Welcome

Sarah Cullen • Editor

Let me bring you some light in what seems to be an endless carousel of darkness these days… Take a step away from the heavy world news and current affairs, and find some respite in a selection of stunning new lighting pieces in our next issue of darc. With January almost over, the days are beginning to get lighter and, despite the icy-cold snap we are having in the UK at the moment, I feel like it won’t be long before the trees will be sprouting their bright green leaves for Spring!

With newness on the horizon, we have taken this time to introduce some newness to the magazine. You will notice in this issue we have a couple of editorial additions, including Helen Ewart’s (of M1NT Studio) Spring design predictions! This piece is still in its infancy and will likely evolve as the year goes on. However, to kick us off, Helen’s mood board of colours, textures and designs are what she is seeing will creep into design in the forthcoming months. With the change in weather, portable lighting is a key feature!

Elsewhere, you will find some more comment pieces where I have asked the experts to share their thoughts on various topics and themes. Sam Bird of Trindade & Bird interior design provides knowledge on how to work with paint finishes and colours along with your lighting features in residential projects.

Mike Cascarino of Michael Grubb Studio, along with Sanjit Bahra of DesignPlusLight, share their expertise and experience with lighting controls and how they practically combine with decorative lighting elements.

Now… this year appears to be the year of big anniversaries. And with that, we have two big ones featured in this issue. Flos is celebrating its 60th anniversary, along with its iconic Arco floor lamp. I take a look back at the original Castiglione’s design, and how the current Flos design team has brought the piece into 21st century.

Renowned British interior design firm Goddard Littlefair also celebrate a milestone, reaching their 10th year in design. I sit down with both Jo and Martin to discuss their individual and now joint journeys in interior design, discovering their passions and influences that dictate their current design flair.

Enjoy the issue, and I look forawrd to seeing many of you at the upcoming [d]arc awards party on 30 March in London!