Last Monday evening, the New York IIDA Committee, designing students and guests, along with several distinguished designers, gathered together at the swanky Swarovski Crystalized Concept Store in Soho to talk about something that effect us all – Interior Lighting.

Art + Design in Neighborhoods was to be discussed that evening. Lighting is an integral part of our everyday lives, yet some of us have chosen to live with bad lighting, and not demand the best.  I remembered a scene from British comedy Absolutely Fabulous when upon arriving at Edina’s house, Patsy asked  “What’s going on here?  Is it the lighting, or am I badly lit?”  A little British humor, yes, but considering that great lighting is within our reach, and can be achieved through careful selected interior colors, furniture, and textile, there really is no excuse for anything less.  Celebrity interior designer and architect, Mr. Benjamin Ortiz talked about how he focuses on metals, whimsical lighting, and color, when he designs for himself and his clients.

Indeed, color is important because it creates sensation, and that is crucial in any room.  Did you know that great lighting in any room can be achieve by simply highlighting a reflective ceiling light?  Product designer, Jason Miller, uses his lighting creations to define a space.  His current collection is divine and have several cultural references which make them even more alluring.  It was so interesting to learn how Mr. Ivan Navarro, uses the purity of florescent light bulbs in his work to highlight social and political factors that inherently lie within formal composition. Through the eyes of each of these designers, it became plain to see how each of us can take minimal or significant steps in order to live with the benefits of exceptional lighting. The benefits are not just about the aesthetics, but purely therapeutic.