Iris Design Studio's Blog

2011-12-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

Lighting for the urban household

Felicitous lighting is a vital element for the design of every flat and household. A good lighting scheme together with the proper use of the assorted lamps and bulbs can alter the ambience of the room without physically amending it. The correct lighting design can transform smaller rooms into bigger ones, and bigger rooms into more intimate rooms.

After choosing your color scheme, furniture and other decorative elements, you must choose the correct lighting elements that would benefit the design of the interior space of your household. Focused lighting can direct and guide desired attention to specific elements in the room, much in the same way that a movie director would utilize in order to captivate the attention of viewers of his\her film. We can implement the same technique in order to draw wanted attention to specific parts of our house or away from them.

Magnifying small spaces into larger spaces

If you dwell in a small urban household, the lighting scheme and interior design will need to magnify you internal space, in cases such as these, it would seem prudent to purchase delicate furniture rather than heavy awkward furniture, and to choose soft colors for your upholstery, because fuscous colored upholstery and ceilings will diminish the perceived size of the room. A correct scheme involving design elements and lighting will magnify the space and create a more cheerful atmosphere.

Here are a couple of tips and tricks that will help you choose the correct lighting and lamp types.

Use lamps to "wash" your walls with lights, when you "wash" your walls with lights, the walls reflect some of the light and make your room seem more spacious.

Illuminate the ceiling with "up-lights" which give the appearance of a higher ceiling, or elongated one. Use a dark color scheme for the wall on which the luminaire is positioned, when combined – a dark colored wall, dramatic wall lighting and a piece of bright furniture can create an amiable cozy niche.

Use lights in order to illuminate the four corners of the room, this procedure will "stretch" the room from its center to the corners.

Avoid using a central ceiling lamp, which bathes the room in light and ruins desired room ambiance.

Dispersed lighting – creating an intimate niche from a big space

A large room is a great party space, but algid and unfriendly when alone or with a small group of friends. Surely, you don’t want to feel remote in your own dwelling.

Start by arranging your furniture into small and intimate groups and illuminate each group with its own light element.

If you feel your ceiling is too high, use down-lights and avoid direct lighting on the ceiling, you can thus distract you guest from the ceiling and create a more intimate space.

Use table lamps and floor lamps to generate small expanses of illumination, they will illuminate their immediate surroundings and will convey a warmer enticing atmosphere.

A correct lighting scheme that is adapted to your interior design is an effective way to achieve the desired ambiance of your domain.

2011-11-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

New Etsy Shop

I just wanted to share with everyone my new Etsy shop: http://iLighting.etsy.com.

You should visit it! it has all our stock-must-sell products at great discounts. We have beatufull glass colors featured there and I am personally very proud of it.

I called this shop iLighting, i(ris's) Lighting shop. what do you think? pop in and tell your friends. These are the best Iris Design Studio's bargains.

2011-08-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

So What is a Lighting Designer?

Many people ask me what do I do being a Lighting Designer.
Well, it is true that a Lighting Designer would typically be an Architect or an Engineer that specialize in the design of the light sources and lighting options in a designated space. The lighting Designer would calculate the needs of light, the necessity of functional and decorative lighting sources, and would then draw a plan of all the lighting spots required.
But, being myself, it is not what I do. I simply design the light fixtures themselves. So why do people call me a "Lighting Designer"?
Maybe it is because they do not know what does that phrase mean, and maybe it is because this phrase sounds sophisticated, and maybe it is because I am a Lighting Designer but from a different angle…who knows?
What do I do when I get to my studio, then? I design…light fixtures. Sometimes it is for Iris Design Studio, and sometimes it is for other companies. And I research. And research. And research: for new and better suppliers, for new materials, for new ideas. I suppose I am more of a researcher than a designer, since the drawings of a new product are only a small fraction of my time. It is finding the best and most interesting ideas what makes it difficult.
A lighting fixture is like a piece of jewelry for the home, so in that sense, I might be a jewelry designer as well. Finding the right piece in terms of light supply and in terms of attractiveness is similar to finding an engagement ring or an anniversary necklace. It is an emotional process, and one relies on the advice of the experts, since there are many details involved.
So, my job is to design the perfect home necklace or an extravagant restaurant's engagement ring, or the most beautiful hotel's bracelet. I think that is the best definition for a Lighting Designer.

2011-05-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

Milan 2011

The latest from the Salon de Mobile and especially from the Euroluce tells us the story of an industry craving for new blood.

We visited the show this April, it was big and we were excited to be there. I personally am experiencing a "build-up" before very Milan Design Week. It is eventually where the entire design industry meets.

The experience though, was somewhat disappointing as few new designs were exhibited. Whether it was the economic crisis of the past few years or the saturation of the design market, or the decline of Superstar Designers, most brands just repeated what we have already seen.

But there were some new eye catching designs! MGX wasa definite refreshing view of design whith their 3D printer light fixtures. Artemide was crowded as ever and offered a cleaner, calmer line than the one we have seen in previous years.

And where was Iris Design Studio in all of his? What was I doing? Well, I was looking for partners. Companies that would collaborate with our brand in terms of design.

I think I saw a lot of butterflies this year. Since we issued our Islas Galapagos back in 2007, I was proud to be a first in market trends, though none were as beautiful as ours.

The Edison bulb in larger formats was also very popular as well as the use of mirrors. I could not help but wonder…

I believe the problem with this show is that it is just too big and it is hard to intake all the information you see and hear whether you are and exhibitor or just visiting. But it is still a worthwhile experience especially for those who are visiting for the first time. I would recommend it for any designer or student wanting to know where this industry is heading.

The rest of Milan was packed with design parties, young designer shows and cutting edge new and improved products. This was by far the more exciting part of the trip and I could not help remembering myself a few years back. If I was not showing my own designs, I was running around the various studios in town and this is experience of seeing everything for the first time, designing and exhibiting for the first time, would always be something that I cherish.

Yours. Iris

2011-01-18T00:49:00.000-08:00

Design Is The Commercial Art of Our Times

Times are changing with regards to art and wealth. Previously paintings and portraiture where sort after and the wealthy lay claim to the best paintings and hired the great artists to paint their portraits for their family estate’s halls. However in this day and age design has become the sort-after art. Nowadays the wealthy have the greatest gadgets and sleekest cars. The modern world is one obsessed with technology and design plays a big part in this.

An object with a unique and eye-catching design is considered art and what is better is that design filters down into all markets allowing people in every class to grab a piece of this art. Design has become the commercial art of our times and it is evident in everyday objects to furniture, cars and even cell phones. The great thing with design is that pieces such as a great chandelier not only look decorative but they have a functional use in the home as well.

To get a piece of modern commercial art consider investing in a well designed object, like the range of lighting fixtures at the Iris Design Studio. High-quality functional lamps will not only brighten your home but they can add glamour and ambience to your home. A stunning fixture like the Islas Galapagos chandeliercan add colour and a sense of life to an otherwise dull room while a well-designed partition like the Mitad Del Mundo partition functions as a dividing panel while adding an interesting design element to a bedroom.

The Iguazu lighting system not only creates a spectacular neon effect with its circular shape but its design allows it to be interactive allowing you to move the light as required as it is cool to the touch. This creative design just shows that when one puts in a little thought you can create something that solves a myriad of problems while at the same time keeping on top of current trends when its comes to lighting design.

