I am addicted to looking at lighting fixtures—particularly chandeliers—the way some women are addicted to shopping for shoes. I love the magic of light and how it can shape space or create moods, and I believe the unusual, handmade, and one-of-a-kind chandeliers I’ve installed in each of my rooms contribute substantially to the distinctive character of my apartment. Installing an interesting lighting fixture is one of the easiest, quickest, and most affordable ways to transform any room. These chandeliers are not cheap, but a girl can dream, can’t she? Besides, looking at expensive things always gives me ideas that I can use when purchasing less expensive versions.
Aquamarinara
One of the most otherworldly chandeliers I’ve ever seen. It’s blown glass, designed and created by artist Rocco Borghese (who comes from a family of glassblowers), and is made of fifty-five pieces with pointed ends and ribbed glass texture in aqua, clear, and partially frosted colors. The Aquamarinara is custom-made to order in sizes starting at about 24" in diameter. Colors can also be customized to suit any décor. Aquamarinara uses four 60-watt Edison bulbs. You can buy it at glassartistsgallery.com; prices range from around $4,000 to $20,000 (depending upon size of chandelier). Dimensions: 24" to 36" height, 34" to 48" diameter
Nautical Parachute Chandelier
This museum-worthy piece combines aesthetic creativity with functional design. The colorful, “nautical parachute chandelier,” designed by A. Brott, seems more fluid than the solid glass it’s made of. I love how the light glows through the parachute and illuminates the vascular streaks of color, and how the shape seems so natural, as if the wind is actually blowing into it. You can buy it at Art Lighting Gallery; this one is priced at $16,000. Dimensions: 28" width, 18" height
Rody Graumans 85 Lamps Chandelier
This is another design classic featured in numerous museum collections, including the permanent collection of the MoMA and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The first time I glimpsed this brilliantly minimalist fixture—in which a congregation of ordinary light bulbs mystically coalesce into something more than the sum of their parts—it was love at first sight. This chandelier is made for U.S. current (110 volts) but uses eighty-five 15-watt European-type light bulbs (included). You can buy it at nova68.com; currently on sale for $3,461.00, with free shipping and no sales tax. Dimensions: 40" height, 28" diameter; weight is fifty-five pounds.
Floral Dome
This teak chandelier’s kaleidoscopic design emits a warm, earthly glow. Despite the fact that it’s made of wood, the floral dome is designed to be light, made of 1/8-inch thick panels that are sanded painted and then finished, with the colored portions made of painted silk. The artist, R. Allen, picked up his techniques from woodworking and airbrushing. This one-of-a-kind dome uses a 100-watt bulb and can be purchased at Art Lighting Gallery for $4,400. Dimensions: 46" width, 36" height
Birds, Birds, Birds Chandelier
Fanciful, magical, fantastical: this fixture resonates with all of my deepest desires for lighting that will transform my life—and my belief in lighting as a metaphor for dream and spirit. This chandelier, by German designer Ingo Maurer, is composed of twenty-four unique low-voltage bulbs adorned with goose feather wings, tin-plated metal parts, and colored wires. The fixture is available in transparent or red versions, and comes with a full set of 15-watt bulbs; six spares are included. You can buy it at formplusfunction.com for $5930. Dimensions: 74.8" height, 47.3" diameter
