Achieving maximum impact with minimalist forms, the three designers below—Naama Hofman, Dara Schaefer, and Maria Beckmann—transform simple geometric shapes into beyond-the-ordinary lighting moments. Scroll on for some lighting—and creative—inspiration.

Naama Hofman

Israeli-born, Berlin-based designer Naama Hofman creates ultra-minimalist light objects that always make a strong statement. She harnesses simple lines and industrial materials to create elegant forms that achieve immediate—and hip—ambience.

As Hofman tells us, “When I design, I think about how a space might contain this light object and how the light will ‘move’ according to the changing perspective of the viewer. I want these shapes to communicate directly with the user, to make a simple but strong dialogue between the light object, the space it is in, and the viewer.”  She hopes people who encounter her work will come away with “the understanding that light is not only a function, but also an opportunity for inspiration.”

Maria Beckmann

Mexican multidisciplinary designer Maria Beckmann works across interior design, furniture, and lighting; in 2020, she cofounded custom lighting company DUMO. Drawing inspiration from both modernist and industrial forms, her lighting pieces (available through Tuleste Factory) combine warm woods and elegant metals to achieve a contemporary feel that adds to a space whether the lights are on or off. As Beckmann explains, “When the lamps are turned on, they become light accents. The reflection on copper and brass creates a warm, glowing effect. When they are off, the perfectly polished half dome accents offer their own beautiful tones and reflections.”

By “playing with light, shadow, and reflection”—as well as gorgeous textural combinations—the designer hopes to offer people  a sense of  “harmony, peace—and pleasure.”

Dara Schaefer

Rocking a decidedly playful, space-age vibe, Dara Schaefer’s Pop Lights were “inspired by the awe we all feel experiencing the radiance of a full moon, a sunrise, or a sunset.” As Schaefer tells us, “I wanted to bottle up the magic of illumination and connection with the world around us. I hope the warm glow emanating from the Pop Lights evoke a sense of enchantment and delight in the viewer.”

Dividing her time between the Hudson Valley and New York City, Schaefer’s work explores the links between architecture and ceramics—and the structural limits of ceramics—often incorporating both analog and digital technologies. Each Pop Light is slip cast in porcelain using a custom mold. To create the “pop” effect, Schaefer punctures the form and then glazes the interior with a bright glossy color to contrast with the matte white exterior. A concealed LED spotlight illuminates the colorful interior.

She goes on, “I am always trying to harness the powerful effects form, color, and light can have on elevating our mood. We all live such busy and hectic lives; in the same way that meditation enhances emotional well-being, I hope my work entrances the viewer into a sensation of calm pleasure and delight.”