Transformable Lights Are the Latest Design Trend Taking Over the Internet

Nov 20, 2017

We all know and love our IKEA floor lamp (and have likely switched out the shade more times than we’d like to admit). But now there’s a new lighting option here to mix up your luminary style. Molo Design‘s Urchin Softlight is a light that can be manipulated by hand into various shapes to fit your decor (and space) needs. The Vancouver-based company’s transformable design was inspired by the shapes and movement patterns of the sea urchin and will look amazing in any open space — living room, office, nursery, you name it!

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urchin softlight
A post shared by molo (@molo_studio) on Jun 1, 2017 at 6:20pm PDT

So just how does it work? The Urchin Softlight is designed with honeycomb geometry, which makes it moldable by hand. You can create dozens of shapes by gently folding and bending the material, which is a non-woven polyethylene that is both tear- and water-resistant, UV-stable, and anti-static to repel dust. Check out the oddly satisfying video below to see how it works.

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new urchin softlight shown at #ICFF2017 gentle manipulation allows the shade to morph and change through a series of organic forms. This new version integrates the LED system into the shade itself, bringing simple purity to its form and experience. #ICFF #NYCxDESIGN #nydesignweek @ICFF @icff_nyc
A post shared by molo (@molo_studio) on May 24, 2017 at 9:27am PDT

The light is held together by rare earth magnets beneath the layers of textile so that the shade can fasten to itself unencumbered. Because the sides are asymmetrical, you can create more shapes — with the flat sides being best for cylindrical or cone-type shapes, and the curved sides being good for more rounded shapes. It also includes a dimmer switch to create different levels of brightness.

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Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, Japan will feature molo's urchin lamp Nov 16 - January 8 “Art and Design, Dialogue with Materials”, curated by Toshiki Kiriyama, explores the aesthetics of materials and their innovative development across design disciplines. True to the museum’s mandate of encouraging an experience of art beyond sight, guests are welcome to play with urchin. By manipulating the shade gently with your hands, the lamp transforms through a range of beautiful shapes.
A post shared by molo (@molo_studio) on Nov 8, 2017 at 2:46pm PST

While it doesn’t have that IKEA lamp price tag (the small size is $300 and the large is $900), just think about the endless lighting possibilities these beauties can create! Head over to Molo Design to see them for yourself, and be sure to check out their hanging Cloud Pendant Softlight for your dining room too.

Would you buy the Urchin Softlight? Tweet us what you think @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Photos and video via @molo_studio; Featured photo via Molo Studios)

Japandi Design Will Make You Fall In Love With Neutral Decor Again

With so much in common, there's a lot to love about Japanese and Scandinavian design. Both aesthetics emphasize neutral and earthy colors, sustainable materials, and the great outdoors (plants, branches, and solids woods). Japandi design brings the two decor trends into one happy, harmonious place, influenced by the subtle differences in each design. There's the comfort and warm minimalism of the Scandi style combined with the elegance, attention to detail and wabi-sabi, or rustic simplicity (wabi) and beauty in imperfection (sabi), of the Japanese side. Here's a look at how to achieve the look with our shoppable favorites!

Open Spaces

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

This 1930s ranch-style home in the Los Feliz Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles exudes a Japandi vibe, with its open and airy layout, beautiful cabinetry in Douglas Fir, clean modern lines, tons of natural light and high-end materials to elevate the design, all reimagined by AIA award-winning architects Klein Agency in collab with builder SITU Development.

Neutral Color Palette

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Look for shades of white, beige, gray and earth tones to create a serene and calming atmosphere.The Klein design team was inspired by the home’s natural surroundings and sweeping views. Green tones reflect the nature outside, as do the beautiful wide plank white oak flooring by Madera. The relaxed organic bedding hint to a more Scandi hygge look.

Functionality

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

The Klein architects added two more bedrooms and additional square footage to maximize the home’s functionality and flow. Where does all the clutter go? These built-in closets offer tons of storage space so you never see any.

Minimalist Decor

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Minimal artwork and natural elements set the scene for a quiet workspace, where focus is key. Don't be afraid to include vintage items and personal mementos too. Things that hold meaning to you are especially important.

Natural Elements

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

The windows are unobstructed throughout the home, maximizing natural light, and the decor embraces the outdoors with indoor branches and greenery (even in the shower).

Balanced Symmetry

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Rise and shine: sleek furniture and a balanced layout, as well as limited decoration, are signature markers of Japandi design. Furniture and decor feels purposeful, like you use what you love and need.

Tranquility

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Indoors and out, Japandi design prioritizes relaxation and mindfulness, as shown in this stunning Los Feliz home. Keep the design simple, clutter-free, and peaceful. It's all about your well-being and creating a sanctuary for living.

Shop Our Japandi Design Favorites

West Elm Olivia Pendant

This sleek, fan-like pendant makes an artistic statement in any room.

Etsy Japanese Wall Art

Japandi doesn't mean lack of color. This rich emerald print of floating cranes adds a pop to your neutral decor.

Homary Japandi Wood Outdoor Patio Lounge Chair Armchair

Sit back and relax on this solid wood + rope outdoor chair in a rustic neutral hue, perfect for a Japandi-style patio.

Japandi Natural Retracted & Extendable TV Stand

Furniture that is multi-functional is very Japandi. This piece has functional adjustable shelves, an extendable TV stand (or kids table), and is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office.

Majer Upholstered Sleeper Sofa

This minimal but unique sofa also functions as a bed, plus it has hidden armrest storage space.

Ane Upholstered Chaise Lounge

Here's your future reading spot, or the perfect perch for a zen moment with a nature view.

The Citizenry Hinoki Wood Side Table

These versatile side tables made in Japanese hinoki wood are stunning from every angle.

Japanese Wabi-Sabi Style Bird Nest Shape Lighting

Organic shapes like this geometric chandelier create a feeling of nature indoors.

EM Wabi Sabi Wave Sculptural Metal Chair with Cushion-Black

It's all in the details. From your dining room to your office, this curvy steel-frame chair is art that's functional too.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image courtesy of Klein Agency

Nicole Kidman Is Officially Back For "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!