Reversible, Self-Assembly Lampshade Range

The latest collection to be launched by Gráinne Lyons is the “Glow” lightshade. “Glow” is a flat pack, reversible lightshade which have been inspired my Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes.

 “My interests lie in how construction techniques and form can combine to create structures which in essence are quite simple but make the most of visual form. Three dimensional design aims to establish harmony and order in design which generates visual excitement as its purpose. Taking this approach to my designs I am able to visualize the piece as a whole including its visual form from all angles and directions.”

 The self-assembly lightshade consists of 12 individual modules that slot together to form a 400mm sphere structure and requires no additional fittings for assembly.

 “The planar modules used, produce forms that appear complex yet have a basic underlying principle. The fabrication of my design is just as important in my projects as the end result. I aim to evoke a certain unity within my pieces to show that each individual module is important to the structure of each piece as a whole. The “Glow” lightshade was created through an exploration of a particular process rather than a predetermined outcome.” 

 Made using polypropylene, it is 100% recyclable. The white polypropylene has been treated with a coloured backing meaning that the internal surface of the light glows in colour. The coloured backing also allows the light shade to be reversible and can be changed to suit the user’s mood. 

 Material: White Polypropylene
 Internal Colours: Black, Grey, Purple, Teal and Red 
 Dimensions: 400mm diameter 
 Price: €79.95 

 All products have been made using materials which have been sourced and manufactured in Ireland and are available online through Grainne’s website www.grainnelyonsdesign.com.

`Glow` by Grainne Lyons Design. Reversible, Flat-Packed Lampshade

`Glow` by Grainne Lyons Design. Reversible, Flat-Packed Lampshade

`Glow` by Grainne Lyons Design. Reversible, Flat-Packed Lampshade

Must Sees during Milan 2013

With the Milan Design Week fast approaching, this year once again sees top manufacturers and some of the most promising designers from around the world display their designs and products.

Salone Internazionale del Mobile will take place between the 9th - 14th of April this year with many events taken place around Milan along side the main event.

We have decided to give you a sneak peek of some of the top events we would recommend visiting if your lucky enough to be going.

British designer Tom Dixon is back again this year with MOST at the Museum of Science and Technology. MOST provides a curated creative hub, promoting forward-thinking culture, commerce and creativity against the extraordinary backdrop of historic exhibits based on technological innovation. Brands showing include Tom Dixon together with Piet Hein Eek, Saunder Muler and online design brands, Designboom, Dwell and FAB. The brand showing will be exploring new materials, technologies, production techniques and distribution systems to the public. The space will also cater for the thirsty public with Tom Dixon’s Grand British Tea House situated in the shop space. Dixons new "Eclectic Tea Set" will be used to serve out tea and lunch to the public.


Showing also this year, are Dutch company Moooi. Moooi have prepared an entire collection of refreshing new designs and surprising experiences that will be held at Savona 56 from the 8th to the 14th. Moooi is taking up residence in the space and transforming it into a stylish assembly of colourful living quarters, new product displays, lounges together with an artistic exhibition. As well as their own products, the FRAME Moooi award nominees will also be on display with an exclusive ceremony and VIP cocktail evening included to mark the occasion.
 

Designs by Moooi

New on during this years Milan design week is a special collection of `New British` design showcasing at the Vivienne Westwood flagship store in Corso, Venezia. The design installation has been the collaborative work of the British fashion designer and one of the biggest design brands during London Design Week, 100% Design.  The installation will provide evidence of a revived focus amongst these young designers on craftsmanship, high quality materials and skills, sustainability and innovative design solutions which are timeless and charming to the fore. Amongst other’s you’ll find works by Plant & Moss, James Smith Designs, Young & Norgate, Decode London, and Bethan Gray.

G&T table by Be than Gray

One Year On

Sorry it's been so long since I have posted on the blog, its been such a hectic start to year but one I cannot complain about.

So much has happened in the last 12 months since setting up the Design-Press and Gráinne Lyons Design that it has proven that hard work, determination and passion will get you on the path to where you want to be. Hard work is the key to success, so work diligently on any project you undertake. If you truly want to be successful, be prepared to give up your leisure time and work past 5.00pm and on weekends.
Have faith in yourself, if you come up with a new idea that you believe in, don't allow other people to discourage you from pursuing it.

