Lighting is an integral part of interior design, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Over the years, designers have experimented with different materials, forms and technologies to create lighting solutions that enhance and transform the spaces they inhabit.

In the early 20th century, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Clara Driscoll revolutionised lighting design with their innovative use of stained glass. They created intricate lamps and chandeliers with geometric patterns and organic motifs that changed the way people perceived and used light in their homes.

In the mid-20th century, minimalist and industrial design emerged, influencing lighting designers such as Gino Sarfatti and Poul Henningsen. Sarfatti founded the Italian lighting company Arteluce, creating elegant and geometric luminaires that combined form and function. Henningsen experimented with the diffusion of light, developing his iconic PH series of lamps with multiple layers of shades to soften and diffuse the light.

Modern Classics

In recent decades, lighting design has become more experimental and technologically advanced. Designers such as Ingo Maurer and Flos have pushed the boundaries of lighting, using new materials and technologies to create innovative and dynamic lighting installations. Maurer's playful and surrealist designs, such as the iconic Bulb and Zettel'z chandeliers, have become modern classics. Flos has collaborated with renowned designers such as Philippe Starck and Jasper Morrison to create elegant and functional lighting solutions for modern living.

From Tiffany's stained glass to Maurer's whimsical designs, lighting design has evolved to reflect the changing aesthetics and technologies of each era. Today, lighting designers continue to push the boundaries of form and function, creating innovative and inspiring solutions for the modern home.

Jeroen De Ruddere

Jeroen De Ruddere, on the other hand, draws inspiration from his passion for art and wood, influenced by his grandfather who owned a joinery where he spent much of his childhood. He developed a love for working with wood and his designs often stem from a nostalgia for his grandfather's workshop.

De Ruddere's work focuses primarily on wood, as he believes it has a life of its own and tells its story through shape and texture. His designs are simple, timeless and minimalist, but also cuddly and raw. He seeks to enhance spaces and the lives of those who inhabit them through his curious and creative quest for unique design. After driving past a sawmill in Belgium and coming across a beautiful oak beam, he created his first design. He received positive feedback from friends and realised his potential, which led him to explore the creation and research of shapes, proportions and materials, translated into functional interior design objects.

Future of the lighting 

Looking to the future, lighting design is set to become even more dynamic and technologically advanced. With the rise of smart home systems and the Internet of Things, lighting will play an increasingly important role in shaping the ambience and functionality of our living spaces. Designers are already exploring new ways to integrate lighting with other systems and technologies, such as voice control and artificial intelligence, to create seamless and personalised experiences for users. As sustainable and energy-efficient practices become more important, we can also expect to see an increased focus on eco-friendly materials and designs in the lighting industry.