Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living article

Willie Duggan Lighting give helpful hints and tips on what to expect from lighting trends in 09 to Irish Homes and Interiors magazine April 09 Issue! Have a read and see if our tips can help you lay out your interior space... 

Change seems to be the overwhelming theme for 2009, be it global or local. The world is readjusting to the size of its pocket and while money will always be king, innovation is now more important than ever.

This innovation is no more obvious than in the world of lighting design. Many of the traditional glass making families in northern Italy have diversified, and are now looking towards new materials. Their explorations have introduced a wealth of exciting colours and forms onto the scene. Wood veneers, thermo plastics and silken ribbons, are just a small selection of new materials making a surge forward in 2009.

Luzifer a lighting company which specalises in wood veneer, have brought a warmth to their designs which others can't match. The veneers delicate tones and inviting colours together with its versatility in shape and form make it one of the materials of the future. Other companies such as Kartell and Foscarini have mastered the art of thermo plastics and have pushed their designs outside the realm of most imaginations. Their molded forms and extensive colour range from psychedelic to subtle highlight their products on any platform.

Innovation has not only come to the fore in the introduction of new materials, it has also played a part in the redesign of old classics. Beby an Italian company to the forefront of crystal design, not satisfied in mastering the traditional chandelier, have now set their sights on reinventing it. They have introduced a range of translucent colour crystal chandeliers, which steal centre stage in any space.

This will be a trying year for most but as already demonstrated it is never a bad idea to push the boundaries, when there is a necessity for change it can often bring about the most surprising of results!