Investing in the great products found at the Iris Design Studio will not only brighten your home but can also help to save the environment. The lighting designs of the Salvador lighting range at the Iris Design Studio incorporate energy saving LED lights that are not only more durable and reliable that a standard incandescent light bulb but they create a stunning rainbow effect that is indeed art in itself.

As every person has their own tastes and opinions especially when it comes to art and thus design why not consider investing in a piece that allows you the freedom to make your own creative choices. The San Pedro lamps found at the Iris Design Studio allow you to interchange the bulb with a coloured one creating interesting effects with the mere placement of a red or green bulb.

2010-12-30T02:40:00.000-08:00

Decorative Lighting

When designing the interior of your home don’t forget about lighting. The lights in your home not only serve a functional use but their decorative qualities can inject life into any room. When choosing a light fixture for a room you need to analyse the space and determine the function, the style and the mood of your room and thus your light fixture.

In a living room you want to create a feeling of warmth and hospitality. By placing an Olinda lamp on the ceiling of your living room you can practically create the feeling and look of an elegant chandelier at a portion of the cost. By adding decorative lighting like the Salvador Lamp you can highlight ornate cornices and bring colour to otherwise bare walls. To add accents to a room consider placing a San Pedro floor lamp in your living room – this decorative light can also create an isolated glow for reading or sewing while adding interest to your room.

For a dinning room consider investing in a stunning La Paz chandelier – this beautiful light will out-shine any centrepiece while bringing a unique look to your dining room. A stunning chandelier will serve as a decorative focal point in your dining room and can add interest to an otherwise boring room.

To enhance your bedroom add a decorative piece like the Mitad Del Mundo partition that allows light to pass through its gaps creating interesting patterns and effects while at the same time performing its use as a dividing panel. Decorative bedside lamps are great for night-time reading and accent lighting.

Every bathroom needs a great mirror and a Perito Moreno mirror that is surrounded by globes emits light in a way that not only looks stunning but is also extremely functional.

Decorative lighting is often forgotten about when it comes to interior design and planning. Remember that lighting is not only functional but it can add interest and intrigue to any room. Choose lights that create focal points in a room or interesting designs, like the ones at the Iris Design Studio, which spark conversations. Consider lighting designs depending on if they are needed as general or accent lighting and don’t be afraid to choose something out of the box. Your lighting choices help to sculpt the atmosphere and style of your home. At the Iris Design Studio many of the lights such as the La Paz Bulbs and Accessories are not only beautiful but are also extremely practical because of the use of eco-friendly halogen capsules within what appears to be a standard incandescent light bulb.

2010-09-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

YOUR DESIGN SPACE

As with any decorating and home or wardrobe design the influence of current trends and the evident following of these trends is a huge factor when it comes to creating one’s own personal style. This can be seen in the popularity of fashion magazines as well as home décor, gardening magazines and lifestyle shows. The world feels compelled to fit in with current trends in order not to be left behind with regards to technology and style.

There are many elements that influence how we furnish our homes, offices and adorn our own bodies. In these struggling times of economic recession money is definitely one of the deciding factors. Many people are choosing key elements when it comes to design and prefer to splash out on big pieces that will last for a long time and have a specific use. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the contemporary, minimalist design style has become so popular.

Many homes are beginning to combine the old with the new. Traditional styles of design and antique furniture and heirlooms are combined with key, signature pieces to create a unique look. In this modern world where houses and blocks of flats have no real design style – the interiors begin to take on a different atmosphere. People are trying to find their own individuality and thus unique one off pieces and furnishings with an original look become more and more popular.

At the Iris Design Studio the lighting fixtures are designed to add more to your home. They are investment pieces that make a statement, these are not only lights but works of art and at the same time cater towards a world where looking after the environment with energy saving light sources are key. The La Paz chandeliers give a unique take to a traditional light fixture. The standard incandescent light bulb is transformed into a chandelier of unique proportions. With functionality and energy saving techniques this useful product can also become the centrepiece or focal point for a minimalist room. Whereas the Olinda wall and ceiling lamps look like traditional chandeliers but upon closer inspection their contemporary and clean cut design becomes evident.

Be it a Perito Moreno vanity lamp in the shape of a flower adorned by multiple light sources or a free-standing San Pedro floor lamp with a coloured globe; the range of lighting designs available at the Iris Design Studio is varied. These striking designs are quality pieces with a definite use. The designs obviously appeal to the modern, contemporary era of interior design while at the same time incorporating traditional elements that we all know and love.

2010-09-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

Women in the Work Place

In these changing times, women are becoming a force to be reckoned with. No longer are women sitting at home, looking after the children and cleaning the house they are becoming independent. A woman’s career path can be just as important to her as that of her husbands or boyfriends, if she even has one. This change of times was seen greatly with the onset of World War One and Two as women began to fill secretarial and nursing positions. This role of women in the workplace has increased dramatically and in 1991 women formed more than 45% of the US workforce.

However the increasing female workforce brings with it an increase in arguments about gender discrimination and with that pay inequity. It seems to be that with a battle of equality for the sexes salary takes a beating. In most industries where women dominate the average salary earned seems to be lower. Why is this? Is it because women are willing to work for less because of their previously disadvantaged position? Perhaps it is because of the fact that most businesses where established before women became such a powerful force the top executives and mangers are male, and thus a women is thought of as lower and thus earns less or simply will struggle to reach these top positions because of a lack of experience. Perhaps it is because women require so many more benefits with regards to child care / maternity and family leave that businesses simply cannot afford to match salaries to that of a male who would not need such leave.

Maybe men have earned this respect in the workplace and women still have to fight for it, just as a two year old girl can not expect to be given the same presents that her seven year old brother receives, but we are getting there. It is thus a trend that women are taking a stand as entrepreneurs, making their own journey with their own set of rules. In the challenging world of the design and art industry where it is every man, or woman for themselves, females are making their mark. In an art world dominated by men throughout history women are showing that they too can create masterpieces.

Stand back Picasso, Leonardo and Michelangelo here comes Iris Kadouri. At the Iris Design Studio high-quality materials are combined with great designs to create products that are more than what they appear to be, as with any beautiful women. Inspired my nature and travels, the designs show beauty as only a woman could understand it. When taking a look at the Islas Galapagos chandelier range one can see a touch of natural beauty with one of the most delicate creatures represented in the glass butterfly. This delicacy is carried through into the other designs as Perito Moreno Wall Lamp inspired by glaciers and the La Paz collection of chandeliers.

2010-08-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Light Up Your Life

Poet and Novelist; G. K. Chesterton once quoted: “It isn’t that they can’t see the solution. It’s that they can’t see the problem.” When living life we often go through with the mentality of – if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it – however this mentality often stops us from progressing to greater things and more efficient ways of doing things. Through design we aim to provide new solutions to our problems before we even know they exist. Through the Iris Design Studio's creative, innovative and inspiring lighting designs we see products that are more than what initially appear to be. A different look on the world can be taken and a simple product can be viewed from a unique perspective to create light fixtures that add to our world – products we never knew we needed.

Ever aware of the world’s energy crises these designs, inspired by nature, aim to conserve the earth’s natural resources. The La Paz bulbs and accessories as well as the Perito Moreno range appear to be made up of normal incandescent light bulbs but in fact they are simple housings for energy efficient halogen capsules, while the Salvador wall lamps use an LED lighting system and the Iguazu and Olinda wall lamps use energy efficient fluorescent light sources. This provides every person the opportunity to make a difference by using these energy efficient light sources. The clever designs provide an interesting take on lighting fixtures and insure that by using these innovative solutions one does not have to make any compromises in the looks department of your home.

