Residential Lighting Design for a Coastal Mid-Century Home | Vintage Lights Case Study
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Kitchen
The kitchen, finished in a calm, muted green palette, called for a lighting solution that would remain visually discreet, allowing the Frankie fan to take centre stage. A round flush mount was therefore selected, crafted in green art glass that subtly echoes the surrounding tones.
Its low profile and soft, diffused light provide an even, functional illumination without competing for attention. Within the overall residential lighting design, this vintage light plays a supporting role — enhancing the atmosphere while maintaining a quiet visual hierarchy within the space.
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Hall
Upon entering the house, you are welcomed by a vintage Murano glass pendant, setting the tone for the lighting scheme from the very first moment. Its soft, diffused glow creates an inviting atmosphere, while the richness of the glass introduces a sense of craftsmanship and quiet elegance.
As part of the overall residential lighting design, this vintage light establishes a strong first impression — both decorative and atmospheric — hinting at the curated selection of pieces that unfolds throughout the home.
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Living Room
The living room unfolds as a generous open space, flooded with natural light and defined by a fluid connection between dining and lounge areas. To anchor these zones, two iconic design pieces were selected as focal points within the scheme.
Above the dining table, a glass chandelier by Peill & Putzler introduces clarity and rhythm, its sculptural form interacting beautifully with daylight while providing a refined ambient glow in the evening.
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Living Room
In the seating area, a hanging lamp by Paul Secon creates a more intimate atmosphere, its textured materiality diffusing light in a warm, layered way that contrasts softly with the openness of the space.
Both fixtures are true collectible pieces, carefully positioned within the residential lighting design to define function, enhance atmosphere, and bring a sense of authorship to the interior through vintage lights of enduring design value.
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Study
For the study we chose a Danish modern Butterfly lamp for it´s generose light and sculptural appearance.
Teh lamp has a Mid-Century Modern character, adding warmth and material contrast to the space. As part of the overall residential lighting design, this vintage light acts as a central feature — both functional and expressive — bringing structure, identity, and a gentle nautical undertone to the room.
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Guest Bedroom
For the guest bedroom, we selected a 1960s vintage art glass pendant, chosen for its soft presence and sculptural quality. The glass was produced in Marinha Grande, an emblematic centre of Portuguese glassmaking, known for its craftsmanship and tradition.
The piece introduces a gentle, diffused light that enhances the intimacy of the room, while its materiality adds depth and subtle visual interest. As part of the wider residential lighting design, this vintage light acts as both a functional source and a decorative element, contributing to a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Master Bedroom
For the main bedroom, we opted for suspended pendant lights on either side of the bed, creating a balanced and architectural composition in place of traditional bedside lamps. Crafted from Murano glass, these pieces introduce both material richness and a sculptural presence.
When paired with incandescent bulbs, the glass comes to life — producing a warm, dynamic play of light that enhances the depth and atmosphere of the room. As part of the overall residential lighting design, these vintage lights function as both ambient illumination and focal elements, elevating the space with a sense of intimacy and quiet sophistication.
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The Den
For the den, a sculptural four-arm chandelier was selected for its subtle resemblance to a sailboat, introducing a quiet reference to the coastal context. The composition feels dynamic yet balanced, with each arm extending in a way that echoes movement and lightness.
Wooden detailing reinforces the Mid-Century Modern character, adding warmth and material contrast to the space. As part of the overall residential lighting design, this vintage light acts as a central feature — both functional and expressive — bringing structure, identity, and a gentle nautical undertone to the room.