Inside the design of IKOAN with designer Chris de Wilde

IKOAN began with a shape almost everyone recognises. We spoke with Dutch industrial designer Chris de Wilde about the familiar image that inspired the collection, his search for the right balance and why beauty and functionality should always go hand in hand.

What is most important to you as a designer?

“Beauty in functionality”

For Chris, every product should have a clear reason to exist. It should work intuitively for the person using it, bring something meaningful to everyday life and tell a story through its design.

This way of thinking can be seen throughout IKOAN. Even the most practical details contribute to the overall experience. A subtle Lightswing Yellow accent is hidden around the socket and only reveals itself during use. It brings an unexpected touch of character to the lamp and shows how a functional element can become part of the design.

What inspired the design of IKOAN?

“When you ask someone to draw a lamp, they often draw the same shape: a shade with a bulb appearing underneath. It is a universal image of a lamp, but for a long time, you rarely saw that exact shape reflected in real lamp design.”

That simple observation became the starting point for IKOAN. Instead of hiding the light source, Chris made it an essential part of the silhouette. The familiar lamp shape was stripped back and reimagined as a contemporary design object, recognisable at first glance but distinctive in its proportions.

How did you create balance within the design?

The oversized globe is nestled inside the shade. The contrast between the rounded light source and the clean shape around it creates visual tension, but also harmony. It feels as though the globe is being held and embraced.

The generous opaline globe gives IKOAN its recognisable character. Its rounded form softens the clean lines of the shade, creating a design that feels expressive yet calm. Every proportion was carefully considered to ensure the lamp makes an impact without overpowering the space around it.

What kind of atmosphere did you want the lamp to create?

I wanted to create a light you can leave on. A soft, warm light that brings atmosphere above the dining table and feels calm when you look into it.

The oversized opaline globe produces a warm glow, while the shade gently directs the light downwards. This creates an inviting atmosphere around a table or within a living space. Rather than only illuminating the room, IKOAN is designed to influence how the space feels.

The globe was developed specifically for Lightswing® to achieve the right size and sense of balance. Its generous proportions give the lamp a contemporary character, while the soft curves offer a sense of tranquillity when viewed from below.

How does the IKOAN Spot fit into the collection?

“The pendant brings warmth and atmosphere, while the spot gives you more focused light. Together, they offer different ways to use light within the same space.”

The IKOAN Spot carries the same refined design language as the pendant but answers a different need. Its directional light can highlight a kitchen, a wall, a painting or another part of the interior. Combined with an IKOAN Pendant on Lightswing®, it brings atmospheric and functional lighting together in one flexible setup.

Discover IKOAN and find the composition that fits your space.

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