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Lighting design is one of design branches that quickly react to modern trends. Product designers explore new forms, materials and functions, turning lighting pieces into building blocks of great interior design. In addition to providing your space with a warm glow, a good designer lamp can also pull double duty as a decorative element.

London-based studio Nir Mieiri has collaborated with Indian designer Vaiehi Thakkar to launch Veggie Lights, a sustainable table lamps collection made of red cabbage and as the main material.

The process involves the ‘fiber flats’ material developed by Thakkar and begins with separating cabbage leaves, soaking them in water based adhesives with sustainable color preservatives and treating them so that they obtain antifungal properties. The treated vegetables are then molded into shape and are left to dry in high temperatures until all moisture is evaporated.

As the name suggests, the pieces of ‘The Burning Metal Project’ by Japanese studio Hamanishi Design are formed using the colour change reaction of metal instead of adding colour to the finished products. The use of the natural titanium oxides results in an eye-catching surface that creates a vivid spectrum of graduating tones, the treatment resisting discoloration and fading over time.

The Flame pendant lamp and the Pillat floor lamp look as if the metal was heated by the light bulb’s heat output to create the beautiful iridescent effect. The coolness of metal is counterweighed by the sense of warmth by heating gradation processing on the surface, while the simple and attractive outlines will definitely embellish both home and professional environments.

Apart from the lamps, the collection also features vases and a side table.

Exploring the function rather than the material, Shanghai-based  studio Pushe Design specializing in lighting design has created Subtle Happiness, a multi-functional lamp that allows space for storage as well as can be used as a vase.

Concerned with the shrinking living spaces of the modern cities, the team seeks to create things that represent both function and ornamental form.

Chilean architecture firm Elemental led by the Pritzker-winning architect Alejandro Aravena  has designed ‘O’, the family of indoor and outdoor lamps, for Italian brand Artemide. Conceived to be as imperceptible as possible when not used, the lighting is described by the team as an attempt to reconcile the needs of the natural and the urban environment.

When switched off, the lighting piece becomes an unobtrusive sculptural object, its disappearance being the contribution to the space. When switched on, its controlled and comfortable light emission can be adjusted with sensors and with the Artemide App to ensure focused operation, thus preventing waste and respecting the circadian cycles of all animal and plant species.