How does the Norwegian Lars Tornøe create a lighting design? How does he decorate his home with his own Kizu design? These questions, and many others, are answered in this interview.
Photo: Lars Tornøe
We sat down for a talk with Norwegian designer Lars Tornøe, to talk about his popular creation, the Kizu table lamp, which is now available in a new " Gris du Marais" finish. Hear's the story behind the lamp and his opinion on decorating with light when you're a young designer.
How did the idea for the Kizu lamp come about?
"By playing with repetition of geometry in different scales. The base and the shade have the exact same shape, but the size and the crop are different."
"Good lighting should feel comfortable and serve its purpose. Not too bright, not too dark, and rather calm than noisy.“
What does the name Kizu mean?
"Kizu is a Japanese version of the word "Kiss". I chose it to describe the way the lampshade just barely touches the base."
How do you think the Gris du Marais marble used in this new edition changes the look of the lamp?
"I think it takes the stone base in a little softer direction, giving the lamp more body. In contrast to the black and white marbles which make the silhouette more graphic."
Photo: New Works Kizu Table Lamp Black Marble
What are your best styling tips for Kizu and where is it found in your home?
"Choose the right size. The large one is in my opinion the most iconic version, and it works best when you give it some space to stand out. The small one you can place nearly anywhere, whether it's next to some accessories, on your nightstand or the kitchen counter."
What do you find particularly interesting about working with designer lighting, as opposed to other ways of working with design?
"First it’s the light itself, as an essential element of the product. Secondly, it brings the opportunity to work with delicate materials and constructions. "
What considerations do you have about the interplay between aesthetics and technical superiority, when talking about designer lighting?
"For the customer, the technical aspects of the product should be invisible, everything should be super-easy and intuitive to use."
Photo: New Works Kizu Table Lamp Gray Marble
When is light and design most important for you throughout your everyday?
"In the evening, when you want a soft and relaxing mood in the house, the lighting is an important part of this."
What does the quality of light mean to you?
"For me, it's a functional thing. You need strong light where you work, in other areas you may want to highlight something or set a mood."
How does someone use and decorate their home in the best way with light?
"Do it in the right order. Start with a plan drawing for your home or office and place the furniture. Then decide where you need light, and what kind of light it should be. Then start researching the products you need for it. Choose the right size/version of the product."
Photo: New Works Kizu Table Lamp White Marble
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