Spaces That Glow
Lighting is storytelling. The right glow can shift the mood of a room, sharpen its edges, or soften its corners.
by Esra Ergin
Lighting invites, hides, reveals. In thoughtful spaces, light becomes part of the architecture—shaping not just how a place looks, but how it’s felt, remembered, and experienced. Sometimes, lighting steps out of the background entirely—taking its place as a central character in the design narrative.
Sketch – London
Few places play with light quite like Sketch. In The Gallery, a soft pink glow bathes the room in warmth, bouncing off velvet walls and plush interiors, while futuristic pods in the bathrooms are lit like something out of Kubrick. Every fixture feels intentional—more than decoration, they’re part of the narrative. It’s theatrical, immersive, and unforgettable.
Ace Hotel – Kyoto
Ace Kyoto is a masterclass in quiet confidence. The lighting is warm, indirect, and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. Lantern-like pendants, paper shades, and low-glow sconces are placed to highlight natural materials—wood, stone, raw textures—without overpowering them. It’s the kind of space where light isn’t just seen, it’s felt.
Noguchi Museum – New York City
Here, light becomes part of the sculpture. The museum relies on natural light to bring movement and shadow to Noguchi’s works. As the day shifts, so does the experience. Artificial lighting is used with restraint—simple, directional, and always secondary to the art. It’s a quiet lesson in how light and space can work together.
The Hoxton – Amsterdam
At The Hoxton, lighting feels effortless—but it’s anything but. Vintage-inspired table lamps, layered sconces, and exposed bulbs are styled with intent to create a lived-in, inviting feel. The warm tones and varied heights of the fixtures add dimension, making the space feel both relaxed and refined.
