that's a fire hazard somehow :) They are all so unique and interesting to look at. I can't work out what all of them are! Is the last one soda can tabs?
@Laura - great choice, can you imagine how stunning a huge version would be? It has a really strong aesthetic.
@Erin - ha! I thought they may be a bit of a fire hazard too! I think they could to with some fire retardant spray. Yep they are fizzy pop pull tabs. My friend has a clutch bag of the same design, it's got a rock chic feel to it.
I'm loving number two, as well. I like their organic look and quality. Designing for huge open floor plans must be tricky as you try to pull it all together and give it a cohesive, cozy feel. Good luck with the project, Sam! I'm sure you'll knock it out of the park.
Number two for me too! they are like the ones in Libbers. They just look really warm and cosy x
Some great choices there! I love the book one, but also immediately thought of fire...
I think I would go for two as I like the way the light peeks through the corrugated card and the designer is a lovely woman :) x
I like number 4, who would have though plastic bottle bases could look so pretty? :)
One and four for me, am I the only one? I love lighting. These are great picks, Miss Sam. xo