Using concrete for interiors has been around for a while now – polished concrete floors, kitchen worktops, and raw architectural beams have been integral to the rough luxe/industrial chic look, but designers have more recently been exploring using this material for smaller items too. Following the success of the very beautiful Aplomb cast-concrete lights designed in 2010 by Milan-based Paolo Lucidi and Luca Pevere for Foscarini, which became best-sellers in 2012, concrete light fittings are now very much in vogue for 2013.
A simple, stylish and infinitely easier way to bring this versatile material into your home than pouring a concrete floor, this week I’m writing about the Aplomb series, the inspiration behind it, and its new additions for 2013. Next week I’ll be rounding up the best of the rest, and even how to make your own concrete pendant light fitting – DIY enthusiasts watch this space!
The above video shows the designers talking about the design and production processes – how the mason’s “plumb-bob” tool was the inspiration behind the design, and the challenges of adapting concrete to make small items for interior use without it losing its rough, architectural characteristics. This stage took skilled craftsmen over two years to perfect, but as you can see, the lights retain a rawness of texture and colour and have a wonderful tactile quality whilst also being refined, elegant and beautifully finished.
The Aplomb ceiling pendant is available in natural grey, warm brown and white, as shown above. They work equally well as single, statement lights, arranged in rows above kitchen islands, or hung in clusters and groups.
This year, the company has released a new LED version of the ceiling pendant, detail shown left, which improves performance and efficiency. Also new for 2013 is the Aplomb floor lamp design, pictured below.
The floor lamp comes in two sizes and has a white lacquered metal base, whilst the slim concrete light fitting houses a fully concealed halogen uplighter.
Both new products are available from this month. For more details, prices and to buy online try, and online and in-store at:
a white room
Mac&Mac
Campbell Watson
hauslondon
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