Podcast Summary: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin – "How to Complete a Room with Lighting" (May 29, 2024)

In the final episode of season two, Ariel Okin hosts a live panel discussion from the Fenimore Lane Design Summit at the Mayflower Inn and Spa. Joined by fellow Mitzi Tastemaker Anthony D'Argenzio of Zeon Sons and moderator Grace Buley Hunt from Luxe Interior and Design magazine, the conversation delves deep into the nuances of lighting in interior design. The episode offers invaluable insights, tips, and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for design enthusiasts aiming to master the art of lighting in their spaces.

Panelist Introductions

Grace Buley Hunt opens the panel by emphasizing the intricate relationship between color and lighting in design. She introduces Anthony D'Argenzio, a multifaceted designer and entrepreneur from Hudson, New York, whose work spans real estate and interior design. Anthony shares his journey from California to the Hudson Valley, highlighting how the region's rich architectural diversity influences his creative direction.

Ariel Okin introduces herself as an interior designer and founder of Fenimore Lane. She discusses her collaboration with Mitzi, showcasing her Clarendon lamp from the Mitzi collection, which embodies her firm's aesthetic—“traditional with a twist.”

Creating Collections with Mitzi

Ariel Okin elaborates on her two-year collaboration with Mitzi to develop a lighting collection that bridges the gap between traditional aesthetics and affordable price points. She highlights the diverse range of fixtures in her collection, from sconces and art lights to chandeliers, including a piece named after her hometown, Gladwin. Ariel emphasizes the thrill of transforming conceptual ideas into tangible products that enhance everyday living spaces.

Quote:

"Watching an idea in your head turn into a physical product that can live in someone's house is one of the coolest things that I've experienced." – Ariel Okin [03:03]

Anthony D'Argenzio discusses his collection inspired by the Hudson Valley's architectural heritage. His designs feature classic silhouettes with contemporary twists, incorporating elements like ornate details and unique finishes to create eclectic yet timeless pieces.

Approaches to Lighting Design

Anthony’s Approach: Strategic and Functional

Anthony distinguishes between his personal design projects and his real estate-focused work. In real estate, lighting serves to enhance property appeal and value, making spaces feel fresh and inviting without substantial renovations. He emphasizes understanding the room's natural light, usage, and desired ambiance to inform fixture choices.

Quote:

"If lighting is done right, it lasts a long time and it improves your property value." – Anthony D'Argenzio [15:48]

Ariel’s Approach: Collaborative and Customizable

Ariel prefers to engage in ground-up builds and renovations, allowing for comprehensive lighting plans integrated from the architectural phase. She advocates for minimizing can lights in favor of sconces and decorative fixtures, ensuring all lighting is dimmable to create versatile moods.

Quote:

"You need to have it coming from multiple heights and multiple sources... lamps undulate throughout the room so that nobody's getting hit from one very hard angle." – Ariel Okun [14:47]

Staging and Lighting Tips

Anthony shares his expertise in staging homes to make them "Instagram-worthy." He recommends mixing vintage and modern fixtures to create eclectic spaces that feel lived-in and unique. Anthony advises using funkier, statement pieces alongside classic designs to add character without overwhelming the space.

Quote:

"Having a mix of new lighting and old lighting is really important to make your home feel eclectic and not like a catalog." – Anthony D'Argenzio [24:32]

Ariel emphasizes the importance of layering light sources at different heights to achieve a balanced and inviting environment. She advises against relying solely on one type of lighting and encourages the use of multiple fixtures to enhance the room's depth and functionality.

Scaling and Sizing Lighting Fixtures

Proper scaling of lighting fixtures is crucial for maintaining the room's aesthetic and functionality.

Ariel provides practical tips, such as ensuring art lights are wider than the artwork they illuminate and maintaining at least seven feet of clearance for overhead fixtures to prevent them from being obtrusive.

Quote:

"Don't hang your fixture lower than seven feet." – Ariel Okun [21:08]

Anthony adds that using odd numbers, like three or five fixtures, creates a more natural and visually appealing arrangement compared to even numbers, which can appear too rigid or cookie-cutter.

Quote:

"The rule of threes is like an art rule for a reason." – Ariel Okun [23:11]

Favorite Projects and Lessons Learned

Ariel reflects on a recent ground-up build where she collaborated closely with an architect to design a comprehensive lighting plan. This project allowed her to tailor the lighting to various activities and moods, showcasing the transformative power of thoughtful lighting design.

Anthony shares his experience renovating a 1970s log cabin, navigating the challenges of surface-mounted wiring and blending old-world charm with modern functionality. This project underscored the importance of creativity and adaptability in lighting design.

Cardinal Do’s and Don’ts

Ariel Oku:

• Do: Install dimmers for versatile lighting control.

  "A cardinal do is install dimmers." [28:13]

• Don't: Use high-hanging fixtures.

  "Don't put high hats in your ceiling." [28:20]

Anthony D'Argenzio:

• Do: Use wall sconces to add depth.

  "Do use wall sconces." [28:23]

• Don't: Install LED fluorescent bulbs.

  "Don't install LED fluorescent bulbs." [28:39]

Lightning Round Highlights

• Favorite Fixture:

  • Anthony: A classic pendant with a white shade and clean bulb.
  • Ariel: An English-style Georgian lantern.

• Best Lit Room Exemplar:

  • Ariel: Bemelman's at the Carlisle, praising its harmonious lighting and ambiance.
  • Anthony: The Swan Room at 9 Orchard in New York City, noted for its historic architecture and stunning fixtures.

• Lighting Trend to Die:

  • Ariel: Track lighting.

  "Don't like track lighting. Rip that out." [31:40]

  • Anthony: Agrees, suggesting creative reworking of existing fixtures if necessary.

• Words to Live By in Lighting Design:

  • Ariel: "Keep it dim."
  • Anthony: "Let the quality shine."

Conclusion

The panel concludes with heartfelt thanks to participants and attendees, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the Fenimore Lane Design Summit. Ariel Okin wraps up the season by expressing gratitude to listeners and teasing more insightful conversations in the upcoming season.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing effective lighting strategies in interior design. From foundational principles and practical tips to personal experiences and expert advice, listeners are equipped with the knowledge to elevate their living spaces through thoughtful lighting.