The designs also tackle simple solutions to problems we never even knew existed or could be solved. The Igauzu neon lighting system is a device that can be hung from a ceiling and as it is cool to the touch can be moved and adjusted as one works. While the Olinda design gives the impression of a chandelier in a space where an actual chandelier may be overpowering or take up too much space.

The designs also provide an important element than can often be lacking with regards to lighting and that is the aspect of colour. With the Salvador bulbs and accessories one can brighten up any wall without the need for paint or wallpaper. This simple design casts a beautiful rainbow onto a wall or ceiling to brighten up a room. While the Perito Moreno Arabesque wall lamp gives not only a source of illumination but acts as a piece of art and the San Pedro Table lamp allows one to transform the light source into a wonderful, captivating centrepiece by the simple replacement of a colour bulb.

Through these magnificent designs you can make your homes just that bit more wonderful and start others wondering what it is that makes your home that extra bit miraculous.

2010-07-29T03:34:00.000-07:00

An Illuminated Space

Like a moth to a flame, we too are drawn to a well lit environment. Our homes are designed around where the sun rises and sets so we can get the most out of the sunlight in our living areas. However most of our days are spent in our offices and thus the same attention needs to be paid to lighting those spaces. We need to create the best possible balance of natural and artificial light sources so as not to determent our health or our work. The best light for an office space has an infusion of natural daylight through windows, combined with lighting fixtures. Natural daylight is important as it stimulates our natural body elements such as vitamin D which is necessary to create calcium and keep our bones strong. Natural lighting can also produce calming effects which is something vitally needed in a stressful office situation.

Office spaces also need artificial lighting often at desks to illuminate important work stations and create an easy environment to work in without being blinded by too harsh a light source. The Iris Design Studio's Iguazu lamp is an innovative solution to office lighting design. By incorporating a fluorescent circline the light it not only functional but is energy saving; this will help to cut down on unnecessary business costs. It provides a movable sense of light that is adjustable as the fluorescent ring can be touched and repositioned easily.

Another lighting fixture from the Iris Design Studio that incorporates a fluorescent light source is the Olinda wall lamp. When hung on a ceiling these lighting fixtures creating the illusion of a chandelier at a fraction of the cost. They can brighten up any office space also taking a simple room into a sunset cocktail function with vibrant hues of blue, purple or yellow. These colours can serve as mood lighting to enhance customer’s and employees emotional states. By using these unique lighting fixtures an office space can be lifted much like it is with a painting. These lights add a design element that is classy and functional without being boring and unexceptional. They create a great first impression to anyone you wish to do business with and it is an impression that lasts as one realizes the depth of their intriguing and clever designs.

Through good lighting one can insure that although their work may not always be enjoyable the space in which they do their work can be a space that is enjoyed. It can be a space that one feels comfortable and ready to perform well in while cutting down costs by using energy saving light sources.

2010-07-21T01:55:00.001-07:00

The Light Within

I think we can all agree that lighting can have an effect on our emotions. From the dimly lit passages of the haunted house to the soft and subtle glow that surrounds the newly wed couple on our television screens we are made to feel a certain way. Then how come so often we neglect the effect that the lighting in our own homes and offices can have on our emotions? We work in the dark because we are too busy to turn on the lights and then we wonder why we go away feeling tired and depressed. Yet on a nice sunny day we open the curtains and immediately feel awake and ready to tackle a challenge but we hardly ever take notice of how we would feel if we left those curtains closed.

We change lighting to put us in a certain mood, with strobe lights and disco balls we are ready to party the night away but put those away and light a few candles and we want to cuddle up with a loved one. In order to make your home or office a space you want to be in one must choose a lighting fixture and source to create the necessary mood and invoke the desired emotions. Poor, dimly lit spaces can leave one feeling tired and miserable. This is defiantly not the desired effect we wish to create in our offices. We want to create an atmosphere that awakens us and inspires us to knuckle down and work. The Iris Design Studio's Iguazu Lamp is a bright neon light source that allows the viewer to interact with the piece, moving it to whatever position it is required in creating a much needed sense of ease in any work place. In order to feel relaxed in our homes I have created the Olinda Wall Lights. This magnificent lighting comes in many colours such as blue, purple, brown and yellow to harmonize with any design choice and evoke relaxing emotions in the viewer. It takes the place of an exquisite chandelier and provides just as much beauty without the hassle and clutter of one. If the feeling of tranquillity through colour appeals to you then you should take a look at the Salvador range of ceiling lamps. All the colours of the rainbow radiate from the light fixture, creating a burst of colour that reminds one of the beaches of South America. This mesmerising rainbow is sure to brighten one’s day, literally.

So when choosing lighting for your own home or work place insure that not only function and design are considered but what is good for you and your wellbeing is at the heart of your decision.

2010-06-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

A Curious Character

What would this world be without the artist? I think it would be a dull and boring place devoid of colour, of freedom, of visual thinking and of fun and entertainment. Artists are an integral part to society yet they are often scorned upon, willed not to succeed and when they do they are lavished with disrespected and jealousy. It takes a special person to devote their lives to the breathtaking but sometimes fickle world of art. So what exactly makes an artist an artist?

In everything an artist does they show you a bit of what makes them who they are. More than any other career you get to know the person through every product; their soul and what is important to them comes out through the design. To an artist their office is limitless; inspiration can strike miles away from home or in one’s own garden. Extensive travels have influenced many of the lighting designs seen at the Iris Design Studio and a love of nature as well as technology blend together in the pieces. The The Perito Moreno range of lamps are influenced by the astonishing South American glaciers, whereas the Salvador bulbs and accessories range is inspired by vibrant sunsets.

However through this expression of emotion an artist is constantly linked to their work. It is impossible for an artist to detach themselves from their work as every bit of their art contains a piece of them; this makes an artist very sensitive and emotional and in order to be successful the actors, singers, musicians, painters and designers of this world come to be some of the most courageous people you will ever meet.

An artist’s view of the world is different and often before their time. This can cause people to ostracise them; they are looked upon as strange, crazy people who create pointless or impractical products. Although the Iris Design Studio's products are obviously unique they still have a particular purpose. The innovative designs are clear in the La Paz range of chandeliers and lamps.

Perhaps the most fantastic quality of the artist is their ability to change the way everyone else views the world. They make statements no one has dared to even think of and they challenge our concepts and ideas. The products at The Iris Design Studio do just this. Throughout the ranges of lights and fixtures our views are challenged; bulbs are hung without traditional fittings in the La Paz range, coloured lights are placed in cut-outs to form 3D designs in the San Pedro range and with the Olinda design a chandelier is not initially what it appears to be, causing us to take another look and review our assumptions.

2010-06-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Changing Light

After over 120 years of use, the incandescent light bulb or Edison bulb is in the process of being banned worldwide and is already banned in certain parts of the world, including the EU, Australia and California. The bulb is going to be phased out in favour of new, energy-saving solutions; such as halogen, LED bulbs. The current incandescent light bulb only uses less than 10 percent of the energy that runs through it, and today, with the world’s energy crises we can hardly afford to keep them in production. Now look around your home and I’m sure you will find at least one, if not many, of these types of bulbs and fittings built specifically for them. This change will definitely affect lighting design throughout homes; as bulbs are no longer manufactured, lights will have to change to suit new bulbs with better efficiencies.

