EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED AT STUDIO M
Photos (left to right) by Julie Soefer , Michael Allen Creative, and Nils Timm.
Written by Cara Gibbs
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Brought To You By Our Friends At Studio M
The art-minded lighting studio shares its vision for the future through the eyes of its cutting-edge collaborators.
Thoughts of shapely, double-take silhouettes, artistic material pairings, and memorable collaborations might naturally conjure up at the mention of Studio M lighting. Designers have had the Los Angeles lighting studio on speed dial, illuminating their work with each creatively inclined fixture. And, while the studio has kept the design industry on the edge of its seat with every new debut, the brand's passion lies in the art of the creative process—those intrinsic moments between designer and material, where something genuinely original begins to take form. At Studio M, lighting is not just functional but rather a form of art that dials up the vibe energy to new ambient levels. The brand offers a breathtaking array of designer lighting options that span from the clean, classic lines of mid-century modern to the bold contours of contemporary design. As the studio unveils its latest chapter, the design community is again abuzz with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the fusion of artistry and ambiance that keeps them perpetually at the forefront of the lighting-meets-art movement. Here, we tapped the brand’s four collaborators to get the inside story on their art-forward collections.
The Art of Light: Ryan Saghian
Photos (left to right) by Anthony Barcelo, Studio M, and Michael Allen Creative
The Art of Less…
“The inspiration behind the Shroud lighting collection stems from a fusion of minimalist art and brutalist disposition. I drew influence from the organic appeal of Nacho Carbonell sculptures, particularly the use of wire mesh, to create edgy and contemporary pieces.”
Good lighting is indispensable…
“It's not just about aesthetics—it sets the mood and affects how everything looks and feels in a room. It's like the magic ingredient that brings a space to life, making it both visually appealing and functional.”
The vision…
“Balancing ethereal, dreamy vibes with sophistication and elegance was all about finding the sweet spot between creativity and refinement. We played with soft, flowing lines and delicate materials to evoke that dreamy feel, while also paying close attention to details and craftsmanship to maintain a sense of sophistication and elegance. It's all about harmonizing elements to create an enchanting and polished collection.”
Movement maker…
“Bringing these pieces to life was like orchestrating a dance between imagination and craftsmanship. We started by sketching out ideas and exploring shapes and forms that evoke a sense of movement and fluidity. Then, we experimented with different materials and techniques, constantly refining and iterating until we found the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.”
Mood enhancers…
“As someone passionate about ambient light, I focus on creating designs that enhance mood and ambiance, infusing the space with warmth and comfort. By carefully considering factors such as color temperature, brightness levels, and fixture placement, our designs serve as focal points or statement pieces, adding visual interest and elevating the overall aesthetics of the room.”
Photo by Michael Allen Creative
I drew influence from the organic appeal of Nacho Carbonell sculptures, particularly the use of wire mesh, to create edgy and contemporary pieces.
DREAM WEAVER: NINA MAGON
Interiors photography by Julie Soefer, product photography by Studio M.
Volume II is a dream come true…
“This collection is particularly special as it showcases my brand new dream-inspired designs, each one encapsulating an essence of ethereal whimsy that promises to transform any space into a captivating dreamscape under its illumination.”
Design Ethos…
“These new pieces capture the essence of opulence and luxury while prioritizing functionality and practicality, embodying the perfect balance between form and function.”
Let’s talk dreams…
“The Dream-Inspired collection was born from my fascination with creating spaces that evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment. Drawing inspiration from dreamscapes, each piece is imbued with an ethereal touch, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and beauty.”
Global views…
“My international experience in architecture and construction has provided me with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to integrate design elements seamlessly into a design. This expertise informs every aspect of the lighting collection, from the choice of materials to the execution of intricate designs.”
Tech savvy…
“Remaining abreast of trends, products, and technological advancements serves as a catalyst for pushing the boundaries of design and innovation within the Studio M collections. This commitment empowers me to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge lighting technologies while ensuring each piece retains its relevance and timelessness.”
It’s all material…
“Precious stonework, hand-crafted leather, and precision-cut glass are chosen for their ability to imbue the designs with a sense of luxury and sophistication. Each material is carefully considered for its timeless quality, ensuring that the designs stand the test of time and exude enduring elegance. The use of precious stonework adds a touch of grandeur, while hand-crafted leather brings warmth and texture to the pieces. Additionally, precision-cut glass contributes to the overall refinement of the designs, catching and refracting light in mesmerizing ways.”
Photo by Jay Marroquin
The Dream-Inspired collection was born from my fascination with creating spaces that evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.
