hen tackling a lighting design here at Roomie, we try to get a good balance of first fix lighting (the boring stuff, downlights etc) and feature lighting (pretty pendants, wall lights) Often budget dictates the final outcome, but working closely with clients, we can often look at one or two feature lights from the ‘want list’. Yep, it’s all about balance.
The thought of designer lighting might cast fear into the bean counters out there, but we often strike beautiful pieces, designed by Kiwis which are affordable (or at least worthy of a splurge), which goes a long way to satisfy the ‘supporting NZ’ in an overall design.
Here are a few of our go-to companies, and why we like them.
a/ David Moreland for Citta Design. Yep, we love that David is the Citta in-house designer, this one is a mix and match pendant, oyster/white/matt black, perfect for kitchen islands.
b/ It’s feeling VERY Scandinavian, but with its roots firmly in NZ design with a nod to the Douglas Fir. Don’t be fooled, this pendant comes in an array of colours for you colour lovers too. From TreeHorn Design. Feature this one in groups, over a task surface such as a dining table, or kitchen island.
c/ Metallic never dies. This one from Douglas and Bec has a lasting vintage feel, with a Chinaman’s hat triangle. Perfect paired with vintage style lamps.
d/ Often copied, never duplicated. It’s hard to beat the texture and quality of handblown glass. These Katie Brown pendants are worth the splurge for that wow factor. Best hung in atriums or foyers, pair with a crowndipped lamp for added drama, and to help cut glare.
e/ Design Tree’s signature medium cuts the mustard here, grey felt adds a unexpectely soft element to your home, and can be hung just about anywhere that takes your fancy.
f/ David Trubridge is one of our go-to designers for all things New Zealand and sustainable. The Beau pendant is refined with gorgeous soft glow. Place them centrally in bedrooms, or group them in an atrium with soft vintage lamps.
g/ David Moreland again. Cause. He’s great. This time it’s a cult classic: the 45 Pendant. Again, for over task areas for getting the most out of this pendant. Add an element of surprise and use one different colour in a group of 3 or 4. Super cool.
h/ Ta-da. It’s our all time current favourite! The Frankie Pendant. One size does not fit all, so they have created the Frankie in a range of options/sizes. This light is perfection. Again with soft grey felt. Feel free to hang anywhere in your home. Bedroom, Living, Kitchen, Entry. It just works. Well.
For more of our favourite things follow Roomie:
