An illuminating tale of timber: Fluxwood’s ascent in bespoke lighting design

Step inside the family-run, 40-year-old timber workshop and the salty coastal air makes way to a comforting scent of mixed hardwoods, with a distinct top note of American Oak. Eyes wander over cast-iron machinery, alongside a modern CNC router. An eclectic blend of old and new, precision and speed.

Emerging from this solid timber manufacturing lineage on the Gold Coast, a new generation of timber-designed products was born with Fluxwood Lighting: a bespoke lighting brand shaped by curiosity and traditional craft.

“I grew up wandering this workshop where my family made custom solid timber furniture,” explains Shari Lyon, Founder and Designer of Fluxwood. “After I studied design, I knew I wanted to start my own business. One that celebrated timber.”​

Fluxwood stands out for its material honesty and strong design-community collaboration, with each product being made-to-order, letting specifiers adjust timber species, finishes, and even electrical specifications.

The brand works closely with architects and designers, whether it’s a single statement piece or scale and quantities, like a recent Sydney apartment project requiring 40 Fluxwood lights on a tight turnaround.

Fluxwood's typical lead time is only six to eight weeks, compared with twelve to sixteen weeks for many overseas products. Completing all work locally for quick responses to shifting project timelines, that specifiers are all-too familiar with.

Lighting designed for longevity

Fluxwood's sustainable approach starts with materials and extends through to a focus on product lifespan. “Sustainability for us starts with certified timber,” says Shari. “We use FSC-rated timber, including American hardwoods, which actually have some of the highest sustainability ratings globally.”

Rather than designing for trends, the brand’s fittings are engineered to age gracefully, be repaired, and serviced, avoiding the (all-too-common) disposable methods that make it impossible to access parts for replacement. Australian specifiers, particularly those working on ESG-driven commercial projects, are responding positively to the brand’s ethos.

Local manufacturing in Currumbin further reduces environmental impact, while onsite electrical assembly by skilled trades offers an uncommon level of control in the decorative lighting sector.

“Having electrical assembly in-house was critical for us,” says Shari. “It ensures quality, compliance and consistency. Nothing leaves the workshop unless it meets our high standards.”​

At Fluxwood, “in-house” truly means end-to-end product creation. From initial design, resourcing, machining, sanding, assembly, to applying lacquer or paint finishes. Metal components are custom powder-coated, followed by electrical assembly and final boxing; all under one roof.

Fluxwood further supports specifiers with documentation, technical guidance, and clear communication throughout the specification and installation process.

The future of Australian-made lighting is gaining renewed momentum.

Specifier-focused design and performance

Fluxwood Lighting is known for prioritising how the light performs in a space as much as how the fitting looks. Shari insists compliance, glare control, and longevity all matter, especially for commercial applications.

“People are always impressed by the quality of the timber work and the way the light transforms a space,” adds Shari. “We also hear the process itself is smooth and easy. That’s something we’re really proud of.”

The future of Australian-made lighting is gaining renewed momentum, particularly as designers, and their clients, seek authenticity and organic material connection. But what of trending timber tones?​

Shari notes, “Walnut is having a moment again; drawing people in with its dark and chocolatey warmth. As for lighter, coastal projects, it’s American oak, providing a stunning, distinct grain and subtle tone.”

​In a market saturated with mass-produced fittings, craftsmanship is central to Fluxwood’s identity. Every piece celebrates design authenticity with the tactile qualities of timber: grain, tone and warmth.

View the Fluxwood Lighting collection, visit the showroom at 17 Traders Way, Currumbin, Queensland or contact them on ArchiPro today.