‘Lighting Is as Important as the Architecture,’ Says Designer Nicci Kavals

One of the leading luminaries in the world of lighting design, Nicci Kavals actually started her career as a chef, relocating to cook at a restaurant on the Greek island of Naxos, before she moved to Paris to work as a food stylist for the magazine Votre Beauté.

“My experiences as a food stylist taught me the process of reduction and simplification,” she says. “What remains—whether on the plate or more broadly in design—needs to have purpose and relevance, even if its significance is hard to articulate.”

Kavals eventually returned to her native Australia, working as Melbourne editor at Vogue Entertaining + Travel magazine, and then as a homewares and hard goods product designer for the lifestyle brand Country Road, before she ultimately established Articolo Architectural Lighting in Melbourne just over a decade ago.

“I felt there was a gap in the market for superbly designed artisanal lighting that was unique, sculptural, detailed yet timeless,” she says.

Now, with showrooms in Melbourne and New York City, Articolo has designed artisanal lighting for Nobu Restaurants, the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest, the Tiffany & Co. flagship store on Fifth Avenue, and residential clients including Robert Downey Jr.

The company relies on artisanal workmanship, Kavals says. “Each of our pieces embodies their expertise.”

Articolo has steadily expanded its global presence, having made its European debut at Salone del Mobile Milan in 2019. The company reached a pair of milestones last year, as Kavals unveiled a new identity and rebranded the company as Articolo Studios—reflecting its evolution into a luxury lifestyle brand—while opening its North American flagship showroom in an elegant, gallery-like space with soaring ceilings across from New York’s Madison Square Park.

Articolo Studios’ New York showroom
Eric Petschec

As her designs evolve, Kavals acknowledges the need to stay ahead of ever-advancing technologies. Last year, Articolo launched its first tuneable white light source known to restore the body’s circadian rhythm in a decorative fitting.

In April during Milan Design Week, the company introduced Articolo Home, a capsule collection of small-scale furniture pieces. And last month, the company launched rechargeable lighting.

Kavals, 68, recently spoke with Penta from her home in Melbourne where she lives with husband, Vic Kavals, also co-founder and director of Articolo Studios.

Penta : Among design elements, how important is lighting?

Nicci Kavals: It can change our perspective on how we view and appreciate the space around us—lighting is as important as the architecture, the interior design and finishes and the furniture selection. Lighting provides the soul to a space. It often provides a moment of awe, where you are moved by something beautiful.

How much of a difference does bespoke decorative lighting make?

When each fixture is purposely selected to enhance the space with shadow play of light, there is a sense of atmosphere and soul—the animation of light dances within the space, patterns and striations casting movement, layering, and providing depth. I love the notion of moving through a space and happening upon a beautiful fixture or light, which is more like artwork and makes you stop, pause, and exhale, where you take in that moment of beauty and then move on.

How do you describe your process?

I have a huge library or body of designs that I am continuously working through and refining. I tend to mull over them endlessly to perfect them before being ready to take them to market. We like to explore and experiment with new materials. … It’s important that each design reflects the many hands that have produced it, celebrating the craftsmen and -women whose skill and talent I deeply respect. It’s the human element that in many ways we’re losing through mass production—I strongly believe there’s no substitute for the handmade.

Where do you look for inspiration?

To express myself creatively through the play of light and shade is a genuine gift. I find inspiration everywhere I go; from the washed, bleached colors of Marrakech and Mexico to the architectural detail found in minimalist Japan. I love to explore the local crafts, and pore over the work of local artisans of different lands. The Japanese are exceptionally talented in porcelain, whilst the Mexicans are experts in beading, embroidery, and silver.

How would you describe your progression from an Australian firm to a global one?

