Maison & Objet 2009: City of Light, indeed

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Design dispatch from Paris, No. 5: Some of the most arresting examples of lighting at the Maison & Objet show this week were strikingly simple, low-energy fixtures from Paris-based designers Le Deun Luminaires.

Designer Jean Luc Le Deun uses exposed LEDs to illuminate slender aluminum hoop frames that have been painted white or black and mounted on a free-standing base. Simple circles become sophisticated yet fanciful light fixtures equally suited for a classic 19th century apartment or a contemporary house.

“They’re a little bit makeup-mirror, à la ‘A Star Is Born,’ a little bit ‘Stargate’ -- and they also remind you of a lit-up circus ring,” said Philippe Dufour-Loriolle, who mans Le Deun Luminaires’ Paris showroom. “The idea is to not be ashamed to actually expose the LED light bulbs, which are usually hidden. Instead, we make a feature of them.”

Here at Maison & Objet, Le Deun also showed a room divider embellished with lighted circles near the base, above left; pendant lights made of hovering circles, above right; and a new series of cubes with lighted sides that can be used as floor lighting or fitted with a metal tray to become a side table.

-- Kristin Hohenadel