However many designers are already thinking of new and innovative ways to solve this problem. The Iris Design Studio creates innovative lighting solutions that serve as unique and innovative replacements to the standard Edison bulb. The La Paz bulbs and accessories collection at first glance looks like a string of standard Edison bulbs that form a chandelier; but take a closer look. Upon examination it is evident that the bulbs are not attached to a standard fitting and the real light source actually comes from another source within the cleverly mastered façade. There are energy efficient halogen capsules within what appears to be an incandescent light bulb. This light source, although small, is extremely strong and provides a good source of light for any room. This collection comes in a series of innovative and eye-catching designs to suit any living and décor style.

This is not where the innovation ends; throughout the collections new light sources that embrace solutions to the world’s energy crises are used. The Salvador wall lamps incorporate an LED system that has a range of advantages over the standard incandescent light bulb; not only is it more energy efficient, it has a longer lifetime, faster switching and improved durability and reliability. The effect of this RGB LED lighting is also extremely beautiful as a rainbow of colours is thrown up against a wall or ceiling. Where as in the Iguazu or Olinda wall lamps an energy efficient circline fluorescent bulb is used to create more light while harnessing less energy and the Perito Moreno range uses the same halogen capsule system as the La Paz collection.

When viewing these wonderful alternatives we begin to ask ourselves why we still have that one, or many, incandescent bulbs still hanging in our home. Perhaps in this case change is a good thing, a very good thing.

2010-06-01T07:24:00.001-07:00

A Natural Solution

As the environment around us is depleted of resources and the world panics about carbon emissions, climate change and what of this amazing world, if anything, will be left for our children; we ask ourselves – what can we do to make a difference? We strive to reconnect with nature, to grow food organically and draw our children away from television sets to play on the lawns outside. We strive to connect our modern technology to the natural world so that we don’t become ‘robots’. The Iris Design Studio sells lights – but not just any lights. The designs make a statement; they challenge a person to look deeper than what initially is seen. The designs consider nature, inspired by travels; the designs shout of cultural influence and an intrigue that only the natural world could bring.

In order to live intelligently and responsibly on this earth we have to be open to new ideas, a new way of looking at things and through this innovation comes improvement. Iris Design Studio's designs, such as San Pedro range, show a unique and innovative creation that stems from nature and provides a link to and serves as a reminder of our environment.

Through the lighting designs we return to natural elements. Glass, made from the abundant natural element of sand, is crafted into more than 400 butterflies symbolizing growth and life in an Islas Galapagos chandelier. The designs strain to make a difference and protect the environment by utilizing materials directly from nature, such as glass and metal while eliminating the harmful effects the abundance of plastic can have on the environment. Not only beautiful but also extremely practical the Igauzu ceiling lamp incorporates an energy saving bulb that allows the owner to interact with their environment, moving the light source however they want, at ease, whenever they want. Another design that draws on an inexpensive, energy saving light source is the Olinda wall lamp, a simplistic design that removes the need for heavy amounts of materials but at the same time captures the same elegance and magnificence of a chandelier.

As gardens become smaller and apartment blocks more popular, designers have taken to incorporating natural elements within their designs so that one can be in touch with nature no matter where it is you live. Although the lighting designs found at the Iris Design Studio do not incorporate elements such as reeds, flowers and grasses in the designs the inspiration is clear. Elements of flowers, cacti, sunsets and birds spring to the mind when viewing her table, floor, ceiling or wall lamps.

2010-05-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

A Celebrity Touch

The modern world is one obsessed with celebrity. The paparazzi and media follow celebrities around and take candid photos of these stars that we, the public lap up willingly. Websites where we can follow recent star-studded events, find out celebrities’ addresses and feel like we know them personally such as www.celebritiesworldwide.com have become more and more popular. Be it detrimental or helpful to society the truth is that celebrities have a huge influence on fashion, lifestyle, diets and current cultures. New designs emerge simply from the way a celebrity is, for instance the now infamous ‘ Rachel haircut’ copied straight from Jennifer Aniston’s simplistic style choice. They themselves become a brand and their likes and dislikes become public property as their fans follow their every move.

Design is no stranger to the influence of fame and fortune. As singers or actors branch into perfume or clothing ranges they bring with them their own stamp of contemporary design. The media begins to influence designs and everyone starts to feel a spark of longing for that lifestyle of the rich and the famous. A celebrity generally has some special quality, they appear just like us however there is something unmistakably different, that all important ‘x’ factor. A similar unique quality is one of the many elements of the Iris Design Studio's lighting designs. The San Pedro range has light bulbs that are sunk in to cut outs, the piece can be attached to four unique fixtures so that it becomes either a table, floor, ceiling or wall lamp. It is appealing from all angles and the design instantly draws your eye towards it.

Lifestyle shows such as Cribs and My Celebrity Home celebrate the design choices of celebrities and allow the world a sneak peak and even a chance to recreate how ‘the other half’ lives. One thing celebrities have is money and with that the ability to create dramatic and eye catching structures. The public longs for this glamour lifestyle that seems to come with celebrity, however we know we would not want someone following us around everyday with a camera. We seek out this feeling of affluence but with a calming atmosphere so that our homes and offices are a space we enjoy being in. The Iris Design Studio allows us to also create this feeling of magnitude and wealth through a simple Olinda light fixture. This lighting device creates the illusion of a majestic, ornate chandelier however what we are really seeing is merely a façade, a well designed image. Perhaps this light represents something more similar to a celebrity than we think. We can even feel like we too are in a make-up room getting primped and preened as we look into a Perito Moreno mirror surrounded by globes.

2010-05-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

A Link to Life

As cities are built up and blocks of flats erected one begins to feel that it really is a concrete jungle out there. Living spaces become smaller, boxier with no gardens or sign of life other than the people that live there. As we encase ourselves within our bricked walls, designers are beginning to look ‘outside the box’. The result of this city life alienation causes designers like to add nature to their designs so we don’t loose touch with our roots. Life can once again be breathed through lighting designs inspired by the beautiful oceans and deserts that surround us.

The Iris Design Studio sells lighting products that remind us of the world outside our box. The Perito Moreno range of wall lamps are inspired by the South American glacier of the same name, the image mirrors nature quite literally. Vanity mirrors resemble flowers and renew our view of life. Through different designs a harmonious atmosphere can be created; an atmosphere where colour is created through visuals that speak to the soul. Many of the lighting designs at The Iris Design Studio use colour as an element that mimics nature. The Salvador bulbs and accessories create the illusion of a rainbow and birds in flight and add a little mystery and intrigue to an otherwise dull wall. Whereas the San Pedro lighting design reminds us of the Atacama Desert with plant life mimicked through the simple placement of a colour globe.

However magnificent a design may be it can mean nothing if there is no purpose to it. At The Iris Design Studio designs are created not only for decoration but they help to improve the way in which we go about our daily lives. Once again inspired by nature the Iguazu Wall lamps are designed with a specific purpose in mind. Suitable for any work place these wall lamps incorporate an energy saving technique similar to that harnessed by man from the waterfalls that border Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. This lighting piece is not only striking but can be interacted with and moved to any position one desires because of the cold fluorescent element.

Designs such as the ones mentioned can help this technological age to harness their creative energies, to once again capture the mind of the grubby child within us all. Designs like these remind us of the feeling of the sand beneath our toes, the wind in our hair and the taste of salt water on our lips. They can help to liberate us, if even in the slightest way, to that fantasy land we dream of everyday. Ultimately the designs found at The Iris Design Studio are created for a community interested in not just existing, but truly living.