Not long after setting up my blog I joined the Malthouse Design Centre where I set up a studio and began working on my own designs amongst a hub of other great young designers. With all the excitement and creativity going on within the walls of the Malthouse I got stuck into work pretty much from the first day. Upon arrival, The Light Fantastic exhibition was in its final stages of setting up and all the designers were putting the finishes to their final prototypes for the show which opened on the 17th of May. And like anyone who knows me, it wasn't long before I was following suit. Three weeks later I had the starting point of a lighting collection on show at The Light Fantastic. The show was a great success for all involved and as there were many people attending within the design sector in Ireland and editors from many of Ireland's leading newspapers and magazine, it was a great starting point for me to network.
Within a couples of months I was selling my finalised lighting collection the "Crochet Cloud" into number of well-known art and design retailers around Ireland including Designist, The Jam Art Factory, The Irish Design Shop and recently The Science Gallery and Dennison Design in Co.Kerry.

Since then the lighting collection has been featured in a number of national newspapers and magazines along with the newest of my products the "Bouquet" wine glass holder. The purpose of the wine glass holder came about when trying to design a product which would target the Christmas market. As wine is one of the top sellers at Christmas and is the gift of choice for many it was a no brainer. I wasn't prepared for the reaction I got and was overwhelmed by the interest. The "Bouquet" was featured in the Sunday Times magazine as one of the top Christmas gifts for 2012 and is currently selling within one of Ireland's oldest family run wine merchants, Mitchell&Sons as well as online from The Corkscrew.

Just last month Gráinne Lyons Design was featured in the designer profile section of Irelands Home, Interiors and Living Magazine and here I am, one year on, and in the process of designing a new lighting range which is coming to its finalised stage and prototypes are being made as I write this(blog post to come). With lots of exciting things coming up in the next few months, one I am particularly excited about is the Furniture and Interiors Fair in October. I will be doing my first solo trade show within the new designers section at the show in the RDS and hopefully another hardworking year will pay off and get me another step closer to where I aim to be both in business and in design.

From handbags to hammocks - Louis Vuitton

French fashion designer Louis Vuitton launched his collection of travel furniture and accessories at this years Miami design week. Hanging chairs, lamps and handbags which transform into foldable furniture have been designed especially for the 16 piece collection. 

Designers including Maarten Baas, Atelier Oi, Patricia Urquiola, Christian Liaigre and  Nendos Oki Sato all collaborated with Vuitton to create this unique sophisticated collection for the fashion conscience globe trotter.

Christmas Boutique in Ranelagh

The Christmas Boutique in Ranelagh is a 12day pop-up gift shop selling affordable Irish craft and design. Currently in its second year, the Christmas Boutique is organised and run by Irish design duo Klickity who's products will also be on sale throughout the 12day event. With a focus on contemporary, affordable, Irish made products the Christmas Boutique brings together 30 designer makers under one roof, an event which Gráinne Lyons Design is delighted to be apart of. Other designers taking part in this event include fellow Malthouse Designers, Jennifer Slattery Textiles and Jamie Lewis.

The 12 day event provides customers with an intimate Christmas shopping experience in the heart of Ranelagh. Choose from a selection of Irish made gifts including jewellery, accessories, homewares, ceramics, lighting, linen tableware, candles, framed prints and greeting cards all starting from €10.00.

The Christmas Boutique is open from 11am-6pm from Saturday 12^th December to Sunday 23^rd December with late opening until 8pm on Thursdays. Ranelagh Arts Centre is located at 26 Ranelagh Main Street, Dublin 6.

Hope to see you all there.
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com

 

A Desk Lamp You Can Eat...?!

Yes,..Amercian designer Victor Vetterlein has made "Bite Me", an edible desk lamp. Bite Me has been designed and made using a material which is derived from gelatin which allows the user to consume the piece when it is no longer useful.
Bite Me is available in four different flavours, orange, cherry, blueberry and apple.
The gelatin used is low in sodium and very low in saturated fat as well as cholesterol.It is also a good source of vitamin E, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, zinc and copper, and a very good source of folic acid, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and magnesium.
So not only are you experiencing the unique interection with this design piece, its also good for your health :)

Gráinne
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com

Foam and Rubber Band Upholstery by Meike Harde

German design graduate Meike Harde has designed a range of upholstered benches and stools which have been upholstered simply by folding foam mats and fixing them to wooden frames with elastic bands.
The simple, fast an effective upholstery method involves just three materials and two simple methods, using foam, rubber bands and wood the foam is folded and then held in place around the wood using the rubber bands.
The foam mat is layered and gathered tightly to create waves that are held together at the top and bottom with elastic bands. The cushion is then compressed and fixed using longer elastic bands in the opposite direction, before the wooden stool is inserted underneath the elastic.
The motivation behind Harde’s design was to explore new methods of upholstery construction, aiming to create a stiff cushion from a flat foam mat.

Gráinne
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com