Why Lighting is the Secret Ingredient in Luxury Design
In the world of luxury interiors, furniture often receives the most attention, followed by textiles, art, and architectural details. Yet there is one element that quietly shapes the entire atmosphere of a room: lighting.
Lighting is far more than a tool for visibility. It is the foundation for how a space feels, how textures are revealed, how colors come alive, and how the mood shifts from morning to night. Without thoughtful lighting, even the most exquisite furnishings can appear flat or uninspired. In luxury design, lighting is not an afterthought. It is the secret ingredient that transforms a room from impressive to unforgettable.
The Role of Lighting in Luxury Interiors
Luxury design thrives on depth, contrast, and refinement. Proper lighting creates layers within a space, guiding the eye and highlighting the details that make a room unique. Lighting can shape an emotional journey through a home, subtly influencing how a person feels when entering, lingering, or leaving a space.
1. Mood Creation
Soft, diffused lighting can create intimacy and warmth, ideal for evenings and gatherings. In contrast, bright, more directional lighting can energize a space during the day or for tasks requiring clarity. The ability to transition between these moods is essential in a well-designed home, as it ensures that the space adapts to the people using it.
2. Highlighting Craftsmanship
Luxury interiors often incorporate rare materials and artisanal finishes — marble with delicate veining, wood with natural depth, polished metals with intricate patina. The right lighting reveals these qualities and invites touch and admiration. Without intentional illumination, these details risk going unnoticed.
3. Framing Architecture and Art
Lighting can act as a subtle frame for architectural features such as alcoves, arches, and moldings, as well as art collections and sculptural objects. Done correctly, it draws the eye without overpowering the subject, creating a visual hierarchy that feels natural and effortless.
4. Defining Space
In open-plan layouts, lighting can help define different zones without the need for physical barriers. Pendant lighting over a dining area, for example, creates a sense of place within a larger room.
The Vision of Manuela Szewald and Kaia Editions
One contemporary voice shaping the future of luxury lighting is Manuela Szewald, founder of Kaia Editions. Based in Munich, Germany, Kaia Editions produces lighting that blends European craftsmanship with refined, modern sensibility.
Szewald works closely with highly skilled designers and artisans, commissioning original pieces that are both functional and sculptural. These works often employ exceptional materials, balanced proportions, and an understated elegance that allow them to integrate seamlessly into a variety of architectural styles. Each collection is crafted with a belief that lighting should not merely illuminate a space but also become an integral part of its architectural and emotional character.
Kaia Editions demonstrates that exceptional lighting design requires vision, collaboration, and a respect for craftsmanship. Their process reflects the reality that lighting decisions should be made early in the design phase, ensuring harmony with the architectural framework, furniture placement, and finish selections.
Glow 5 Chandelier by Sophie Dries. Handmade by Kaia Editions.
Gabriel Hendifar and Apparatus: The Global Standard
No conversation about modern luxury lighting would be complete without acknowledging Gabriel Hendifar, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Apparatus. From their New York City headquarters, Apparatus has set a global standard for how lighting can merge narrative, materiality, and craft into a singular design language.
Hendifar’s collections often draw from historical references, theatrical staging, and tactile luxury. His work transcends function, instead creating lighting as a complete sensory experience. Materials such as aged brass, hand-cast porcelain, and horsehair are combined with impeccable detailing, resulting in pieces that feel both timeless and unmistakably contemporary.
Apparatus is revered not only for its aesthetic but also for its immersive showroom environments, which transport visitors into a curated world. In doing so, Hendifar has proven that lighting design is as much about storytelling as it is about illumination. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the core principle of luxury design — that every element should deepen the emotional connection to a space.
Metronome floor lamp, designed by Apparatus Studio.
Lasvit: Czech Heritage, Contemporary Vision
The Czech Republic has long been associated with master glassmaking, and Lasvit has carried that tradition into the 21st century with extraordinary vision. Founded in 2007 by Leon Jakimič, Lasvit combines the region’s centuries-old glassmaking expertise with cutting-edge design innovation.
Their work spans from intricate bespoke installations for luxury hotels and private residences to sculptural lighting collections that blend craftsmanship with bold creativity. Each piece reflects a deep respect for traditional Czech glassblowing techniques, while embracing contemporary aesthetics and technology.
Lasvit’s large-scale installations, often composed of hundreds of hand-blown glass elements, are not merely light fixtures — they are immersive experiences that transform entire environments. Whether suspended in a grand hotel lobby or a private dining room, their work demonstrates the unparalleled impact of lighting as both art and architecture.
St. Regis Hotel, Jakarta, designed by Lasvit
Lessons from Iconic Lighting Designers
The legacy of great lighting design is filled with visionaries who understood that light is as much about form as it is about function.
Carlo Nason: Known for his work in Murano glass, Nason’s pieces are sculptural studies in light diffusion, where glass form and light source work in perfect harmony.
Tom Dixon: A master of material experimentation, Dixon’s designs often use metallic finishes and bold silhouettes to create lighting that feels both industrial and elegant.
Vezzini & Che: This duo crafts intricate, hand-etched glass and ceramic designs that showcase how lighting can be both artisanal and architectural.
Ingo Maurer: Often referred to as the “poet of light,” Maurer’s creations are whimsical yet technically brilliant, proving that lighting can also be an emotional and playful art form.
These designers remind us that lighting is not just a utility. It is an art form in its own right.
Tips for Elevating Your Lighting Game
Layer Your Lighting
Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. This allows you to adapt the space to different moods and activities.Choose Fixtures as You Would Art
Select lighting pieces that contribute to the overall design narrative, not just those that meet functional requirements.Use Dimming Controls
The ability to adjust intensity is essential in luxury spaces. It offers flexibility and enhances the atmosphere.Highlight Textures and Details
Position lighting to draw attention to architectural details, fabric textures, and material finishes.Invest in Quality
As seen in the collections produced by Kaia Editions and other leading studios, high-quality craftsmanship ensures longevity and a timeless visual presence.
Final Thoughts
In luxury design, lighting is never an accessory. It is a central component of the design story — one that shapes the perception of every color, finish, and object in a space. By approaching lighting with the same level of intention as furniture and materials, you can create interiors that are not only visually stunning, but also emotionally resonant.
If you would like to explore how lighting can transform your home, you can view our portfolio or connect with us through our contact page. Together, we can create a space where light is not just seen, but felt.
— Mazen Eshak
Founder, Mazen Designs