2010-05-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

Art Vs. Design

In the modern world there is often debate when it comes to the two simple words “art” and “design”. Art is often referred to as something sparked from human creativity, an expression of a feeling whereas design is thought of as something more practical, an idea to serve a specific purpose. Design is there to solve problems, to achieve the best solution in a practical way. However when solving a human problem who can negate human emotion? This is where art links to design. Design can go beyond even this, not only can designs evoke emotion, they can form reactions and change the way one views a piece of the world. When looking at the Iris Design Studio’s La Paz collection one does not simply see a light and the lighting fixture for the functional purpose, there is art behind the design. The shapes and the form communicate an idea relating to the creation of the light bulb and spark a reminiscent human emotion through a new innovative twist.

Design is often linked to art and the recognition of patterns of design can help us to make sense of an otherwise seemingly nonsensical piece of art. Such as the work of the painter; Mondrian. Designs can give us clarity; a consistent design reminds us where we stand and what is going on around us. Design gives clarity through chaos. Thus the Iris Design Studio links all their products in such a way that a clear lighting design and idea can be carried throughout a house or office space, be it in the kitchen, bedroom, or hallway.

In the battle to create elements that incorporate both art and design the objective is often lost upon the way. Contemporary designs are made that stand no purpose, art is created that aims to evoke no emotion. Each element that goes into the creation of a single chandelier or floor lamp at the Iris Design Studio is considered. The design is there to serve a purpose; it is practical and calculated however the element of human emotion, of art and creativity are evident in every product.The wonderful thing about combining art with functional design is that predictability so hard to come by. When one thinks of a light bulb it must surely be hung either up or down or at a 90 degree angle because of the way it screws into the fitting.

The La Paz collection turns this practicability upside down – literally. Creativity interlinks with the lighting design to make you wonder ‘how does it work?’ The answer is does it matter? As Isaac D'Israeli once stated "Enthusiasm is that secret and harmonious spirit which hovers over the production of genius, throwing the reader of a book, or the spectator of a statue, into the very ideal presence whence these works have really originated. A great work always leaves us in a state of musing." With the Iris Design Studio’s products we can be left in wonder and discover something new everyday.

2010-02-02T01:11:00.000-08:00

Our Love of Everything Italian

Italy, Venice, Milan, Florence… what is our infatuation with this mysterious country that epitomizes romance and love? Italy is poetry in its truest form. From the sun-kissed countryside, painted in burnished colors of red, gold, and copper to the rich decadent food to the unsurpassed luxurious and trendsetting designs… Italy has truly captured the hearts of the world and become the center of creative design.

Italian culture seems to have always been a part of the romantic scene, portrayed through many of the works of the great bard himself, William Shakespeare. It was obvious that Shakespeare was in love with Italy although it is debated as to whether he had ever been there. Most people believe that he never made it to Italy, but that the country was so romanticized during that time that he still was able to cherish it.

However, the sovereignty of Italy in the world of design did not happen overnight. And the great wars did much to tarnish the reputation of this fountain of inspiration. Italy’s alliance with the Axis countries during World War I was highly criticized, and even though Italy eventually declared their alliance with the Allies, the damage was already done. Italy’s economy plummeted into ruin, which left the country defenseless to the fascism regime of Mussolini, which virtually suppressed the open and romantic Italian culture.

The government took the reins of this once unbridled country and crushed freethinking revolutionist with its stern and repressive hand. Mussolini wanted to remake the Italian people into what he deemed was the perfect culture, and he almost succeeded in destroying them. After World War II, when Mussolini was executed and Italy was summarily freed from his reign, the country was free to pick up the pieces and start anew.

However, the design industry’s demands for exports were already claimed by Paris. French design and fashion were all the rage in the United States and Canada. Italy had to redefine the world’s perception of fine design and handcrafted elegance in order to become a recognized leader in design. With the emergence of groundbreaking creativity expressed in ways the world had never seen. From high quality fashion to revolutionary furniture design, Italians stormed the design world with a wave of creative inspiration reflected in their designs.

Today that creativity has allowed Italy to become the beating heart of the design world. The living breathing life force that is the forerunner of creative thought and a pioneer in forward thinking, pushing the limits of design to new and dazzling places. We can see this in the success and prominence of such design shows as the Salon de Mobile Exhibition in Milan featuring the newest and most avant garde products of the industrial design industry.

Italy has long been an inspiration to the design team at the Iris Design Studio. The colors, the flavor, and the culture serve as a powerful muse for our lighting designs, and we revel in its emergence as the brightest star in the design world.

For more information about the Iris Design Studio and our exceptional lighting designs, you can visit our website at www.IrisDesignStudio.com.

2010-01-19T01:47:00.000-08:00

The Power of Social Networking

As the online world morphs and evolves on an almost daily basis, so too do the ways we must market and promote our business. Nowadays, a website is not enough to properly market your business online. You need to have a face book account, a MySpace page, a twitter account, a LinkedIn account, and every day it seems we have to adopt a new trend to keep up with the times.

While this can be a daunting task for a business owner to keep up with, it definitely has its merits that make it worth all that extra work. Before social networking, there was a barrier between business owners and customers. We were all faceless names behind a computer screen. Merely product transactions or website visitors. Nothing more.

Now, thanks to the power of social marketing and networking, each customer has a face and a story to go with it. There are photographs of families, faces to put with each name, and a chance to really share our thoughts and products with the people who have shown an interest and appreciation for our work.

Every day, we can reach out to our fans, our customers, and our friends to let them know about new thoughts, new inspirations, and the newest lighting products that we have to offer. In essence, we are asking our social networks to help support our business. Help create a buzz about our work. Help us continue to thrive and flourish in this unstable economy.

And, you all have come through time and time again for the Iris Design Studio. So this article is dedicated to our fans, followers, friends, and loyal customers. Thank you for everything you do to help the Iris Design Studio and for your continued support of our lighting design products.

If you know anyone who may be interested in our lighting design products, please share our social networking sites with them. Encourage people to become a fan of Iris Design Studio by visiting our facebook page. Follow our tweets on Twitter at www.twitter.com/irisdesign. Or check out our MySpace page at www.myspace.com/irisdesignstudio.

Through these social sites, we’ll communicate with you, ask for your feedback, and even offer you the first glimpse at some of our newest products before they are even available for purchase.

As always, for more information about the Iris Design Studio and our unique designs, you can always visit us at our website at www.IrisDesignStudio.com.

2009-12-29T06:15:00.000-08:00

The Beauty and Brilliance of Glass in Contemporary Lighting Design

Contemporary lighting designers have always weighed their materials carefully. Considering the type of materials, the colors, the textures, and what the materials said about the design. Often times, it’s the construction materials themselves that can make a bolder statement than the design piece itself.

A perfect example lies in the recent shift in contemporary lighting design to incorporate recyclable materials. Contemporary designers, more aware than ever of the green movement, have begun to explore the possibilities of what recyclable materials can say about their specific designs. This surge has been especially true with recycled plastics.

The use of plastics in contemporary design is nothing new. Plastic is a relatively inexpensive and easily molded material that can offer the manufacturer and the lighting designer a higher profit margin. And, while the use of recycled materials is a responsible application of the cast off plastics, it still begs the question, are we continuing to feed this environmental waste by creating a demand for the recycled materials?

There’s another reason why the use of plastics should be questioned in contemporary lighting design. Contemporary design can be viewed as cold and devoid of real warmth. Plastics in the design can often validate this viewpoint. It almost takes the life and soul from the design. Everything in the production is manmade. The antithesis of what lighting design should be. This transforms what started out as an artistic form of expression to one that is merely a functional item in your room.

