Lighting That Shapes a Home: A Conversation with GIA Renovations
Decorative lighting is rarely just a finishing touch. When thoughtfully specified, it becomes part of the architecture of a home, shaping the way each space is experienced and connecting the design as a whole.
For their recently completed Project Malvern, we asked Olivia Cirocco, Design Manager at GIA Renovations to share her approach to specifying decorative lighting, the thinking behind the lighting selections throughout the home, and the considerations that guide every project they undertake.
Inside the Design Process
When you’re designing a home, where does lighting sit within the overall design process? Is it something you consider from the beginning, or does it evolve as the project progresses?
Lighting plays a huge role in every one of our projects. It’s one of my favourite elements to incorporate because it has such a significant impact on both the functionality of a space and the feeling it creates. We consider lighting from the very beginning, ensuring it’s integrated into the overall design rather than added as an afterthought.
How do you approach balancing aesthetics with functionality when decorative selecting lighting for a home?
For me, the two should always go hand in hand. Lighting should be beautiful, but it also needs to suit the way the space will be used. We look at the purpose of each room first, the high use and heavy traffic areas, then select lighting that complement the design while creating the right atmosphere.
Every room in Project Malvern feels considered, yet the lighting serves a different purpose in each space. Was there an overall philosophy that guided your lighting selections?
Our focus was creating a home that feels warm, balanced and cohesive. Every light has a purpose, whether it’s making a statement, highlighting architectural details or creating a softer ambience. Together, they help each space feel connected while responding to the way each space is used practically.
"[Lighting is] one of my favourite elements to incorporate because it has such a significant impact on both the functionality of a space and the feeling it creates."
The bathroom features the Glamm Pendant Light as a statement above the vanity. What role did you want the lighting to play in this space, and what made this style feel like the right fit?
The Glamm Pendant was the perfect choice for both the family bathroom and the master ensuite. We wanted the vanity unit to feel like a feature within each space, as this is the first thing you see when you walk into each room.
The pendant creates a beautiful focal point while introducing another layer of depth and warmth. Its sculptural form, combined with the ceramic, marble and ribbed glass detailing and colours, complement the natural stone, timber and curved architectural elements. The Glamm Pendant is a part of creating a balanced and refined feel in each of these bathrooms.
Glamm Pendant Light featured in the family bathroom and ensuite.
In the bedroom, you opted for wall-mounted bedside lighting with the Madame Wall Light. What are the benefits of this approach, and what qualities do you look for when selecting bedside lighting?
Wall mounted lighting creates a cleaner, more considered look while freeing up space on the bedside tables, but more importantly, the Madame Wall Lights help establish the feeling we wanted the bedroom to have. Their elegant curved silhouette creates a beautiful design feature during the day, while in the evening they introduce a softer atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and unwind. When selecting bedside lighting, I always look for pieces that are both practical and contribute to the overall mood of the space. Including the Madame Wall Light, particularly in the front 2 bedrooms, which follows the arch detailing through the windows, creating cohesion for the home's overall story.
Madame Wall Lights featured throughout the bedrooms.
Hallways are often treated as purely functional spaces, but Project Malvern shows how thoughtful lighting can elevate them. What was your thinking behind introducing the Tor Mini Wall Lights, and how do you see feature lighting contributing to transitional spaces?
Hallways are often the spaces people move through without thinking, but they’re a great opportunity to add warmth and interest. The Tor Mini Wall Lights create a softer journey through the home while beautifully reflecting off the Venetian plaster, bringing out its depth and texture. It transforms what could be a simple transition space into one that feels just as considered as the main living areas. You really do not need bright lights in transitional spaces, and project Malvern shows this in practice.
Tor Mini Wall Lights featured in the hallway.
How do you approach layering light to create spaces that feel comfortable throughout the day and into the evening?
Layering is key. We combine natural light with ambient, task and decorative lighting so each space can adapt throughout the day. It creates flexibility while ensuring the home always feels warm, welcoming and functional.
Looking back at Project Malvern, was there a particular lighting moment or installation that exceeded your expectations once the home was complete?
The master ensuite is definitely a standout. Seeing the decorative lighting come together with the stone, tiles and curved details really elevates the space. It reinforced how much impact thoughtful lighting can have on the overall feel of a room, even if it is flooded with natural light during the day.
Finally, for homeowners planning a renovation or new build, what advice would you give when it comes to selecting decorative lighting?
Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in a home, shaping not only how a space looks, but how it feels and functions every day. It’s something we consider from the very beginning of every project. We use Lighterior throughout the homes we renovate because their range caters to every space and complements a wide range of design styles. Whether clients work with us through our design service, where we develop the plans, selections and overall vision for their home, or our complete design and renovation service, where we manage the entire project from concept through to construction, every decision is made with the bigger picture in mind to create a home that feels cohesive, functional and timeless.
Photography: Stephanie Rooney
