Euroluce 2011: trend analysis

From playful to luxurious, lighting took many forms at the Euroluce trade show in Milan last month. Here Lighting and sister title WGSN highlight the key interior lighting trends at this year’s show

Playful

• Everyday objects or even pieces from childhood memories are transformed into functional lighting pieces
• Whimsical themes and icons of pop culture are also a huge inspiration
• A wide range of materials are used for this trend, from laser cut acrylics and steel to porcelain and plastic

Designing the shadow

• Detailed patterns cut into shades create a beautiful effect - the focus is the shadow instead of the lamp itself
• Elaborate constructions or simple geometric patterns are seen
• Use this trend for dramatic lighting effects

Luxurious

• Golden finishes appear in different kinds of materials
• Sparkling details and crystal pendants also add a touch of luxury to the piece
• Imposing chandeliers make a huge statement and bring a bit of tradition and decadence to contemporary design
• Glamorous, malleable metallic chains

Hidden light source

• Sleek and minimalist designs hide the light source for a delicate but functional lighting effect
• The idea is to focus on the light provided rather than its source
• White is definitely the favourite colour, fading in the shadow it emphasises the purpose of this trend

Sci-fi

• Futuristic designs but with a hint of retro influence
• The light source is explored as a design feature
• Electronic plaques are used as inspiration
• Chrome and other metallic finishes

Wraps

• Hard or soft stripes, made from a variety of materials, become three dimensional structures
• Unusual shapes provide an interesting shadow, while unusual materials reflect and spread the light beautifully
• Marc Sadler designed a couple of collections using this concept for Foscarini

Layers

• Several layers of the same pattern are used to put together a shade or even an entire lamp
• Patterns are distributed resembling roof tiles. WGSN loves Benjamin Hubert’s pendant lamp covered in silicone tiles for Fabbian
• From simple constructions - like Nendo’s pendant lamp for Foscarini - to architectural pieces with complicated assemblage

This content was provided by the WGSN trend-analysis and research service. For more articles like this one you can subscribe atwww.wgsn.com

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.