Spending three days at the Lightovation Show in Dallas is no small feat. With three sprawling stories of lighting showrooms to explore, it’s safe to say I got my steps in—and then some. This massive event showcased the very best in lighting trends for 2025, leaving me both inspired and in need of a foot massage.
Lighting Trends and Panel Discussions at Lightovations
Beyond the walking, I was privileged to speak on a panel about lighting trends with two incredibly talented designers, Andrew Risinger and Robin Burrill. The panel, moderated by the amazing Leslie Carothers, tackled some illuminating topics (pun intended). We discussed how proper lighting design can enhance homeowners’ lifestyles, affect their health, and even impact the way colors appear in a room.
One key takeaway from our panel discussion was the importance of choosing the right Kelvin temperature for lighting. Did you know that the wrong lighting temperature can make your freshly painted walls look like a bad Instagram filter? Neither did many of the attendees, judging by their reactions. But seriously, getting lighting right is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthy and harmonious living environment.
Design Trends
Now, let’s dive into what had my design heart racing at the Lightovation Show—the lighting trends themselves. If there’s one overarching theme for 2025, it’s nature-inspired design. Organic shapes, earthy tones, and biomimicry were everywhere, making me feel like I was walking through a well-lit forest rather than a convention center.
Schonbek
Schonbek, a name synonymous with crystal luminaires, made a sparkling impression. Their pendants, which appeared to be inspired by organic ice formations, seemed to defy gravity as they hung from colored ropes in hues of gold, silver, and—wait for it—red! These icy designs were illuminated by three narrow-beam pinhole spots from the ceiling, creating a magical interplay of light through the glass fixture making the glass pendant glow without any hotspots. If Elsa from Frozen needed a lighting fixture, this would be it. Schonbek’s designs truly captured the essence of innovative lighting trends.
Crystorama Lighting
Another standout was Crystorama Lighting, which took a softer approach with pastel-colored glass chandeliers. Some featured tear-dropped shapes, while botanicals inspired others. It was like they had bottled the essence of spring and turned it into lighting. These fixtures not only fit into the nature-inspired trend but also added a playful, almost whimsical vibe to the showroom, perfectly aligning with the most delightful lighting trends.
Lib and Co.
And then, there was Lib and Co. Cue the dramatic music because this brand stole my heart. I kept circling back to their booth like a moth to a flame (or a designer to a fabulous light fixture). Their Sorrento collection screamed “Bahamas project” to me, with designs reminiscent of sea life glistening beneath crystal-clear waters. The best part? You can custom-design their fixtures to suit your specific vision. Think of it as the “Build-A-Bear” workshop for lighting enthusiasts.
For instance, the Sorrento collection offered plates with three pendants or up to 12, but when I envisioned a six-light pendant for master bedroom bedside chandeliers, they assured me it could be done.
Their Brindisi collection took biomimicry to the next level with glass palm leaves that seemed to sway with an invisible ocean breeze. These lighting trends brought an unparalleled sense of elegance and customization to the table.
These lighting trends weren’t just about aesthetics; they were about storytelling. Every fixture seemed to whisper a tale—of icy landscapes, blooming gardens, or tranquil seas. The designs were so evocative that they almost overshadowed the aching soles of my feet. Almost.
As I wrapped up my whirlwind tour of the Lightovation Show, it was clear that lighting trends for 2025 are not just about illuminating spaces but about transforming them. Nature-inspired designs bring a sense of serenity and organic beauty into our homes, and the ability to customize these fixtures ensures they fit any design narrative. Whether it’s crystal ice formations, pastel botanicals, or ocean-inspired glass, there’s a trend to spark joy in every homeowner.
But my journey didn’t end there. After soaking in the brilliance of the Lightovation Show, I turned my attention to the Dallas Market Center’s furniture offerings for 2025. Let me just say, if you thought lighting trends were exciting, wait until you hear about what’s happening in furniture design. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll share the innovative and stylish furniture trends that will have you rethinking your interiors.