Behind the process: how Murano Plus designs bespoke lights

There are countless options when it comes to lighting selection for residential, commercial and hospitality spaces, and for good reason. When chosen correctly, chandeliers, pendants and wall lights can all elevate the style and experience of a room. 

While there are many ready-to-purchase lights to choose from – from contemporary to classical, elegant and sculptural – commissioning a custom design provides the opportunity to craft a piece that is functional, unique and a standout feature. 

With over a decade of experience in crafting innovative and high-quality luxury lighting across New Zealand, Murano Plus can work with design professionals and clients to customise its range of stunning chandeliers, pendants, wall and ceiling lights, table lamps and exterior lights, or start from scratch to develop a unique design that will make a statement and set the right ambience for the project.

With a dedicated design team, Murano Plus offers complimentary in-home design consultations with no obligations within the Auckland region, and on a case-by-case basis outside of Auckland. Working alongside architects and considering theme and style, the Murano Plus team will take photos of the proposed project and draw up imagery to help visualise the right lighting solutions.

“Many customers come to us for inspiration,” says Ellen González, in-house designer at Murano Plus.

“In most cases, it is with some sort of inspiration or information for us. If there’s a photo of their inspiration, that’s a great help. If it’s information, they can describe the theme they want to achieve with the light design and the colour and style they want.”

From here, the Murano Plus team will do some research and design, contact manufacturers and go back to the client with what’s possible. “Then from there onwards, we can handle all the drawings and provisions and go back and forth with the manufacturer – everything is looked after in-house for the customer.”

For large-scale, high-end projects in the commercial and hospitality space, the lead time from concept to completion for custom lighting generally takes between 12-14 weeks. “But in some cases, we might be able to do the whole process quicker, from eight to 10 weeks.

For Pask Winery’s restaurant, bar and cellar door in Hastings, Murano Plus collaborated with Asha Payton of Little & Fox interior design to create bespoke lighting.

“Together with Asha, the Murano Plus team designed and custom-made large-scale wall-mounted domed feature lighting to evoke a luxurious and intimate atmosphere over the booth seating,” says González. 

A stunning 1.8m-wide contemporary chandelier with brass accents highlights the fireplace while brass wall pendants in the restaurant complement other design finishes.

“When the managing director of General Buildings in downtown Auckland came to Murano Plus looking for bespoke lighting, we knew we had to pay homage to the detailed aesthetic of this historic landmark. With the original interiors having a rich and ornate historical significance, the lighting had to reflect this while providing functional lighting,” says González.

Large tiered pendants crafted out of glowing alabaster stone panels with antiqued brass fittings are lined down the entrance hall. A stunning Cosima Chandelier made with handcrafted champagne glass leaves adorns a secondary entry. 

Honouring the building's heritage, custom-made Mikado wall fan-shaped wall lights in aged brass and alabaster are placed at considered intervals in the stairwells in varying sizes. Custom designed and made, Alastair wall lights also give the upper floor foyers a warm, welcoming glow and carry on the theme of aged brass and alabaster stone. Initially custom designed for the client, this stunning wall light design is now available for other customers to include in their spaces.

Explore recent projects that feature lighting from Murano Plus on ArchiPro, plus the range of products that can also be customised.