Header: Courtesy of Soffi Lighting
The world of interior design is always looking for that next piece of functional art, something that not only lights up a room but also gives it a distinct character. Soffi Lighting, a studio based in Windsor, Canada, has captured this idea with their Pearls Chandelier, a piece that brings the allure of ocean treasures into the home.
Inspired by nature’s gem
Designed by Canadian glass artist Eva Milinkovic with support from Kris Gene, the Pearls Chandelier is a direct nod to the opalescent beauty of pearls. The concept was to create something that feels like jewelry for an interior space. It’s an approach that aims to give a room a sense of elegance and luxury. The design is made to work well in both modern and traditional settings, showing its versatile nature.
The chandelier is a collection of individual glass orbs, each hand-blown by the skilled team at Soffi Lighting. This means every single “pearl” has its own unique shape and character, just like the real thing. The arrangement gives a sense of organic composition, as if the pearls grew there naturally. These glass pieces are suspended from a canopy made of black walnut and metal with a special aged finish, adding a warm and earthy touch to the glowing orbs.
The art of making glass
Soffi Lighting operates on a philosophy that values the natural and sometimes unpredictable quality of blown glass. The studio’s goal is to make art a part of everyday life. This is evident in the Pearls Chandelier, where the use of many individual glass elements creates a larger, impactful installation. Each fixture is carefully crafted by hand in their Canadian studio, emphasizing fine metalwork alongside the delicate glass.
The company’s name itself, Soffi, comes from the Italian word soffiare, which means “to blow.” It’s a reference to the soffietta, a traditional glassblowing tool. This name choice reflects the deep connection to the human element of the craft – the breath of the artisan that gives life to the glass.
A recognized creation
The thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship behind the Pearls Chandelier was recently recognized at the LIT Awards, where it was named a winner in the Artisan Glass Blown Lighting category. This award celebrates the unique artistry and skill that Soffi Lighting poured into creating a truly special lighting fixture.