LIGHT FANTASTIC: MAT SANDERS
Photography by Studio M
Ready to entertain…
“I think decorating should be like planning the guest list for the perfect dinner party—create the perfect mix, don’t take it too seriously, and make sure it’s chic enough that your guests talk about it for days. In my collection, I've been like a DJ mixing tracks—blending styles from 70s modern to French modernism—and I didn’t let any strict design rules kill my vibe.”
The Style Dial…
“It's all about finding what makes you tick and then cranking it up to a stylish eleven. Everyone can see the chicest version of themselves in one or two of my collections.”
Inspiration found…
“I'm hooked on vintage, probably because I started out decorating with nickels rather than dimes. I can't resist scouring flea markets and vintage shops wherever I go, especially in places like Madrid and Paris. Those finds often spark ideas that end up in my designs.”
Groovy baby…
“The 70s were all about setting a mood. I love playing with tinted glass and chrome, adding a touch of that era's flair with modern, curvy details inspired by Royère. It’s like having a disco ball at a black-tie gala—unexpected but totally fabulous.”
Fit to be chic…
“Updating vintage vibes to feel contemporary is like tailoring a classic suit to fit just right—focus on the silhouette. I tinkered with slimmer profiles and sleek metal finishes to make sure these pieces don't just whisper nostalgia but also scream modern.”
The creative process…
“It starts with a mess—ideas and inspirations scattered everywhere. I sketch out the chaos into something tangible, play around in Photoshop, and then sit with the brilliant folks at Studio M to hammer out the technicalities. Whether it’s dreaming up floating metal clouds or gravity-defying swirly arms, it’s a wild ride from sketch to finish.”
Lighting sets the mood…
“My designs are all about feeling good and adding a bit of sass to your space. It’s about creating an environment where you can kick back, relax, and maybe feel a bit glamorous.”
Behind the scenes…
“We think about how each piece can serve a dual purpose—beautiful but functional. From lights that cast a soft glow for those chill vibes to versatile pieces that adapt whether you’re going for the spotlight or a subtle glimmer, my goal is to make sure there’s something perfect for everyone’s scene.”
Photo by Studio M
The 70s were all about setting a mood. I love playing with tinted glass and chrome, adding a touch of that era's flair with modern, curvy details inspired by Royère.
GUST OF STYLE WITH CESAR GIRALDO
Interiors photography by Nils Timm, product photography by Studio M.
Points of inspiration…
“The Gusto capsule collection was inspired by two main elements: my deep fascination with the transformative power of lighting and the avant-garde architecture of my project, 1859 Bel Air Road; the clean lines, innovative use of space, and modern elegance of this project provided a perfect backdrop for exploring new lighting concepts.”
The color cure…
“Color is something I do not shy away from. Growing up in Colombia, I was constantly surrounded by vibrant and diverse colors, which deeply influenced my appreciation for their psychological effects. I found the way color could evoke emotions and transform spaces to be magical. In my designs, I like to use color in a nuanced and surprising way. For the Gusto collection, I carefully selected colors that would enhance the fixtures' aesthetic and functional qualities. The cloud-like white, gradients of smoked grey, and warm amber tones were chosen to create a harmonious balance between elegance and warmth. These colors not only highlight the hand-blown glass elements but also add depth and dimension to the overall design.”
Trust the process…
“Throughout the design journey, I allowed my creativity to roam freely, exploring various inspirations and ideas without constraints. I believe in embracing creativity without barriers, which led to a rich exploration of form, color, and functionality in the Gusto capsule collection.”
Let’s talk contrasts…
“As a designer, I am drawn to the interplay between contemporary modern and vintage aesthetics—it creates a unique dialogue that I find deeply inspiring. When selecting the color palette for the Gusto collection, I aimed to marry these influences in a way that would resonate with both modern and classic sensibilities.”
Soft and warm…
“The cloud-like white tones evoke a sense of purity and elegance, casting a soft and inviting glow that complements modern interiors beautifully. The gradient smoked grey adds depth and sophistication, creating a subtle contrast that enhances the overall ambiance of the space. Warm amber tones were chosen to infuse warmth and richness, bringing a touch of vintage charm to the collection.”
Glass act…
“The decision to incorporate artisanal hand-blown glass into the Gusto collection was driven by a desire to elevate craftsmanship and infuse each piece with a sense of artistry and authenticity. Hand-blown glass brings a level of uniqueness and character that mass-produced materials simply cannot replicate. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, hand-blown glass offers functional benefits as well. Its inherent qualities, such as clarity and light-transmitting properties, make it an ideal medium for capturing and diffusing light in enchanting ways.”
Photo by David Christopher Lee
The decision to incorporate artisanal hand-blown glass into the Gusto collection was driven by a desire to elevate craftsmanship and infuse each piece with a sense of artistry and authenticity.
