Lighting design is a vital element of the ambience and functionality of both homes and businesses. Whatever you choose can profoundly impact the overall experience of a space, enhance a room’s aesthetic appeal by accentuating architectural features and create a welcoming atmosphere.
In residential settings, lighting influences mood, comfort and the usability of each room. For businesses, lighting design is pivotal to shaping the customer experience, enhancing productivity and highlighting merchandise. Properly designed lighting fulfills practical needs and elevates any space’s character and functionality, making it an essential component of effective interior design.
At the heart of Atlanta’s vibrant design scene lies a beacon of lighting innovation: Lighting Loft. The company epitomizes the principle of “design around the light source,” a philosophy its owner, Shuly Zion, passionately champions. Zion’s approach transforms lighting from merely a functional element to an integral component of sophisticated design. “Choosing the right light source is the most pivotal decision in our design process,” Zion says. “Everything else is just decoration. This guiding principle informs and shapes every project we undertake.”
For over 23 years, Lighting Loft has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta lighting landscape, specializing in contemporary and modern fixtures along with advanced lighting control systems. The company’s beautiful 4,000-square-foot showroom and design center offers a comprehensive range of services.
From meticulous whole-home lighting plans to bespoke fixtures and unique lamps, Lighting Loft is dedicated to providing functional and artistically inspired solutions. Conveniently situated in Miami Circle, a prestigious enclave in Buckhead renowned for its high-end décor and interior design showrooms, Lighting Loft stands out as a premier destination for discerning clients.
Zion’s journey into the world of lighting began far from Atlanta. Originally from Israel, he moved to the United States in 2002, initially settling in Pennsylvania and then Hawaii. It was in Honolulu, where he first entered the lighting industry, that Zion began to hone his craft. His move to Atlanta in 2012 marked a new chapter in his career.
In Atlanta, he partnered with Lighting Loft’s previous owner, Yaacov Golan, a distinguished leader in the Atlanta lighting design community. Over a decade of close collaboration, Zion absorbed Golan’s extensive knowledge and expertise, learning to infuse lighting design with an artistic touch. “Yaacov taught me to approach lighting as a form of art,” Zion recalls fondly.
Their collaborative efforts left a significant mark on Atlanta’s architectural and commercial landscape. Notable projects include the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Manhattan, Alon’s Bakery in Phipps Plaza, and numerous opulent residences across the city and beyond. When Golan retired, the mantle of leadership passed to Zion, who has since continued Golan’s legacy with a commitment to excellence and a personal touch.
Lighting Loft’s unique approach to lighting design is rooted in what Zion calls the “layering system,” which incorporates three essential layers of light: task lighting, architectural lighting and ambient lighting. “Task lighting is the most critical layer,” Zion explains. “We focus on providing high-quality, uninterrupted light over specific tasks, such as illuminating a kitchen island. This not only ensures good work lighting but also contributes to the overall ambience through reflection.”
Architectural lighting, on the other hand, is designed to highlight a home’s unique features or art pieces, be it paintings or sculptures. The third layer, ambient lighting, is crucial for general illumination, mood setting and shadow elimination. Indirect lighting, such as uplighting, is a favored technique among designers. By directing light onto upper walls and ceilings, uplighting creates a broad, reflective light surface that reduces glare and shadows, imparting a sophisticated and pleasant ambience.
Specialty light fixtures, according to Zion, play a pivotal role in enhancing a space’s aesthetic appeal. “Specialty fixtures are like jewelry for your home,” he says. “They add sparkle, style and balance to the overall design.” These fixtures are not only functional but also serve as artistic statements, drawing the eye upward and adding a touch of elegance to any setting.
Lighting Loft proudly represents more than 80 leading lighting brands, including Hubbardton Forge, Eurofase, Modern Forms, Schonbek Beyond, Lib&Co., Visual Comfort, Matrix Mirrors and ET2. The company’s extensive collection encompasses a wide range of styles and designs, ensuring that clients find the perfect fixture to suit their needs and preferences.
For many clients, Lighting Loft’s website is an excellent starting point for exploring fixture options. The site features a refined search filter, allowing users to search by size, style, finish and function. However, a brief conversation with Zion and his team often leads to discovering the ideal fixture, whether it’s available on the showroom floor or within one of their many catalogs. A home visit is frequently warranted to provide a more accurate and personalized design assessment.
Lighting Loft’s collection includes contemporary and classic fixtures, with artistic and stylistic features that seamlessly integrate with various architectural styles. From grand chandeliers suitable for cathedral ceilings to intimate fixtures perfect for cozy spaces, its range caters to diverse design needs. Sconces, table lamps and floor lamps in various styles, colors and materials further enhance the collection, offering versatile options for any room.
The Lighting Loft team is a diverse and talented group, with each member contributing unique skills to ensure exceptional customer service. Victor Herec manages the company’s sales, purchasing and technical aspects, and Ghazi Suleiman serves as the company’s sales manager. Together, they work with Zion to guide customers toward lighting solutions that are both aesthetically impactful and functionally effective.
“Our mission is to help our clients achieve beautifully lit spaces that enhance their living environments,” Zion explains. “We aim to provide lighting solutions that are not only practical but also elevate the aesthetic appeal of a space.”
Lighting Loft’s ability to create optimal lighting designs sets it apart from competitors. Through Zion’s expert approach, clients can enjoy lighting that is not only visually stunning but also meets their functional needs for years to come. By transforming lighting into an art form, Lighting Loft continues illuminating the path to beautifully designed spaces across Atlanta and beyond. *
Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.