What impact does lighting have on a space?
MARIE: No other design element possesses the transformative power of light. It affects the way we see, and the
way we experience a space. It can affect our mood, it transforms color and texture, and brings a space to life.
What inspired your design focus to shift towards product design?
MARIE: The magic that happens with interior design are all the intangible elements that you experience when
you walk through a space. One of the reasons why I became an interior designer from working as an architect
is because I wanted to control all of the details that go into making a space truly beautiful and special. When
someone enters one of the spaces I designed I want them to feel welcome, but also delighted by the details
that they find along the way. That's why now I'm moving into more product design because I've been designing
custom pieces for years, and the ability to drill down the way the different materials connect to one another, that's
what makes a light fixture special.
Tell us a little about your debut lighting collection with Visual Comfort?
MARIE: Each design filters the light in dynamic, innovative ways, often hiding the light source or filtering it through
hand-formed glass. No detail was spared. We searched the globe to find the perfect craftsmen, to bring each
fixture to life. From raw plaster to wood, to fluted metal and historic glass, each of the finishes weave a thread of
simplicity and raw refinement. When you take home one of these light fixtures, you're bringing home a statement
piece that is completely timeless.
Featuring: Durham Large Table Lamp | Photography Courtsey of
Marie Flanigan
What are some common issues that people face when choosing light fixtures for their house?
MARIE: A lot of times, people are buying homes where the light fixtures have already been selected and installed
without the entire room design in mind. Another challenge people face is the lack of craftsmanship some fixtures
may have. They see something online they think will be beautiful, and when it arrives, the details just aren't there.
How does your lighting collection solve those problems?
MARIE: Buyers today are so informed. And I think when people go out to select a light fixture for their home,
they're looking for something unique, and something that creates impact in a room. When designing my lighting
collection, I wanted to bring in unique materials that created a lot of impact while calling on simplicity to make them
iconic. I was inspired by historical fixtures and aimed to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary,
allowing each piece to blend effortlessly into a wide range of styles.
