Daydreaming Objects, a Copenhagen-based duo consisting of lighting designer Ruta Palionyte and architect Ieva Baranauskaite, is developing an original design language that blends vintage aesthetics with modern creativity. Unveiled in June 2024 at 3daysofdesign, Soft Solids, is a testament to their expertise and creativity, pushing the boundaries of conventional lighting design.
Daydreaming Objects painstakingly collects vintage luminaire parts from various parts of Europe, emphasizing pieces from the 1960s and 1970s, particularly from Italy, Sweden, and the former Czechoslovakia.** These parts are carefully restored and integrated with new elements crafted from natural wax. This fusion of old and new creates a nostalgic yet contemporary feel, honoring the original designs while breathing new life into them.
Soft Solids delves into the creative use of natural wax in lighting design. This collection employs a unique combination of stearin and soy wax to produce lampshades with a delicate, marble-like texture that provides beautiful light diffusion. The materials chosen—natural wax, aluminum, patterned glass, and steel fixtures—ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
Each lamp in the Soft Solids collection showcases a refined blend of traditional craftsmanship and design innovation, combining handcrafted techniques with digital 3D modeling and upcycling methods. The utilization of silicone molds enables the accurate reproduction of the wax shades, maintaining consistency and quality in each piece. The luminaires are available in various forms, including table and floor lamps, each with a unique story and aesthetic.
By integrating vintage components with modern materials and techniques, Daydreaming Objects creates lighting pieces that are both functional and evocative. Their work challenges conventional design norms and invites viewers to see the beauty in the fusion of past and present.