At Iris Design Studio, there are no plastics to be found in our workshop or our designs. We still hold on steadfastly to the materials that give life and breath to our designs. Warm metals fused with glass and wood make up the bulk of our products. This allows the design to remain connected to the earth and nature. It brings that spark of life, that resemblance to the earth and sky, the sun and the rain.

Glass especially plays a big role in our designs. Its unique and exquisite ability to transform rays of manmade light into ethereal beauty is worth the extra price in production. Glass, easily created from the earth, and easily returned to the earth, can turn a functional lighting fixture into a beautiful work of art that is a tribute to the natural world.

At different times of day, the light will create a different display, sometimes catching the morning light of a sparkling sunrise, sometimes catching the full on brilliance of an afternoon sun. Mixing with the soft glow of electric light, it creates an unmatched display of beauty.

Made of only superior materials from Israel, designer Iris Kadouri’s native country, the floor lamps, ceiling lamps, and chandeliers found at the Iris Design Studio are unmatched in their ability to seamlessly combine function and art. For more information on our unique lighting designs, you can visit our website at www.IrisDesignStudio.com.

2009-12-22T04:16:00.000-08:00

Living the Contemporary Life

In life, there are many things that define who we are as an individual. Some of these things are just phases that we grow through eventually, especially in our early years of cultural and social development. Others last with us through the years of our life, embraced as a part of our identity.
When you choose to adopt the contemporary life as your own, it’s not just a matter of finding a design that you like. With contemporary design, it is so much more than that. You must be prepared to love and cherish every aspect of its existence and soul and be prepared to defend it against those who do not understand it.
You should also be aware of the bold statement you are making about your lifestyle and how you go about it when you choose the contemporary lifestyle. That’s because, what the contemporary lifestyle says about you and what you want it to say about you can be two different things if you are not careful. Contemporary design can be viewed by some as cold and barren, devoid of the material things that give so many people comfort in life. However, true, appreciative souls of contemporary design can see the warmth and sophistication that this extraordinary lifestyle represents.
Each piece of contemporary design, whether it’s contemporary lighting or furniture or even art, has its own unique personality, its own voice. Every item you select for your home or office décor must be able to stand on its own as well as together in one cohesive unit.
Because that’s what a contemporary design should reflect. The ability to function as a whole or a singular force. It demonstrates a harmony between your soul and the way you live your life. Clean, simple, and uncluttered. Denying any negativity to encroach upon your home and your life. By choosing this lifestyle as your own, you are letting the world know that you won’t allow material things to clutter your home, your mind, and your heart.
For instance, the contemporary lighting designs of Iris Design Studio are created to give warmth and life to your contemporary art and furniture. It adds depth to your room, chases away the shadows, and gives your pieces an added touch of elegance and luminosity. However, the lighting designs also function on their own, each a unique and bold statement that captures the spirit of contemporary design in their clean lines and minimalist beauty.
For more information on how you can embrace the contemporary lifestyle with the unique beauty and purity of the lighting designs at Iris Design Studio, you can visit our website at www.IrisDesignStudio.com.

2009-11-01T02:57:00.000-08:00

The Age of Designers

In a world determined to put aside assumptions and stereotypes, is it impossible for the designer to truly transcend the stigmatism of age? Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, age still comes into play in many industries, and the world of design is no exception to the rules. It begs the question; does the design stand apart from the designer? Can it truly be judged without judging the designer as well?

We see this occurrence every day. Graphic designers who are young and hip while in their 20s bring fresh new ideas to the advertising world. Their unconventional ways break into new and innovative perspectives that keep the advertising world alive and teeming with creative juices. However, once the graphic designer enters into their 30s, with years of experience under their belts, they are no longer viewed as a creative well full of new ideas, but instead a tired and uninspired designer who can no longer tap into that unsullied creativity.

Architects, however, do not reach the zenith of their career until it is almost at an end. The respect of a renowned architect comes with years and years of experience and a full and tested portfolio of structures that have passed the test of time. Not until they reach their 60s are they treated with any sense of reverence, while the young and untried architect must scrape and claw their way through decades of climbing the proverbial career ladder.

And, somewhere in between the aged and the young, lies the pinnacle point of the career of the industrial designer. This could be because industrial design is not merely as simple as sitting at a computer and painting a beautiful image with the precise touch of a well practiced mouse click. Once the skill is learned, it is simply a matter of adding your own unique creativity to the computer canvas. On the other hand, industrial design is not so refined in that the wellbeing of thousands of people relies squarely on the broad shoulders of the architect who painstakingly creates a sound and lasting structure.

Industrial designers must recreate the industry with every piece they create. Always looking for new and innovative materials to meld, twist, and mold to our creative whims, the industrial designer must go through many frustrating and wearisome failures in order to produce that one piece that both reflects and channels the creative spirit of the designer. This cannot be taught, no matter how in tune we are to the history of the artists that have come before us. It is a matter of self-discovery and commitment that we will eventually find our culmination point and be able to express in full the creativity that has been brimming within our souls.

This release of creative energy can be found in the innovative light fixtures and chandeliers of the Iris Design Studio. For more information about the Iris Design Studio, please visit www.IrisDesignStudio.com.

2009-11-01T02:51:00.000-08:00

A Designer’s Responsibility to Go Green

Art can be many things. It can be beautiful to some and strange and confusing to others. Where design and art are concerned, beauty is by far in the eye of the beholder, but no matter what the design says artistically or what crowd it appeals to, design has a certain obligation to fulfill when it comes to the materials that are used in its creation.

Using recyclable materials to create works of beauty and prestige is an art form in and of itself. It reflects a certain sophistication and responsibility that is difficult to measure and impossible to truly match. It is with great pride that the designer takes up the challenge to use only recyclable materials in their work to create pieces that exhibit both an aesthetic beauty and a dedication to conservation.

The topic is relevant to the times, not only because of the recent green movement, but of the emergence of new plastic materials that has been hitting the marketplace in the world of modern design. Plastics, as most people know are not a material that is easily degradable and most design pieces don’t make it to the recycling bin. These pieces represent a form of art this is socially unaware of the impact they are imposing upon the environment by spreading these beautiful, and yet negligent designs throughout the world.

However, the responsibility does not lie solely with the designer, but also with the consumer. The designer is simply fulfilling a demand in order to support their art and their business. If the consumer begins to demand more environmentally conscious designs, it will be easier for designers to make the transition in their materials.

Designs that incorporate recycled plastics, metals, and glass – materials that are all used with an awareness of the environment – are all excellent choices when it comes to selecting a design that has staying power.

Here at The Iris Design Studio we use mostly recycled materials in all of our extraordinary light fixtures and chandeliers. Instead of standing apart from nature, they take on a hidden aspect of the outdoors in the way they meld industrial and recyclable materials like glass and metal with the exquisite and varied colors that reflect the colors found throughout nature.

For more information about the Iris Design Studio and our environmentally conscious designs, please visit our website at www.IrisDesignStudio.com.

2009-08-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

Trading Spaces: When Art Meets Design

What happens when the boundaries of art and design are blurred? When we fuse the two concepts together to create something so exquisite that at times its beauty can overshadow its function? Is the designer truly an artist? Or is the artist really a designer? What truly defines each role in today’s market?

