Lighting supply and hire business La Lumiere has a shining reputation when it comes to lighting up events and homes. Founder Kristina Ercolano worked in the film industry as an art director – perfecting set designs by day and making rose fairy lights by night – before she started her own business 10 years ago. She champions a high standard when it comes to innovative lighting and draping installations, made possible by an expert crew of creative lighting technicians.
With a meticulous eye for detail, it’s no surprise Ercolano wanted her newly opened light store to be a perfect ray of light. The Auckland store, which has just opened next to La Lumiere’s warehouse, is situated in what has become a very creative block on Taylors Road, Sandringham, with a French art shop and sculpture art space for neighbours.
We asked founder Kristina Ercolano about her lighting insights.
How does professional lighting enhance a corporate event?
Our lights are very versatile and can be a beautiful backdrop for an awards ceremony, a fabulous entrance or the main lighting feature in the ceiling. We bring the festive ambience to a corporate event whether it be simple and elegant or glamorous and luxurious.
Why do people choose to hire lights from La Lumiere?
With more than 10 years experience in event lighting we have gained a reputation for immaculate installations with high attention to detail using good quality lighting and draping. We are a preferred supplier in many of Auckland’s top venues and hotels so clients can feel confident that they are hiring a trusted brand.
What new experience can your store offer customers and clients?
Since our store is located right next door to our hire warehouse our customers can pop in for a coffee and a browse and to pick up a gift or buy something special for them. Coming soon in January we will also have a great range of fairy lights, festoons and vintage bulbs for sale, which will all be the same great quality we use for our installations.
How has your Swedish heritage influenced the design?
I have always loved the clean lines and light and breezy effortless style that you often see in Scandinavian design. With the boutique I finally had a place to play with some of those ideas and styles. The store is on a brick lined lane in an older style warehouse so I wanted to keep some of the industrial aspects of the building and tie this into the design as well.
What lighting styles are popular at the moment?
For events vintage bulbs are still very popular this season coupled with greenery or florals. Some clients are choosing a glamorous style, so our crystal chandeliers work well for both weddings and corporate events. For home – anything shiny and metallic, so copper and brass finish candle holders are very popular this season.
What key things should people look for when choosing lighting?
I am a big fan of warm white lights for decorative purposes. Warm white lighting is closer to the colour of candle light so it’s much softer and creates a more pleasing ambience than the cooler white lighting. Plus it is far more flattering in photos.
