For this project, Piper Gonzalez, Principal & Lead Designer of Piper Gonzalez Designs, set out to harmonize contemporary design with timeless elements. The vision began with a focus on clean lines, luxurious materials, and carefully curated lighting, aiming to create a balance between bold statement pieces and more subtle, harmonious fixtures. As the project took shape, Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting became integral to the space, allowing the designer to blend contemporary and classic aesthetics seamlessly.
“The inspiration for this project was to create a space that embodies modern elegance while feeling warm and inviting," the designer explains. "We started with a vision of blending contemporary design with timeless touches, focusing on clean lines, luxurious materials, and thoughtfully curated lighting. Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting played an essential role in bringing that vision to life.”
Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting’s collections drew the designer in with their artistic details and striking quality. Each fixture acted not only as a light source but also as a statement, infusing personality into the space. The selection process was meticulous, balancing functionality with visual impact. We considered the scale of each fixture to ensure it complemented the space without overwhelming it," she reflects. "One challenge was integrating pieces that stood out but still harmonized with the other elements—like the rich materials and clean architectural lines.”
Plume Elevate Chandelier | Photo Credit: Amy Lamb/Native House Photography
Lighting played an essential role in shaping the atmosphere of the space, creating moods that ranged from luxurious to comfortably sophisticated. In the entryway, the Elevate Chandelier with Dichroic Plumes set an inviting, elegant tone for the home, while crystal sconces mounted on an antique mirror in the primary suite entry added depth and elegance through a play of light and shadow.
Strata Sconces | Photo Credit: Amy Lamb/Native House Photography
Certain moments in the installation stood out, such as positioning the chandelier over the staircase—a task that required careful placement of each individual plume to guide the eye upward. “Seeing the Selene Pendant against the indigo mica ceiling was a pivotal moment. The pendant’s contemporary design contrasted beautifully with the textured ceiling, adding depth and making the space feel both bold and cohesive,” the designer recalls.
Selene Pendant | Photo Credit: Amy Lamb/Native House Photography
In the living room, the Arctic Halo Pendant paired seamlessly with the floor-to-ceiling Crystllo fireplace, ornate crown molding, and the lake view, achieving balance and visual engagement. “Lighting played a vital role in unifying the design by accentuating the materials and textures,” she notes.
Arctic Halo Pendant | Photo Credit: Amy Lamb/Native House Photography
In the dining area, the Trevi chandelier mirrored the intricate ceiling millwork, creating a blend of traditional and transitional aesthetics.
Trevi Chandelier | Photo Credit: Amy Lamb/Native House Photography
When asked for advice on incorporating Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting into projects, Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of exploring both bold and subtle options. “My advice would be to approach each space with an open mind to both bold and subtle pieces,” she suggests. “Be mindful of scale and proportion to ensure the lighting enhances rather than overshadows the space. Consider how each fixture will affect the room’s ambiance—both during the day and at night—to make the most of their potential.”