At the time of starting Articolo in 2012, designing and manufacturing lighting in Australia was quite uncommon, with most of the high-end decorative lighting coming out of Europe and the U.S. In the beginning, my knowledge of lighting was minimal—which in hindsight, was perhaps a blessing as I may never have embarked on this journey had I been aware of the challenges. As I don’t come from a lighting background, I’ve found that I’m not restricted by a traditional approach. As we expanded globally, we had the option to expand into Europe or the U.S. I have always been drawn to a European design sensibility that celebrates craftsmanship, timelessness, and the artisanal. However, knowing that the U.S. was the harder option, we went in that direction as we never make the easy decision and have challenged ourselves at every turn to be better and improve constantly. This was a completely new ball game for us—certification standards to comply are vastly different in the U.S. than the rest of the world.

What does the future hold for your field?

Embracing cutting-edge technologies can elevate the functionality and aesthetics of luxury lighting. Integration with smart-home systems, customisable lighting experiences, and the use of innovative materials and finishes can provide clients with a truly unique and immersive experience. I expect to see a surge in demand for intelligent lighting solutions, and I am optimistic about the potential for transformative advancements in this area. While technology is crucial, I also value the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating luxury lighting pieces. I hope to see a continued appreciation for handmade, artisanal designs that showcase the skills of talented craftsmen. Balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities can result in timeless pieces that stand out in the market.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.

Artful Abundance: The Sophisticated Joy of Artful Interiors

Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.

As the clinical austerity yielded to the graceful presence of art, this single work transformed into a vessel of solace and hope amid overwhelming uncertainty.

That moment continues to resonate with me—a vivid reminder that art transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound catalyst for emotional healing and inspiration. It is this transformative experience that fuels my passion as a biophilic interior designer.

I create environments where every element, from bespoke murals to sculptural installations, harnesses art’s power to elevate the human spirit, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Let us journey together into the world of luxurious interiors that define modern elegance.

2. Art as Wellness: A Daily Ritual of Rejuvenation

At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.

The simple act of beholding a tranquil landscape or a subtle floral motif transforms your space into a private retreat, offering solace amidst a hectic world.

In my practice, I meticulously select artworks chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potent, therapeutic benefits.

Each piece serves as daily inspiration—a quiet invitation to experience calm and well-being. For example, our Hilton project demonstrates how hospitality resorts integrate nature-inspired art not only for its visual impact but also as a medium of healing; here, a collaboration with a local artist produced a masterful installation that functions both as a statement piece and a source of well-being.

3. Bespoke Brilliance: Celebrating Your Unique Narrative

Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.

Each personalised creation turns your walls into a living narrative of cherished memories and distinctive taste. Consider how a thoughtfully designed space can reflect your individuality and elevate your living experience.

4. Sculptural Elegance: Redefining Spatial Dynamics

Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.

Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.

Such statement sculptures command attention while seamlessly integrating form with function and providing a natural conversation starter in any refined space.

5. Architectural Artistry: When Structure Meets Art

A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.

In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.

6. Furniture as Functional Art: Merging Practicality with Mastery

In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.

More than just a piece of furniture, this chair sparks conversation and serves as an emblem of creative innovation and exclusivity.

Let this be a symbol of how every element in your home might reflect your dedication to exquisite artistry.

7. Digital Sophistication: The Future of Artistic Expression

In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.

High-resolution displays now present dynamic landscapes—a cascade of waterfalls, the quiet majesty of a forest, or a serene digital ocean vista—that adapt and evolve with your environment.

This modern element seamlessly aligns cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your space remains as innovative as it is elegant.

8. Luxurious Textiles and Furnishings: The Essence of Understated Elegance

Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.

Bespoke silk cushions with intricate botanical embroidery, sumptuous velvet throws that evoke tropical charm, and bedding that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes all contribute to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.

Every tactile detail is chosen to evoke warmth and stand as a testament to your taste for excellence.

9. Refined Heritage: Honouring Timeless Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.

These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.

10. The Art of Personal Meaning: Crafting Your Legacy

Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.

Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

It imbues your environment with memories, aspirations, and the essence of who you are—a living masterpiece that evolves with time.

Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.

Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.

Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.

Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.