The paper Akari lamps by Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi have become modern classics that work in many different settings and interiors, as seen in our latest lookbook.
Although first launched in 1951, the lamps are still made today using Japanese washi paper and a traditional method from Japan’s Gifu region.
Akari lamps come in many different shapes and colours, as seen in the interiors below, which range from a London house with a small playful orange light to a Kyiv home with a spaceship-like floor lamp.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides curated visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring poured resin floors, statement-making staircases and kitchens with open shelving.
Energy-saving home, UK, by Architecture for London
This home in north London’s Muswell Hill area was designed to save energy, with solutions such as lime plastered walls to mitigate heat loss.
Its minimalist interior is enlivened by details such as Noguchi’s orange Akari 1AY light, which keeps watch over the hallway entrance.
Find out more about the energy-saving home ›
Duane House, US, by OWIU
Design studio OWIU refurbished this 1926 home in Los Angeles using mid-century modern and traditional Japanese design touches.
In the airy bathroom, two Noguchi lamps have pride of place. A smaller light sits on a wooden side table next to a large bathtub, while the large cloud-shaped 25N model was placed on the floor next to the room’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
Find out more about Duane House ›
São Paulo apartment, Brazil, by BC Arquitetos
This 1970s São Paulo apartment, renovated by BC Arquitetos, showcases a large asymmetrical Akari light with decorative black dots.
Its graphic design stands out against the flat’s monolithic concrete columns and walnut panelling, adding a fun touch to the elegant space.
Find out more about the São Paulo apartment ›
Powerscroft Road townhouse, UK, by Daytrip
Design studio Daytrip renovated and expanded this London home by excavating its basement, which it turned into a light-filled kitchen.
A lopsided Akari lamp sits on the room’s wood-fired stove, while gleaming stone floors match a white marble table.
Find out more about Powerscroft Road townhouse ›
Kyiv apartment, Ukraine, by Yana Molodykh
The spaceship-like shape of Noguchi’s Akari 9A lamp complements the many decorative objects on show in this Kyiv apartment, which also features plenty of storage.
With a colour palette of natural wood and cream, interior designer Yana Molodykh wanted to create a bright and eclectic space in the attic flat.
Find out more about the Kyiv apartment ›
Flat 6, Brazil, by Studio MK27
Vintage and contemporary furniture pieces by designers including Lina Bo Bardi, Jorge Zalszupin and Giuseppe Scapinelli decorate this São Paulo flat.
Among the many recognisable pieces is a small Akari lamp that illuminates a reading corner in the four-bedroom flat, which features ipe wood wall panelling and basalt stone flooring.
Find out more about Flat 6 ›
Oku House, Singapore, by Freight Architects
Local studio Freight Architects referenced Singapore’s traditional shophouses for its design of Oku House, which also draws on the Japanese spatial concept of oku or inwardness.
The minimalist interior was kept sparse and uncluttered but is decorated with Akari lamps in specific places, including the staircase (above) and the light-filled kitchen (main image).
Find out more about Oku House ›
House Bäumle, Austria, by Bernardo Bader Architekten
The Akari 9A lamp flanks a wood-fired stove in this Austrian home, which stands out for its blackened timber cladding.
Inside, designers Bernardo Bader Architekten used lots of pale wood to create a light, airy interior.
Find out more about House Bäumle ›
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides curated visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring poured resin floors, statement-making staircases and kitchens with open shelving.
The post Eight homes illuminated by Isamu Noguchi's sculptural Akari lamps appeared first on Dezeen.