We were in Vienna last week checking up on past projects and obsessing over vintage lighting. Lighting can make or break an interior and in hospitality there is nothing worse than being in the 'spotlight' in a restaurant or bar.

In hospitality we like to keep light dimmed and sexy, using elements of brass and copper with fabric or glass. Always minimal overhead lighting and we prefer to concentrate on table lights and low level lighting. All lighting should be dimmable with use of LED bulbs if possible for lower energy consumption.

Our favourite era for lighting design was during the Mid-century were we were introduced to alternate shapes and forms. From the unique 'Cantharel' table light by Finnish designer Mija Liisa Komulaine for Dutch firm RAAK, to the iconic Hans Agne Jakobsson glass and brass chandelier.

Mid century lighting styles will always be in demand, they are classic and seem to elude to an era of elegance. Decades later new designers continue to explore the shapes of this fascinating period in their designs paying homage to mi-century sophistication.

Designers Flos' favourite lighting designer Michael Anastassiades on view during Milan 2016 at his first furniture range installation for Herman Miller.

Here are a couple of lighting designs we have created for the hospitality sector; Delahunt Cocktail Bar using brass and fabric finishes for a soft, delicate light effect

http://delahunt.ie/

http://www.katehartleydesign.com/#/delahuntcamden/

Also Sam's Bar on Dawson Street using industrial copper pipes to create 1 metre high lights fixed to blue mirrored panels.

http://www.samsbar.ie/

http://www.katehartleydesign.com/#/sams-bar-dublin/

Keep an eye on our next posts, when we will reveal our hotel suite fit out...