Traditionally an artist will create something whose sole purpose is to inspire and evoke emotions from the people who view it. They create one piece. This is their artwork. A traditional designer will create a piece that is meant to usually serve a duel purpose, such as a lighting designer, and can easily be replicated and sold many times over. A designer creates a model that is mass produced for consumers. However, the marketplace has virtually erased the boundaries that used to separate these industries.

Artists like Thomas Kincaid now mass produce their artwork. They rely solely on the brand name of the artist to sell the art. The unique qualities of the artwork are lost so the masses can enjoy the art at discounted prices. Usually, the artwork that is sold like this will be limited to a certain amount produced to maintain the value of the artwork, but it is still much more than what is usually accepted as art. Also, the artist takes a step back from the production of these pieces, often having other artists simply follow the pattern of the original piece. The only thing the artist may have touched on that particular piece is the name in the corner.

Designers have also crossed the boundaries of their trade by offering only one of a particular piece or a limited number of designs that are hand crafted. For instance, all of the lighting designs that we offer at Iris Design Studio are individually hand crafted, not mass produced and stored in a warehouse. This makes our lighting designs more like pieces of artwork than true designs. It also gives these pieces more value because there are a limited number that have been created. Also, the actual lighting designer still maintains control over the production of all the products and doesn’t hand the work over to other designers.

The fine line that once divided art and design has been virtually eliminated and it is for the consumer to truly judge for themselves whether a piece is art or design. The amount of pieces in production is usually a good indicator, as well as who is actually involved in the piece’s production. Ultimately beauty is in the eye of the beholder however, and so art is defined not in the artist’s eye but in the eye of the person who will appreciate it for its beauty or the powerful emotions it can evoke from all who look upon it.

2009-07-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

Challenging the Design Industry in These Troubled Times

These days, with the economy in a constant state of upheaval and uncertainty, it seems almost frivolous for consumers to spend money on luxury items such as artwork। This trend has almost certainly had its impacts on the design industry, and contemporary designers have been forced to evolve their products to meet the needs of this more frugal and conservative marketplace.

While the real estate market has taken a plunge, investors can still find a worthy long-term investment in pieces of artwork. The appreciation for beauty and artistic talents has not waned, but the amount of money spent on artwork has. There’s simply a cautious consumer that has emerged within this slumped economy and the design industry must be able to fulfill those needs of this new and cautious consumer.

The good news for those of us in the practical design industry is that our designs meet two needs for our customers. They provide aesthetics to the room, giving our design a decorative role, but they also provide a more practical and functional role. For instance, the lighting designs of Iris Design Studio, meet the practical needs of lighting a customer’s room, but they also deliver the beauty and appreciation that you can receive from a piece of artwork.

The designer that will survive in this down economy will offer a product that can meet these practical needs and give the consumer an added benefit to purchasing your designs. Lamps and lighting are essential items for the home. If they can also be an investment for our clients, then this provides the customer with an added incentive to purchase.

Designers must also be willing to embrace the green movement. If at all possible, recycled materials should be used in your designs. At Iris Design Studio, we make a concerted effort to only use recycled materials. For example, one of the latest lighting design projects at Iris Design Studio includes the exquisite chandelier called Islas Galapagos. This beautiful chandelier featuring hundreds of cascading glass butterflies is made of recycled materials from renewable resources.

By using recycled materials in your designs, you give the consumer yet another reason to purchase your product over a cheaper imitation product. Everyone wants to do what they can for the environment, and if your design products allow them to feel that by buying your designs, they are also helping clean up the earth, they will be more inclined to pay more.

The role of the successful designer is defined by the desires of the marketplace. By employing your creativity and by crafting art that can serve the practical needs and the needs to surround ourselves with beauty, you’ll discover this economy is the perfect place to shine a light on your designs.

2009-06-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

Is “Made in China” Making It Impossible to Sell Small Line Products?

These days, with so many imports coming from China and flooding the market with imitation art and cheap knock offs, it’s becoming harder and harder for contemporary designers to sell small line products anymore. We simply can’t compete with the prices they are offering, and with the state of the economy, it’s hard to push quality over price to the general public. That’s not to say it can’t be done, however.

The consumer market knows that “Made in China” translates into cheap, inferior products that probably won’t last very long in the average household. When given the choice, consumers would rather have a product that was of higher quality and would endure over the years because of the superior craftsmanship and quality materials. It’s simply a matter of appealing to that sense of preservation. Ask yourself, would you rather buy a cheaper item now, knowing that you’ll just have to replace it in a couple of months, or would you rather pay a little more for something that will endure for years?

Ultimately, having to purchase a product over and over again will amount to more than the original purchase price of a quality product and most consumers realize this. Also, when it comes to functional art, like lighting fixtures, “Made in China” is not an investment that will bring any value to the consumer in the long run. But having a quality, genuine piece of functional art from a real lighting designer will.

You also need to take into consideration the very justified fear that China is not only producing inferior products, but dangerous products as well. The lead in children’s toys and the dangerous ingredients in pet food a few years ago have cut import sales drastically and have created an almost panicked search for alternative products that are made outside of China.

Here’s where contemporary designers can come in and offer small line products, like the wall lamps we have at Iris Design Studio, that are made of safe, quality materials. By offering smaller line products, you can also increase the sales of some of your bigger items. People tend to not want to bite off a big purchase in this economy unless they are sure they are getting a good product. If you offer smaller, less expensive products for them to “test” the quality of your products and help create a sense of brand loyalty, they may be more inclined to purchase something a bit more expensive next time.

If nothing else, as long as the “Made in China” label continues to be identified with cheap, inferior products, consumers will soon come to realize that, in the end, quality beats cheap every time.

2009-06-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

Young Designers Look to the Web for

Real Opportunities

The emergence of the web and the ease with which almost anyone can tap into the seemingly unlimited resources it offers has presented young designers with tremendous opportunities that weren’t available just a few years ago. But does it really make a difference when it comes to actually selling products or is it just another way to waste valuable time in an attempt to reach the right audience? Like so many things in life, your success depends on how much time you are willing to dedicate to using the powerfully effective tools the internet has to offer.

There are sites and software out there that make it extremely easy to build your own website. There are even web design services that cater to the design industry. But just because you have a website, doesn’t mean you will necessarily be successful. It takes more than just having an online portfolio or even an online store to achieve success on the internet. You have to essentially learn how to employ proven internet marketing techniques in order to drive the right traffic to your site… either that or be willing to pay someone to do it for you.

There are so many factors that can affect your website and what kind of traffic it attracts. Using social networking sites like myspace and facebook can help, but only if you use them correctly and actively market them. If you’re at a tradeshow, make sure your website is on every business card you hand out. Let your visitors know you’re on facebook or myspace and invite them to join your online community. Place pictures of your best products on these sites and have them link back to your online store. This way, if a visitor is interested in that product, they can easily find your store and purchase it right online.

If you have a website, make sure it is optimized for the search engines. This includes your on page content and your off page content. You may have heard the term “keyword” floating about as you attempt to make your way online. Keywords are extremely important when it comes to making your site visible to the search engines. A mistake some young designers make is choosing to use their company name as their main keyword. This will only help you if someone is actively searching for your company. For example, Iris Design Studio, while important as the name of my company, isn’t necessarily what potential online customers would search for if they were looking for my lighting products. Instead, my keywords need to revolve around lighting fixtures, chandeliers, and lamps because these are the search terms people will input into search engines like Google and Yahoo when looking for the products I sell on my website.

The internet presents vast opportunities to designers and a full arsenal of tools that can help increase the exposure and sales of your products. By learning how to use these tools correctly, you can easily see that success on the internet is not just a possibility, it’s a reality. One that is easily achievable with the proper amount of time and dedication.

