A well-thought-out lighting plan is a key component of the design for any space. Lighting obviously plays an important functional role, but its decorative side shouldn’t be ignored. Our light-fixture choices contribute to the overall look and feel of a space.
The Decorative Role of Lighting in Design
Look how the custom-finished metal chandelier and sconces from Hammerton add rustic charm to this nature-inspired family room we created for an Arlington, Virginia, family:
On the other hand, we chose acrylic for a Washington, DC, entryway. This space combines a modern Allan Knight lantern (which we custom-sized) with a floral Nina Campbell wallcovering from Osborne and Little for a fresh take on traditional style.
Our Design Excursion to the Niermann Weeks Studio
We go to great lengths to find the right lighting for every project. To that end, we recently took a client on a fun and informative field trip to the Niermann Weeks production studio outside of Annapolis, Maryland. We’re currently reimagining her dining room and are in search of the perfect chandelier. Since we’re considering several options from Niermann Weeks, I thought it would be worthwhile to visit their studio. I wanted our client to see firsthand the level of care and craftsmanship that goes into each of their handmade pieces.
Niermann Weeks is a family-owned business, founded in 1978 by husband and wife Joe Niermann and Eleanor McKay. Both still have a hand in operations today, as do their daughters, Claire and Eleanor Niermann.
The company is probably best known for its sophisticated lighting designs. Yes, those designs often nod to the past and fit seamlessly into spaces that veer toward traditional but they also add interesting contrast when placed in a more modern setting.
The fixtures feature beautifully textured, layered finishes. There are some 500 finish options! Here’s a small sampling:
The Process Behind the Brand’s Celebrated Finishes
The two sisters, Claire and Eleanor, graciously gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of their studio and explained the painstaking process involved in creating their gorgeous pieces. Each finish requires multiple layers of hand-applied paint and glaze — and often silver or gold leaf — to achieve the desired patina.
The studio keeps control samples of each finish to ensure consistency from product to product and year to year.
Below is a detail shot of one control sample, which shows the steps involved in creating that particular finish. Each band represents a different layer of paint, starting with the black undercoat.
A Silver or Gold Accent on Lighting Never Hurts
Gold and silver leaf adds texture, dimension and sparkle to many of the painted finishes. Here’s a chandelier getting the gilt treatment:
Here, sheets of silver leaf are applied by hand to a group of modern fixtures that will soon find a new home in a California hotel.
These silver-leafed glass rods will ultimately stand on end to adorn a set of dramatically tall sconces.
Crystal Beading Takes Place by Hand
We watched many skilled artisans practicing their craft, such as this woman carefully attaching strings of crystal beads to a chandelier:
In fact, many of the Niermann Weeks designs feature hand-beading, to stunning effect!
Accessories and Furniture are Among Niermann Weeks Offerings
The company also produces fire screens, mirrors and other decorative accessories, many custom-crafted to designers’ specifications.
I fell head-over-heels for these bespoke mirrors adorned with three-dimensional, metal-and-glass flowers. I’d love to see them in their final resting spot, wouldn’t you?
Just look at the details on those flowers. Wow!
Niermann Weeks also designs and crafts “faux antique” furniture, as they call it, with painted patinas and rich details.
The Tradition of Craftsmanship Continues
In a world of mass production, what a treat to see true artisans at work. The men and women at the Niermann Weeks studio obviously care about their craft. For me, this excursion was a trip down memory lane. My grandmother was a skilled artisan, who hand-painted details on furniture for Drexel Heritage. Growing up, I loved visiting her workshop. It’s nice to see that quality and craftsmanship live on!
The Niermann Weeks name is synonymous with high-end design. I’m grateful to Claire and Eleanor for pulling back the curtain and showing the A. Houck Designs team and our client what goes on behind the scenes…messy bits and all!
As DC-area designers, we are lucky to have such a luxury resource as Niermann Weeks in our own backyard. I love the quality and beauty of their products. And the fact that they’re made in America. We support local businesses whenever we can and look forward to specifying Niermann Weeks pieces in current and future projects.
Just to be clear, folks: this is not a sponsored post. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions expressed are my own; all images, unless otherwise noted, are my own.
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