The Light Fantastic

Lighting plays a crucial part in successful interior design
[More Images]

All skilled interior designers know the crucial role that light plays in achieving a successful scheme; that it can be used to create a sense of drama, to soften architectural features, to produce an intimate ambience or to establish a private space.

However, we are now seeing light take centre stage as the source of inspiration for artists, product designers and communicators in new creative fields, who are harnessing the qualities of cutting-edge scientific and technological developments to produce amazing results.

Buildings are being transformed into the latest communication tools via complex light projection software. Companies such as NuFormer Digital Media, based in the Netherlands, produce stunning 3D projection displays on building facades. This technology was used to great effect at the Vivid Sydney 2009 Festival when municipal buildings, art galleries and the Sydney Opera House itself were illuminated by wildly impressive projections, creating the impression of immense light sculptures.

Video installations, LED sculptures and digital projections are also being used by artists to communicate their ideas and ideals, whilst the Research & Development departments of major electronics companies are seeking solutions to environmental problems that use light as a source of energy.

One of the most exciting developments is Sony’s ‘Hana- Akari’ (‘flower-light’ in Japanese) prototype which uses dye-sensitised solar cells to turn light into energy. The solar powered panels are used to form a lampshade that captures energy when light shines on the special dyes. These dyes can charge re-chargeable batteries in the daytime – and light their own bulb at night. Although there is no commercial release date scheduled, this prototype opens up a vast range of colour, pattern, form and product possibilities – no more ugly solar panels, for example!

Light sources are also inspiring product designers who are aiming to fuse technology with great design aesthetics, creating hi-tech looks that project a sense of kinetic energy and provide eye-catching innovations, such as LED wallpapers like the ‘False Vision’ design from Meystyle. The vibrancy of their designs are purposefully controlled and sophisticated so they do not appear overwhelming in room settings. The technology is not visually ‘loud’ although it has a strong, vibrant energy.

As Maria Yaschuk from Meystyle explains: “LED wallpapers are more than just decoration and frameworks for ambience. They are feature pieces which can be mixed and matched in order to create a strong impression and, ultimately, a deep visual experience which goes beyond the idea of background.

Story continues below

Advertisement

FEATURED COMMENT Please click here to comment on this article

“Although lighting is a feature that we normally expect to see next to or attached to the wall, at Meystyle we have abandoned tradition and incorporated lights into our wallpaper designs. LEDs provide ambient lighting as they are incorporated into the material.”

The trends colour palette on the opening page is based on deep sea and deep space shades that are then illuminated by radiant accent colours. This palette clearly marks the renaissance of ‘blue’, with a spectrum of colours that resonate deep within us, as well as emitting a brightness that relates to a positive ray of light as we look to the future.

The colours project brilliance in the truest sense of the word and enable a broad spectrum of special effects to be embraced on surfaces for furniture (including bathroom furniture with light features such as the wonderful basins by Decotec Paris), textiles, wallcoverings, flooring and tiles.

Special effect surface finishes include iridescent and reflective sequins, changeant silks and foils reminiscent of butterfly wings, transparencies that simulate refracted light, liquid and mercury looks, dip-dyed ombrés, holographic and 3D effects, metallic foils, integrated LEDs which provide luminescence and crystalline glitters. Geometric pattern also plays a key role within this trend, with repeating hexagons, fine horizontal zig-zags that appear to vibrate rhythmically, diamonds within diamonds and Op Art references ranking as favourites.

Elsewhere, there are layered iridescent feather details on wallpapers, screens and lamps.

Interaction is a key element of this trend, with many products displaying ‘sensitive’ qualities (such as heat-sensitive, touch-sensitive and light-sensitive changes) that transform surface colours, reveal hidden patterns and light up at night like deep sea creatures.

In fact, the two extremes of deep sea and deep space exploration inspire many of the product designs that relate to this trend. I am presently head over heels in love with Florence Jaffrain’s ‘Belly Love’ sensorial sofa which draws inspiration from exotic sea life, as Florence explains: “Belly Love is directly inspired by Sarcophyton Elegans, a soft coral found in the Indian Ocean. Travelling from the tropical reef to our home environment, it creates a paradise of the senses and a vessel for the body.

“Thanks to a new textile material using photo-luminescent components incorporated in the fibre, Belly Love recreates the magical luminosity of the ocean floor. This sensorial sofa needs to be considered as a sensation of total wellbeing, abandon, letting go; a harmony that stimulates every fibre of our being,” he adds.

Jaffrain’s work encapsulates the essence of this trend; an awakening of the senses, shimmering sophistication and hi-tech glamour. Plunge into the enveloping, enlightening, invigorating depths of The Light Fantastic!

Trends forecast by: www.scarletopus.com; Visit our blog: www.trendsblog.co.uk; Contact Shelley to purchase our full trend report: +971 (0)50 524 0239.