2009-05-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Crystal Chandelier: Timeless Classic or a Trend of the Past?

In the last few years, the lighting design industry has witnessed the return of the classic crystal chandelier, its timeless elegance and beauty reminding us of a more romantic period of extravagance with its glistening, opulent features suspended in all its majestic glory over the formal dining room table. But has this new, recessed economy put an end to this trend or has the crystal chandelier evolved into so much more than just a dining room accessory?

The answer lies in the materials. In this new age of green thinking, chandeliers have begun to morph into works of art that come in all different shapes, colors, and materials. From chandeliers made of spoons, to pens, to milk crates, to even old cardboard, it’s obvious that chandeliers themselves have not lost any of their charm and alluring beauty, but what they are made of has certainly undergone a dramatic transformation.

Contemporary designers have taken what was once a classic light fixture and added a unique flair that has allowed the chandelier to move out of the dining room and into the romantic confines of the bedroom and the welcoming magnetism of the bright and cheery kitchen.

While the classic crystal chandelier will always have a place in design, the industry is seeing more and more of the crystals created from recycled materials or even antique pieces from old chandeliers. Even more prevalent is the emergence of crystals mixed with other materials such as bronze or wrought iron. Or even chandeliers that are made of handcrafted recycled glass such as last week’s topic and the latest project from the Iris Design Studio – the Islas Galapagos. The shimmering chandelier made of recycled glass features a cascading shower of butterflies that reflects light in myriad facets that captivate a room.

No matter what your chandelier is made of, in today’s modern design, the important thing to remember is that your lighting fixture should not only add beauty and grace to your room, but it should cast the right amount of light to set the desirable ambiance for the space.

The Iris Design Studio has several innovative and exquisite chandeliers that will add beauty and light to any room. By combining simplistic overtures of light with swirls of complex lines, lighting designer Iris Kadouri has captured the essence and soul of the timeless lighting fixture – the ever-classic chandelier.

2009-05-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

Embrace the Vibrant Essence of Islas Galapagos

Each delicate element of this elegant chandelier pulsates with the sheer life force of the earth and captures the very soul of nature in its glistening fractures of light. Born of two worlds, art and industry, a child of modern craftsmanship and natural beauty, the Islas Galapagos chandeliers by Iris Design Studio can salve the urban soul by casting glistening rays of light into even the darkest corner.

Every Islas Galapagos chandelier is composed of more than 400 individually handmade glass pieces of cascading butterflies, brimming with effervescent energy and life. This contemporary design was a year’s long endeavor, as lighting designer Iris Kadouri experimented with high-quality fused glass that reflected the light in rare shades and shimmers, resembling the majestic beauty of a sunrise that can only be found over the Galapagos Islands.

As urbanites who surround ourselves in modern-day dressings and immerse ourselves in artificial depths, we secretly long for something more primal, something that answers our innermost desires, to return to a world where life forces run free in an untamed wilderness. Islas Galapagos answers that ache in our souls and allows us to escape the chains of the modern world by capturing the very essence of the earth in its iridescent waves of light.

Designer, Iris Kadouri, known for her innovative lighting designs and her ability to fuse practical items such as lighting fixtures, sconces, mirrors, and lamps into works of artistic elegance, unveils this new, inspired masterpiece as a gift to her fans. This extraordinary representation of her commitment and dedication to bringing art and beauty to even the most fundamental parts of life is crafted of recycled materials using only renewable energy sources.

To learn more about the Islas Galapagos chandelier contact Iris Design Studio today or click here to see where this exquisite piece is currently on display. The Iris Design Studio website also has an online shopping feature where you can view and purchase many of their beautifully unique lighting fixtures. Shipping is free worldwide and each item includes light bulbs and ballasts.

2009-05-17T04:25:00.000-07:00

IRIS DESIGN STUDIO GO GREEN WITH NEW LED TECHNOLOGY.

Iris Design Studio Ltd, a cutting edge lighting manufacturer, is now green thanks to new LED technology. The company, which produces high end light fixtures and furniture designed by Iris Kadouri is young and innovative and thus was seeking for greener solutions in terms of recyclability and light output.

“We are a boutique-size manufacturer, creating high-end lighting ensembles, all of which are made in small batches, thus we do not use the polluting heavy machinery to produce our metal and glass in the first place”, says Iris. And indeed, all of Iris’s products are made with easily recyclable steel or alloy bases. The glass fronts and lamp shades are hand made by craftsmen who initially helped Iris develop her products and are now her business associates. Non of Iris’s products is made in China, as tempting as it is for a manufacturer. “In the beginning, when I just started the company almost five years ago, it was all about principles. I was young, and even though people thought I was mad to produce in my native Israel I insisted. Most, if not all lighting producers bring their metal bases and wired parts from China, the large companies manufacture their glass their as well. This was happening all over the world and was already a fact when I started”, says Iris. But she insisted on staying small, despite the opportunities that came her way in reducing the manufacturing costs.

“Glass and metal are easily recyclable, as they are natural materials, not polymers. Going green, with the La Paz and Perito Moreno lines it was easy. My Olinda design has Acrylic screws and front, but the image can be re-printed and replaced thus the entire product can be re-used in various ways”.

The next challenge for Iris was to use green light. The Iguazu Neon System and the Olinda use the T-9 fluorescent tube, already environmentally friendly as they are energy efficient. The San Pedro De Atacama series has an E27 base thus it can use an energy saving bulb and because it was originally designed to provide a light bulb halo to the Edison bulb, it can now appear as an Edison Halo for the energy saving bulbs, allowing us the memory of a familiar everyday object, soon is to be banded from the EU.

Iris was left with the Perito Moreno and the La Paz designs, both use the G4 20W Halogen capsule. “As a small manufacturer, my thoughts are always about efficiency. I already invested huge sums in developing my product line, and as I insist on local production, my margins are lower. I wanted to have a G-4 replacement option for the halogen without re-designing the entire electrical box, and without purchasing new ballasts. My initial thoughts, when I opened my company, was to create maximum products with minimum inventory, and I intend to keep it that way”.

Iris was faced with a challenge. Most LED’s require specific ballasts and, on top of that, do not supply enough light. The search began and Iris contacted several LED suppliers to help her with her quest. “Hi-Tech start-ups all over the world are developing LED technologies with the same goals as mine. I eventually found one that produced a G-4 base LED with a 5W, 12V power. With my advise, they created a warm white option, 3100K and a total of 22.14 luminous intensity. Another option, less recommended is the super white, 7000-9000K with 27.68 luminous intensity. The latter has a stronger glare”.

The real innovation here is the fact that these LED’s do not require an entire product adjustment, you simply replace the existing 20W Halogens with them. “With the Perito Moreno these are just great, as their spread of light is spherical and equal. With the La Paz we still need to make minor adjustments in the lampshade, because of the LED shape, but this is nothing too complex” says iris proudly.

Today LED technology is the hottest phrase in the lighting industry. It is only a matter of time until these replace our familiar bulbs. Iris’s designs of La Paz and Perito Moreno use glass blown lampshades that look like the standard Edison bulb, with the light coming out of a different location than the screw base. These were originally designed to create a wonder and to intrigue the viewer to question where the light is coming from. With the new LED’s, the Perito Moreno and La Paz products are now upgraded, as the Edison bulb is soon to be illegal, it seems that Iris re-invented the bulb, by giving it a new meaning, a better technology and of course, a cutting edge design.